We reduce staff intake errors, improve transparency, and empower residents to get it right the first time. Our platform sits on top of your city site and serves as a self-service tool for zoning-related education, eligibility checks, and intake prep.

To check your property’s zoning, you typically have a few options:

• Call your local zoning or planning department: This can be helpful, but staff may be limited or unfamiliar with specific lot-level rules — especially during high call volume.
• Search through Municode or city websites: These legal code databases can be dense and difficult to interpret without a planning background.
• Look at your property tax records or assessor’s site: Some jurisdictions list zoning there, but it’s not always updated or comprehensive.

PermiGuide simplifies this entire process.
Just enter your address and we’ll tell you what your zoning is, what projects are likely allowed, and how to move forward — no jargon, no runaround. It’s the fastest way to get accurate, clear answers before you ever submit an application.

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What you can build depends on your zoning designation, lot size, and local code restrictions — and every city handles this differently. Here are common ways to find out:

• Call your city’s planning department: They can give general answers, but specifics often require follow-up, internal reviews, or navigating to other departments.
• Read your city’s zoning code online: It’s usually 100+ pages and written in legalese, making it hard to extract project-specific answers.
• Hire a land use consultant or architect: This is a great option — if you have the budget. But for many homeowners, it’s not financially feasible up front.

PermiGuide cuts through the confusion.
With just your address, we give you a tailored overview of what your zoning allows — whether that’s an ADU, garage conversion, room addition, or something else — and we point you toward the next steps. No spreadsheets, no codebooks. Just clear guidance.

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Most construction projects — even minor ones — require a permit. That includes:

• Structural changes (e.g., removing walls, building additions)
• Electrical or plumbing work
• Adding detached units (ADUs, sheds, garages)
• Significant landscaping or fencing over a certain height

How to check:

• Visit your city’s permitting website: These are often outdated or hard to search.
• Call the building department: Great if you can get someone on the phone who knows your zoning.
• Ask a contractor or architect: Many know the process, but they’re not always up to date on city-specific rules.

PermiGuide provides instant clarity.
Our tool tells you if a permit is likely required for your project — based on your location and project type. And if a permit is needed, we guide you on how to get started (or connect you to someone who can). It’s your shortcut to doing things the right way, the first time.

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