CLIPBOARD : Non-Residential Building Valuations

Commercial construction, already in a miserable slump in Orange County, turned down in the first quarter of the year.

During the first three months, the value of permits issued was just $86.5 million, 36% less than the comparable figure for 1992.

Valuations for all kinds of building were less than 1992’s totals.

Orange County’s first quarter was by far the worst of the urbanized five-county Southern California area. Riverside, the only other county to suffer a loss compared to last year, was down 11% overall. The other three counties--Los Angeles (+4%), San Bernardino (+19%) and San Diego (+18%)--all improved on 1992. The statewide total is down 13%.

Of all the commercial construction permits issued during the first quarter in the local five-county area, 10% were for Orange County projects; 5% of the value of all permits issued statewide occurred here.

Here’s how the first three months of 1993 compared to last year:

1993 % of 1993 % of Jan.-March Jan.-March 1992-1993 5-county state Building type 1992 1993 % change total total Industrial $3,134 $97 -97 * * Office 12,485 11,479 -8 10 6 Stores/ 21,659 9,767 -55 8 4 mercantile Hotels/motels 0 0 -- -- -- Alterations/ 80,178 54,511 -32 13 7 additions Total building** $134,179 $86,502 -36 10 5

Note: Amounts listed in thousands of dollars, not adjusted for inflation.

* Less than 1%.

**Includes the above categories plus others not shown.

Source: Construction Industry Research Board