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When does a building permit expire?

A building permit does not last forever. Under the model code, and in most cities, a permit expires if work does not start within a set time after it is issued, or if work stops for too long. Most departments can extend a permit if you ask in writing before it expires; an expired permit usually has to be renewed or reissued, sometimes for a fee.

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  1. The model code rule (IRC R105.5)
  2. Permit expiration in major cities
  3. Sources

The model code rule (IRC R105.5)

The International Residential Code is a model code; it applies only where adopted, often amended. The wording below is from published government copies.

  • R105.5 EXPIRATION, Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced.1 As published by Arenac County, MI (Michigan Residential Code 2015).
  • The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of times, for periods not more than 180 days each.1 As published by Arenac County, MI (Michigan Residential Code 2015).
  • (Amd) R105.5 Expiration of permit. Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance or after commencement of work if more than 180 days pass between inspections.2 As published by Connecticut (statewide) (2022 CSBC amendments to the 2021 IRC).

Permit expiration in major cities

CityHow long a permit lastsExtensions
New York City, NYExpires if work not commenced within 12 months of issuance, or if suspended/abandoned 12 continuous months3Application abandoned after 12 months; commissioner may extend in 12-month periods on payment of reinstatement fees3
Los Angeles, CA2 years from issuance; expires after 12 months if work not commenced or if suspended/abandoned 12 continuous months4Department or Board may extend for unusual construction difficulties4
Chicago, ILExpires if first inspection not passed within 540 days of the date work may begin; or no follow-up inspection passed within 730 days of the last5Expired permits cannot be reinstated5
Phoenix, AZ–Extensions in writing, up to one year each, requested before expiration, fee 50% of current permit fee6
San Antonio, TXInvalid if work not commenced within 180 days of issuance or suspended/abandoned 180 days7Building Official may grant written extensions of up to 180 days each; fee 50% of permit fees7
San Diego, CA12 months8One 180-day extension for circumstances beyond the permit holder's control; a second 180-day extension possible under §129.0219(d)8
Dallas, TXVoid if no progress toward completion before the second anniversary of issuance9120 days9
Fort Worth, TX180 days10180 days10
San Jose, CAExpires 12 months from issuance or 180 days from last inspection approval11First extension adds 180 days; max two extensions (540 days total)11
Charlotte, NCExpires 6 months after issuance if work not commenced (or lesser time fixed by local ordinance); expires if work discontinued 12 months12–
Columbus, OHWork must begin within 1 year after issuance; no delay over 6 months once begun13Written request to [email protected] plus fee; one 12-month extension to start work, two 6-month extensions for delays14
Indianapolis, IN180 days15180-day extension can be requested in the portal16
San Francisco, CAIssued permit active 365 days; each passed inspection (or sufficient progress), approved site permit addenda or altered site permit extends expiration by 365 days; applications filed on/after June 21, 2026 have 730 days to obtain the permit17180-day extension for a fee, requested before the permit expires17
Seattle, WA18 months18Renew up to 30 days before the expiration date19
Denver, COPermit may be voided if work not commenced within 60 days, suspended/abandoned 60 days, or no inspection requested for 60 days20No extensions for expired applications20
El Paso, TXExpires if work not commenced within 6 months, suspended/abandoned 6 months, or no inspection for 6 months; residential roofing, window, water heater and A/C conversion permits expire 1 month after issuance; residential fence and pool permits 6 months after issuance21Up to two 180-day extensions, requested in writing before expiration, no fee; none for residential roofing/window/water heater/A-C or fence/pool permits21
Las Vegas, NV180 days22180 days22
Boston, MAWork must start within six months of issuance23Possible 180-day extension for eligible projects23
Louisville, KY–$35 to reactivate an expired permit within 180 days of expiration; after that, full fee24
Portland, ORPermit expires if no inspection is approved within 180 days after permit issuance25Each approved inspection automatically extends the permit 180 days25
Memphis, TNInvalid if work does not start within 6 months, or stops for 6 months26Written extensions of up to 90 days each, for justifiable cause26
Baltimore, MD180 days27Apply within 90 days after expiry; each extension up to 180 days27
Milwaukee, WIExpires 2 years from issuance (3 years over 100,000 sq ft)28Ask the district inspector before expiration29
Albuquerque, NM180 days30One 180-day extension on written request before expiration30
Tucson, AZ365 days31No administrative extensions; extension or reactivation only through a Building Code Appeal (fee applies), and not more than once31
Fresno, CA180 days32180 days32
Sacramento, CA180 days33Renewed building permits may be extended up to 180 days; applications up to 90 days34
Atlanta, GA–A "Request to Extend Expired Permit" form exists35
Mesa, AZ–Call 480-644-4273 before expiration to renew/extend36
Kansas City, MO180 days37Inspection within the 180-day period keeps the permit active; expired permit renewal at one-half the new-permit fee37
Raleigh, NCExpires 6 months after issuance if work has not commenced, or if work is discontinued for 12 months38Before expiry (prior to first inspection) contact Building Safety at 919-996-2705 or [email protected] for a possible extension; expired permits cannot be reopened39
Colorado Springs, COAdministratively closed if no valid inspection within six months of issuance; void if no inspection within 1 year (or work abandoned 1 year) and not substantially complete40One extension up to 180 days, requested before expiration with justifiable cause40
Miami, FL–Expired permits with total job cost $10,000 or less can be extended online in iBuild41
Virginia Beach, VAMay be revoked if work not started within 6 months or suspended/abandoned 6 months421 year42
Long Beach, CA2 years; expires at 90 days if work not commenced or not inspected, or if suspended/abandoned 90 days43Extensions up to 90 days each within validity; max two 180-day extensions of the 2-year validity, by written request43
Oakland, CAInvalid if work not started within 180 days of issuance or suspended/abandoned 180 days; work without an approved major inspection within 180 days is deemed suspended; permits expire 720 days from issuance44Building Official may grant one or more written extensions of up to 180 days each, on payment of the Master Fee Schedule fee, for justifiable cause44
Tulsa, OKExpires if work not started within 180 days of issuance or suspended/abandoned 180 days45One or more written extensions of up to 180 days each for justifiable cause45
Tampa, FL–Permit extension available for a fee ($41 residential)46
Arlington, TX180 days47Written request; up to 180 days; fee; once only47
Aurora, COExpires if work does not begin within six months or is not completed within one year48Expired permits may be renewed or extended48
Philadelphia, PA–Extension fee: none for owner-occupied one-family dwelling; $50 otherwise49
Austin, TX180 days50Passing inspection extends expiration 180 days; holder may extend/reactivate via AB+C Portal or Modify a Permit50

Sources

  1. Request for Permit Extension (Michigan Residential Code cycle 2015)Arenac County, MI, Building DepartmentEffective July 15, 2022Checked November 7, 2026
  2. 2022 Connecticut State Building Code (w/ Errata #1)State of Connecticut, Department of Administrative Services, Office of the State Building InspectorEffective October 1, 2022Checked November 7, 2026
  3. 2022 NYC Construction Codes, General Administrative Provisions (Admin. Code Title 28), Chapter 1 AdministrationCity of New York, Department of BuildingsChecked November 7, 2026
  4. LAMC Ch. IX, Art. 8, Div. 6 Expiration and Revocation of Permits (SEC. 98.0602, 98.0603)City of Los Angeles (Los Angeles Municipal Code, hosted by American Legal Publishing)Effective January 23, 2023Checked November 7, 2026
  5. Does my building permit expire?City of Chicago, Department of BuildingsChecked November 7, 2026
  6. 2024 International Building Code Administrative Provisions (IBC Chapter 1), Phoenix amendmentsCity of Phoenix, Planning & Development DepartmentEffective August 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  7. Chapter 10 Building-Related Codes (2024 International Building-Related Codes), City Code of San AntonioCity of San Antonio, Development Services DepartmentEffective May 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  8. SDMC Chapter 12, Article 9, Division 2: Building Permit ProceduresCity of San Diego, San Diego Municipal Code (docs.sandiego.gov, Office of the City Clerk)Revised September 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  9. Chapter 52: Administrative Procedures for the Construction Codes (City of Dallas booklet, current through April 23,…City of Dallas, Planning & Development DepartmentLast updated April 23, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  10. Fort Worth Administrative Building Code, Ordinance No. 25387-03-2022City of Fort Worth, Development Services DepartmentAdopted March 8, 2022Checked November 7, 2026
  11. Bulletin #203: How to Extend or Refile a Building PermitCity of San José, Planning, Building & Code Enforcement (PBCE), Building DivisionRevised September 10, 2024Checked November 8, 2026
  12. 2018 NC State Administrative Code Amendments (adopted December 2017 through December 2024)North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM), Engineering DivisionPublished January 7, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  13. Get or Track a Building PermitCity of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  14. BZS Frequently Asked QuestionsCity of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  15. 2016 Building Standards and Procedures of the Consolidated City of Indianapolis (Chapter 536 etc.)City of Indianapolis, Department of Business and Neighborhood ServicesEffective January 1, 2018Checked November 7, 2026
  16. Accela Citizens Access Portal (ACA)City of Indianapolis, Department of Business and Neighborhood ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  17. Permit Application Timelines, Expiration and ExtensionsCity and County of San Francisco, Department of Building InspectionChecked November 7, 2026
  18. 2021 Seattle Residential Code, Chapter 1 AdministrationCity of Seattle, Seattle Department of Construction & InspectionsChecked November 7, 2026
  19. Building Permit RenewalsCity of Seattle, Seattle Department of Construction & InspectionsChecked November 7, 2026
  20. 2025 Denver Building Code (2nd Printing, November 2025)City and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentPublished November 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  21. Ordinance 019528 adopting the 2021 International Building Codes (text as introduced; executed Aug. 1, 2023)City of El Paso, City Council (Planning & Inspections agenda item)Published June 20, 2023Checked November 7, 2026
  22. City of Las Vegas Administrative Code, 2019 EditionCity of Las Vegas, Department of Community Development, Building & Safety DivisionPublished 2019Checked November 7, 2026
  23. Short-Form PermitCity of Boston, Inspectional Services DepartmentLast updated November 4, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  24. LMCO Chapter 150.096 Promulgated Fees & Regulations, Construction Permits and Inspection Fees (Revised 2/6/2024)Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government, Department of Codes and Regulations, Office (Division) of Construction ReviewRevised February 6, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  25. Chapter 24.10 Administration and Enforcement (Portland City Code)City of Portland, Portland Permitting & DevelopmentEffective November 21, 2025Checked November 8, 2026
  26. 2021 Memphis and Shelby County Building Code (joint ordinance and local amendments)Memphis and Shelby County Office of Construction Code EnforcementChecked November 8, 2026
  27. Section 105. Permits (Building Code)City of Baltimore Law Library (Department of Legislative Reference)Checked November 7, 2026
  28. Milwaukee Code of Ordinances ch. 200 subch. 4 PermitsCity of Milwaukee, Code of Ordinances (City Clerk, Legislative Reference Bureau)Revised December 18, 2018Checked November 8, 2026
  29. Resources for HomeownersCity of Milwaukee, Department of Neighborhood ServicesChecked November 8, 2026
  30. 2024 City of Albuquerque Uniform Administrative Code (Exhibit A)City of Albuquerque, Planning Department, Building Safety DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  31. Administrative Policy 2026.01-IE: Building Permit Application, Plan Review and Permit Extension/Reactivation PolicyCity of Tucson, Planning & Development Services Department (PDSD)Effective July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  32. Building Permit Center – City of FresnoCity of Fresno, Planning and Development Department, Building & Safety Services DivisionChecked November 6, 2026
  33. Inspections FAQsCity of Sacramento, Community Development Department, Building DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  34. City of Sacramento Fees and Charges database: Building Permit FeesCity of Sacramento (Fees and Charges database, Community Development Department)Last updated November 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  35. Applications, Forms, and Checklists | Atlanta, GACity of Atlanta, Department of City PlanningChecked November 8, 2026
  36. Residential ConstructionCity of Mesa, Development Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  37. Committee Substitute for Ordinance No. 200418, Compared Version (Chapter 18 Building and Rehabilitation Code)City of Kansas City, Missouri, Office of the City Clerk (Legistar legislative record)Adopted June 2020Checked November 7, 2026
  38. UDO Sec. 11.4.1. Permit RequirementsCity of Raleigh, Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), Chapter 11 Building and Housing CodeChecked November 7, 2026
  39. Important Information About Building Permit Expiration (City of Raleigh GovDelivery bulletin)City of Raleigh, Planning and Development (GovDelivery email bulletin)Checked November 7, 2026
  40. 2023 Pikes Peak Regional Building Code, 2nd PrintingPikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD)Published June 30, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  41. Building FAQsCity of Miami, Building DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  42. 13VAC5-63-100. Section 110 PermitsCommonwealth of Virginia, Division of Legislative Automated Systems (Virginia Administrative Code)Effective January 18, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  43. Ordinance No. ORD-25-0019 (amending and restating LBMC Title 18; Long Beach Building Standards Code)City of Long Beach, City Council (Office of the City Clerk)Checked November 7, 2026
  44. Emergency Ordinance: Local Amendments to the 2025 Edition of the California Model Building Construction Codes…City of Oakland, City Council (Legistar file 26-0024)Adopted September 15, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  45. Residential Building Guidelines (Development Services Department)City of Tulsa, Development Services DepartmentPublished January 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  46. General and Administrative Fee ScheduleCity of Tampa, Development & Growth Management Department, Construction Services DivisionLast updated December 11, 2023Checked November 7, 2026
  47. Construction Chapter, Code of the City of Arlington (amended by Ord. 24-054, September 17, 2024)City of Arlington, City Council (Code of Ordinances, hosted on arlingtontx.gov)Revised September 17, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  48. City of Aurora DIY & Do It Right Home Improvement Handbook (March 2019)City of Aurora, Development Services Department, Building DivisionPublished March 2019Checked November 7, 2026
  49. PG_012_INF Construction Permit Fees (Rev 7.2026), Effective October 1, 2026City of Philadelphia, Department of Licenses and InspectionsRevised July 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  50. Homeowner's Permit | Austin Development ServicesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesChecked November 7, 2026