Residential permits issued in July decreased slightly both from June 2021 (558 permits issued) and from July of last year when 493 permits were issued. However, the 480 single-family units permitted during the month brings the year-to-date total to 3,718 which is 20 percent higher than the 2,990 permits issued during 2020’s first seven months, according to the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City’s (KCHBA) monthly Residential Building Permit Statistics report.

“The slight decrease in Kansas City area permit activity last month is also being seen across the country. Supply chain challenges leading to rising prices and limited availability have had a tempering effect on the volume and velocity of construction,” said Will Ruder, executive vice president of the KCHBA. “The fact that permitting activity is up year-to-date is a testament to our members’ ability to adapt and innovate to meet the consistent consumer demand in this market.”

Comparing single-family permit activity on a county-wide basis, year-to-date the Missouri counties have increased by an overall total of 18 permits in 2021 while the Kansas counties have had an increase of 31 permits compared to the same period in 2020.

Similar to last year, the five most active cities for single-family permits in 2021 so far are Kansas City, Mo., (584); Olathe (462); Lee’s Summit (436); Overland Park (414); and Blue Springs (163). The only change is Belton, which was replaced by Blue Springs as the fifth most active city. Additionally, the total number of single-family permits issued year-to-date by the five busiest cities has increased from 1,529 in 2020 to 2,059 in 2021 – indicating new home construction continues to be a stronghold for the economy.

Click here to view the July 2021 Residential Statistics Report.