A total of 635 single-family permits were issued last month in the metropolitan area, compared to 577 permits issued last September. For the year to date, 6,582 permits have been issued through September, down just 1 percent for the same period last year.

“Last year began very strong, which was then followed by a sharp decline in the second half of 2000,” said Tim Underwood, HBA Executive Vice President. “Permit activity has remained steady during 2001, despite fluctuations in the economy. The September permit numbers show that the home-building sector of our local economy remains strong.”

With interest rates hovering at levels not seen in a quarter century, demand for new homes remains strong despite signs of weakness in other areas of the economy. The home-building industry has been identified by many economists as one of the shining stars of the economy during the past year.

Olathe continues to lead the metropolitan area in single-family permit activity with 1,053 permits issued through September. Kansas City, Mo., is second with 865 permits, followed by Overland Park with 647 permits and Lee’s Summit with 556.

Rounding out the top-permitting cities for the year-to-date are Shawnee, 375; Blue Springs, 245; Lenexa, 231; Independence, 208; Raymore, 208; and Leawood, 189.

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.