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 - for the installation of a fire suppression system in accordance witn nfpa 13d, with a one-inch combined fire service line, as per approved plans. all work shall…
Addition and/or Alteration - Furnish and install 1 GFI, 1 wall motion sensor, 16 downlights, 4 ceiling motions, 3 exit signs and 3 pendants. Furnish and install one new fire alarm…
New Construction - Mechanical / Fuel Gas Permit for combo RP-2026-004363
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…
New Construction - Electrical Permit for combo RP-2026-001123
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Alterations - Replacing pipes for existing fixtures. Relocate stacks to accommodate framing. Replace in Kind one kitchen sink.
Rough-in - install new 800 amp service install new fire alarm system rewire light, fixtures,outlets & switches smoke detector as per 2017 nec
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 - install new fire suppression system complying with nfpa 13d throughout an existing structure. installation to include 1" fire service line as per approved plans.…
Addition and/or Alteration - Remove the existing surface mounted outlet and the ceiling fixture, install owners two new surface fixtures and two Pico wireless controls (dimmers) in…
New construction - for the installation of a fire suppression system in accordance witn nfpa 13d, with a one-inch combined fire service line, as per approved plans. all work shall…
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 - the installation of a one (1) inch combined service line for a fire & domestic supply line and fire service line with remote toilet connection per plans. multipu…
New construction - the installation of a one (1) inch combined service line for a fire & domestic supply line and fire service line with remote toilet connection per plans. multipu…
Addition and/or alteration - for level ii alterations to include structural work, new equipment, finishes as per approved plans. separate permits required for mep and fire suppress…
New construction - for the erection of a three (3) story attached structure of type v-b construction with basement for use as six (6) dwelling units (group r-2). building to be ful…
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…
Change of Use - Vacant
New construction, addition, gfa change - for the erection of one story rear addition as part of an existing attached structure. size and location as shown in the application / plan…
Minor alteration