In a dramatic signal that the County’s homebuilding sector is in trouble, the County’s building department released building permits statistics for 2009 showing a steep decline in the number of permits issued over the past two years. Building starts are an important barometer of the overall health of the economy.

Builders have warned County officials and representatives of softening in the market.

Nevertheless the County chose to introduce development charges and interim connection charges in the past two years. Combined, these new charges add $14,152 to the cost of a new 3- bedroom single detached home connected to water and sewer service, before a shovel is in the ground.