recent building permits…
California's construction market is running hot right now. We're tracking 21,624 permits on file across the state, with 6,683 filed in just the last 30 days. That's real work happening on real projects, and it translates directly into lead opportunities for contractors. Los Angeles dominates the activity with 15,195 permits, followed by San Francisco with 6,429. Renovation work leads the charge at 11,473 permits, but roofing is solid too at 4,770 permits. Pool work, demolition, and specialty permits round out the rest. The point: there's enough variety here that roofers, HVAC techs, plumbers, and electricians can all find their next job. Permit data works because it's a record of decisions already made. When a property owner pulls a permit, they've committed money and timeline. DigPermit gives you access to this data so you can reach out before competitors do. You're not guessing who's building. You know exactly who filed what, where, and when.
Use permit data. Every building permit filed represents a property owner or GC who has already decided to build or renovate. DigPermit tracks permits as they're filed, so you can identify projects in your area, check the permit type to see if it matches your trade, and reach out directly. This beats waiting for bids to go public or hoping someone refers you work. You're working from actual filed permits, not speculation.
Los Angeles leads significantly with 15,195 permits on file. San Francisco is second with 6,429 permits. These two cities represent a huge share of construction activity in the state. If you're based in or willing to travel to either market, the volume of work is there. Even smaller cities show steady permit activity, so check your local area in DigPermit to see what's actually happening near you.
Renovation permits are most common at 11,473 permits. Roofing is second at 4,770 permits, which is significant work for roofers and GCs. Pool permits account for 1,317, demolition for 674, and another 1,986 are miscellaneous permit types. Your trade likely appears in the data. Use the permit type filters in DigPermit to narrow results to work that matches your services.
40,452 recent building permits filed in California.
40,452 permits
ePlan: Remodel and addition to existing two story dwelling. Add pantry room, Foyer; Change out windows and doors as indicated on plan. Remove interior walls and remodel to existing…
Eplan. Installation and anchorage of storage racks with 7' 10" maximum height.
*EPLAN* supplemental permit to 26016-10000-04028 prevoisuly approved modification for the storefront pair (doors 8A-E1) on one of the retail patios required panic hardware which wo…
Supplemental to 24020-20000-01989 to revise block wall detail per engineering design
Re-roof with Class A or B roof covering material weighing less than 6 pounds per sq. ft. over existing solid sheathing 14 Squares. Class A roof covering is required within Very Hig…
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Replace drywall (no new walls added) for single family dwellings and duplexes only.
Re-roof with Class A or B roof covering material weighing less than 6 pounds per sq. ft. over existing solid sheathing (38 ) Squares. Class A roof covering is required within Very…
Re-roof with Class A or B material weighing less than 6 pounds per sq. ft. over existing solid sheathing 46__Squares. Class A roof covering is required within Very High Fire Hazard…
ePlan: New concrete wall with trellis structure.
Remove and replace damaged decking. remove and replace rim joist due to dry rot. and to remove and replace damaged joists, and end supported beam asneeded.no change in the dimensio…
Convert existing accessory living quarters to new accessory dwelling unit lamc 12.22 a.33 (c) and (e) and attach to existing single family dwelling with addition
Re-roof with Class A or B roof covering material weighing less than 6 pounds per sq. ft. over new solid sheathing 50 Squares. Class A roof covering is required within Very High Fir…
Supplemental permit to 21010-30000-05928 to change scope of work to "new 3-story duplex at rear of the lot", recheck plans per current code and change engineer of record
Re-roof with Class A or B roof covering material weighing less than 6 pounds per sq. ft. over existing solid sheathing 30 Squares. Class A roof covering is required within Very Hig…
New detached patio cover
(ePLAN) Interior tenant improvement to existing retail store.
Application of an approved coating to an existing exterior balcony or deck for units 7, 12, 18, 21, 28, 36, 42, 54, 57
Eplan. conversion and addition of (e) garage to new attahced adu per state law and sfd remodel
3- bathroom remodel for residential buildings (no structural changes)
Two (2) Commercial Coaches/Modular - temporary for Restroom use to expire on 09/01/2026