Requests for housing construction permits in Iowa City rose last year

IOWA CITY – The city of Iowa City saw increased interest in home construction last year.

The city received 171 applications for construction permits to build single-family homes in 2013, which was 28 more than the year before for a nearly 20 percent increase, according to a news release from the city.

Requests for multi-family units were up nearly 239 percent, to 488 units, but that was driven largely by the 270 units to be constructed as part of the new Hawkeye Court Apartments at the University of Iowa, according to the release.

Overall, there were 2,568 construction permit applications last year, which was below the 10-year average of 2,666, according to the city. The taxable value of the permits last year was $177.3 million.

Permits are needed for new buildings and also room additions, garages, porches, decks and other projects as well as plumbing, electrical and mechanical work.