Building Permits No Longer Void When a New Contractor is Hired

Last month, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved an amendment to Section 8-35 of the Hernando County Code of Ordinances to allow an owner or permit holder to change contractors without voiding the current permit. According to Building Official Dennis O’Keefe, the measure “cuts the [process] time in half” should an owner or permit holder choose to hire a new contractor.

There is a fee of $197.75 for changing contractors, which will bring additional revenue to the county.

The following new language updates the ordinance:
“Upon request by the owner and/or permit holder (owner/contractor), a change of the contractor for an active building permit may be issued without the initial permit being revoked or suspended. The foregoing will be approved by the building official or his/her designee upon receipt of the following in writing from the owner and/or permit holder (owner/contractor): (a) a letter stating the reason for the change in contractor and (b) the completion of a hold harmless affidavit by the owner and new permit holder (owner/contractor) that releases the county from any legal involvement in any dispute between the original permit holder (owner/contractor) and the new permit holder (owner/contractor).”

The previous language read as follows:
“ A permit shall be deemed void if a change of the primary contractor is made. No work shall proceed on a voided permit. A new permit for remaining work shall be obtained and must meet all applicable codes, laws and ordinances. Notification may be in writing and provided by way of regular mail, facsimile or email.”