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Modify an existing permit

Active or expired building or trade permits can be modified by the property owner or the contractor listed on the permit. The types of changes for a building or trade permit that you will find on this page include:

Add or Remove a Contractor Assigned to a Permit

The property owner or contractor listed on the specific building, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing permit can add or remove a contractor from that permit. To revise the contractor for a driveway/sidewalk permit, visit the Right of Way Permits: Driveway/Sidewalks webpage.  

There are two options to change the assigned contractor on a building, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing permit:  

Option 1: Transfer the Permit to a Different Contractor

To transfer a permit from one contractor to another, the following requirements must be met:

  • The permit status must be “Active.” 
  • The transfer must be between contractors of the same type (e.g., general contractor to general contractor, electrical contractor to electrical contractor, etc.). 
  • The permit is not for a Demolition or Relocation Permit. 
  • If the trade permit was issued to the homeowner under the Homestead Permit Trade requirements, the permit cannot be transferred. Please see Option 2 to assign a new contractor and repurchase the trade permit.  

To transfer the permit to a different contractor, complete these steps.  

 

step 1   Complete and Sign the Letter

Both the previous and current contractors or their listed permit agent(s) must complete and sign the Transfer Contractor Letter (PDF).  If the listed contractor cannot sign the Transfer Contractor Letter, then option 2 is available. 

 

step 2   Submit the Online Web Form

Use our Modify an Existing Permit web form and select "Transfer from one contractor to another." Follow the prompts, upload the completed letter, and enter the applicable information. The permit number is needed for submission.

Modify an Existing Permit Web Form  

Once you submit the web form, you will receive an automatic email confirming your submission, including the approximate wait time. 

Please do not resubmit a form, as this will create delays.

Option 2: Remove a Contractor and Repurchase the Permit With a New Contractor

If the previous contractor refuses to sign or cannot be reached, the owner of the property or the general contractor over the project may remove the contractor and repurchase the permit under the new contractor. A contractor may also submit this letter to remove themselves from the permit.  

To process the contractor removal and repurchase the permit, complete these steps.  

 

step 1   Complete and Sign the Letter

Complete and sign the Remove Contractor Letter (PDF). 

 

step 2   Submit the Online Web Form

Use our Modify an Existing Permit web form and select "Remove a contractor (without transferring)".  Follow the prompts, upload the completed letter, and enter the applicable information. The permit number is needed for submission.

Modify an Existing Permit Web Form

Once you submit each web form, you will receive an automatic email confirming your submission, including the approximate wait time.

Please do not resubmit a form, as this will create delays. 

 

step 3   Wait for Confirmation & New Contractor Repurchases Permit

Once staff confirms the previous contractor has been removed from the permit, the new contractor can repurchase the permit by visiting our Activating a Permit webpage. The new contractor must use our Activate Permit Web Forms to pay for and become assigned to the permit. The new contractor will be unable to self-assign in the AB+C Portal. 

Reactivate an Expired Permit

The property owner is responsible for any expired permits on the property even if they did not own the property at the time the permit was issued. An expired permit may need to be resolved before issuing any new permits.   

The property owner, general contractor , or trade contractor listed on the permit can request the reactivation of the expired permit. 

There are two options to reactivate an expired permit:  

Option 1: AB+C Portal (if your AB+C Portal account is assigned to the permit)

If the assigned general or trade contractor’s AB+C Portal account is linked to the permit, they may be able to reactivate the permit through their AB+C Portal account. Follow the steps starting on Page 44 of the AB+C Manual (PDF) to learn how to reactivate an expired permit through the AB+C Portal. You can also search the manual for the term "reactivate" to find the steps.

 

Option 2: Submit a Web Form (if your AB+C Portal account is not assigned to the permit)

 

step 1   Fill Out Application

Complete a Request for Extension, Withdrawl, or Reactivation Application (PDF) and mark “Yes” within Section E as shown. The permit number is needed for submission.

screenshot instructions

 

step 2   Submit Web Form

Use the Modify an Existing Permit web form and select "Reactivate, Withdraw, or Extend." Upload your completed application and permit number when prompted.

Modify an Existing Permit Web Form

 

step 3   Email Follow-Up

Once you submit the web form, you will receive an automatic email confirming your submission, including the approximate wait time.

Please do not resubmit a form, as this will create delays.

Withdraw an Active or Pending Permit

Existing permits with an “Active” or “Pending” status may be withdrawn by a property owner or the contractor assigned to the permit. If the project is in an “Active” status, additional documentation showing proof that work has not been completed under that permit may be required before the permit can be withdrawn.  
 

Submit the Web Form for Your Withdrawal Request
 

step 1   Fill Out Application

Complete the  Request for Extension, Withdrawal, or Reactivation Application (PDF), select “Yes” within Section D as shown, state the reason for the request, and sign the application. The permit number is needed for submission. Staff will inform you if additional documentation is required before they can withdraw the permit.  

screenshot instructions

 

step 2   Submit Web Form

Use the Modify an Existing Permit web form and select "Reactivate, Withdraw, or Extend." Follow the prompts, and upload your completed application and permit number when prompted. 

Modify an Existing Permit Web Form

 

step 3   Email Follow-Up

Once you submit the web form, you will receive an automatic email confirming your submission and providing the approximate wait time. 


Please do not resubmit a form, as this will create delays.

Extend the Expiration Date of an Active Permit

Expiration dates for existing permits in an “Active” status can be extended by a property owner or the contractor assigned to the permit, but you may only request an extension one time for each permit. Please note, if structural or other conditions exist that do not allow for intervals of inspections within the given 180 days, the permit may be kept “Active” by scheduling a #114 Continuance of Work Inspection. The inspector will determine if progress has been continued on the site, and if so, the expiration date will be extended 180 days. If the inspector determines that progress has not been made on the site, then you can request to extend the Active permit by utilizing the following two options.  

There are two options for submitting a request to extend an Active Permit:  

Option 1: AB+C Portal (if your AB+C Portal account is assigned to the permit)

If the assigned general or trade contractor’s AB+C Portal account is linked to the permit, they may be able to extend the permit through their AB+C Portal account. Follow the steps starting on Page 44 of the AB+C Manual (PDF) to learn how to extend a permit through the AB+C Portal. You can also search the manual for the term "extension" to find the steps.

Option 2: Submit a Web Form (if our AB+C Portal account is NOT assigned to the permit)

 

step 1  Fill Out Application

Complete the Request for Extension, Withdrawal, or Reactivation Application (PDF), mark “Yes” within Section C as shown, state the reason for the request, and sign the application. The permit number is needed for submission. 

step 1

 

 step 2   Submit Web Form

Use the Modify an Existing Permit web form and select "Reactivate, Withdraw, or Extend." Follow the prompts, and upload your completed application and permit number when prompted. 

Modify an Existing Permit Web Form

 

 step 3   Confirmation

Once you submit the web form, you will receive an automatic email confirming your submission and providing the approximate wait time. 


Please do not resubmit a form, as this will create delays.

Change the Address of a Permit

To change the address associated with a permit, use the Modify an Existing Permit web form. Select "Change Address," follow the prompts, and enter the applicable addresses in the fields. The permit number is needed for submission.  

Modify an Existing Permit Web Form

Please note additional reviews or fees may be required to change the permit's address.  

Once you submit the web form, you will receive an automatic email confirming your submission and providing the approximate wait time. 

Please do not resubmit a form, as this will create delays.

Change Scope of Work

To change the scope of work, including adding or removing a trade permit, use the Modify an Existing Permit web form, select "Change the Scope," and follow the prompts. Enter your request in the "detailed description of your change" field. The permit number is needed for submission, and additional documents may be required to process the request.

Modify an Existing Permit Web Form

Please note that additional reviews or fees may be required to change the permit scope of work.  

Once you submit the web form, you will receive an automatic email confirming your submission and providing the approximate wait time. 

Please do not resubmit a form, as this will create delays.

Appointments

Questions About Modifying an Existing Permit 

Ask Building and Trade Contractor Services staff general questions regarding modifying an existing permit. Appointments are not for submitting a form or letter to modify a permit.

Expected Appointment Duration: 20 minutes (appointment time based on single permit request)

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Related Links

DSD Building and Trade Contractor Services