During, contractors pulled permits to build 23 single-family houses collectively valued at $3.3 million in unincorporated Lee County. That compares to 17 permits issued in August and 31 issued in September 2009, according to Mary Gibbs of Lee County Community Development.

No permits were issued for multi-family units, compared to four in September 2009. The 17 permits issued in September for new commercial buildings were collectively valued at $4 million, compared to $4.6 million in August and $7.7 million in September 2009, she said.

Lee County Community Development oversees planning, zoning, development and building services, environmental review, building inspection, and code enforcement for the unincorporated areas of Lee County.

To learn more about the department and its services, visit

www.lee-county.com/dcd.