I just received a letter from my town stating that an HVAC permit, issued for work done almost two years ago, has been denied. The contractor applied for the permit back in August 2023, and the work was completed around that time. The city requested additional documentation, which I think the contractor failed to provide, leading to the permit's denial in January 2024. The letter is vague and doesn't guide me on next steps or explain the delay. I've been trying to get in touch with the contractor, but their responses have been minimal, just saying they're 'looking into it.' What risks am I facing here? Is the city going to demand that I remove the HVAC equipment? Should I talk directly to the city, pressure the contractor for action, or even consider hiring a lawyer? I'm located in Connecticut, so I'm wondering if that impacts my options.
2 Answers
You have a few options here. You could do nothing and hope for the best, or you could try to get the permit sorted out now, but that might uncover problems you weren't aware of. Just keep in mind that if the permit expired before it was closed, your project might be seen as a violation. Maybe ask your contractor for a written commitment to fix this? If they keep ignoring you and the permit office seems approachable, include them in your communication with the contractor to apply some pressure without needing a lawyer.
I'd suggest reaching out to your local permit office and explaining the situation. They usually appreciate when homeowners are proactive, and they might guide you on how to fix this. Your contractor should definitely be responsible for clearing this up, so if the city is open to helping, it could be worth a shot. They might even be able to reopen the permit for you to submit the missing documents.
Exactly! Most building inspectors are pretty reasonable and want to help homeowners out. Just be honest about what happened, and they might work with you.