Warmer weather has resulted in an increase for both city and county building permits, and the one category getting the greatest boost is new homes.

During April the city of Albert Lea Inspection Department issued 62 building permits with a valuation of $1,143,867. Four of those permits were for construction of new residential units.

The total valuation for city permits issued during the first four months of the year is $2,927,855.

At the end of April 2009, city’s report shows a total valuation for building permits issued as $3,487,549.

One permit with a valuation of $65,000 was issued to Habitat For Humanity for a new residential unit at 705 Alcove St.

The other permits for new homes were issued for two residential units on Paradise Lane and one unit on Ninth Street.

A city building permit with a valuation of $64,148 was issued during April to Best Sports Enterprises LLC, 2120 Consul St., for a gable end on a roof , plus an office addition.

The Freeborn County Planning and Zoning Office issued 26 building permits with a listed valuation of $590,569 during April. This increases the total estimated valuation for permits issued during the first four months of the year to $694,729.

Two of the county-issued permits were for new homes and three were for home additions.