How to close an open permit

Updated October 2, 2026 · 3 min read

Short answer

Contact the building department that issued the permit and ask what is still needed to close it. In most cases that is a final inspection. If the permit has expired you may need to renew it first. Once the work passes, ask for written confirmation and check that the permit shows as closed in the city's records.

The steps

  1. 1Get the permit number and details from the building department or from a permit search.
  2. 2Ask the department what is outstanding. It may be a final inspection, a missing document or an unpaid fee.
  3. 3If the permit has expired, ask how to renew or reinstate it. Some departments require a new application.
  4. 4Schedule the inspection. The owner or a licensed contractor can usually request it.
  5. 5Fix anything the inspector lists, then book a re-inspection.
  6. 6Ask for the sign-off in writing and confirm the status has changed in the city's records.

If the work was done by a previous owner

You can still close it. As the current owner you are the person the department will work with. If the original contractor is unavailable, the department may ask you to bring in a licensed contractor to take over the permit.

If the work is already covered up

For work hidden behind finished walls, an inspector may ask for photos taken during construction, a letter from an engineer or contractor, or for a section to be opened so they can see it. What is accepted varies by department, so ask before you start.

Time and cost

Both vary widely. A permit that only needs a final inspection can be closed in days. One that needs renewal and corrective work can take months. Costs are made up of department fees plus whatever it takes to make the work pass.

Common questions

Can a homeowner close a permit without the original contractor?

Usually, yes. The current owner can request the inspection or have a different licensed contractor take over the permit. Ask the building department how they handle a change of contractor.

What happens if the final inspection fails?

The inspector lists what needs correcting. You fix those items and schedule a re-inspection. The permit stays open until the work passes.

Read next

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Permit rules vary by city and state. Confirm anything that affects a purchase with the local building department or a real estate attorney.