If a contractor begins work on a building before a permit is issued, what action may be taken?

When a contractor begins work on a building before obtaining the necessary permit, a Stop Work Order may indeed be issued by the local authority or inspector. This order is a directive to halt all construction activities due to the violation of building codes and regulations, which typically require a permit to be in place before any work can commence.

The rationale behind issuing a Stop Work Order is to ensure compliance with legal and safety standards designed to protect both the structure and the public. Until the contractor rectifies the situation—often by applying for the permit and gaining approval—the Stop Work Order remains in effect. This helps maintain order in the construction process and ensures that the project follows proper regulatory procedures.

The other potential outcomes, such as the automatic denial of a permit or suspension of a contractor's license, are not typical immediate actions taken for commencing work without a permit. In that context, they may be part of a longer-term consequence following noncompliance but are not necessarily immediate actions like the Stop Work Order.