2020 Was A Slow Year For Rochester Homebuilders

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Despite a strong demand for homes in Rochester in 2020, the city approved the lowest amount of permits for new single-family houses in nearly 10 years.

The city's latest report on building activity during 2020 shows builders took out 266 permits for new single-family homes. That’s the lowest yearly total since 191 in 2011.

It also marked the fourth straight year of falling permits for new homes:

• 2017: 429
• 2018: 347
• 2019: 289
• 2020: 266

Construction of new townhomes was also slow as only 41 permits were issued during the year.

The city issued a total of 1,970 permits for new construction projects during 2020. They had an overall valuation of nearly $367-million.

News update:  You call this January?