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Hurricane staff report large jump in single-family permits, flags building valuation concerns
Summary
City staff reported a rise in single-family permits in 2024 compared with 2023 and warned that the valuation figures the city currently uses appear significantly lower than market construction costs.
City staff reported that single‑family home permits rose sharply in 2024 and provided a year‑to‑year breakdown of permit types and total valuation, while noting the city’s valuation table likely understates current construction costs.
Larry, a staff member reporting for the planning/building group, said Hurricane received 289 single‑family home permits in 2024 versus 84 in 2023. Townhome permits declined to 42 units in 2024 from 55 in 2023, and condo permits rose slightly to 70 units from 67. Commercial building permits fell to 56 in 2024 from 70 the prior year. The city recorded three apartment buildings (32 units) in 2024 and an increase in accessory dwelling unit (ADU) permits to 56 from 33 in 2023. Larry said overall total valuation rose from about $120,000,000 in 2023 to about $133,000,000 in 2024.
Larry also reported recent permit applications included nine single‑family permits, three townhome permits (17 units total) and one commercial building permit described as a third building at the Ace Hardware subdivision, designed for a drive‑up restaurant and other retail uses. “Soon as I find out something, I will let you know on that,” he said.
On valuation methodology, Larry told the council the current valuation table the city is using appears to be well below market. “It’s probably about 40% lower than what it should be at least,” he said, after comparing contractor cost estimates and neighboring jurisdictions. Staff said they will review comparables (including Washington City and St. George) and return with options to adjust the city’s valuation schedule.
Council members asked staff to provide printed copies of the permit summary; Larry responded, “I will make a copy and leave in your boxes for you.”
Ending: Staff said they will follow up with a valuation comparison and notify the council when they know what will occupy the new commercial building at the Ace Hardware subdivision.
