Local Economy: Construction Up, New Development Down

How’s development shaping up this year in San Juan Capistrano? Depends on the numbers you examine.

Looking at the number of total building permits pulled, development is up by 218 percent over the same period last year. That’s 119 building permits total for September, 302 since the fiscal year began on July 1, according to a recent report from City Manager Karen Brust.

“That report continues to show strong economic growth in construction,” Brust wrote in her weekly report.

However, a report to City Council shows that new development applications are down this year.

Last year by this time, there were 100 applications, according to a report the City Council reviewed tonight. This year, there have been 84.

The latest applications include a request to change the façade at the clock tower building on Camino Capistrano just north of San Juan Creek Road, the city’s own application to rezone a parcel to accommodate affordable housing and a request by South Coast Christian Assembly for a new wall sign.