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
Existing (alteration/addition)
Existing (alteration/addition)
Replacement of porch at front of existing single-family dwelling
Mechanical work associated with laundry renovation portion of bda-2024-03569. the residential laundry is being ranovated & enlarged. the size of the facility laundry is being reduc…
New illuminated flush individual letter sign (31'-3" x 2'-0")
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Existing (alteration/addition)
Alterations to electrical system to approve previously installed, and install new, illuminated exit signs and emergency egress lighting only- related to 15-b-03553.
Existing (alteration/addition)
Existing (alteration/addition)
Existing (alteration/addition)
Electrical service, power and lighting on first floor
Existing (alteration/addition)
Alteration to the existing mechanical system in relation to bda-2026-02249. work includes relocation of vav units, ductwork and hydraunic piping.
100a service
Existing (alteration/addition)
Approve use as single-family dwelling
Interior alterations for office refit including new partition walls, doors, fixtures and finishes.
Change of Use - Retail Sales - Consumer Goods; Retail Sales - Food, Beverages, and Groceries
Signs (accessory / non-accessory) - for the refacement of one existing awning and for the removal of one projecting sign installed without permit. size and location as shown in pla…
New construction, addition, GFA change - New construction single-family structure as per approved plan with roof deck and roof access structure NTE 38' in height