New construction value increased by more than 20 percent during 1999.

Permits for new construction soared, starting in June 1999 and continuing each month to show large gains over the same months in 1998.

In November, for example, the county issued $22 million in construction permits, compared to $11 million for November 1998.

For the first time in several years, the number of permits issued for new mobile homes declined. The county issued 787 permits, down 182 from the 969 issued a year ago.

The value of the mobile home permits was down only slightly, however, reflecting increases in the cost of mobile homes. The value of the 787 homes was put at $19 million, compared to $22 million for the homes permitted a year ago.

The number of permits for single-family homes declined slightly, but the overall value rose.

A total of 683 homes were permitted in 1999, six fewer single-family homes than 1998. The construction value rose from nearly $81 million to $90 million.

Janice Teague of the Building Inspections Office said the values are determined on the basis of square footage. Single-family home construction is based on $52 per square foot.

The largest category of increases came in the miscellaneous category, which includes anything besides single-family or mobile homes. That can include industry, renovations, swimming pools and businesses.

A total of $92 million in permits were issued in this category, up from $65 million the previous years.

The county recorded huge jumps in the miscellaneous category in July and November.

The permit for the new middle school on Peeler Road, issued in July, came to about $5 million.

The permit with the highest dollar value during the year was issued on Nov. 16 — a $9-million permit for the Aldi distribution center at Old Union Church Road and Interstate 85.