Are local jurisdictions required by state law to verify a contractor’s license prior to the issuance of a permit?
Yes. Any city or county that requires the issuance of a permit shall also require a written and signed statement from a licensed contractor stating that he or she is licensed, the number of the license, and that it is in full force and effect.
Contractors are required by law to provide this information.
(B&P 7031.5; Health and Safety Code 19825)
No information about these requirements (or other laws) on the City of Oakland Bldg Dept website
http://www2.oaklandnet.com/government/o/PBN/OurServices/permits/index.htm
WHO CAN GET A BUILDING PERMIT?
Only licensed contractors and property owners (Owner/Builder) may be issued building permits.
Many jurisdictions assess an additional business tax for contractors.
- Contractors must have the appropriate classification for the work, such as C36 for plumbing
- Contractors must have knowledge of their craft, be tested, fingerprinted, bonded, and have an FBI background check to be licensed by the Contractors State License Board .
- Owner/Builders assume full responsibility for the work and their workers’ safety and are assumed to have the same knowledge of codes and construction methods as licensed contractors.
- The work may only be done on an Owner/Builder’s principal place of residence that they have occupied for 12 months or more prior to completion of the work.
- Owner/Builders cannot sell more than two properties for which they were issued a building permit during any three-year period.
- Owner/Builders must do the work by themselves or with immediate family, employees, or licensed subcontractors.
- Employees are subject to income tax withholding, Social Security taxes, workers’ compensation insurance, disability insurance, and unemployment compensation
(Know the Risks of Owner/Builder – From the Contractor’s State Licensing Board).
http://buildingincalifornia.com/building-department/
