> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.shovels.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What Do Permit Statuses Mean in Shovels?

> Shovels has 4 permit statuses: in_review (filed, awaiting approval), active (approved), final (completed), and inactive (stalled/expired). Learn what each means.

**Shovels uses four permit statuses: `in_review` (filed, awaiting approval), `active` (approved, work can proceed), `final` (completed, passed inspection), and `inactive` (stalled, expired, or abandoned).** These statuses track a permit's progression through its lifecycle.

## Permit Statuses in Shovels

There are **four** primary statuses that permits can have:

### in\_review

From the moment the permit is filed with the local jurisdiction until it is approved.

* **Defined by:** `file_date`
* **Meaning:** Permit application is being reviewed

### active

From the moment the permit is approved until project completion or some other intermediate restriction.

* **Defined by:** `issue_date`
* **Meaning:** Permit has been approved, work can proceed

### final

When the permit is completed and submitted back to the jurisdiction upon job completion.

* **Defined by:** `final_date`
* **Meaning:** Project is complete, passed final inspection

### inactive

If any part of the process stalls or gets restricted from progression.

**Reasons a permit may become inactive:**

* Failing to meet project inspections
* Permit expires before completion
* [Inactivity for more than 6 months (180 days)](https://ecode360.com/6567722#6567722)
* Other jurisdiction-specific reasons

<Info>
  Disqualifying reasons and reporting timeframes vary by jurisdiction and local regulation.
</Info>

## Special Cases

### "Unknown" and "None" Statuses

Sometimes permits have "unknown" or "none" statuses. This can happen due to:

* Variances in jurisdiction record keeping
* Lack of data
* Dates not provided by the jurisdiction

The exact meanings may vary depending on the context or jurisdiction.

### Final Status Without Final Date

If a permit has a final status but no final date, it typically indicates an **over-the-counter permit**—one that was approved immediately without needing a follow-up inspection.

Common over-the-counter permits include:

* Solar installations
* Simple plumbing work
* Minor electrical work

<Note>
  This can vary by city and county—some jurisdictions process more permit types over-the-counter than others.
</Note>

## Learn More

* [Shovels 101: Permit Statuses](https://www.shovels.ai/blog/shovels-101-permit-statuses/) - Blog post with detailed explanations
* [Permit lifecycle](/docs/knowledge-base/data/permits/permit-lifecycle)
* [Checking project completion](/docs/knowledge-base/data/permits/project-completion)