recent building permits…
Pennsylvania has 13,108 building permits on file right now. In just the last 30 days, contractors filed 4,474 new permits across the state. That's solid construction activity if you know where to look. Philadelphia dominates the market with 11,017 permits, followed by Pittsburgh at 2,091. Most of the work breaks down into plumbing (3,355 permits), electrical (2,491 permits), renovation (2,389 permits), HVAC (1,541 permits), and other trades (1,778 permits). If you work in any of these areas, there's real demand happening. The contractors winning right now use permit data to find jobs before competitors do. When a permit gets filed, it means a property owner already committed to work. That's a qualified lead. Dig into Pennsylvania's permit database, filter by your trade and the cities you service, and contact property owners while the project is still fresh.
Search the Pennsylvania permit database by your trade (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, etc.) and filter by the cities where you work. Each permit record shows the property address, owner contact info, and project type. Sort by filing date to find the newest permits. Focus on permits filed in the last 30 days since those represent active projects. Many contractors contact property owners within 48 hours of permit filing, before other bidders call.
Philadelphia leads by a wide margin with 11,017 permits on file. Pittsburgh is second with 2,091 permits. These two cities represent the bulk of construction activity in the state. If you service Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, you have access to the most opportunities. Smaller cities and suburban areas also have steady permit activity, so check your local market to identify secondary opportunities in your service area.
Plumbing is the most common permit type with 3,355 filings, followed by electrical with 2,491. Renovation permits total 2,389, HVAC comes in at 1,541, and other trades account for 1,778 permits. If you're a plumber or electrician, you're in high-demand categories. If you do HVAC, roofing, or general contracting, filter the database for those specific permit types to find jobs that match your services.
11,656 recent building permits filed in Pennsylvania.
11,656 permits
New construction, addition, gfa change - for the erection of two story rear addition as part of an existing attached structure. size and location as shown in the application / plan…
Change of Use - Child Care - Child Care Center
Change of Use - Residential - Household Living - Single-Family
Change of Use - Limited Lodging
Change of Use - Residential - Household Living - Two-Family
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Alterations - repair/replace curb trap & fresh air inlet.
Alterations - Replacing a curb trap and rain leader less cesspool in front of home.
New construction - install new fire suppression system and 2” combined service in accordance with nfpa 13d throughout the entire building. all work shall comply with the approved p…
New Construction - Mechanical / Fuel Gas Permit for combo RP-2026-004360
EZ Bathroom & Kitchen Remodel - Replacing one shower\tub with acrylic replacement.
Party Wall Protection - EZ Party wall protection as per standard. NO EXCAVATION-NO other work approved on this.
New Construction - Mechanical / Fuel Gas Permit for combo RP-2026-004362
EZ Bathroom & Kitchen Remodel - Replace fixtures toilet, tub & lavatory. *WITHOUT PIPING*
New Construction - Electrical Permit for combo RP-2026-001950
EZ Wall Covering Replacement - For the Applications of Exterior Wall Coverings as per attached standards. Deviations from these standards require submission of construction and sit…
New Construction - Electrical Permit for combo RP-2026-003543
Excavation - Site / Utility Permit for CP-2025-003791
New construction - install new fire suppression system and 2” combined service in accordance with nfpa 13d throughout the entire building. all work shall comply with the approved p…
Rough-in - install new 1000 amp service install new fire alarm system rewire light fixtures outlets switches smoke detector as per 2017 nec
New Construction - Electrical Permit for combo RP-2026-004358