In February, Washington County officials issued 35 building permits for new single-family homes, marking an increase of 11 permits compared to January. These permits, valued at $11.2 million, resulted in $39,032 in fees for the county.

In total, the county issued 89 building permits for construction in non-incorporated areas during February, although no permits were granted for multi-family residential construction that month.

Records also show that 24 manufactured home permits were issued in February, totaling $2.3 million in value. Additionally, one commercial building permit was issued for a project valued at $164,500, which netted $400 in fees for the county.

The county issued nine building permits for accessory structures, with a combined value of $461,555. Eighteen permits were also issued for home additions, with a total value of $1.28 million.

Altogether, the value of all projects covered by February’s building permits exceeded $15.5 million. Washington County collected $53,873 in fees from these permits.

Looking at the current fiscal year, Washington County has issued 215 single-family home permits, totaling $82.6 million in construction value since the fiscal year began on July 1. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, the county issued a total of 386 permits for new single-family homes, valued at $140.9 million. This is a notable increase from the previous fiscal year's 298 permits, reflecting a trend of rising construction activity in the county.

As construction continues to grow in Washington County, the overall impact on the local economy remains substantial, with higher building permit numbers showing an ongoing demand for housing and commercial spaces.

Washington County’s growth in construction permits is part of a larger trend across the region. The county has seen a steady increase in the issuance of building permits over the last few years, especially in the residential sector. In addition to single-family homes, the county has been focusing on affordable housing initiatives and enhancing infrastructure to support the expanding population.

The increase in building permits is likely a response to the rising demand for housing due to the region's population growth, and the county's efforts to streamline the permit process are contributing to the accelerated construction pace.

County officials are optimistic about sustaining this upward trajectory, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning to ensure that the county can meet the needs of its residents while maintaining a balanced growth model. Moreover, they are working to address zoning regulations to ensure that both residential and commercial projects can proceed smoothly without compromising the quality of life for current residents.

Originally reported by Robert Houk in Johnson City Press.