Berkeley, CA · Alameda County
Records Retrieval Request
Use this request to ask Berkeley Building and Safety to locate permit records, notices of violations, or plans for a property.
What this form is
This form asks Berkeley Building and Safety to search its permanent archives for building permit records, notices of violations, plans, or microfiche records. Complete it when requesting Building and Safety records and indicate the project, records sought, purpose, and preferred delivery method. The city will determine whether records are available and respond by email or phone; plans are available for viewing only.
Who needs it
Property owners, buyers, agents, and other requestors seeking Building and Safety permit records or plans can use this form.
How to submit it
Submit by email to [email protected] or in person at the Building and Safety Permit Service Center, 1947 Center St., 3rd floor, Berkeley, CA 94704.
About notarization
This document is signed and dated without a notary; the request form does not require a sworn statement or notarized attachment.
How to submit this form
- 1
Download The Form
Download the Records Retrieval Request form.
- 2
Complete The Request
Enter your contact information and project details, select the records you seek, and choose a preferred delivery method.
- 3
Gather Any Attachments
The form does not specify attachments for a records search. For copies of plans, written permission and a separate Requirements to Obtain Copies of Plans packet are required.
- 4
Submit To Building And Safety
Email the form to [email protected] or submit it in person at the Permit Service Center.
Frequently asked questions
- What records can I request with this form?
- The form lets you request building permit records, notices of violations, plans for viewing, or microfiche records from Building and Safety.
- How do I submit the Records Retrieval Request?
- Submit it by email to [email protected] or in person at the Building and Safety Permit Service Center, 1947 Center St., 3rd floor.
- Do I need a notary for the Records Retrieval Request?
- No. This document is signed and dated without a notary, and it does not require a sworn statement or notarized attachment.
- Can I get copies of plans?
- Plans are available for viewing only through this request. To obtain copies, the form says you need written permission from the property owner and design professional of record and must complete the Requirements to Obtain Copies of Plans packet.
Need something notarized?
This Records Retrieval Request doesn’t need a notary — but if you have another Berkeley form that does, a commissioned online notary can help.