An open or expired permit can stall your Burlingame sale or purchase at the worst time. If you have past work on the home, you may be wondering how to find it, fix it, and finalize it before deadlines hit. The good news: Burlingame’s online eTRAKiT portal lets you search records, upload documents, and move to “Final” faster than paper. This guide shows you exactly how to check your permits, schedule inspections, and get clear, written proof for escrow. Let’s dive in.
Why permit close-out matters
Open permits can trigger title or lender conditions, escrow holdbacks, or closing delays. Industry guidance notes that municipalities often flag unresolved permits during closing, so it pays to be proactive. For context, see how title and escrow teams treat open municipal items.
Meet Burlingame’s eTRAKiT portal
Burlingame’s online eTRAKiT portal is your starting point to search permits by address or number, view inspection results, upload documents, and make payments. Modern e-permitting tools like this help reduce back-and-forth and keep everything in one place, which speeds close-out when time is tight. For a broader look at how technology streamlines permitting, review this overview of digital permitting benefits.
Before you pay any invoice, watch for scams. The City has a phishing alert for permitting customers. When in doubt, verify directly with the Building Division.
Step-by-step: Close an old permit fast
1) Gather your property details
- Full property address and APN if available.
- Any permit numbers, contractor licenses, plans, invoices, and receipts.
2) Look up the record in eTRAKiT
- Search by address or permit number in eTRAKiT.
- Create a public user account if you need to view attachments or pay fees online.
3) Read the permit carefully
- Check status fields such as Final/Finaled, Active, or Expired.
- Review the inspection log, reviewer notes, and required documents.
- For closed permits, download proof such as a finaled permit card or completion letter. Many city portals display a clear “Date Finaled” field, as in this example of a finaled status.
4) Identify what is still missing
- Common gaps include a missing final inspection, unpaid fees, or outstanding corrections.
- If notes are unclear, email [email protected] with the permit number and request a status update. You can also confirm details on the Building Division page.
5) Request the action that closes the permit
- If work is complete: schedule the final inspection through the portal when enabled, or contact [email protected] or 650-558-7260.
- If work is incomplete or the permit is expired: email [email protected] to confirm whether reactivation, a new permit, or another city-approved path is required. Local rules vary, so let staff guide the next step.
6) Pay fees and upload documents promptly
- Settle any outstanding invoices in the portal and upload requested documents to avoid delays.
- For current fee categories, refer to Burlingame’s Master Fee Schedule.
7) Confirm “Final” and save proof
- After the final inspection passes, verify the record shows “Final” in eTRAKiT.
- Download and save the finaled permit card, certificate, or city letter for your escrow file.
8) If the work is very old
- Some jurisdictions accept alternatives when physical inspection is not feasible, such as licensed professional verification or administrative letters. Burlingame will advise what is acceptable for your specific case. Start with the Building Division.
Timelines, fees, and common delays
- Timelines: If you have all documents and fees ready, a final inspection and sign-off can take days to weeks depending on workload. Start early if you have escrow deadlines.
- Fees: You may see re-inspection, late, or renewal fees, plus potential contractor correction costs. Always check the Master Fee Schedule for the latest city fees.
- Delays: Missing paperwork, unpaid fees, unrequested inspections, and staffing backlogs are common. Also beware of fraudulent payment requests. The City’s online portal alert explains how to verify legitimate communications.
Expired permits and what to expect
Permit expiration rules differ by jurisdiction. Some nearby cities allow short reactivation windows, while others require new permits when a record is long expired. For an example of how local codes can treat expiration and renewal, see Millbrae’s municipal code. Burlingame decides case by case, so confirm your exact path with the Building Division.
Buyer and seller moves that save time
- Sellers: Run an eTRAKiT search before you list. If you find an open permit, try to close it ahead of showings, or disclose it clearly.
- Buyers: Ask your escrow officer whether a municipal permit search is part of the file, and verify the address in eTRAKiT yourself.
- If time is short: Negotiate who will finalize the permit and by when, or discuss an escrow holdback with your closing team. Open municipal items are well known to title teams as potential closing issues, as noted in industry FAQs on municipal red flags.
Quick safety check: Verify before you pay
Burlingame has warned customers about phishing that targets permit payments. If you receive a payment request that looks off, verify it through the Building Division’s page or the City’s online portal alert. Use official phone and email contacts only.
Ready to move forward?
Closing permits early protects your timeline, reduces risk, and gives buyers and lenders the proof they need. If you are planning a sale or purchase in Burlingame and want a clear path to the finish line, let’s map your steps and timing together.
Connect with JeanMarie Buckley for calm, expert guidance through permit close-out and your next move on the Peninsula.
FAQs
How do I confirm a Burlingame permit is closed?
- Look for “Final” or a “Date Finaled” in the eTRAKiT record and save the finaled permit card or certificate; if unclear, email [email protected] or check the Building Division page.
Can an old Burlingame permit be closed without an inspection?
- Typically no; most permits require a final inspection, although city staff can advise if any administrative option applies to your specific record.
Who can schedule inspections in Burlingame?
- The permit holder or an authorized agent may request inspections through the portal when enabled, or by contacting [email protected] or 650-558-7260 as listed on the Building Division page.
What if the work is years old and cannot be fully inspected?
- Ask the City about acceptable alternatives, which may include professional verification or a new permit; Burlingame will provide the approved path based on your case.
What fees should I expect when closing an old permit?
- Potential items include re-inspection, renewal, or plan review fees, plus any contractor corrections; review Burlingame’s Master Fee Schedule for current city fee types.
