Search a public record
Search by record number, address or parcel without an account, open the record and read its status and next step.
Before you start
Have one of these ready. You do not need a portal account for public search.
- A record number, if you have it from a letter, permit card or invoice
- Or a street address, with number and street name
- Or a parcel number, if you know it from a tax bill or a town map
Note: Public search shows only fields the town marks as public. Private fields stay private, even when you know a record number.
Steps
Public search and My records are separate. Public search needs no sign-in.
Open public search
Open the portal and choose Search a public record. You do not need to create an account to search.
Enter the number or address
Type the record number, or the street number and street name, or the parcel number. Use number and street name only, without a street type suffix, if the street name alone finds the address.
Open the record
Choose the matching result from the list. If several addresses appear, choose the exact site before you open the record.
Read status and next step
Read the status, key dates and the plain next step on the record. Note the record number for any follow-up with staff.
What public search shows and what stays private
Public search is a limited view of the same record staff see.
- Shows record number, type, status, submitted and issued dates, address and parcel, and the next public step
- Shows public documents the town makes public for that record
- Never shows phone, email, payment details, internal notes or draft applications
- Never shows another applicant records or private reviewer comments
If no result appears
Try a wider search before you call the office.
Check the spelling of the street name and try the parcel number instead of the address. Clear a narrow date range if you used one, and try the record number without spaces or dashes.
If the record is a draft, it will not appear in public search. Drafts are private to the applicant account. For a record you believe is public, contact the town office listed on the portal and give the record number, address or parcel you tried.
Do I need an account to apply or pay
Yes. Search and license lookup need no account. Applying, uploading, paying and requesting an inspection need a verified portal account.
Can I see fees in public search
No. Public search never shows payment details. Signed-in applicants see fee lines and receipts on their own records.
Related guides
Create an account to apply, or file a code complaint without an account.