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-2025-012517
Addition and/or Alteration - Provide 125-amp panel feeders, new electrical panel, transformer, new light fixtures, exit signs, emergency wall-packs and select demo as needed. Power…
New Construction - Electrical Permit for combo RP-2025-012514
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…
Addition and/or alteration - for the erection of four (4) accessory internally illuminated walls signs, three (3) freestanding (one (1) of them internally illuminated) accessory si…
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New construction - for the installation new fire suppression system complying with nfpa 13d throughout an existing structure. installation to include 1-1/2" combined fire service l…
Alterations - REPAIR/REPLACE Curb Trap, FAI, Main drain, and Rainleader.
Commercial make safe permit - for the structural repair to floor/ceiling assembly & joists to resolve case #cf-2026-031138. a separate permit is required for any additional alterat…
Alterations - repair/replace house trap and fai.
EZ Interior Non-Load-Bearing Wall Demo. - For minor construction work at the subject property in accordance with all applicable provisions of the Philadelphia Code, all references…
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 Bathroom & Kitchen Remodel - REPLACE 3 PC BATH WITH TUB.
EZ Wall Covering Replacement - EZ EXTERIOR WALL COVERINGS - For the Applications of Exterior Wall Coverings as per attached standards. Deviations from these standards shall result…
Alterations - repair/replace ct, fai & section of md.
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 - install new fire suppression system complying with nfpa 13 throughout the building, to include 4" main fire service line with a 4" ames colt200 backflow preventi…
Addition and/or alteration - for level ii interior alterations to renovate the bathroom in unit #726 on 7th fl. of an existing building per approved plans. alterations to include t…
Addition and/or alterations - install new fire suppression system complying with nfpa 13 throughout an existing structure. installation to include 2" fire service line and 2.5" dc…
Addition and/or alteration - for level ii interior alterations with a change in use without a change in occupancy classification to group medical/counseling office (group b) on the…
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…