Building down slightly in Mapleton last year

Construction activity in Mapleton last year was down slightly over 2013 numbers.

“We had a little dip from the previous year - nothing that concerns me,” said chief building official Patty Wright, who presented a year-end report to Mapleton council on Jan. 13.

The report shows there were 267 building permits issued for construction valued at $28,515,894 in 2014, generating fees of $234,284 for the township.

In 2013, 287 permits were issued for $29,856,899 worth of construction, generating fees of $248,503.

A slow December in 2014 accounts for most of the difference. Just seven permits for construction valued at $187,492 were issued, generating fees of $2,984 last month.

During the same period in 2013, 16 permits were issued for construction valued at $1,808,500, generating fees of $10,319.

Wright noted agricultural construction “continues to be our primary source of permit applications.”

With 81 permits issued for more than $11.8 million worth of building activity, agricultural construction was the busiest sector in 2014. Just under $90,000 in permit fees were generated through agricultural building.

Single family dwellings were the next largest category in terms of value, with 31 permits issued for almost $9 million worth of construction.

Industrial construction was next on the list, with 12 permits issued for $1.6 million worth of construction.

Building inspector hired

CAO Patty Sinnamon announced at the Jan. 13 meeting that the township has hired a new building inspector.

Nathan Shultz started on Jan. 19.