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
Minor demolition - complete demolition of an existing detached one-story, concrete, masonry and wood commercial building by hand & mechanical methods. all permitted demolition acti…
Addition and/or Alteration - new 16'-0" x 20'-0" upper roof deck, accessed by prefabricated spiral stair from new 12'-4" x 8'-0" lower roof deck, 42" guardrails, details as shown o…
Alterations - repair/replace ct & fai.
New construction - for the installation of registers, diffusers, and appliances with associated ductwork. appliances to be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifica…
New Construction - Electrical Permit for combo RP-2026-001951
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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…
Addition and/or Alterations - For the installation of New Ductwork, Registers/Grilles/Diffusers, and Warm-Air Appliances as per attached standards. Deviations from these standards…
EZ Interior Non-Load-Bearing Wall Demo. - For minor construction work at the subject property in accordance with all applicable provisions of the Philadelphia Code, all references…
Addition and/or alterations - for the installation of a type 1 commercial kitchen hood (11'-0") and associated ductwork, fans as per approved plans. separate permits required for e…
Temporary tents and canopies - assembly use tent - lawful occupancy shall be as posted - removal date electrical permit required, unless power is provided through existing exterior…
Minor demolition - for the complete demolition of the existing one (1) story masonry structure. all permitted demolition activity to be done in accordance with site safety demoliti…
Addition and/or alteration - for alterations to an existing semi-detached single-family structure as per approved plan. *separate permits required for electrical, plumbing, and mec…
Addition and/or Alteration - ***NEC 2017 FISHING ONLY*** Device replacements in kitchen and dining rooms, kitchen ceiling fan, light fixtures, breaker replacements, 200A meter sock…
Addition and/or alteration - for the installation of a direct vent fireplace in an existing attached structure used as a single-family dwelling as per building application/plan.
Addition and/or Alteration - Install: - 1 vanity light - 2 hall ceiling lights - 2 bedroom ceiling lights - 1 kitchen ceiling light - 1 dining room ceiling light All work to be don…
New construction - for the erection of a new three (3) story attached structure of type v-b construction with basement, roof deck, and roof deck access structure for use as a singl…
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…
New Construction - Electrical Permit for combo RP-2026-001946
New Construction - Proposed new construction three story single family rowhome with roof deck and roof deck access structure. Details ass shown on the plan.
New Construction - Electrical Permit for combo RP-2026-004363