Las Cruces Reports Beneficial 2021 for Construction and Development

LAS CRUCES – Despite the lingering pandemic, 2021 was a good year for development and construction in Las Cruces, according to the city’s Community Development Department.

According with Larry Nichols, director of the Community Development Department in Las Cruces, activity in 2021 was record high, based on last December’s construction/development activity report, which reflects current economic conditions, the reopening of business operations, and pandemic recovery efforts.

The construction development report includes information on permits, certificates of occupancy and business registrations issued. According to the document, in 2021 there were $321.7 million in license valuations; 907 new homes were built in Las Cruces; 9,641 permits were issued; more than 18,800 inspections were performed; 137 planning development projects were submitted; and 644 solar panel permits were issued.

However, it was reported that some challenges remain due to the pandemic. Labor shortages, unavailability of equipment and appliances, and shortages of certain building materials were experienced in Las Cruces, which has prevented or delayed the marketing of homes.

These shortages have also affected commercial activity in Las Cruces. These conditions have impacted most metrics, including project valuations, permits issued, and the issuance of new and renewed commercial registrations.

The permit valuation at Las Cruces for December 2021 was $27 million 034 thousand 884. However, that amount was 54 percent more than the $17.4 million collected by the Community Development Department in the same month in 2020.

Other highlights include the issuance of 77 new residential certificates of occupancy in December 2021 totaling $21,252; seven new commercial tenant improvement permits issued in November, which amounted to $2.5 million in valuations.

In addition, it was reported that there were 290 new or renewed business registrations last December, which was a one percent decrease compared to the same month in 2020. There were also 17 development activities recorded with the Community Development Department which included nine subdivisions, four variances, two zoning changes and one infill request.

Source: MEXICO-NOW Staff