The city of Grimes’ population now stands at just under 18,000 following a special census last year, and that growth is representative in the number of building permits being issued, both residential and commercial, which for the year to date have already surpassed the previous high number by 32%.
As of Oct. 1, the city has issued 359 building permits, surpassing every year since 2021 and topping the previous high of 271 in 2023, said Katie Lord, the city’s director of economic development.
In those numbers are a record 138 permits for townhome construction. Permits for single-family homes are up 70% this year over 2025, with three months to go…