After-the-Fact Permits

Start by establishing what was built and what can still be inspected. Photos, earlier drawings and notices from the building department help establish the scope. Concealed work may need further investigation.

An engineer may be needed when the building department asks for an assessment, drawings or repair details for completed work. An assessment does not guarantee that the work can remain as built.

Confirm the engineering scope with the professional you engage and any permit requirements with the local building department.

• Documenting an addition built before permits were completed
• Assessing completed work after a notice from the building department

Related permit topics include change of occupancy, change of use, code compliance, conversion, occupancy change and permit correction.

This page does not say whether a permit is required. Ask the local building department which approvals and documents your project needs.

• unpermitted work

Start with a short description. These details can help define the scope, but you do not need everything ready to request a quote.

• The project city or county, and the property address if known
• What you want to build, change or repair
• How the space or site is used now and what you plan to change
• Whether you have drawings or photos to share during follow-up
• The status of any permit application and comments received
• Your target dates or other scheduling constraints

• Permit Corrections
• Unpermitted Work
• Change of Use / Occupancy
• Commercial Alteration Engineering

Terms that may appear in plans, permit comments or contractor conversations about this work.

• change of occupancy
• change of use
• code compliance
• conversion
• occupancy change
• permit correction