Thirteen Des Moines-area communities and Polk County issued 300 residential permits in February, 75% more than the 171 issued in February 2020, a review of records show. The valuation of the permits issued in February totaled $71.1 million, 67% higher than February 2020’s residential permit valuation of $42.4 million. In February, Home Builders Association of Des Moines president Kalen Ludwig told the Business Record that builders expect demand for new houses to remain strong through at least the first half of 2021. “Every builder I’ve talked with has had the busiest [winter] that they’ve ever had,” she said. View a spreadsheet of the residential building permits issued by community in January and February and permit valuations.