BEND, OR -- Last week, KBND News posted a story about building permit wait times in our growing region. For some readers, our story was misleading and statements needed more context. We apologize to those who were affected by the story. Here is a clarified version:
Oregon's Employment Department reports Central Oregon counties are three of the state’s four fastest-growing since 2010. Deschutes county saw a 28.9% increase; Crook County grew by 21.5%, Polk by 17.9%, Jefferson by 14.6% and Washington county grew by 14.2%. Clackamas and Morrow counties tied for fifth place with 13.1%.
The accelerated growth brought a renewed demand for building, and some counties are having a difficult time processing the permits. Fratzke Commercial Real Estate's Brian Fratzke believes long wait times for a permit "will change the economy differently than inflation or interest rates."
He tells KBND News about a client who applied for a permit this summer, "He submitted his permits on July 22nd. On September 14th he was contacted by the entity that said, 'the first review we’ll get to on your permits will be April of 2023' - nine months before they're going to get back to him on his permits.” According to Fratzke Commercial Real Estate's website, the company has clients throught Central Oregon and Fratzke did not specify where this client is building nor why the permitting process is delayed.
In a follow-up email, Fratzke says, "My experience with Deschutes County has been excellent and I just received great service."
To listen to our full conversation with Brian Fratzke from October 3, 2022, visit our Podcast Page.
