TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KLIX) – The number of new home permits in January declined slightly compared to the previous year, but new industrial and commercial construction — as well as residential remodeling permits — are up.

New home permits within Twin Falls city limits in January was numbered at seven, said city spokesman Joshua Palmer, whereas in January 2015 they numbered 15.

Most of the activity during the past few months has been focused on platting new — or delayed — subdivisions for new home construction. Palmer said many of the new or reanimated subdivisions are located on the northwest and northeast part of Twin Falls. He said the city expects the number of new home permits to start increasing as developers begin building out the platted subdivisions that include several hundred lots for new homes.

On another front, the number of remodeling projects on existing buildings and commercial construction has substantially increased over last year – about 50 percent, Palmer said.

“That doesn’t include Clif Bar, Chobani or the Twin Falls School District,” he said. “Those are separated out because the scope of those projects is very different and in some cases the building permit fees are waived."

Businesses on the north side of town have been remodeled, new ones built and more are planned for the area, including continued expansion of the Canyon Rim Development. The latest additions will be Panera Bread, which is expected to begin construction this year.

Palmer confirmed that Red Robin is indeed coming to Twin Falls, taking the place where River Rock Grill currently stands. The restaurant chain plans to demolish the existing building and build its own.

“They’ve filed plans with the city and have been working with us through the process, so we don’t foresee any obstacles,” he said. “A date hasn’t been set for the demo, but we expect it will begin soon.”

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