Planning, Building & Development | Page 52

organizations reported that private market landlords and property managers are apt to provide housing for their clients and understand the need to sometimes make renovations to units to make them accessible by persons with disabilities (known as a reasonable accommodation), especially in Highland Park and Grayslake. Landlords and property managers in these communities were more willing to provide reasonable accommodations because of the support from the municipalities and the community. BUILDING PERMITS From 2003 through 2012, building permits were issued for 19,464 units within Lake County (both villages and unincorporated). As shown in Exhibit III-30 below, the number of issued building permits began dropping after 2003 and decreased significantly between the years of 2003 and 2009 as a result of the housing crisis. Between 2009 and 2012 (the most recent year for which data are available), the number of issued permits has leveled off. In 2012, permits were issued for 527 units, 2 percent higher than in 2009, but 88 percent below the high in 2003. Exhibit III-35 Exhibit III-30. Building Permits Issued in Lake County 2003-2012 5,000 4,500 Number of Units (Reported) 4,000 Single Family 3,500 Two Family Three and Four Family Five or More Family Total 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 2003 2004 Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2011 2012 Year Though the total number of issued permits decreased dramatically during this 10-year period, not all housing types were affected equally. The largest decrease occurred in permits for multifamily residential buildings, a trend that may result in limiting housing choice. Permits issued for buildings with five or more units decreased by 97 percent, and those issued for buildings with three or four units decreased by 100 percent. 50 APPLIED REAL ESTATE ANALYSIS, INC. LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS