According to the San Diego Union Tribune, the Construction Industry Research Board in Burbank reported that 2,989 housing units werre authorized in 2009, down 42 percent from 2008, and a fraction of the boom level of 18,314 in 2003.  2009 was the slowest year on record since the 1940’s.

However, December permits more than doubled to 285 units from a level of 137 units a year ago. This increase was due to more building of single-family homes. It was also an improvement over the 149 units approved in November.

Of all the cities in San Diego County, only three —  El Cajon, Oceanside, and San Marcos — issued more permits than in 2008.

The Chief Executive of the San Diego County Building Industry Association said that even if there is improvment this year, it will not represent much of a turnaround. “We have come to the conclusion that the worst is behind us — it can’t get worse,” he said.