Building Permit Glossary
Stop-Work Order
A formal direction from an AHJ to pause construction until a violation, missing permit, safety issue, or review condition is addressed.
Problems & timingEnforcement
Applies to
All residential permits · Building · Remodeling
Project example
Installing a detached garage before zoning placement is approved can trigger a stop-work order even if the structure is otherwise code-compliant.
Also called
stop work noticeconstruction hold
Where this term shows up in permit work and how it affects the project
The project cannot safely be sold as on schedule until the hold is cleared. The recovery plan should identify the issuing office, correction list, and inspection path.
If this term appears in a form, plan comment, or local ordinance, start with the building permit guide, compare it against the zoning permit guide, then use the permit guide directory to find the right local path.