A total of 5,691 single-family building permits have been issued metro wide for the year to date, up 8 percent from last year, which had been the previous best mark for first six months of the year. A total of 5,289 permits were issued through the first-half of 2003.

The gain in construction activity has largely been fueled by growth in the “exurban” areas of the metro beyond traditional suburban locations. The top five cities in terms of total single-family permits are up less than one-half percent – a scant 11 more permits issued so far this year compared to the first six months of 2003. Cass, Leavenworth, Wyandotte and Miami counties meanwhile have all posted hefty gains over last year as have exurban areas of Johnson County, Jackson County and the Northland.

“The residential development patterns we have seen through the first half of the year are consistent with some of the challenges facing new-home buyers and home builders,” said HBA Executive Vice President Tim Underwood. “Rising housing costs in suburban areas have forced many consumers to find more affordable housing choices further from where they work.”

Underwood said addressing the demand for new housing choices is essential to long-term growth in the metro area. “Limiting the housing choices of Kansas City families and placing a greater share of the burden for infrastructure costs on homeowners will continue to force growth further from the region’s economic base and employment centers. A number of cities and private industry professionals are recognizing this challenge, but it is only the beginning. We need to address issues of redevelopment and density if we are going to provide the housing choices demanded by the marketplace.”

Kansas City, Mo., remained the top city in new-home construction activity through June with 853 single-family permits issued year to date. Olathe ranks second with 534 permits followed by Lee’s Summit with 484 and Overland Park with 459.

Rounding out the top 10 are Shawnee, 282; Independence 240; Kansas City, Kan./Wyandotte County, 225;Raymore, 224; Lenexa, 201; and Gardner, 198.

The Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City (HBA) is the voice of the housing industry and the source for housing information. Comprising more than 1,000 member companies, the HBA represents an industry that contributes more than $2.5 billion to the Kansas City economy and supports more than 36,000 jobs in the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area.