User Guide: Public Records Global Search

Last updated: January 15, 2026

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Overview

The jurisdiction provides public access to permit and inspection records through the Public Records Search feature. This allows anyone to search and view non-sensitive permit information without requiring an account.

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Accessing Public Records

No Login Required

Public records search is available to everyone:

1. Visit the Permits Portal
2. Navigate to Building, Fire, or Licenses in the sidebar
3. The "All Permits" tab shows public records (visible without login)
4. Or use the dashboard service cards and click "Search Applications"

What's Available Publicly

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Searching for Records

Search Options

Basic Search: Enter any of the following in the search box:

• Street address (e.g., "123 Main Street")
• Permit number (e.g., "BP-2025-001234")
• Contractor name (e.g., "Smith Construction")

Advanced Search Filters:

How to Search

1. Enter your search criteria
2. Click "Search" or press Enter
3. Review the results list
4. Click on any result to see details

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Understanding Search Results

Results List View

Search results display in a list format showing key information for each permit:

Sorting Results

Sort results by:

• Date (newest or oldest first)
• Permit number
• Address
• Status

Filtering Results

After initial search, further filter by:

• Permit type
• Status
• Date range
• Location/area

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Viewing Permit Details

Public Record Detail View

Click on a permit to see available details:

General Information:

• Permit number
• Property address
• Permit type and subtype
• Current status
• Issue date
• Expiration date

Project Description:

• Scope of work
• Project type (new construction, renovation, etc.)

Contractor Information:

• Company name
• License number (MHIC if applicable)

Inspection History:

• Inspection type
• Date performed
• Result (Pass/Fail)

Information Not Shown

For privacy and security, public view does NOT include:

• Property owner name and contact details
• Applicant personal information
• Fee amounts and payment details
• Uploaded plans and documents
• Internal notes and communications
• Staff assignments

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Common Use Cases

For Prospective Home Buyers

Research permit history before purchasing property:

1. Search by the property address
2. View all permits issued at that location
3. Check inspection results
4. Verify work was permitted and inspected

For Neighbors

Check on construction activity nearby:

1. Search by street name or area
2. Filter by recent dates
3. See what projects are active
4. View scope of work descriptions

For Contractors

Verify permit status and inspection requirements:

1. Search by permit number
2. Confirm permit is valid and active
3. Check inspection history
4. Note expiration date

For Researchers

Analyze permit activity and trends:

1. Use date range filters
2. Filter by permit type
3. Export or record data (manual)
4. Aggregate publicly available information

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Tips for Effective Searching

Address Searches

• Use standard address format
• Try partial addresses if full address doesn't match
• Include or exclude unit numbers
• Try different city/community names

Examples:

• "123 Main St" (abbreviated)
• "123 Main Street Columbia"
• "Main Street" (all on that street)

Permit Number Searches

• Use full permit number if known
• Try partial numbers (last digits)
• Include or exclude dashes

Examples:

• "BP-2025-001234" (full)
• "001234" (partial)
• "BP-2025" (all building permits in 2025)

Date Range Tips

• Default may show recent permits only
• Expand date range for older records
• Use specific dates for targeted searches

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Public Records vs. Applicant View

Difference in Access

Accessing Your Own Permits

If you're the permit applicant:

1. Create an account or log in
2. Go to "My Permits"
3. See full details including private information
4. Manage your applications

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Troubleshooting

Q: I can't find a permit I know exists. A:

1. Try different search terms
2. Use partial address or permit number
3. Expand the date range
4. Check spelling
5. Some permits may be restricted from public view

Q: Why can't I see the property owner's name? A: Owner personal information is protected and only visible to the applicant when logged in or to authorized staff.

Q: How do I get copies of the actual plans? A: Detailed plans are not available through public search. Contact Permitting Support to request official records (fees may apply).

Q: I see conflicting information. How do I report an error? A: Contact Permitting Support with the permit number and the specific discrepancy.

Q: How current is the information? A: Public records are updated in real-time. The status and information reflect the current state of the permit.

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Requesting Official Records

Beyond Public Search

For information not available in public search:

1. Submit a Public Records Request
2. Contact Permitting Support
3. Fees may apply for copies and research time

What Can Be Requested

• Certified copies of permits
• Approved plan sets
• Inspection reports
• Historical permit files

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Privacy Considerations

What's Protected

The system protects:

• Personal contact information
• Financial data
• Security-sensitive details
• Confidential business information
• Pending legal matters

Data Use

Public records are provided for:

• Transparency of government operations
• Verification of permitted work
• Research and analysis
• Consumer protection

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Related Features

• Portal Record Views - Detailed view access levels
• Citizen Portal Lifecycle - Applicant experience
• User Accounts & Profile - Creating an account

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For additional assistance, contact your System Administrator.