Signal Types

Signal types are the atomic unit of Parcel’s intelligence layer. Every event Parcel discovers is classified into one of these standard types. The type determines how the signal advances a project’s stage and lifecycle status, and how it flows into your Home queue.

Each type has a stable string identifier used in the API and MCP tools. These identifiers never change.

How stage derivation works

Each signal type contributes to one or both of two parallel tracks:

Stage tracks where a project sits in the approval funnel. Stages advance in order: pre_filing → filed → under_review → approved → permitted. A project’s current stage is always the highest stage reached across all its signals.

Lifecycle status tracks the physical construction state: projected → planning → in_construction → completed. Lifecycle status advances independently of stage.

Both tracks are forward-only. A late-arriving signal with a lower rank never pulls a project backward. A project that reaches approved stays at approved even if earlier signals arrive out of order.

Some types are terminal: they set a disposition (denied, withdrawn, or expired) without changing the stage or lifecycle status already reached. A later active signal can clear a terminal disposition.

Some types are contextual: they do not advance the regulatory stage track, though some may advance lifecycle status.

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Pre-entitlement signals

These signals place a project at stage pre_filing. Lifecycle status varies: early intent signals set projected, while physical site work signals set planning.

Label	API Name	What it signals	Lifecycle status
Project announcement	project_announcement	Public notice that a project exists or is intended	projected
Pre-application	pre_application	A pre-filing contact with the planning authority	projected
Site acquisition	site_acquisition	Recorded sale or announced site control tied to development	projected
Demolition permit	demolition_permit	Teardown of existing structures preceding a new build	planning
Site prep	site_prep	Early site-readiness permits (geotechnical, boring, excavation)	planning

Why it matters: Site acquisition is the earliest high-confidence signal that capital has been deployed. Demolition and site prep permits indicate physical commitment before formal entitlement begins.

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Entitlement signals

These signals advance the stage from filed through approved. All set lifecycle status to planning.

Label	API Name	What it signals	Stage
Entitlement application	entitlement_application	A formal land-use application (Article 80, special permit, variance, site plan)	filed
Environmental review	environmental_review	Environmental review submission or update (MEPA/NEPA, ENF)	filed
Public review	public_review	Application in active public review (hearing, staff memo, continuance)	under_review
Entitlement approval	entitlement_approval	The discretionary land-use approval was granted	approved

Why it matters: Entitlement approval is a major de-risking milestone. It means the project has cleared public opposition and has a legal right to build.

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Construction and permitting signals

These signals mark the transition from approved design to active construction.

Label	API Name	What it signals	Stage	Lifecycle status
Permit filed	permit_filed	A building or alteration permit application submitted	(none)	planning
Permit issued	permit_issued	A building permit was approved and issued	permitted	in_construction
Construction loan	construction_loan	Recorded construction financing tied to development	(none)	in_construction

Why it matters: Permit issued is the highest stage and signals construction is imminent or underway.

Note: permit_filed and construction_loan do not advance stage but do advance lifecycle status. A project can move to in_construction without reaching permitted stage if financing is recorded before the permit clears.

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Off-ramp signals

Terminal signals. They set a disposition on the project without lowering the stage or lifecycle status already reached. A project that receives a terminal signal stops appearing as active in the Home queue.

Label	API Name	Disposition	What happened
Entitlement denial	entitlement_denial	denied	The application was rejected by the authority
Withdrawal	withdrawal	withdrawn	The applicant pulled the application
Expiration	expiration	expired	A granted approval lapsed without being acted on

A subsequent active signal (such as a re-filed entitlement_application) clears the terminal disposition and reactivates the project.

Projects that never reach a terminal signal but go idle for more than 18 months before reaching permitted stage are automatically marked stalled.

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Contextual signals

These signals carry useful information but do not advance the regulatory stage track.

Label	API Name	What it signals	Lifecycle status
Team update	team_update	A development team firm or person was named or changed	(none)
Completion	completion	Construction complete or certificate of occupancy issued	completed

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Reserved types

Valid identifiers reserved for future signal sources. Not yet subscribable.

Label	API Name	Status
RFP	rfp	Reserved, no live source yet

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Quick reference

All active type identifiers, for use in API filters and MCP tool calls:

project_announcement  pre_application  site_acquisition  demolition_permit  site_prep
entitlement_application  environmental_review  public_review  entitlement_approval
entitlement_denial  withdrawal  expiration
permit_filed  permit_issued  construction_loan
team_update  completion

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Working with signal types in code

Workspace API: Signals Filter signals by type, subscribe, and manage the Home queue via the REST API. MCP Tools Use signal type identifiers with Parcel's MCP tools in Claude, Cursor, and Codex.