This article outlines how General Contractors can strategically use filters to identify early-stage project opportunities using planning and permitting data. Based on real-world experience, the recommendations below focus on what works best at the earliest points in the development pipeline.
Your primary filter for finding early stage projects will be Latest Project Stage:
Recommendation 1: Earliest Lead Indicators
The most useful filters for General Contractors are those that indicate early development activity. Here, you can build relationships with owners, developers, and consultants while opportunities are still being shaped.
Note: Construction projects can start in a wide variety of ways. This is why we provide as many early stage indicators to get you involved as early as possible.
Land Title Changes
Why it matters: The land title change is often the first indication of a property preparing to undergo development.
Timing window: 1-10 years before development begins.
Action: Use as a trigger for outreach and/or monitor by adding to a custom project list using the Star or Watch icon.
Filtering: Best paired with the Sector filter and/or Keyword filter.
Platting Changes (only in Houston)
Why it matters: This is an early stage signal for upcoming site preparation. A plat or replat signals the subdivision or reconfiguration of land.
Timing window: 12-18 months before development begins.
Action: Use as a trigger for outreach. Call or email contacts same day that you spot this opportunity.
Filtering: Best paired with the Sector filter, Zoning filter, and/or Keyword filter.
Tip: Monitor regularly and action with a quick response time.
Rezoning Applications
Why it matters: A rezoning application indicates the intent to change the use of land, a strong early signal of future construction.
Timing window: 12-18 months before development begins.
Action: Use as a trigger for outreach. Call or email contacts same day that you spot this opportunity.
Filtering: Best paired with the Sector filter, Zoning filter, and/or Keyword filter.
Tip: Monitor regularly and action with a quick response time.
Recommendation 2: Indicators with 30% Hit Rate
These stages are valuable because they indicate projects that are just becoming actionable. However, they can often already have GCs assigned if the project is larger or if the project is design build.
⚠️ These often close quickly. Set up alerts and check daily for new entries.
Development Permits
Why it matters: A site plan application often needs to be filed when the exterior of the building is planning a visibile alteration. These are often not required for a tennant improvement or interior alteration.
Timing window: 6-12 months before development begins.
Action: Use as a trigger for outreach. Call or email contacts same day that you spot this opportunity.
Filtering: Best paired with the Sector filter, and/or Work Type filter.
Tip: Use the status filter to further refine down to only projects that are new or submitted or where the city has recently received the application.
Accessibility Compliance (Texas Only)
Why it matters: All projects over $50K in value must register with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) for review under the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS). These filings ensure that building plans comply with federal ADA requirements as well as state-specific accessibility codes.
Timing window: 3-6 months before development begins.
Action: Use as a trigger for outreach. Call or email contacts same day that you spot this opportunity.
Filtering: Best paired with the Sector filter, Work Type filter, and/or Total Project Value filter.
Tip: When selected, this stage is pre-filtered to only show the status Project Registered. Statuses that occur later than this often appear post contruction start.
Save your search filters
Click Save Search
The Save Search button will become after after you set at least one Latest Project Stage filter
Name your search to reference it on your dashboard
💡 Final Advice
Be broad early: Don’t over-filter. Early indicators are often messy or incomplete, but they are gold for proactive contractors.
Use keyword searches: If the platform allows, experiment with keywords within rezoning or platting descriptions.
Build a quick-action process: These leads may only be "hot" for a few days—speed is crucial.