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, addition, GFA change - New construction single-family structure as per approved plan with roof deck and roof access structure NTE 38' in height with off street pa…
New construction, addition, gfa change - for the erection of a seven (7) story detached structure on vacant lot; for use as a structured parking facility with three hundred seventy…
Change of Use - Residential - Household Living - Single-Family
Change of Use - Vacant; Residential - Household Living - Single-Family
Signs (accessory / non-accessory) - for the erection of four (4) statically illuminated accessory wall signs and for the refacement of one (1) statically illuminated double faced a…
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Change of Use - Vacant; Residential - Household Living - Single-Family
Change of Use - Vacant; Residential - Household Living - Single-Family
New construction, addition, gfa change - for the erection of a rear walkout deck to an existing semidetached structure. size and location as shown in application/plans
Change of Use - Retail Sales - Consumer Goods
Full Demolition - Complete demolition to create a vacant lot
Signs (accessory / non-accessory) - for the refacement of one (1) accessory statically illuminated double faced freestanding sign and two (2) statically illuminated accessory canop…
Change of Use - Eating and Drinking Establishments - Prepared Food Shop
Change of Use - Vacant
Change of Use - Limited Lodging
Full Demolition - For the complete demolition of an existing rear structure.
Change of Use - Personal Services
Alterations - Plumbing Permit (Interior) for combo RP-2025-009722
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…
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 - for new construction of an attached building with cellar and front porch per approved plans. building to be fully sprinklered with nfpa 13 throughout. separate p…