Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Planning & Development Services

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Barry Walthall, Building Codes Administrator
CC:	Scott McCullough, Planning & Development Services Director
Date:	January 6, 2009
RE:	December 2008 Monthly Permit Report

There were 147 permits issued in December 2008, bringing the total issued for the year to 2179.  This compares to 133 permits issued during December 2007 and 2398 total permits issued in 2007.  Although more permits were issued in December 2008 compared to last year the value of construction was greatly decreased, $2,506,365 compared to $21,322,891 last year.  The high value of construction last year was largely the result of an addition to Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

The value of work for permits issued and fees assessed increased in 2008 compared to 2007:

	Total Permit Valuation	Total Fees
2008 Totals	$146,504,258	$797,231
2007 Totals	$104,457,789	$682,021

Permits for public projects were not nearly as significant in 2008 compared to 2007.  In 2007 there were 23 permits issued for public projects such as city projects for pump stations or permits issued for LMH expansion, with a total value of approximately $15.9 million.  This compares to 9 permits issued for public projects in 2008 valued at approximately $10.6 million.

Permits for one- and two-family dwellings decreased from 2007 to 2008, the total number of residential units increased significantly:

	2007	2008
One- & two-family	175	114
Total # of residential units	407	683

There were no permits issued for major projects this month.

The December 2008 monthly permit report and summary are attached.