Building permits exceed COVID-19-era levels

Building permits are a strong indicator of growth in an area and are used by county commissions to plan for infrastructure, allocate resources and guide future development decisions.

During an appearance on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse, Sheridan County Commission Chair Christi Haswell and Commissioner Michael Arzy said the year-to-date total of building permits in Sheridan County has exceeded COVID-19-era levels.

C. Haswell

The high number of permits comes as Sheridan County works to begin a Level II Water Study to explore Lake DeSmet as a possible addition to the county’s water supply and collaborates with the City of Sheridan to update the Sheridan Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan.

C. Haswell

The board cannot point to one reason for the growth in permits, but Arzy said he has a theory.

M. Arzy

Regardless of the reason, the commissioners said they are taking note and taking steps to ensure that if growth continues at the current rate or increases in the future, residents and stakeholders’ voices are heard as plans are updated.