Building in the county and the town of Silver Cliff seems to be on the rise while the town of Westcliffe appears to be lagging.

Numbers provided by the Custer County Planning and Zoning office earlier this week show that so far this year 96 zoning permits have been issued, as compared to 81 during the same timeframe in 2009, which is an increase of about 18 percent.

The permits reflect construction of new homes, as well as remodels and additions, the building of barns, decks, garages and other accessory buildings.

County zoning director Jackie Hobby told the Tribune that August and September are typically busy months for issuing permits, so the overall numbers may rise even more.

In the town of Silver Cliff, building and zoning officer Roger Camper reports that so far this year, a total of 17 permits have been issued — two for new residences, one for a multi-dwelling, two garage/storage buildings, five additions or remodels, one commercial building, one modular, one temporary structure, one permit renewal, one special use permit, and two older model home sets.

During the same time period in 2009, said Camper, a total of nine permits had been issued — three new residences, one garage/storage shed, four additions or remodels, and one special use permit.

He was pleased to see the increase and hopes it continues.

As of July 21, 2010, the town of Westcliffe has issued 19 permits, as compared to 26 during the same time frame in 2009, a decline of 27 percent. Westcliffe town manager Bob Squire said 2010 construction has included the building of new residences, remodels of existing homes, and installation of decks, porches and new roofs, as well as new barns.          – Nora Drenner