The city of Urbandale has issued its highest six-month valuation of development permits since 2004, according to a release. Through the first half of the year, the city has issued 483 building permits with a total valuation of $67 million. Residential permits included 85 single-family houses and commercial permits included eight new buildings. The remaining permits include commercial and residential projects such as additions, remodels and decks. “These very positive numbers underscore the city’s continued growth of residential and commercial areas in Urbandale,” Community Development Director Steve Franklin said in a statement. “2018 is proving to be a very good year for Urbandale. Our westward growth and strong commercial investments continue to spur high valuation and permit numbers.” Continued platting of residential areas and new construction in the Urban Loop has helped to spark the growth. Large projects include the John Deere Intelligent Solutions Group’s main campus, the Northpark Business Center development and the Paradigm Building. The City Council recently took action to encourage affordable, private-market housing across the community and appointed representatives to the Central Iowa Regional Housing Authority board of commissioners. The city also is considering the annexation of additional territory.