DCBIA meeting attracts 60 participants

MINDEN - More million-dollar homes are being built in Carson Valley and around Lake Tahoe, the Douglas County Building Industry Association were told recently.

Douglas County's building industry members heard county building official Norm Denny and economic development planner Mimi Moss talk about changes in the county building codes and the master plan.

For commercial projects, in the fiscal year 1996-97, 38 building permits with a valuation of $20 million were issued; in 1997-98, 46 permits valued at $33 million were issued. In 1998-99, 37 permits totaled $36 million; and so far this fiscal year, 19 building permits have been issued with a value of $21.2 million. Denny projected the final number would be 35 to 40 permits.

For residential projects, Denny told the crowd that in 1996-1997, 443 building permits with a value of $64.7 million were issued; 1997-1998, 440 permits worth $65.9 million; 1998-1999, 456 permits with a value of $76.6 million; and in 1999-2000, 261 permits valued at $44.5 million. Denny said he expects that number to climb to 445.

Trends in residential building have reached new highs, Denny said, with more million dollar homes being built, and a record $50 million private residence in the works.

"At the lake, we're seeing more people tearing down existing homes and putting up high dollar homes," he said. Because new homes cannot be built, existing homes are being demolished so a new home can be built in their "footprint."