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County codes report attributes 21% drop in infrastructure value to permit mix shift, not fewer permits
Summary
County codes staff told the Courthouse and Property Committee that a reported 21% drop in infrastructure value reflects a change in the mix of building permits—more accessory structures and remodels—while the total number of permits increased to 131 over the prior year.
County codes staff told the Courthouse and Property Committee on Aug. 26, 2025, that a 21% drop in reported infrastructure value reflected a change in the types of permits issued rather than a large decline in new-home construction. The committee heard the department issued 131 permits in the most recent period, driven largely by accessory structures and remodels.
This matters because infrastructure-value measures can appear to decline even as construction activity continues if a larger share of permits are for lower-value projects such as detached garages, pools or remodels rather than new houses.
A committee member asked, “We saw a 21% drop in the infrastructure value. Is that just a change in the types of homes that are being built?” County codes staff responded that over a six-year review the permit count rose to 131 and that most new-home starts were flat year over year while the increase in permits reflected accessory structures, detached garages, swimming pools and house remodels.
The report provided a six-year review in the packet; staff directed committee members to pages two and three for details. No ordinance, fee change or formal action was proposed at the meeting; the codes report was accepted as part of regular committee business.
Committee members did not ask for immediate policy changes but noted the importance of tracking permit types when interpreting infrastructure-value metrics.
