← All tools
Ken Lam Realty · Tools

Look up a home's permits, city by city

Pick the city. Get the right portal, how to type the address, how far back it goes online, and how to get old records and plans.

Type this in the search box:

Reading the result

You see FinaledGood. Now compare: does the permit cover what you see in the house? A permit for a water heater does not cover a family room.
You see Issued or Expired, no finalThe work was never signed off. Check the dates and who should fix it in T285. Ask the seller with T287.
Nothing comes upTry fewer words, the APN, or the old street name. Older homes may have paper records only. No result is not proof of no permit, and not proof of one either.
The house has a room, garage conversion or ADU with no permitScore it in T282, then see cost and risk in T283.

Next steps

  1. For past sales, value and hazard zones of the same address, open T140. This tool is only for permits.
  2. Sqft or rooms don't match the permits? Score it in T282.

Many people get this wrong: "I'll just get a copy of the old plans." Viewing them at the counter is allowed. Copying them needs written OK from the architect or engineer who signed them and the owner (H&S §19851). Plan on 30 to 60 days, not one afternoon.

Ask Ken Watch 15-sec video

Email this lookup to yourself

The portal, phone and how to get records for this city. Ken will reply if you have a question. No spam.

Or text: 408-666-2825