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
Addition and/or Alteration - Install generator with automatic transfer switch
EZ Bathroom & Kitchen Remodel - Replace supply and waste lines of existing plumbing fixtures Replace toilet, sink and shower
New Construction - Electrical Permit for combo RP-2026-004362
Addition and/or Alteration - Install 100 amp service, install Gfi, Fan and light in bathroom, install outlet in bedroom All Wires Are Fished
Rough-In - Rough-In Permit for EP-2026-004111 New Service and distribution, complete electrical fit-out throughout building for 12 townhomes (C2 only). Temp power for construction.…
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New Construction or Additions - Plumbing Permit (Water Distribution) for combo RP-2025-011657
Sign - for erection of one (1) accessory non-illuminated flat wall sign on existing structure. size and location as shown on the application / plan. sign accessory to a sole medica…
EZ Wall Covering Replacement - For minor construction work at the subject property in accordance with all applicable provisions of the Philadelphia Code, all references codes and s…
Addition and/or alteration - installation of rooftop mounted 7.39 kw solar photovoltaic pv system according to the 2017 nec and per ez standard.
Addition and/or Alteration - 200A Service Replacement 200A Grounding & Bonding System 200A Meter Base 40CKT panel ENDBOX Replacement
Alterations - repair/replace curb trap, fresh air inlet, exterior main drain & 25' of interior main drain.
Solar panels and structure - for the installation of roof-mounted solar collectors in accordance with manufacturer's specifications. all work to be done per approved plans. if fiel…
Rough-In - Rough-In Permit for EP-2026-004225 Tenant fit-out to include demo, installation of lighting fixtures/local controls; branch power including receptacles and poke-thrus; m…
New construction - for the erection of an attached structure as per approved plans. building to be fully sprinklered per nfpa 13d. separate permits required for mep & fp work.
Alterations - alterations to existing triplex. interior installation of drainage, waste, vent, and water supply for listed fixtures. venting to be designed and installed in accorda…
New construction - for the installation of an nfpa 13r fire supression system serviced by a two (2) inch fire service line connected to 2" private main with a talco fire pump and 2…
EZ Roof Covering Replacement - For minor construction work at the subject property in accordance with all applicable provisions of the Philadelphia Code, all references codes and s…
Addition and/or alteration - for structural and facade repairs to an existing parking garage as per approved plans and in accordance with 2018 iebc. separate permits to be obtained…
New construction - for the erection of an attached three (3) story structure with a roof deck and roof deck access structure above. for use as a two-family household living. buildi…
New Construction - Electrical Permit for combo RP-2026-004359