Query Seattle's open Building Permits dataset (Socrata SODA API) to find fence-related permit records for canvassing or compliance research

Steps

1. Locate the dataset at data.seattle.gov/Built-Environment/Building-Permits/76t5-zqzr and review its Socrata API Foundry page at dev.socrata.com/foundry/data.seattle.gov/76t5-zqzr for the current field list and dataset metadata
2. Query the SODA API directly via HTTPS GET, e.g. `https://data.seattle.gov/resource/76t5-zqzr.json?$limit=50`, which returns JSON by default (CSV available via the same endpoint with an Accept/format change)
3. To find fence-related permits, use Socrata's full-text search parameter (`$q=fence`) against the dataset rather than assuming a specific categorical field value, since permit-type/category field naming can vary and change over time — confirm exact field names against the current data dictionary on the dataset page before writing a `$where` filter on a specific column
4. Register a free Socrata app token (dev.socrata.com) and pass it via the `X-App-Token` header or `$$app_token` parameter to avoid the low unauthenticated rate limit for repeated/bulk queries
5. Paginate large pulls using `$limit`/`$offset` SoQL parameters, and filter by date range on the permit issue-date field to scope canvassing to a specific storm or time window
6. Combine with location fields returned in the dataset (address/lat-long) to map fence permit activity geographically for lead generation or code-research purposes