Records Overview
For your convenience, Building Department permit records are available online in two formats.
Permit History
Permit History links to an online version of the Building Department’s Alchemy database program, which contains scanned images of archived permits and other files. Permits are listed alphabetically by street. This program requires that your computer run an Active X device (AuGen.cab from Captaris Inc.) If your computer is unable to view the files, there is a download icon on the far right of each file. Please note that for recently completed permits, it can take between two and four weeks for it to be scanned and uploaded. Please note that Alchemy web is proprietary software purchased by the City. If you are unable to use the software for any reason you should come into the Building Department and view the documents in our office.
Note: Permits turned over from the County of Orange for areas in Newport Coast, Bay Knolls, and Santa Ana Heights are on a separate portion of the database and are not accessible via the web. Please go to the City of Newport Beach Building Department, 2nd floor for records. For Newport Coast, please see the Newport Coast Jurisdiction List to determine if your particular area has been turned over from the County.
Search for Permits by Address
Search for Permits by Address is a web based version of the Building Departments permit software. The information maintained in database is limited to activities initialized since this software has been used by the City of Newport Beach. It is important to note that searching for information using Permits by Address may not give you access to all of the documents. To find all of the available documents for an address please see the Permit History database.
Important Note Regarding Plans
Building Plans are not available on the website. You must come to the Building Department to see any plans that we may have on file. If you wish to copy any plans, you must comply with Sections 19850-19853 of the Health and Safety Code. These code sections compel the Building Department to require permission from the owner of the property as well as any licensed architects and/or engineers that have stamped and signed the plans. Please see the Building Department brochure for detailed information.