For the second consecutive month, building permit totals for Freeborn County have again exceeded those issued by the city of Albert Lea.

The Freeborn County Planning and Zoning Office issued 36 permits with an estimated valuation of $2,031,635 during May. This increases the total estimated valuation to $3,721,123 for the first five months of the year.

Building permits for 12 new residential units and six home and garage additions were listed on the county’s May report.

A permit with a valuation of $85,000 was issued to the Hayward Lutheran Church for an addition. Another county-issued permit with a valuation of $64,936 was for an addition to Round Prairie Lutheran Church in Freeman Township.

The city of Albert Lea Inspection Department issued 56 building permits during May with a valuation of $1,294,391. This increases the total valuation for permits to $37,119,125 for the first five months of 2003.

At the end of May 2002, the city’s report showed a valuation of $3,403,572.

A permit with a valuation of $254,000 was issued to Advanced Auto Parts for the construction of a new store at 1610 E. Main St. This site was formerly occupied by the Golden Corral.

Qwest was issued a permit with a valuation of $250,000 for remodeling the generator room at 143 W. Main St.

United Employees Credit Union, 430 Bridge Ave., got a permit with a valuation of $115,000 for the construction of a seven-by-18-foot front entry with a roof retrofit.

A permit with a valuation of $102,000 was issued to Rehnelt and Dorman Construction for several mini-storage structures at 201 St. Thomas Ave.

During May a permit with a $188,620 valuation was issued for the construction of a new residence in Albert Lea.