City of Medford issues the highest number of construction permits for single-family homes since 1998

Medford snapped out of its recent decline in single-family home construction in 2002 as the city issued 343 permits — the most since issuing 385 in 1998.

"There was a lot of pent-up activity and a whole number of factors," building safety director Chris Reising says. "Primarily it was a matter of land availability. In the past few years, there’s been more land available in outlying areas and less in the city. But in the last year or so, there have been quite a few new subdivisions in the city."

After 331 permits were issued in 1999, the level dropped below 300 the past two years. Only 261 permits were dispersed in 2001.

Strong Jackson County employment figures have fueled residential building booms in Central Point and White City, while Medford’s residential growth opportunities lagged, mostly driven by in- fill projects on islands of undeveloped property.

"In reality, most of our revenue comes from commercial projects, so we keep a closer eye on commercial activity," Reising says. "It only takes a couple large commercial projects to really bump numbers up. But it’s homes that drive the commercial stuff."

The Elk Creek development off Lozier Lane in southwest Medford has been one of the bigger growth areas, but it will soon be eclipsed by the Summerfield subdivision at the corner Cherry Lane and North Phoenix Road.

Reising says homes typically take three to six months to complete after permits are obtained, although some can take more than a year.

Central Point builder Tommy Malot says 32 of the 45 houses he’s building in White City’s Antelope Valley subdivision have sold since he put them on the market in November. With mortgage rates remaining low, he says much of the activity is driven by people now qualifying for low-interest federal loans.

"President Bush is pushing forward to have first-time homebuyers share in the American dream of owning a piece of property," he says

Driven by medical and commercial expansions and remodel work, Medford’s total construction valuation was $114,000,051 in 2002. The figure was the highest since 1996 when there was $114,400,000 in construction.

"Linens ‘n Things at the mall has been a big thing and both medical centers have been constantly upgrading, adding on and remodeling," Reising says.

Reach reporter Greg Stiles at 776-4463 or e-mail business@mailtribune.com