In-depth architectural comparison of the Permits and OpenDataMCP MCP servers. Compare execution transports, security boundaries, tool capabilities, quality scores, and ready-to-paste client installation snippets for Claude, Cursor, Windsurf, and VS Code.
At a Glance & Executive Verdict
Permits
Customer Data Platforms · Local stdio
Quality: 52/100 (Good) | Auth: No auth required
OpenDataMCP
Customer Data Platforms · Local stdio
Quality: 40/100 (Fair) | Auth: No auth required
Verdict Summary: Choose Permits if you need specialized Customer Data Platforms tools running via a local process. Choose OpenDataMCP if your workspace requires Customer Data Platforms integration with local subprocess execution. Both servers can be configured concurrently in your client's mcpServers manifest.
Which MCP Server Should You Choose?
Choose Permits when:
You need dedicated capabilities in the Customer Data Platforms domain.
You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).
You need dedicated capabilities in the Customer Data Platforms domain.
You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).
Primary tools included: CLI tool for managing MCP servers and data providers, Support for multiple open data providers with modular design, Templates and guidelines for publishing new data providers.
What construction has actually been permitted at an address or in a city? Filters on city, keyword (address, project type, scope description, contractor, architect, permit number) and minimum valuation.
list_sb9_inventory
Which active listings can be split or duplexed under SB 9, and what blocks the ones that can't?
list_adu_leads
Which parcels have room for an ADU, and how many units / how much square footage?
list_redevelopment_leads
Which parcels are underbuilt against their allowable envelope (scrape-and-rebuild or expansion)?
list_market_signals
Which listings score highest for teardown or flip potential?
Ready-to-Paste Client Configurations
Paste either (or both) of these JSON server blocks into your client config file (e.g. claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json).
Permits is categorized under Customer Data Platforms and uses a local stdio subprocess. In contrast, OpenDataMCP belongs to Customer Data Platforms using local stdio subprocess. Select Permits when you need capabilities focused on customer data platforms and OpenDataMCP when you require tools for customer data platforms.