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 - Mechanical / Fuel Gas Permit for combo RP-2026-004366
Rough-In - Rough-In Permit for EP-2026-004118 New Service and distribution, complete electrical fit-out throughout building for 8 townhomes (C3 only). Temp power for construction.…
Addition and/or Alteration - Replace 100amps panel with new 100amps 30 space panel
Addition and/or Alteration - Provide complete interior electrical rough-in and finish for 1st floor apartment. Perform device and lighting upgrades to 2nd floor apartment.
Alterations - REPAIR/REPLACE Partial sanitary lateral in front yard.
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New Construction - Mechanical / Fuel Gas Permit for combo RP-2026-004359
Rough-In - Rough-In Permit for EP-2026-004011 Exterior work only. Extend existing branch circuiting, install 2 in ground junction boxes and 4 parking lot pole lights
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…
Alterations - repair/replace ct, fai & rain leader.
New Construction - Electrical Permit for combo RP-2026-004360
New Construction - Mechanical / Fuel Gas Permit for combo RP-2026-004357
New Construction - Electrical Permit for combo RP-2026-004361
Alterations - repair/replace defective lateral.
New Construction - Electrical Permit for combo RP-2026-004365
Addition and/or alterations - for installation of hvac appliances, equipment, ductwork and registers/diffusers per approved plans and manufacturer's specification.
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.
Addition and/or Alteration - Install 200 amp single phase service with four dedicated circuits for new LED billboard. GP-2026-001416
Addition and/or alteration - for level ii interior alterations to an existing tenant space on the 1st floor level of an existing structure. all work to be done per approved plans.…
EZ Chimney and Vent Extension - EZ PERMIT STANDARDS FOR CHIMNEY AND VENT EXTENSION - For Residential Type Appliances for One- and Two-Family Dwellings (three stories or less). Obta…
New construction - for new construction of a four (4) story wood-frame attached structure on reinforced concrete footings/foundations with a roof deck. for use as a vacant commerci…