In 2007 there were 403 building permit applications. This number is an increase of 67 permits from a year ago (+20%) and 167 permits from 2005 (+70%). This increase provides a general picture of construction activity since the total cost of construction at $20,468,616.30 was actually down 20% compared to 2006 ($24,674,000.00). The overall construction cost difference from 2006 to 2007 is roughly the same as the total cost of the Emergency Services Building which was permitted in 2006. As a comparison of general building activity, the Town of Boone reported 453 building permit applications in 2007.
There were 16 new home applications in 2007, down from 21 in 2006. The average construction cost for new homes was down as well from $468,667.00 in 2006 to $421,244.00 in 2007. The total cost for new homes in 2007 was $6,739,900.00.
The largest number of overall permits was issued for additions and renovations to single-family dwellings. In this category there were 233 applications with an estimated construction cost of $7,308,650.30. These types of permit applications include additions and remodels as well as HVAC changes, electrical service changes, and water heater replacements.
The total number of permit applications for renovations and additions to multi-family dwellings was 46 with a reported construction cost of $919,494.00. In 2006 there were 14 applications in this category at a construction cost of $1,226,063.00. The total number of multi-family permits increased by 32 while the cost went down $306,569.00.
There were 3 new commercial permits issued this year at a cost of $408,780.00. The cost of these commercial projects went down by $4,619,220.00. The new commercial projects were Edgewood Cottage and the picnic shelter and steps in Memorial Park.
There were 105 permit applications for renovations and additions to commercial properties. The costs submitted for these applications was $5,091,792. These projects include United Community Bank, Food Lion, and several tenant changes at Shoppes on the Parkway.
Ninety-five (95) zoning permit applications and fourteen (14) conditional use permit applications were received this year.
Although the nationwide mortgage issues paint a bleak picture for the housing market, last summer we noted an increase in repair and renovations to older homes for turnover sales. This trend may not continue on the same pace as the last two years, but we expect at least an average year in single-family renovation projects. Also, given the number and type of conditional use permits applications being submitted, we anticipate an average to above average year in commercial development.
Data from the 2007 Building Summary was provided through the offices of the Blowing Rock Planning and Inspections Department. For more information visit Planning and Zoning at Town Hall on Main Street.