New single-family homes in county bump 17%

COLFAX — A total of 17 single-family home building permits were applied for in the county for the first quarter of 2021, a boost contributing to $6.3 million in total valuations.

Total fees amounted to $76,774.

The jump in home-building is attributed to the Feb. 1 start of new statewide building codes regarding residential energy.

“We got most of the years building all in January,” said Dan Gladwill, Whitman County building inspector.

Three of the new houses are in Malden. The county averages 12-20 new single-family homes per year.

The previous five-year high in total valuations was $2.4 milli...