Owner-Builder Permit

OWNER-BUILDER PERMIT Since the days of Governor Jerry Brown, it has been permissible in California for one to take out a building permit to build one's own structure. There are certain provisions and limitations regarding size and workman's compensation insurance, but it is an important right. Owner-builder permits normally apply to residential construction, though they have been issued for live/work. The city reserves the right to require proof of competence on the pert of owner-builders, although in practice they rarely do.