Question on Permits and Lack of Permits

[graceous]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

I am wondering what it means when a real estate agent lists a home and states that the garage conversion is not permitted. Is that supposed to mean that the new buyer should bring it up to code? Who is responsible for what, if anything?

And, what about other non permitted items that exist in a sale, such as a driveway installed by the sellers that is so wide it is right up against the neighbor's property and is not code compliant either?

 

[justalayman]

it means you need to walk away from that property., If you purchase it knowing the conversion was not permitted, you will become liable for either deconstructing the improvements (and still may be liable for fines) or you will be liable for the costs of permits and fines (and the cost of the work of course) to make it code compliant.

And, what about other non permitted items that exist in a sale, such as a driveway installed by the sellers that is so wide it is right up against the neighbor's property and is not code compliant either?

same thing; costs to remove or make code compliant are yours if you buy it.