Permit Search vs Contractor Search
| Search Type | Returns |
|---|---|
| Permit Search | Permits pulled on specific addresses in the geographic area you searched |
| Contractor Search | B2B contact information, license data, and classification data about contractors who pulled those permits |
Not every permit will have an associated contractor. This depends on whether the jurisdiction requires contractor information on permit applications.
Search Logic
The dashboard uses “AND” search logic. When you select multiple criteria, results match ALL selected criteria, not just one. Example: If you search for:- Location: San Francisco
- Permit type: Solar
- Date range: 2024
Keyword Search
Search by description keywords to find:- Brand names (e.g., “Tesla”, “Carrier”)
- Building materials
- Equipment types (e.g., “heat pump”, “HVAC”)
- Specific work types
Search Tips
- The system doesn’t account for typos
- Try different terminology variations
- Contractors use different abbreviations:
- “SFR” = Single Family Residence
- “A/C” = Air Conditioning
- “WH” = Water Heater
What Permit Search Shows
For each permit, you’ll see:- Permit status
- Address (when available)
- Description of work
- Filing and completion dates
- Associated contractor (if available)
What Contractor Search Shows
For each contractor:- Business name
- Total lifetime permits pulled
- Contact information (subscribers)
- License status
- Permit history