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-2026-002326
Addition and/or Alterations - Mechanical / Fuel Gas Permit for combo RP-2026-001649
Alterations - Install curb trap complete with fresh air inlet and main house drain
Excavation - Site / Utility Permit for RP-2025-010083 AND RP-2025-010084
New Construction - Electrical Permit for combo RP-2025-012511
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Alterations - repair 10ft of sewer line, to include ct & fai.
Alterations - Sewer repair on property in yard.
Excavation - for excavation work as per approved plans.
Addition and/or Alteration - Temporary 200 amp single phase 120/240v service entrance for mobile cell site
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…
Alterations - Sewer spot repair under sidewalk.
Alterations - REPAIR/Replace curb trap and fresh air inlet.
Alterations - Install 5" curb trap, 4" vent & 4" house drain.
Alterations - Replace water heater Replace laundry tub Replace 30 ft sewer line inside basement Plumbing only no drywall nor flooring repairs
Alterations - Replace Rainleader Cesspool in Rear of Home.
Addition and/or Alteration - Install 200 Amps Service with Electric panel. Install lights throughout space. Install lines for kitchen. Wiring outlets, lights and switches. Water he…
Addition and/or alteration - for a roof replacement with 12% sheathing on an existing attached structure used as a single-family dwelling as per building application/plan.
Addition and/or alterations - for the installation of registers, diffusers, and appliances with associated ductwork. appliances to be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’…
Sign - for the installation of one (1) non-illuminated accessory wall sign.
New Construction - Mechanical / Fuel Gas Permit for combo RP-2025-012828