New single-family construction continues to gain momentum in New Hanover County.

A report on May construction permits released Monday by the New Hanover County Development Services Department showed a sizable increase in new single-family permits last month compared with May 2012.

The total number of construction permits also were up over those issued in May 2012.

New Hanover County officials issued 2,263 permits in May – a 4 percent increase from 2,179 permits issued the same month last year.

In all, 76 new single-family permits were issued last month – up from 42 new single-family permits issued in May 2012. For the fiscal year to date, which started July 1, developers have received permits for 705 new single-family units, as compared to 483 units between July 1, 2011 and May 31, 2012 – a 46 percent increase, according to the report.

Construction spending increased 123 percent from $23.5 million in May 2012 to $52.3 million last month – mostly because of an increase in new commercial and single-family construction.

The largest project permitted in May was for Castle Branch’s headquarters expansion at 1844 Sir Tyler Drive near Mayfaire Town Center. The three-story, 54,309-square-foot office addition that’s being completed by Wilmington-based Thomas Construction Group is valued at $8.5 million, according to county permits.