If, however, a residence was in the county at the time of construction, only the annexation date and subsequent remodeling permits will appear on the permit card. Plans and blueprints have not been preserved by the city. Building permit cards vary in the amount of information they provide. Permit records often give the contractor's name, but rarely identify the architect or designer. Building permits are filed by street name and number.
Copies are available for a nominal fee.
The County of Fresno has not preserved building permits for its older residences. Researchers interested in county properties must rely heavily on oral histories. For the purpose of dating historic properties located in the county, Deeds of Ownership and other contracts maintained at the County Recorder's Office may be helpful. Local newspapers Local newspapers routinely reported construction news, often focusing on residences being planned or recently completed. Articles sometimes include photographs or reproductions of architects' renderings.