Lee homebuilding permits fall flat

FORT MYERS — Builders pulled 54 permits to build single-family homes in Lee County in January, a slight decline of 5% from the 57 they pulled in the same month one year ago.

The relatively flat start to single-family permits in January may be a temporary lull as builders prepare for the busy spring selling season in a recovering economy. In 2012, builders pulled 49% more permits for single-family homes in Lee County compared with 2011.

Builders pulled eight multifamily building permits in January, double the four they pulled in January 2012, according to the Lee County Department of Community Development.

Contractors pulled commercial permits valued at $2.5 million in January, about half of the $5.4 million they pulled in the same month one year ago in Lee County.