Building & Zoning Permits

Building Permits

When Is A Building Permit Required?

Typically any new structure, addition, remodel, deck, and electrical service upgrade will require a building permit. It is advised that you contact the building department at (907) 228-4728, or (907) 228-4737, or Ketchikan Gateway Borough Planning Department at (907) 228-6610 if you have any questions.

When Is No Building Permit Required?

A Permit shall not be required for the types of work in each of the separate classes of permit as listed below. Exemption from permit requirements shall not be considered authorization for any work to be done in violation of the provisions of the Building Codes or any statute, regulation or ordinance of the City, Borough or State.

Building Permits A permit will not be required for the following:

1. One-story non-habitable detached accessory buildings not over 120 square feet or a height of 10 feet measured to the highest point used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, or similar uses. Check with planning regarding setback requirements.
2. Oil derricks.
3. Moveable cases, counters and partitions not over five feet high and non-bearing partitions in one and two family residences that do not create a room.
4. Except for barriers around swimming pools as required in Appendix G of the One and Two Family Dwelling Code, fences not over 6 feet in height.
5. Retaining walls which are not over four feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding flammable liquids.
6. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed two to one.
7. Platforms, walks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below.
8. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting and floor covering, residential cabinets and counter tops, and similar finish work.
9. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
10. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of Group R, Division 3, and Group U Occupancies when projecting not more than 54 inches and not over 120 square feet in area.
11. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R, Division 3 Occupancy in which the pool walls are entirely above the adjacent grade and if the capacity does not exceed 5000 gallons. Pre-fabricated residential pools that are less than 24” deep.
12. Insulation which is blown or injected into closed wall cavities of existing residences.
13. Patio covers not exceeding 120 square feet when not attached to one and two family residential structures.
14. Replacement or repair of siding not required to be fire resistant, with like material.
15. Replacement or repair of roofing, with the same covering which is approved for the application, is not over two layers, and is not required to be fire resistant.
16. Plastic glazed storm windows.
17. Insulation up-grades with the exception of ridged foam, which requires fire protection coverings.
18. Frame covered accessory buildings not more than 120 square feet in area, one story in height and not closer than 3 feet to property lines, when installed on one and two family residential properties, where the structure is composed of a rigid framework to support a fabric membrane that provides a weather barrier.

How do I navigate the building permit application process?&nbsp &nbsp A completed building application form is required. For your convenience, the application can be typed and printed from the website. The completed application must be submitted to the Borough Planning and Zoning office with three copies of the construction documents (plans) describing the proposed work. The size of the plans must be at least 11”x 17”. The required plans are described on the building permit application, and are as follows:

• Site plan showing lot lines, bearings and distances, buildings, setbacks, streets etc. An as built survey, or new survey is recommended. You can check with the Borough Planning and Zoning office to see if they have one on file 228-6610.
• Grading plan if new work changes the slope, elevations, or requires a retaining wall. A site development permit may be required and can be obtained by calling the City public work department at 228-4727.
• Building plans to include: foundation, floor, roof, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing plans.
• Cross sections of the exterior wall from the bottom of the foundation through the roof, showing structural types of building materials with dimensions, spacing and connectors. (Additional sections and details may be required for complicated work.)

Zoning Permits

Applying for Zoning Permits:A zoning permit is required prior to all new construction; alterations or conversions of existing structures or enclosed spaces; or new uses or activities on the property.
Other information may be required by Staff to verify that the application meets State and Federal requirements. In addition, those projects within the City of Ketchikan will require building plans for the City Building Permits.

How much are Platting and Zoning Permits?
The following fee schedule for zoning and land use applications and requests is hereby adopted, to be effective immediately except otherwise noted.

After-the-Fact means an application for a zoning permit, conditional use permit or variance which is received by the Borough after the construction, alteration or use for which a permit is required has commenced. A party subject to an after-the-face permit fee may apply to pay only the regular permit fee. Such an application shall be accepted if the following conditions are met:

1. The party did not own the property prior to October 31, 2003;
2. The violation existed prior to their ownership of the property;
3. The violation was not disclosed to them when they purchased the property; and
4. Application for the appropriate permit is submitted within 60 days of the owner receiving notice or otherwise becoming aware of the violation.

If any of these conditions are not met, the application for reduced permit fees shall be rejected and the “after-the-fact” fees shall apply.