How to Find Out What Is Being Built in My Neighborhood

by Anne Rose

Overview

Detailed information on what is being built in any neighborhood can be found be requesting records on building permits, architectural plans, inspections, building code violations or citations and other municipal documents. The Freedom of Information Act sets federal guidelines that allow anyone to request local government records. Information can be requested on a specific property, street, range of addresses, block, neighborhood or other parameters.

Step 1

Locate the local municipal office and look up their office hours.
Step 2

Complete a written request for permit applications, permits issued, building plans, zoning variances, inspections, reports, stop work orders, code compliance records, fines and adjudication hearing results in the geographic area--block, street or range of addresses--being researched.
Step 3

Pay the photocopy charge for permit and inspection documents.
Step 4

Wait for the information requested from the local government. Patience is essential; permit and inspection records may be decades old and may not be computerized.
Step 5

Make an appointment to talk with the local building official to discuss the documents. A building official may have additional information about pending projects, prospective development and municipal infrastructure plans.

3
Minutes for city council meetings often yield information on infrastructure plans, prospective building projects and other community developments.
Minutes for city council meetings often yield information on infrastructure plans, prospective building projects and other community developments.