In our jurisdiction in Florida, we allow the homeowner to act as contractor even for the subcontractors. However, they have to sign the owner builder disclosure form which states the risks that the homeowner is assuming when they pull the permit.
We currently have the Accela program and only accept applications electronically. Most of our citizens and contractors don't have an issue with the online submittal process but some of the elderly homeowners need assistance navigating the website. It makes it so much easier to track the status...
I don't think it's justified simply because is the permit office ACTUALLY unresponsive or is there a procedure in place to contact the office? If the work is started without a permit depending on what it is, there could be serious repercussions in the future with faulty electrical, non sturdy...