Why Look Up Building Permits?
Building permit records are among the most useful and frequently requested types of government records. People request them for a wide range of practical reasons:
- Verifying that home improvements were properly permitted before buying a house
- Checking whether an addition or renovation has a certificate of occupancy
- Investigating code violations at a rental property
- Confirming a contractor pulled permits for work they claimed to have done
- Researching the history of a commercial property
- Journalism or civic research into construction activity
Who Holds Building Permit Records?
Building permits are issued by local government — typically:
- City or county building department — for most residential and commercial construction
- Township or municipality building office — in some areas with strong township governments
- State agency — for certain specialized permits (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) in some states
Finding Permits Online (No Request Needed)
Many jurisdictions now publish permit databases online — no formal records request necessary. Common ways to search:
- Municipal GIS portals — Many cities and counties publish permit maps. Search "[City/County Name] permit lookup" or "[City/County] GIS portal."
- OpenGov and Accela portals — Many governments use these platforms for permit tracking, with public-facing search tools.
- County assessor's website — Often includes permit history as part of property records.
Formal Records Request for Permits
If online search doesn't return what you need — older permits, detailed inspection reports, or code violation histories — submit a formal public records request to the building department. Include:
- Property address
- Parcel identification number (APN/PIN) if available
- Date range or specific permit type
- Whether you want permit applications, inspection reports, or certificates of occupancy
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — request all permits issued for the property address from the building department. If the permit history shows no permit for an addition, finished basement, or other improvement that is clearly visible, that work was done without a permit. You can also ask the seller's agent for permit documentation; in many states, sellers have disclosure obligations about unpermitted work.
Generally yes — code enforcement records and violation histories are public records in most states. Many jurisdictions publish active violations online. For historical violation records, a formal records request to the building or code enforcement department is typically needed.
It varies by jurisdiction. Many building departments have permit records going back decades, though older records may exist only in paper form. Digital records typically go back to the late 1990s or early 2000s. For properties with older construction, contact the building department directly and ask about their paper archive availability.
Disclaimer: General informational guidance only. Laws vary by state. Not legal advice.