Building Permit Update 2021

Using 2021 Building Permit Issuance data, CDRPC noted an increase in the overall number of regional building permits issued after yearly declines from 2015 to 2019. After a six year low of 1,094 building permits issued in 2019, there has been a steady increase in building permit issuances. It is important to note that building permit issuance counts are based on municipalities reporting to the Census Bureau. Municipalities that don’t report their issuance may appear to have fewer permits issued than have actually been issued.

Total Building Permits

Since 2019, building permit issuances have been increasing. In fact, building permit issuances increased by 39.3% between 2020 and 2021. In 2021, single-family issuances were the highest value they have been since 2015, reaching a total of 1,446 issuances. This is a 9.3% increase from the 1,323 single-family issuances in 2020.

Share of Building Permits

In 2021, there was more of an equal share of permits between single-family and multi-family building permit issuances. With single-family building issuances accounting for 55% of the total share and multi-family issuances at 45% of the total share. The share of single-family permit issuances seems to have peaked in 2020, and has decreased by 13% in 2021.

Breakdown by County

Of the 2,642 total permits issued in 2021, Saratoga County issued the most with approximately 41% of all permits. Of these permits, 77% were for single-family units and 23% were for multi-family units. Compared to 52% of shares taken by Saratoga County in 2020, their shares in 2021 have decreased by 9%. Albany County had the second most building permits issued, with 34% of the total issuances in the region. Of these issued permits 38% were for single-family units and 62% were for multi-family units. Schenectady County saw a 10% increase in the share of permits, jumping from 7% in 2020, to 17% in 2021. Of this 17%, 22% are permit issuances for single-family units and 78% are for multi-family permits. Rensselaer County accounted for 9% of the building permit issuances, with 77% for single-family units and 23% for multi-family units. 

Breakdown by Municipality

Of all the municipalities throughout the region, the City of Albany issued the most building permits, totaling 428. Of these 428 permits, 8 were for single-family units and 420 were for multi-family units. It is important to note that 420 refers to the amount of units that were permitted issuances and does not refer to the number of buildings established. The Town of Halfmoon, issued the second most permits at 246 total units, all of which are single-family units. The Town of Ballston issued the third most permits, totaling 218. Of these 218 permits issued, 80 were for single-family units and 138 were for multi-family units.