Supporting Statement Part B_C411

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Supporting Statement – Part B

U.S. Department of Commerce

U.S. Census Bureau

Survey of Residential Building or Zoning Permit Systems (C-411)

OMB Control No. 0607-0350

B. Collection of Information Employing Statistical Methods

1. Description of Universe and Respondent Selection

There are about 40,000 active governments in the United States and about 20,000 of those have building permit offices. Building permits are issued by other jurisdictions for most of the active governments which do not have a building permit office (for example, a county may issue permits for all cities in the county), and some jurisdictions do not require building permits. Form C-411 is sent to jurisdictions when the Census Bureau’s Manufacturing and Construction Division (MCD) has reason to believe that a new permit system has been established or an existing one has changed. This is based on information from a variety of sources including survey respondents, regional councils and Census’ Geography Division which keeps abreast of changes in corporate status. Responses typically approach 85 percent.

2. Statistical Methodology - Estimation Procedures

The collection of this information does not employ statistical methods. There is no sampling or estimation performed. Every new or changed permit-issuing place is in the survey universe.

3. Efforts to Maximize Responses

To maximize response rates, the Census Bureau follows up with nonrespondents by telephone. The Census Bureau also works with local Councils of Government and other state and local government agencies to obtain updated information about local building permit systems.

4. Tests of Methods

The C-411 questionnaire was redesigned in 2005. At that time we conducted internal testing of the questionnaire and incorporated feedback from survey respondents into its design.

5. Contacts

The contact person for questions relating to the statistical aspects of the survey is Mr. Paul L. Hsen, Assistant Chief for Research and Methodology. He can be reached on (301) 763-4586.

The contact person for questions relating to the collection and analysis of the data is Mr. G. Daniel Sansbury, Assistant Chief for Economic Indicator Programs. He can be reached on (301) 763-7642.

Attachments

1. C-411 (survey form)

2. Comments from respondents

3. C-411(L) (letter to respondents)