Building Permit FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In Service Area 1 of the Petersburg Borough, the following building codes are adopted:
2021 International Building Code
2021 International Residential Code
2021 International Mechanical Code
2021 Uniform Plumbing Code
2021 International Fire Code
2020 National Electrical Code
According to the 2012 International Residential Code and 2012 International Building Code, a permit is required when “Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.”
- In general, anything that effects foundations or roof support structures, or adding to an existing structure requires a building permit.
- In general, adding to, or running a new circuit, circuits, or service on any voltage over 50 requires an electrical permit.
- In general, adding to, or running new drains, vents or potable hot and cold-water piping requires a plumbing permit.
For more information, see When is a Building Permit Required?
You will need to submit a completed Building Permit Application, an Electrical Supplement Application, if applicable, and a site plan, and a complete set of legible building plans to the Building Official.
The Building Official will review your plans for compatibility with municipal code and criteria and may contact you with questions, may request revisions to your plan to meet adopted codes, and will forward your plans to other departments for review and approval. Commercial and industrial projects may also require review by the State Fire Marshal.
Once your plans are approved, the building official will contact you to sign and pick up your permits. The permits may also include a plan review letter that will detail certain code requirements relevant to your project. Permit fees are payable at the time the permit is picked up.
Please post your building permits in a conspicuous place at your construction site.
In most typical cases, yes. When the project includes electrical or plumbing, permits are also required for these trades. For an electrical permit, you must also complete an electrical permit supplement application in addition to the general building permit application.
Design Criteria:
Roof Snow Load: 50 psf
Decks: 50 psf Live Load
Wind: 100 mph = 30 psf
Wind exposure = c
Seismic: 2B
Minimum Insulation Values:
Ceiling: R-49 minimum required
Walls: R-21 minimum required
Floor: R-38 minimum required
Glazing: u-0.35 maximum required
Current Building Codes (PMC 17.02.005)
2021 International Building Code
2021 International Residential Code
2021 International Mechanical Code
2021 Uniform Plumbing Code
2021 International Fire Code
2017 National Electrical Code
The primary contact for municipal power, water and sewer availability is the Utility Director at 772-4203. Alternatively, the Public Works Director can also assist with water and sewer inquires at 772-4430.
For telephone/internet: Contact AP&T at 772-3000
For cable/internet: Contact GCI at 772-3292
A building permit is required unless the deck meets the criteria for exemption.
A deck not requiring a permit must meet ALL of the following criteria:
1. does not exceed 200 sq. ft. in area;
2. is not more than 30 inches above grade at any point;
3. is not attached to the dwelling; and
4. does not serve the exit door required by IRC.
Call the Building Inspector for a Final Inspection. This way we can assure the final product is code compliant and we can close out our files.
Note: A Certificate of Occupancy cannot be issued until a final inspection has been performed and approved.
Contact Information
Community Development Department
12 S Nordic Drive
PO Box 329
Petersburg, AK 99833
Phone: (907) 772-4425
Fax: (907) 772-3759
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:00am - 4:30pm
Closed holidays