Commission considers contractor accountability and outreach after unpermitted work cases
Summary
Commissioners discussed possible penalties and outreach when contractors perform unpermitted work in historic districts; legal staff said revoking business licenses and requiring performance bonds are among options to research and staff offered to return with suggestions.
Commissioners raised repeated concerns about contractors performing work in historic districts without pulling required permits and leaving homeowners responsible for remediation or permit compliance. Commissioner Hobbs and others described cases where homeowners believed permits had been pulled but work was later found to be unpermitted.
The acting city attorney said many disputes are civil matters between homeowners and contractors, but the law department can examine whether business-license revocation or other licensing penalties are appropriate. He suggested the commission consider outreach and informational steps to educate homeowners about permits and recommended the planning/procurement office’s materials on contractor checks be used. The attorney also noted options such as performance bonds for larger jobs to protect owners; staff said they would research legal remedies and bring possible policy suggestions back to the commission with input from licensing and permitting offices.
Commissioners suggested practical outreach such as including permit information in utility or tax mailings and adding online resources to warn homeowners about unlicensed contractors. The commission requested staff return with legal options and outreach proposals rather than taking immediate punitive action at this meeting.
