Nov. 1, 2019

Building permits in Sioux Falls are creeping closer to the record set in 2018.

They totaled $696.3 million through October, compared with $701.3 million for the same time one year ago. The record-setting total for 2018 was $786.6 million.

New commercial construction has pulled ahead of last year, totaling $308.1 million, compared with $262.8 million.

Permits for major new projects issued in October include phase one of Whisper Ridge East Apartments at 4400 E. 69th St. valued at $10.2 million and the Staybridge Inn & Suites at 4210 W. 59th St. valued at $8.1 million. Storm damage also forced a $6.8 million repair permit for Avera Behavioral Health Center and a $1.6 million repair at Kohl’s Empire East store.

Other projects included the third-floor build-out of the City Center city administration building and exterior improvements at the State Theatre, each valued at $1.5 million.

The pace of  single-family housing is behind the past two years. Permits have been issued for 562 houses so far this year, compared with 618 for the same time in 2018 and 682 in 2017.

The city has issued permits for 873 multifamily units, which also is behind the past two years.

Residential addition and remodeling projects continue to outpace 2018, totaling $57.6 million, compared with $46 million.