Nonresidential Permits Mixed in April, 2000

In Los Angeles County, industrial and office permit values for the first 4 months continued to lag the 1999 pace, by 6.3% and 30.4%, respectively. Retail values were up a miniscule 0.9%. In Orange County, office permit values were up 93.3%, while retail was ahead 54.7%. Industrial activity, however, was down 62.3%. The pattern was the same in San Diego County, with office ahead 113.6% and retail up 132.1%, but industrial behind 32.1%. In Ventura County (remember it's a very small base), industrial valuations were up 41.2%, and office ahead 186.4%. However, retail declined 94.6% (reflecting some major activity in 1999). The Riverside-San Bernardino area continues to set a merry pace, with industrial permit valuations ahead 27.1%, office up 93.6%, and retail ahead 60.3%. In the 9-county Bay area, industrial permit valuations were up 2.5%, retail was up just 1.0%, but the office sector moved ahead a sturdy 93.2%. Office and retail activity is quite strong so far in Santa Clara County.