How do I find out whether someone has the proper permits for adding onto their house?

Question

My neighbor is adding a second story and it's going to block my only view and look right in my window.

Answer 1

They are public record. Go to your City Hall and inquire.

Answer 2

I was going to write pretty much exactly what svtcobra posted - so I will just 2nd everything he said!  

Answer 3

I don't know about your town, but in ours, you need to apply for a building permit and it needs to be displayed where it can clearly be seen by everyone.  Usually in a front window or door of the house.  If you have local offices or a code enforcement officer, you can start there to see if this person has a building permit.  Usually before any work is started in our town the code enforcement officer needs to come out and inspect what you plan on doing and how it affects the neighbor or where it is going to be according to boundary lines, etc.  There might not be any ordinance in your town about view, or blocking a view, so it might have been approved even though you will find it a problem.  Check with your local offices.  

Answer 4

Permits are supposed to be posted where everyone can see them. A simple call to your local building dept. can answer the question if he has a permit or not. As far as blocking your view, if he is within the zoning setbacks, and isn't over the height limit, you have nothing to say about it. Sorry