Residential permits rise slightly in 1999, although pace slows.

THE TOTAL number of residential permits issued nationwide last year reached slightly more than 1.64 million -- 2.2% more than during 1998 but slightly lower than the 2.9% increase in total starts between 1997 and 1998.

Total permits issued in the West South Central, Rocky Mountain, New England and East South Central regions during 1999 came up short of their 1998 totals. The South Atlantic and East North Central regions emerged as the healthiest growth markets for new residential construction last year.

During 1999, the number of residential units permitted