Construction Permit denied for a DIY Landlord?
I currently own a single family rental in a suburban neighborhood. Recently I went to obtain a permit to make some improvements to the property. I was told that permits are only issued to owners who reside at the property or to contractors. Since I do not fit either criteria, I was unable to obtain a permit. There are many other rental properties on my block, and all too often improvements are made by the homeowners without a permit. Now I am understanding why.
My questions: Is this a common scenario? Do other localities have the same stipulation? What is the rationale behind this?