Unpermitted Work on a House: Records to Check and How Often It Gets Legalized
Public records can help identify permit gaps, but they cannot by themselves prove all work was or was not permitted.
Public records can help identify permit gaps, but they cannot by themselves prove all work was or was not permitted.
A certificate of occupancy and a building permit are separate records and should not be treated as the same result.
Use permit records to look for official remodel, alteration, addition, plumbing, electrical, or mechanical permit entries.
Some permit records show contractor names, but contractor licensing and permit history are separate checks.
Permit records may be held by the city, county, or special local authority depending on the property location.
Building permit records can show permit type, status, dates, inspections, contractors, and application details depending on the local system.
Open permit checks can be part of property due diligence, but the official record and local department interpretation control.
Use NYC Department of Buildings tools to check building data and permit context for a New York City property.
Find the correct city or county permit source, search an address and parcel number, open the individual record, and follow inspections and closeout.