Permit status tells you where a project sits in the city's process: application, plan review, corrections, issued, inspection, final or another locally defined stage. Use the issuing city's record rather than relying on a contractor's verbal update.
Building departments use their own terminology, deadlines and procedures. Treat this as a practical orientation and verify the current rule with the jurisdiction that issued — or would issue — the permit.
Many jurisdictions provide address-based searching, but the available search fields differ. Use the issuing city's official system.
A static status does not always mean nothing is happening. Review comments, submittal dates or contact the city if you need current clarification.