GAINESVILLE - The number of new housing permits being issued in Hall County continues to run well-below previous years - a trend that began one year ago.
Hall County Building Inspection Services says there were 352 fewer permits for such construction the first half of this year compared to last year - 216 compared to 568.
February, traditionally one of the slowest months under normal circumstances, posted the highest number of permits this year - 70.
Triple-digit monthly totals, the norm for years on end, have not been seen since last April.
JANUARY-JUNE 2008 HALL COUNTY SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING PERMITS ISSUED
January 26
February 70
March 29
April 29
May 29
June 33
JANUARY-JUNE 2007 HALL COUNTY SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING PERMITS ISSUED
January 94
February 126
March 108
April 101
May 84
June 55