Building Permits Soar in Cathedral City

CATHEDRAL CITY – This community, the second largest in the Coachella Valley, is experiencing a marked increase in requests for building permits and associated construction activity.

Any city would covet such bustle.

City McClendon captured a snapshot of the movement:

• Permits for single family homes increased from 16 in 2015 to 145 through 11 months in 2019, an increase of 806%.
• Total permits increased from 1,463 in 2015 to 2,041 through 11 months in 2019, an increase of 40%.
• Building permit revenue increased from $331,785 in 2015 to $1,208,893 through 11 months in 2019, an increase of 264%.
• For the current fiscal year, the budgeted revenues for all licenses and building permits is $1,940,024. Actual revenue through five months is $1,260,111 which places the City on a pace to receive about $3,000,000 in total license and permit revenue for the year.

Building permits, are in fact, the No. 1 request at City Hall’s front counter, according to staff who tracked counter activity for several weeks.

Mayor John Aguilar said several factors contribute to the increased level of building activity.

“No doubt the economy in general has contributed to our growth but several other local factors have helped that along,” Aguilar told Uken Report. “The city has a number of improved (with infrastructure) lots throughout the city ready for development.  Some of these are phased developments of projects that were stalled for a while but are pulling permits to meet demand in both the residential and commercial sectors”

Also, related to this, Aguilar said, “is the significant investment that we have, and continue to, make in our public infrastructure: streets, sidewalks, bridges, bike paths, etc. which improves the appearance of our city and improves access to and from new development locations which is a key to their success in build out.”

Beyond that, Aguilar said that Cathedral City has a much better reputation and improved image which is attracting a broad range of investors to the city.

“Several events we now have including the Hot Air Balloon Festival, (Taste of) Jalisco and Tejano Festivals, LGBTQ days, Holiday Events, Film Festival, etc. have really elevated our position in the area and made Cathedral City a destination location,” Aguilar said. “Finally, I think when investors are looking to choose a location to invest their capital, they want to ensure that the city has strong Leadership and commitment to a business p community. “I am very pleased that this Council and past Councils have maintained a steady hand in ensuring we stay business friendly and provide a stable and committed City Hall to collaborate with them to build and operate in our City.”

A look at the increased volume in building permits comes at a time when City Councilmembers are studying whether to provide limited services at City Hall on Fridays. Under the existing schedule City Hall is open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The City Council is poised to study the issue today, Wednesday, Jan. 8 in its study session at 3:30 p.m. in the City Council chambers.