How to Pull Property History and Building Permit Records in Baltimore and Washington DC

When you are considering a home purchase or evaluating renovations on a property, knowing the permit and repair history is critical. Permits show whether work was performed to code, which impacts safety, resale value, insurance, and future financing. Below is a straightforward, step by step process you can follow to uncover a property history in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Washington DC.

Step by step process

1. Start with the address and parcel ID. Gather the full street address and, if possible, the parcel or tax ID. Most city and county systems allow searches by address or parcel number and the more precise data you have, the faster the search.
2. Search the local building permit portal. Each jurisdiction maintains an online permit or development portal. For Baltimore properties, check the city permit portal or the county permit viewer depending on where the property is located. For DC, use the District permit and records portal. Look for permits related to roofing, structural work, additions, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
3. Check tax and assessment records. The Maryland state assessment site and local tax assessors list sales history, ownership transfers, and assessed value changes. In DC, the Office of Tax and Revenue provides similar property history. Significant jumps in assessed value can signal major work or additions.
4. Pull deed and title records. County clerk or recorder offices show deed transfers and mortgage history. This helps confirm when owners changed and whether permits or work may have been completed under previous ownership.
5. Review local code enforcement and inspection records. Look for open code violations, stop work orders, or outstanding permits. An inspection report or certificate of occupancy shows the final sign off for permitted work.
6. Cross check contractor and license information. If a permit lists a contractor, verify their license status and complaint history with the state licensing board. Unpermitted work often uses unlicensed contractors.
7. Search MLS history and past listing remarks. Previous listings often mention renovations, recent systems updates, or permits. MLS photos and descriptions can provide clues on when work was done.
8. Use aerials and historic photos. Google Street View and historical aerial imagery can reveal when additions or major exterior changes appeared.
9. Call the building department when needed. If online records are incomplete, call or visit the local building department. Ask for permit history, inspection dates, and whether work was closed out properly.
10. Consider a targeted property history report or third party search. Title companies, specialty vendors, or experienced inspectors can pull a comprehensive permitting and work history for you if it is critical for a transaction.

What to watch for

Not all work is permitted, and not all permits were closed. A permitted and closed job is far less risky than a large unpermitted remodel. Look for structural, roofing, electrical, and plumbing permits. If major work lacks permits, ask for contractor invoices, proof of inspections, or a corrective plan to permit the work retroactively. Also confirm whether permits are listed under a prior owner name, since permits follow the property not the owner.

Next steps and professional help

If you want peace of mind, consider ordering a focused review before you make an offer. I can coordinate a targeted permit and property history check with trusted partners, review findings with you, and explain what the records mean for financing, insurance, and future resale. This is a smart move when a home has had recent renovations or a history of structural issues.