49 P.S. § 1501.5
Pennsylvania's Notice of Commencement under 49 P.S. § 1501.5 is filed online through the State Construction Notices Directory for 'searchable projects' (generally $1.5M+). It triggers the 45-day Notice of Furnishing requirement for subcontractors and suppliers — a major protection for owners on large projects.
The property owner (or the owner's agent or contractor) files the Notice of Commencement electronically through the State Construction Notices Directory.
Before the start of physical work, and the project must be designated as a 'searchable project' on the State Construction Notices Directory at that time.
Online through the Pennsylvania State Construction Notices Directory (https://www.scnd.pa.gov), not in county records.
Available for 'searchable projects' under Pennsylvania's State Construction Notices Directory — generally projects with a contract value of $1.5 million or more.
A copy of the Notice of Commencement must be posted in a conspicuous place at the jobsite for the duration of the work.
Reference: 49 P.S. § 1501.5
A Notice of Intent to Lien is the final written demand for payment served before recording a Claim of Lien under 49 P.S. § 1501.5. It puts the owner, contractor, and lender on notice that they have a short window — usually 10 days — to pay the unpaid balance or a lien will be recorded. Most owners pay once they receive a properly served NOI, and serving one documents a good-faith effort to resolve the debt before filing.
No — it's optional. But on 'searchable projects' (generally $1.5M+), filing a Notice of Commencement on the State Construction Notices Directory significantly limits subcontractor and supplier lien exposure.
Online, through the State Construction Notices Directory at https://www.scnd.pa.gov — not in county recording offices.
It triggers the 45-day Notice of Furnishing requirement: subcontractors and suppliers who don't file a timely Notice of Furnishing on a searchable project lose their lien rights against the owner.
This page is general information about Pennsylvania's Notice of Commencement statute and is not legal advice. Statutes, recording fees, and local procedures change. Verify current requirements with the appropriate Pennsylvania recording office or a licensed Pennsylvania construction attorney before filing.