CO after final inspection passed

[Hamed Afshari]

I bought a property (built in 1963) for $60K in north carolina from a wholesaler back in Feb 2018. I started the renovation by pulling permit from The city. Since my renovation estimate was under $30K then I put my name as a General contractor. My initial reno estimate was $21.5k. I hired licensed electrical, plumber, HVAC contractors and pass all rough-in and final inspection as well as final building inspection back in Sep 20th,  despite the fact I mistakenly didn't mentioned electrical and plumbing scope of work in my initial renovation permit. I've done most of other work by myself and changed every thing  even drywalls to get rid of all lead-based paint for future resident. The house outcome turned out very well but since property located in AE floodzone (my agent didn't inform me when I bought it) . it took 3 month and 60 showings to get an offer which happened four weeks ago. Appraisal and buyer inspection is done and loan is ready. Closing is also set for Nov 15th and I just need a Certificate of occupancy to close the house. Now at this stage eventually  City's Director of inspection is telling me that because I went beyong $30k limit set for unlicensed general contrator ( Total reno cost : $35k) he cannot give me a CO. He is asking me to find a licensed GC to take over the job now and apply for new renovation permit. I'm telling them it's happened because it is my first reno project but why City didn't stop me when they saw I called for all these inspections (Framing, insulation, electrical, plumbing, mechanical) despite the fact these scope of work didn't mention  in my original renovation permit plan. They put me between rock and hard place and I don't know what to do?