Permits at Four-Year High

A modest boost in builders’ plans for new single-family homes in June and July have brought the total number of permits issued in Orange County during the first seven months of 1993 to a four-year high of 2,611 units.

The previous high was much higher--5,187 single-family permits in the first seven months of 1989--so it is much too soon to start singing hallelujahs. The increase also is only 156 more units--or 6.5%--above the 2,455 permits issued for single-family homes in the first seven months of 1992.

But at least the direction is upward.

On the other hand, apartment construction continues to tumble, with permits issued through July for only 1,197 units--down 28% from the same period last year.

Total residential units for which permits were issued in the first seven months, according to data collected by the Construction Industry Research Board in Burbank: 3,808. That’s 315 homes and apartments fewer than for the same period last year and the lowest seven-month total in a decade.