Proof of ownership

Building departments will not permit work on a property without evidence that the applicant has the right to authorize it. Proof of ownership is how that is established.

Where it applies in the lifecycle

Gathered during Preparation and submitted at Submission. It is administrative rather than technical, which is exactly why it is easy to overlook and a common reason an otherwise complete application stalls at intake.

What is normally accepted

• A recorded deed
• A property appraiser or assessor record showing current ownership
• A tax record in the owner's name
• A title policy or closing statement for a recent purchase

Where it gets complicated

• Recent purchases. Public records lag closings by weeks. A buyer who closed last Friday may not appear as owner yet, and the closing documents fill the gap.
• Trusts and LLCs. The record shows the entity, so the department also wants evidence that the person signing may act for it.
• Multiple owners. Some departments require every owner of record to sign, which is a scheduling problem on inherited or jointly held property.
• Owner authorization. When a contractor or agent applies, a signed and often notarized owner authorization is required alongside the ownership proof.