Land records · Parcel maps · October 5, 2026
How to Find Building Permits for a Property
How to find building permits for a property: search the local permit portal, request records from the building department, and check for open permits.
How to find building permits for a property: first identify which government issues permits for the address, usually the city for properties inside city limits and the county for unincorporated areas. Then search that agency’s online permit portal by address or parcel number, or submit a public records request to the building department. Permit records show construction, additions, roofs, electrical and plumbing work, inspections, and whether permits were closed. This page is general land-records background, not legal advice.
Who issues permits
| Location | Typical permit office |
|---|---|
| Inside city or town limits | City building or development services department |
| Unincorporated areas | County building department |
| Some states or rural areas | State agency or limited local permitting |
Your property tax bill or parcel viewer often shows whether a property is inside city limits.
How to search
- Online portal: many jurisdictions have searchable permit databases by address, parcel number, or permit number.
- Public records request: for older records or offline systems, submit a request to the building department.
- In person: visit the permit counter or records room.
- Microfilm and archives: very old permits may be stored on microfilm or in archives.
What permit records show
- Permit type, such as new construction, addition, roof, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, pool, deck, or demolition.
- Dates issued and finaled.
- Contractor names.
- Inspection results.
- Plans for some projects, although access to plans may be limited.
- Certificates of occupancy. See what is a certificate of occupancy.
Open and expired permits
An open permit was issued but never received final inspection. Open or expired permits can complicate sales, insurance, and refinancing. Buyers often ask sellers to close them before closing. Some title companies or permit search services check for open permits.
Unpermitted work
Compare permit history with the house: a finished basement, added bathroom, garage conversion, or large deck without permits may be unpermitted. Options include obtaining after-the-fact permits, which may require opening walls for inspection.
Permits and the zoning file
Zoning approvals, variances, and setback decisions may be kept separately by the planning department. See how to find zoning of a property and how to find building setbacks.
Using permits to date a house
The original construction permit can confirm when a house was built. See how to find out when a house was built.
Tips for a records request
Include the full address, parcel number, owner name, and a date range if you know one, and ask specifically for permits, inspection records, and certificates of occupancy. Some offices charge small copy fees or need several days to pull archived files. If the address changed over the years, as happens when streets are renamed or renumbered, give the old address too. When records seem incomplete, ask whether separate trade permits for electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work are stored in a different system.
Bottom line
To find building permits for a property, identify the city or county permit office, search its online portal or request records, and review permit types, dates, inspections, and whether permits were closed. Watch for open permits and unpermitted work before buying. Find the parcel on the Platbookmapper map.
How to find building permits for a property FAQ
Are building permits public records?
In most places, yes, though access to plans may be limited.
How do I find old building permits?
Request them from the building department; older ones may be on microfilm.
What is an open permit?
A permit that was never closed with a final inspection.
Who issues permits outside city limits?
Usually the county building department.
What if work was done without a permit?
After-the-fact permits may be possible, sometimes requiring inspections.