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 Leads
The most useful filters for General Contractors are those that indicate early development activity. Build relationships with owners while projects are at these stage.
Land Title Changes
Why it matters: Often the first indication of a property changing hands, which may signal development plans.
Action: Use as a trigger for outreach, though detailed filtering isn't available.
Platting Changes
Why it matters: Signals the subdivision or reconfiguration of land—early stage site prep.
Tip: Monitor regularly for quick response time.
Rezoning Applications
Why it matters: Indicates an intent to change the use of land, a strong early signal of future construction.
Limitation: Filtering is limited—keyword searches may help refine.
Recommendation 2: Act Fast
These stages are valuable because they indicate projects that are just becoming actionable—if you're able to respond quickly, you can get in before competitors even know the job exists.
⚠️ These often close quickly. Set up alerts and check daily for new entries.
Development Permits
Why it matters: Sometimes these show up even before bidding; useful but not always consistent.
Tip: Use as a secondary filter, knowing it may be hit or miss.
Accessibility Compliance
Further filter Status to select only Project Registered, the earliest stage.
Why it matters: Often required before construction begins on certain building types.
Bonus: This is one of the few early indicators that does pair well with sector filters because of it's rich descriptive information.
Other filters: Guidance on using Sectors and Work Type
Avoid using other filters when working with the earliest-stage indicators:
Land Title, Platting, and Rezoning: Using sector filters here will cause you to miss many opportunities.
When projects are are further along, they have more details. Consider experimenting with Sectors and Keywords at these stages.
Development Permits: Sometimes include sector info, but it’s inconsistent.
Accessibility Compliance: Sector filtering works better here, especially for public-facing or commercial building types.
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-reaction process: These leads may only be "hot" for a few days—speed is crucial.