is required to exhibit to the local County Building official, such state certificate prior to engaging in contracting in the respective County or City where the work is to be performed. It is unlawful for any person to advertise or hold himself or herself out to the public as a person engaged in a business regulated unless that person has a valid certificate of competency (local contractors’ license) or state certification (license).
Homeowners of an owner-occupied single-family residence may elect exemption from the contractor licensing requirements if they perform the work themselves, have employees (as defined above) performing the work under direct onsite supervision of the owner, or a hired licensed contractor for that field of contracting. This privilege does not convey an exemption from obtaining a permit and paying the required fees. A permit shall be obtained from the building official before doing any work or construction of any character, whether permanent or temporary, when a permit is required.
Many replacement items such as fences, roofs, HVAC systems, etc. require a permit.