What does “Expired” mean on a building permit?
Also shown as: Expired (Accela)Permit Expired (LADBS)PC Expired (LADBS — plan check)
The permit has expired due to inactivity or hitting a time limit. On Accela portals (San Diego, San Bernardino), 'Expired' means the permit lapsed due to inactivity or a time limit and may need reactivation. At LADBS, an issued permit can expire if construction pauses over 6 months without progress inspections. Once expired, the permit is no longer active and work cannot legally continue under it.
What should you do when a permit shows “Expired”?
Contact the building department about reactivation or an extension. At LADBS, permit extensions are available through forms 41A/42; in SB County and San Diego County, an expired plan review can sometimes be revived for an extension fee. If reactivation is not possible, you may have to refile. Avoid this by keeping construction moving and scheduling progress inspections on time.
Related permit statuses
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