Who Can Pull a Permit

Generally, only a California Licensed Contractor or the property owner can pull a permit. To verify the status of a contractors license, visit the CSLB (Contractor State License Board) website.

There are different licensing categories, for example; General Building Contractors, Electrical Contractors, Plumbing Contractors, Re-roofing Contractors, and many others. By State law, these different types of contractors are limited as to the types of permits they can pull. For example, a Plumbing Contractors cannot pull an electrical permit, and visa versa.

If the permit is to be pulled by someone other than the licensed contractor (the actual licensee listed on the contractor’s license) or the actual property owner (as listed in the County Tax Assessor’s database) then you will need to review the Necessary Paperwork applicable to your situation below.

Necessary Paperwork for Contractors

As a California licensed contractor, you will need the following paperwork in order to pull a permit:

• Your State Contractor’s License, generally the wallet card issued by the Contractors State License Board or other documentation that you are the licensee.
• Your Workers’ Compensation Insurance Certificate. If you have any employees, then you are required by State law to show proof of coverage at the time of permit issuance.
• A current City of Mountain View Business License. Building staff will confirm the status of your business license, so you don’t actually need to have your paperwork unless you paid for it within the last 3 business days.

Necessary Paperwork for Property Owners

As the property owner, you will need to complete the Owner Acknowledgement and Information Verification Form and provide proof of identification, typically a state photo ID such as a Driver’s License. If you have recently acquired the property and the County Tax Assessor’s database does not yet show you as the owner, then you will need to show evidence that you are the actual owner.

In some cases the real estate transaction papers will confirm the ownership status. Other cases may require contacting a title company to confirm the ownership status. If you are not the property owner, then you will need to have a notarized "authorized agent form" which lists you as being authorized to pull the permit on behalf of the property owner. We recommend that you read the notes from the California State License Board about the risks of becoming the Owner/Builder of your project.

Necessary Paperwork for Others

• If you are a third-party permit service, then you will need a current City Business License and a notarized "authorized agent form - contractor".
• If you are not the property owner, then you will need to have a notarized "authorized agent form" which lists you as being authorized to pull the permit on behalf of the property owner.