The sounds of hammers and drills, coupled with the smells of sawdust and concrete, filled the air throughout Macomb Township in 2012.

The township tops the rankings in metro Detroit for the number of residential building permits pulled in 2012, according to The Detroit News.

Permits being pulled are an indicator of future homebuilding — and additional tax dollars coming into the township.

In 2012, there were 497 residential building permits issued in Macomb Township, according to The Detroit News. 

From 2000 to 2012, there were 8,960 permits pulled, which again led the pack in metro Detroit. The next highest community — Canton Township — saw 3,331 permits.

For the full report, read The Detroit News story.