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 Alterations - EZ PERMIT DUCTWORK & WARM-AIR APPLIANCES - For the installation of New Ductwork, Registers/Grilles/Diffusers, and Warm-Air Appliances as per attached…
New Construction - Mechanical / Fuel Gas Permit for combo RP-2026-004364
Addition and/or Alteration - Installation of power to 1st floor mini split disconnect. Installation of power to 2nd floor mini split disconnect Installation of 2- 30 Amp double pol…
Alterations - repair/replace main drain.
New Construction or Additions - Plumbing Permit (Exterior Building Drainage) for combo RP-2025-011657
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Alterations - repair/replace ct & fai.
New Construction - Electrical Permit for combo RP-2026-004364
Addition and/or Alteration - All wiring will be fished. Installed recessed lighting in the kitchen and the dimmer, install a 15amp GE arc fault breaker on the lighting circuit
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…
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-2026-004479
Addition and/or Alterations - EZ PERMIT SPRINKLER RELOCATION (NFPA 13)- For the relocation of sprinkler heads as per attached standards. Deviations from these standards require sub…
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.
New Construction - Electrical Permit for combo RP-2026-001124
Addition and/or alteration - for level ii alterations to an existing structure. alterations to include partial demolition and the erection of partition walls, provide finishes/furn…
Addition and/or alteration - for the elimination of accessory interior parking and for interior alterations to an existing single-family structure as per approved plan. basement to…
New Construction - Install owner furnished medium voltage switchgear, MV switches, MV transformers, DC battery rack system, power panels, lighting, receptacles, FA devices, data de…
New Construction or Additions - Install rough and finish plumbing throughout. Exterior building SANITARY & STORM CTs, FAIs, MDs & 1" WATER LINE.
Addition and/or alterations - for the installation of registers, diffusers, and appliances with associated ductwork. appliances to be installed in accordance with manufacturer's sp…
Addition and/or Alterations - EZ PERMIT DUCTWORK & WARM-AIR APPLIANCES- For the installation of New Ductwork, Registers/Grilles/Diffusers, and Warm-Air Appliances as per attached s…