DAPHNE, Ala.—Home building has increased, according to Daphne Mayor Fred Small. He cited resumed construction in the French Settlement subdivision across from Catherine Place on County Road 13.

The subdivision—whose roughly 60 homes’ values range from $150,000 to $200,000—was one of many that fell to foreclosure, Small said. The development now has new owners and lots are under contract for construction.

Issuance of permits for construction of single-family homes has nearly doubled since last year, according to a revenue department spokesperson.

From March through July, the city issued 92 permits. The same time last year, it issued 55 permits.