Permitting
When is a Permit Required?
Permits required for:
- Addition of any amount of square footage to your home or other building.
- Structural changes to your home, regardless of valuation. For example: replacement or repair of load bearing wall framing or roof joist, new or resized window openings in exterior walls. For permitting information contact Permit Counter Information at 343-8211.
- All electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work, other than regular maintenance. Work done in a home or duplex occupied by homeowners can be done by them with a permit. If work is done in a rental or commercial building, it must be done by a licensed contractor.
- Hot water heater replacement. Owners of single-family or duplex homes who physically reside there may obtain the permit and do the work themselves. If the replacement is done in a rental or commercial building, it must be done by a licensed contractor.
- Storage sheds over 120 square feet.
- Fences over eight feet in height
- Decks with construction more than thirty inches in height above finished grade, or are structurally attached to a building.
- Land Use Permit required outside of the Building Safety Service Area (Girdwood, Eagle River, etc.). This permit is required if you excavate or fill the property, construct new or add 100 square feet on the building, or change the use of the existing structure.
Retrofit Hotline:
Anchorage Administrative Code states: "Where equipment replacements and repairs must be performed after hours in an emergency situation, the contractor must call the Building Safety Hotline (343-7500) before commencing work. The permit application shall be submitted within the next working business day to the building official."
When is a Permit NOT Required?
The following work does NOT require a permit:
- Painting, papering and similar finishing work.
- Fences under eight feet.
- Detached sheds under 120 square feet.
- Interior remodeling of your home with nonstructural changes up to and including $5,000. Examples would be openings in non-load bearing walls, removing and replacing doors, windows, or kitchen cabinets. The valuation is the total of labor and materials associated with the project, including electrical, plumbing, and mechanical activities.
- Decks, walkways, and platforms 30" or less above finished grade.
Applying for a Building Permit
Applications for Building Permits must be done in person at the Building Safety Division, 4700 Elmore Road. The Building Permit Requirements handout outlines the application process and necessary documents.
Requirements Before Permit is Issued
A review of your building plans is required before a building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, footing/foundation, or other permit will be issued. This review is to ensure your building plans meet municipal and national codes for life safety.
Permit Fees
- View fees
(Building permit fees are contained in Title 23.10 of the Anchorage Administrative Code, beginning on page 37. )
Helpful Handouts
All documents are in .PDF file format. (Requires free Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click here to go to their site and download).
Questions? Email us at permitcounter@muni.org or call 343-8211.