City of Palm Coast, Florida, Issues 2007 Annual Report on Growth and Development Trends

March 12, 2008 – Palm Coast, FL – In an excellent 24-page report, Palm Coast’s Community Development Department details the city’s growth and development trends. The report covers the city’s demographics and population trends and details both residential and non-residential development and approved projects.

 

Click View the full report

 

Despite the current temporary slowdown in population growth due to the housing slump, the report projects the city’s population to double by 2020, only twelve years away. Flagler County’s population is also expected to grow by more than 100% in the same period.

 

The housing slump is illustrated in tables showing the number of residential units completed and permitted.

The Planning Division issued development orders for a total of 2,174 additional dwelling units. A development order allows the applicant to apply for a building permit. Future development is not guaranteed however. Final construction decisions are market driven and depend on several factors. Approved units detailed by type are:

There are 50,494 building lots within Palm Coast’s boundaries. Of these, 18,637 (36.9%) are vacant. This number represents future growth potential. Other than building permits, no other permitting is required.

 

While residential construction slowed, non-residential construction was comparatively robust. A total of 590,028 square feet of commercial, office, and industrial construction was completed in 2007. Building permits were issued for 1,044,865 square feet on non-residential construction. Development orders were issued for 1,211,495 square feet of non-residential construction.