洛陽永寺建置年代的最早記錄，是《洛陽伽藍記》所說的北魏孝明帝熙平元年(516)。在古今文獻中，學者對之見解錯落紛紜，而且經由1960-1990年代的永寺遺址之發掘，也未能提供文物來解決，至今尚有待釐清。依史料之證，本寺營建過中的建置年代可考者有四：一、熙平元年為始建年代。二、塔當竣工於孝明帝神龜二年八月以後至正光元年七月以前之間(519-520)。三、整體工程應竣工在孝明帝孝昌元(525)年四月以後至二年(526)七月以前之間(525-526)。四、其它不同的建置年代，皆屬錯誤。

The earliest text indicating the constructional chronology of the Yong Ning Temple is the Record of Buddhist Temples in Lou Yang. It mentions that the monastery was founded in the first year of the Xi Pin Era (516AD) of the Xiao Ming Emperor. There have been conflicting views among historical records and scholars concerning they year of construction. This controversy has persisted despite the excavation of the relics at the Temple site form 1960 to 1990. Based on the evidence form historical records of various kinds, I hereby propose three important milestones pertaining to the constructional chronology. The critical time periods include (1)The first year of the Xi Pin Era (516AD) of the Xiao Ming Emperor-This is the time period when the monastery foundation was laid; (2)August of the second year of the Shen Gui Era to July of the first year of the Zheng Guang Era (519-520AD), the Xiao Ming Emperor-During this time period, the tower or stūpa was built; (3)April of the first year to July of the second year of the Xiao Chang Era of the Xiao Ming Emperor—This is the time period when the entire constructional engineering was completed. Dates or years other then these are quite likely formulated with the twisting of records and the supposition of facts.