Building inspectors across Mackinac County say an almost one-third decline of building permits issued in 2008 can be attributed to the sluggish economy.

"It's been holding pretty much steady, about 60 to 65 per year," said City of St. Ignace and St. Ignace Township building inspector Paul Sved. "This year is the exception."

The number of permits issued in the city in 2008 is 47, down from 65 the year before. Permits issued in the township, however, are considerably lower, down to only six, from 25 in 2007.

"It's just been going downhill," he said.

Building inspectors across the county are experiencing the same declines as Mr. Sved. The total number of permits issued in most of Mackinac County in 2008 is down over 32% from last year.

Building permits are required for additions and new construction on all properties to ensure construction plans meet state building codes and standards.

Frank Sims, building inspector for Marquette and Clark townships, said the number of permits he issued is down about 30% in both townships. He issued 14 permits in Marquette in 2008, down from 20 last year, and 62 in Clark, down from 85 last year.

The number of permits issued in 2007 in both townships are close to their respective long-term averages of 25 and 85 permits, respectively.

The number of permits he issues are dropping "like the temperatures outside," Mr. Sims said.

Building activity on Mackinac Island is down, as well, according to island building inspector Dennis Dombroski. Permits are down 50% in 2008, at 27 down from 54 the year before.

He said the long-term average for the island is about 40.

"Last year was a good year, we had lots of activity last year," he said.

The number of permits issued in Hendricks, Hudson, and Moran townships are all down.

Hendricks Township issued only two permits in 2008, which isn't a huge decline considering only three permits were issued in the previous year.

Hudson Township is down only one permit from 2007; six were issued in 2008.

Moran Township issued 33 permits this year, down from 47 a year ago, according to Township Zoning Administrator Mark Spencer.

The only municipality to have an increase in permits this year, compared to 2007, is Garfield Township. David Kovar, building inspector for Garfield, Hendricks, and Hudson townships, said he issued 24 permits in Garfield in 2008, up three from 2007.

While that figure may be slightly above last year's, Mr. Kovar said it's down from the 45 average permits he used to issue only a few years ago.

"I would call it the economy," he said. "The cost of products and building materials are higher too."

Inspectors across the county all expect to see the usual spike in permit applications when the weather warms up this spring. But no one knows if 2009 will produce more additions and new construction than 2008.

"Once we get some snow on the ground, permits just dry up," Mr. Sims said. "Typically, just before the frost goes out of the ground, there's a rush" for new permits.

Figures for Brevort, Newton, and Portage townships were not available by press time.