2011 - Sandown, New Hampshire

BUILDING / ELECTRICAL / HEALTH DEPARTMENTThe total number of permits issued in 2011 was about 75% of the ten year average; still that is a13% improvement over last year. Building activity during the last few months has slowed drastically.The coming warm weather construction season and the improving economy should see an increase inthe building trades ’activity this year.The number of new housing starts in 2011 fell 18% from the 35 new homes in 2010 to just29 newSFD’s a level just about 22% lower than our ten year average. The numbers of septic, electrical, andother permits issued were also down, keeping pace with the building permits.The memories of the severe ice storm of December2007, the Halloween ice storm of 2011andother power outages we had resulted in a great increase in generator installations. Optional generatorinstallations; either portable or permanent propane fueled accounted for almost 25% of the 122electrical permits issued this past year. All generator installations require at least an electrical permitand a gas permit if it is propane powered. Most important is to have the installation inspected.Proper placement of gasoline fueled portable generators and propane fueled stand-by units isnecessary to prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Improper wiring can result in a loss ofelectrical protection within the dwelling as well as putting neighbors or utility workers in greatBUILDING PERMIT HISTORY2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011SFD 63 41 69 55 29 30 11 23 35 29ADD 138 139 104 109 84 67 62 51 48 72REMODEL 51 49 35 59 53 38 41 27 35 38OTHER 28 40 37 9 29 22 28 16 13 12TOTAL 280 269 245 232 195 157 142 117 131 151Respectfully,Kenneth W Sherwood113 108