The question has been asked a million times – online or over the back fence. And now, there’s an answer – in late July, the city announced an online permit application process AND SEARCHABLE DATABASE.

“The City’s Building Department launched an online permitting system through CitizenServe, offering all applicants for permits available in the Building Department to submit applications and documents online. To access the online system, visit www.medfordma.org/departments/building-department.”

That said, residents can also SEARCH the permit database! You do have to hit the “Apply for a Permit” button, but that takes you to a page where you can actually search for permits – including, of course, demo permits.