How do I get a permit closed out if the previous owner left it open?
Answered by Allen Markel, REALTOR®, Texas Premier Realty ·
Short answer
Contact your local building department with the property address to find out what the open permit requires. You may need to hire a licensed contractor to complete the work, request a final inspection, or pay outstanding fees. The building department will tell you the exact steps to close it and whether you need a new permit. An open permit can affect your home's insurability and complicate a future sale.
Find out what the permit requires
Start by calling your city or county building department. Give them the property address and ask them to look up the open permit. They will tell you what work the permit was issued for, whether it has passed inspections, and what is needed to close it out. Some permits close after a final inspection; others require proof that the work was completed to code. The building department can also tell you if there are any fines or fees owed on the permit.
Ask the building department whether the work was ever started and whether any inspections have been passed. This tells you how much work remains and what your next step should be. If the permit is very old, ask whether it is still valid or whether a new permit would be required to continue the work.
Determine who needs to finish the work
If the permit is for work that was never started or is incomplete, you will likely need a licensed contractor to finish it or to request a final inspection. The building department will explain whether the original contractor can still close it or whether you need someone new. If the work was done but never inspected, a licensed contractor or the original contractor may need to request the final inspection on your behalf. Do not assume the work meets code; the building department's inspection is the only way to know.
When you hire a licensed contractor, make clear that part of the job is handling the permit closure and final inspection. Some contractors will take this on; others may ask you to coordinate with the building department. Either way, the contractor's work must pass inspection before the permit closes.
Close the permit and protect your home
Once you know what is required, follow the building department's steps. If the work is complete and just needs inspection, contact a licensed contractor to request the final inspection or handle the paperwork. If work is incomplete, you will need to hire a licensed contractor to finish it. Pay any permit fees or fines the building department lists. After the final inspection passes, the building department will close the permit.
Closing the permit matters for your home's insurability. Some insurers will not issue or renew a policy if there is an open permit on the property. An open permit can also complicate a future sale. Talk to us to find the right option for your circumstances.
Common follow-up questions
Can I close a permit myself without a contractor?
No. A licensed contractor must typically request the final inspection or sign off on the work. The building department will tell you whether the original contractor can do this or whether you need a new one.
Will an open permit affect my home insurance?
It may. Some insurers will not issue or renew a policy if there is an open permit on the property. Contact your insurance company to ask about their policy on open permits.
What if I do not know what the permit was for?
The building department has a record of every permit issued to the property. Call them with the address and they will tell you what work the permit covered and its current status.
How much will it cost to close the permit?
Costs depend on whether the work is complete, whether inspections have passed, and whether you need to hire a contractor to finish or request the final inspection. The building department can tell you about permit fees; contractor costs vary.
What if the permit is very old?
Ask the building department whether the permit is still valid. If it has expired, you may need to pull a new permit to continue the work, which means starting the inspection and approval process over.
Sources
Talk it through with Allen
A short call can turn a general answer into one for your address, your timeline and your numbers.
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Answers describe transactions and public data. They are not legal, tax or financial advice.