For the first time since 2006, the Twin Cities region permitted over 10,000 residential units this year, an increase of 14 percent over 2012. About half of the total permitted units were in multi-family dwellings, which was about four percent higher than in 2012. Single-family construction continued to show strong growth throughout the year, ending with 26 percent more permits than in 2012 (5,110 permits vs. 4,058).
According to data compiled by the Keystone Report for the Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC), there were 398 permits issued for a total of 1,011 units during four comparable weeks in the month of December, 2013. Year-to-date, regional cities issued 5,339 permits for a total of 10,303 units.
“While there were still plenty of challenges during the last year, our members responded to the increasing demand with fresh plans, fresh energy and an eye to the future,” said Pamela Belz, Builders Association of the Twin Cities 2013 president and developer with Senior Housing Partners. “The residential construction industry will continue to work hard to ensure area families can find quality, durable and affordable new homes that save energy and offer a comfortable and safe place to make lasting memories.”
Minneapolis once again led the top five cities for the month in activity, permitting 371 units. Edina came in second with 253 units (232 in one multi-family building), followed by Woodbury with 31 and Maple Grove with 38. Brooklyn Park and Chaska rounded out the top five, each with 21 units permitted.
See the Data Chart Online, or PDF version below.