The 815 permits for multi-family housing issued in March was the largest monthly total this year, and an 84% increase over the previous month. However, the first-quarter total of 1,614 was 5.6% lower than 1988's same period. Comparing this year to last, the major declines have taken place in San Clemente and Anaheim, the largest increases in the county's unincorporated areas and in the city of Garden Grove.
Although 1989's first-quarter permit number is just 5.6% below last year, it is easily the lowest for a comparable period during the last four years--58% below 1987's first quarter and 61% below 1986. Here's a city-by-city look at where the change has occurred since last year:
