Building activity surges in Newport Beach

Mathis Winkler

NEWPORT BEACH -- The construction of new homes in the city is booming

and by the looks of it, that’s not going to change.

A building activity report for the 1999-2000 fiscal year revealed that

construction projects in Newport Beach have exceeded $200 million for

four consecutive years.

During the 1998-99 fiscal year, when developments totaled $302

million, the numbers were skewed because of construction in the newly

annexed Bonita Village -- putting this past year at the top of the list

with projects worth $220.6 million.

“That’s never been known in the history of the city,” said Jay

Elbettar, who directs the city’s building department.

In 1994, construction in the city was valued at $70.3 million; in

1995, it remained just slightly less than $80 million.

In 1996, construction climbed to a total of $145.7 million and in

1997, building activity topped the $200-million mark for the first time.

A surge in construction and renovations of homes signified the most

interesting trend over recent years, Elbettar said.

About 80% of all building permits were issued for residential

construction last year, Elbettar said. Altogether, the building frenzy

brought $3.5 million in permit fees to city coffers.

The city also approved the demolition of 112 single-family homes that

were replaced by new buildings, he said.

“That’s almost 10 homes a month,” said Elbettar, adding that 1,112

additions or alterations to homes were also approved. “It signifies that

the economy is good and people can afford home improvement projects. ...

That’s why when you drive around town, every fifth home is being built

on.”

The city also issued 393 permits for additions or alterations to

commercial buildings, according to the report.

Only one office building, one hotel and one parking structure were

approved in the last fiscal year.

Although Elbettar said he expects a decrease in building activity

after the summer months, he said it was too early to establish a trend

for fall and winter.

By late September, he said, “we will have a feeling where we’re

heading. But it doesn’t look like we’re slowing down.”

The city’s building department inspects construction sites to ensure

that buildings are built properly and all is done to prevent fire hazards

and make them earthquake-safe.

Last year, the city conducted more than 55,000 inspections -- a very

heavy workload, Elbettar said.