How do I check the status of my building permit?
Most jurisdictions offer online permit tracking portals where you can check status using your permit number or address. You can also call or visit the local building department for updates.
What to do first
Most jurisdictions offer online permit tracking portals where you can check status using your permit number or address. You can also call or visit the local building department for updates.
Printable checklist
- Have the permit number, property address, and applicant or contractor name ready.
- Use the issuing authority’s portal or records system first.
- Distinguish application received, intake complete, under review, corrections issued, approved, issued, expired, and closed.
- Open the review or inspection history rather than relying on the top-line status alone.
- Confirm outstanding fees, corrections, inspections, and closeout documents.
- Save the final issued and closed records for the property file.
How this works in practice
Tracking your permit status is an important part of managing your construction project. Here are the common ways to check:
Online portals
- Most cities and counties now have online permit tracking systems
- Search by permit number, address, or applicant name
- View current status, review comments, inspection results, and next steps
- Some portals send email or text notifications when status changes
Phone and in-person
- Call your local building department with your permit number
- Visit the permit office during business hours
- Ask for specific details about where your application is in the review process
Common permit statuses and what they mean
- Submitted/Received: Your application has been received but not yet assigned for review
- In Review: A plan reviewer is actively examining your documents
- Corrections Required: Issues were found that need to be addressed before approval
- Corrections Resubmitted: You have resubmitted revised plans
- Approved/Ready for Issuance: Plans are approved and you can pick up or receive your permit
- Issued: The permit is active and work can proceed
- Inspection Scheduled: An inspection has been requested
- Inspection Passed/Failed: Results of the most recent inspection
- Final: All work and inspections are complete
- Expired: The permit has lapsed due to inactivity
Using GovCodex to track permits
- GovCodex can help you look up permit information for supported jurisdictions
- Get real-time status updates and estimated timelines
- Receive notifications when your permit status changes
If your permit seems stuck
- Contact the assigned reviewer directly if possible
- Ask if any documents are missing or if corrections are needed
- Inquire about the current average review time
- Ask if expedited review is available for an additional fee
What an application can look like
These examples show how a project scope typically turns into an application packet. The issuing authority decides the exact forms, documents, and reviews for a property.
Home addition
A one-story conditioned addition connected to an existing house.
Construct a 14 ft × 20 ft one-story conditioned rear addition containing a family room; extend the existing foundation, framing, electrical, HVAC, and roofing systems; no new plumbing fixtures.
Typical application material
- Survey or site plan with the proposed footprint
- Architectural floor plans and elevations
- Foundation, framing, and structural details
- Energy, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC information as applicable
Likely review touchpoints
- Zoning and site constraints before plan review
- Building, energy, and trade-code review
- Foundation, rough-in, framing, insulation, and final inspections
New single-family home
A new dwelling on a vacant or redevelopment parcel.
Construct a new two-story single-family dwelling with attached garage on a vacant residential parcel, including foundation, utilities, grading, structural, energy, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.
Typical application material
- Survey, site plan, grading/drainage information, and utility plan
- Complete architectural and structural drawings
- Energy-code documentation and equipment schedules
- Trade plans, contractor credentials, and other jurisdiction-specific forms
Likely review touchpoints
- Land-use, zoning, and site review
- Full building and trade plan review
- Multiple construction inspections and occupancy closeout
EV charger / electrical work
A hard-wired Level 2 charger on a new dedicated circuit.
Install one 48A hard-wired Level 2 EVSE on a dedicated 60A, 240V branch circuit from the existing 200A service panel; route conductors through the attached garage and mount EVSE on the interior wall.
Typical application material
- Electrical permit application and equipment specifications
- Circuit size, conductor, breaker, and EVSE rating
- Panel schedule or load calculation when required
- Service-upgrade information if existing capacity is insufficient
Likely review touchpoints
- Electrical-code review
- Utility coordination if the service or meter must change
- Electrical inspection before final energization where required
Active City of Chicago permits currently in the GovCodex Illinois permit corpus.
Loaded permits with latitude and longitude.
Loaded permits with a recorded work description.
Loaded records run from Jan. 3, 2006 through July 24, 2026.
Snapshot checked September 28, 2026. GovCodex Illinois permit data currently reflects 842,269 active City of Chicago permit records loaded from the City of Chicago dataset, with issue dates from January 3, 2006 through July 24, 2026. Historical counts, elapsed time, and recorded fees describe observed permits only. They do not determine whether a permit is required, predict approval, or replace the issuing authority’s current rules and fee schedule.
What else to know
One status label can hide several open items
A permit can be “issued” while inspections remain open, or “approved” while payment or issuance is still pending. Read the detailed review, correction, fee, and inspection records to understand what can happen next.
Search by more than one identifier
Older records may use different address formats, parcel identifiers, permit numbers, or contractor names. If an exact address search fails, try parcel and owner history or request the property record directly from the authority.
Check the actual project against the actual property.
Start with the address and scope. GovCodex will identify the relevant authority, requirements, and permit path for the project.
GovCodex
How do I check the status of my building permit?
Most jurisdictions offer online permit tracking portals where you can check status using your permit number or address. You can also call or visit the local building department for updates.
Status-check checklist
- Have the permit number, property address, and applicant or contractor name ready.
- Use the issuing authority’s portal or records system first.
- Distinguish application received, intake complete, under review, corrections issued, approved, issued, expired, and closed.
- Open the review or inspection history rather than relying on the top-line status alone.
- Confirm outstanding fees, corrections, inspections, and closeout documents.
- Save the final issued and closed records for the property file.
Requirements vary by property and jurisdiction. Verify the current issuing authority, permit path, fee schedule, and inspection requirements before starting work.
govcodex.com/answers/how-to-check-permit-status