How to read Los Angeles permit and code enforcement records
City records are written for the people who file them, not for buyers and renters. This short glossary explains the words you will run into.
Permit words
- Issued: the City approved the work and the permit is active.
- Finaled: the work was inspected and the permit closed.
- Expired: the permit lapsed, sometimes before sign-off.
- Plan check: the City is reviewing plans before approving work.
Inspection words
- Approved or passed: the inspector accepted that stage of work.
- Correction or failed: something needed to be fixed before moving on.
- Cancelled: the inspection did not take place as scheduled.
Code enforcement words
- Complaint: someone reported a concern. It is not a finding.
- Open case: the City is still looking at the matter or waiting on a fix.
- Closed case: the City considers the matter resolved or ended it.
- Citation or notice: a letter from the City. It is not by itself a finding that a violation occurred.
Keep it in perspective
Status words vary between record types, and records can be incomplete or out of date. Read each record for its details and date, and ask a licensed professional about anything that affects a decision.
What to do next
A Deedlore report lists permits, inspections and cases for an address in plain English, with the date each was retrieved.
Know before you book!
Related guides
- What a code enforcement case means
- What an open building permit means when you buy a home
- How to look up permits for a Los Angeles address
- Los Angeles property permit history report
Common questions
What does finaled mean on a permit?
Usually that the work was inspected and the City closed the permit. Read the individual record for details.
Is a complaint the same as a violation?
No. A complaint is a report of a concern. Only the City can find that a violation occurred.
Why do some records look incomplete?
Records are entered over many years by many people and can lag behind real events. Treat them as a starting point.
Does Deedlore interpret the records for me?
Deedlore shows them in plain English and does not offer legal advice or conclusions about a property.
Which addresses are covered?
Addresses in the City of Los Angeles only.