Contractors Charging Fees to Pull Permits

[Kyle Doney]

I have some work needing done that requires permits and the contractors aren't licensed in the city where the permit is needed. They want me to pay their license fee and a fee for pulling the permits and putting their name on the job. I pay them by the job after the job is completed and their work has been good so far. Is it standard for the contractor to ask to pay their licensing fee and a separate fee to pull the permits? 

[Rob Myers]

I don't think you should have to pay their license fee - it's their cost of doing business.  At the end of the day, they have the benefit that they will continue to have a license in that municipality until a renewal is required.

I do think it's fair to charge a reasonable fee to pull a permit.  Pulling a permit takes time depending on the complexity of the project.