Housing Data

The number of new housing permits issued by the Oldham County Building Department totaled 4,614, including permits for 3,826 single family homes, for the first seven years of this decade. Single family detached homes accounted for 83 percent of permits issued, while Three-or-More Unit Buildings accounted for 13 percent of permits. Single family attached homes accounted for 4 percent of the total from 2000 to 2006 and 21 percent of 2006's total permits reflecting the increase in patio home building in the county. Permits averaged 659 per year from 2000 and peaked at 831 during 2003 while falling to a total of 481 permits during 2006--a 42 percent decline. Permits declined 21 percent from 2005 to 2006 alone.

The 2000 Census reflected a total of 15,541 housing units in Oldham County. The additional permits issued since 2000 (4,614) represent a 29.7% increase in total housing units (assuming all are built) since the 2000 Census, which is outpacing the rate of population growth for the county. According to the latest Census estimates released March 16, 2006, Oldham County realized a 15.9% population increase from 2000-2005 with a net numeric increase of 7,355 people.

The significant downward trend can probably be attributed to a significant oversupply of both new and existing homes on the market the past few years in the county.

New Housing Unit Permits by type for 2006 and for the period 2000-2006 are depicted below:

Type of Housing Unit	2006	2000-2006
Single Family Detached	375	3,826
Single-Family Attached	102	181
Two Unit Building	4	26
Three-or-More Unit Bldg	0	581
Total	481	4,614

Despite the decline in building permits, Planning and Zoning approved housing units significantly increased, reflecting the highest yearly totals of the decade to date. A total of 1,651 housing units were approved during commission hearings in 2006, including 956 single family detached homes; 692 patio homes, townhouses, and condos; and 3 apartment units. Most of the approved developments will be phased over multiple years to accommodate infrastructure limitations; however the figures indicate that a serious oversupply in new housing units is emerging within Oldham