Can I pull my own permit as a homeowner?

In most states, yes — if you own and live in the property and aren't selling within 12 months. The owner-builder permit acts in place of a general contractor's license for the work scope. Trade-specific work (plumbing, electrical above low-voltage, gas) almost always still requires a licensed trade pro to pull a sub-permit. The five most owner-builder-friendly states are Tennessee, Texas, Indiana, Missouri, and Florida. The least friendly are California, Hawaii, New Jersey, and Massachusetts — where many cities require a licensed GC even on owner-builder permits.