Determine who has jurisdiction
County and municipal responsibilities can differ. Annapolis, Aberdeen, Rockville and Gaithersburg have municipal permit resources. Confirm the property’s location before assuming that a county portal includes every relevant municipal record.
Search with more than one identifier
- Start with the official permit portal or instructions for the property’s jurisdiction.
- Use the address format requested by the portal; try a permit number if one is available.
- Review the type of work, status, inspections and any available completion information.
- Ask the issuing office about older paper records, missing files or an unclear status.
No result does not prove no work occurred
An online database may omit older records, records indexed under a different address, or work handled by another agency. A permit application also does not establish that every inspection passed. Confirm material questions with the issuing department.
Use permits alongside other research
Compare the records with seller disclosures, the condition of the property, zoning information and any appropriate inspection. A permit search is one part of evaluating a home; it is not an inspection or a guarantee of lawful use.
Use the source agency’s current instructions for your property and circumstances. This guide is general information, not an eligibility decision or legal or tax advice.