Sample report · $85 USD pilot
One property. One question. A short explanation of the records and what to obtain next.
01 / The short answer
In this fictional example, the assessor summary identifies a garage and the permit index points to a garage alteration. Neither provides enough information to confirm the approved layout or final inspection. The useful next step is to obtain the underlying permit file before treating an old drawing or the current garage as an approved baseline.
What the records support: there is a possible record trail to follow. What they do not support: a conclusion that a conversion is permitted, feasible or ready to design.
02 / Source index
In a paid report, each entry would identify the actual record or search, its link, the access date and any access limitation. Here, all three findings are fictional and access dates are marked accordingly.
S1 · Illustrative finding
Illustrative record: a single-family residence and a detached garage are listed. The garage area is not separately stated.
Limit: A tax record does not establish the garage’s approved layout, current condition or final inspection.
LA County Assessor reference portal ↗
Access date: not applicable. No parcel lookup performed for this fictional sample.
S2 · Illustrative finding
Illustrative record: an entry describes a garage alteration. Its status reads “issued”; no final-inspection entry is visible in this example.
Limit: The index is not the complete permit file. An issued permit is not evidence of final inspection, and a missing online entry does not prove work was unpermitted.
Los Angeles Building and Safety reference portal ↗
Access date: not applicable. No parcel lookup performed for this fictional sample.
S3 · Illustrative finding
Illustrative record: the selected parcel appears within the City of Los Angeles boundary. The map does not supply a measured garage footprint.
Limit: This example makes no zoning, boundary, setback or buildability determination.
Access date: not applicable. No parcel lookup performed for this fictional sample.
03 / What remains unresolved
S1 lists a garage, while S2 describes an alteration without displaying its inspection outcome. These entries answer different questions; neither should be used to fill the other’s gaps.
No zoning or design-fit review was included. The absence of a finding on those topics is not a favorable conclusion.
04 / Three priority next steps
Owner: find prior plans, permits and inspection records. Note which building each belongs to. This may avoid requesting documents you already have.
Owner or separately authorized representative: ask the responsible building department for the referenced permit file, available approved drawings and inspection history. Confirm access requirements and any fees first. Agency contact and record purchases are outside this report.
Owner with the selected designer or appropriate consultant: identify any difference between the records and current conditions, then agree on any measured documentation, broader review or drawing scope needed. That work is separate from this report.
One round of written clarification within seven days of delivery. For example: “Does ‘issued’ in S2 establish final inspection?” Answer: no; it records a different stage. A new property, a new project question, additional research or agency follow-up requires a separately agreed scope.
This focused report does not include comprehensive feasibility, a zoning or buildability determination, surveys, measurements, design drawings, construction pricing, engineering or a permit prediction. It is distinct from the $1,055 Design Feasibility Review.
