City of Fairbanks

A permit is required for all new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, demolition, and changes of use within city limits unless the work falls under Administrative Code Section 301 exemptions. Applies to structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and fuel gas work.

• Exempt Direct replacement of a broken switch or receptacle in the same location (electrical)
• Exempt Work listed under Section 301 of the City of Fairbanks Administrative Code (Ord 6162)

Note: Refer to the Permit Exemptions document available from the department for a full itemized list. Confirm edge cases with the Building Department before proceeding.

Building code

2018 International Building Code; 2018 International Residential Code; 2020 National Electrical Code; 2018 International Mechanical Code; 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code; 2018 International Fuel Gas Code; 2018 International Fire Code; 2018 International Energy Conservation Code; 2018 International Existing Building Code; 2020 Administrative Code. All codes include local amendments.

Permit validity

Not explicitly stated on public website; contact department at (907) 459-6720 for current policy. Typical IBC-based administrations allow 180 days from issuance with extensions available.

Owner-builder

Homeowners may pull electrical permits for work on the home they personally occupy. Mechanical work on single-family homes and duplexes may be done without a Mechanical Administrator license. Commercial structures and buildings with 3 or more units require licensed contractors for mechanical and plumbing work.

Contractor requirements

State of Alaska contractor licensing required. General contractors must hold an Alaska contractor license from the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing. Bond of $25,000 required for general contractors; $20,000 for residential contractors. Plumbers must hold a Master Plumber license. Electrical work beyond simple replacements requires a licensed electrical contractor (except homeowner work on owner-occupied single-family homes). Mechanical Administrator license required for commercial and 3-or-more-unit buildings.

Source: City of Fairbanks Building Department ↗

1. 01
   Obtain a Zoning Permit from the FNSB Community Planning Department (907-459-1260, planning@fnsb.gov) before submitting to the city.
2. 02
   Download the Building Permit Application and applicable trade permit forms from the city website.
3. 03
   Complete all numbered spaces on the application and sign.
4. 04
   Prepare two full sets of plans for the project; commercial projects also require an electronic PDF copy.
5. 05
   Include documentation of the selected Energy Compliance method.
6. 06
   Submit application with plan sets to City Hall at 800 Cushman Street, or fax for simple projects.
7. 07
   Plan review is conducted for code compliance. If plans are complete, review takes approximately 6 to 10 working days.
8. 08
   The reviewer issues written corrections if deficiencies are found. Applicant corrects and resubmits.
9. 09
   Once plans are approved, the reviewer meets with the applicant to clarify conditions.
10. 10
    Permit fees are collected at issuance.
11. 11
    Post the permit card at the job site.
12. 12
    Call (907) 459-6723 to schedule required inspections at least 24 hours in advance.
13. 13
    Final inspection and certificate of occupancy issued upon successful completion.

Typical processing time: Approximately 6 to 10 working days for complete residential submissions. Simple residential projects with no plan review may issue within approximately 3 days. Complex projects may take longer.

Source: City of Fairbanks Building Department ↗

Fees collected at permit issuance; in-person payment at City Hall.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• (907) 459-6723 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Call at least 24 hours in advance to schedule inspections.

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Typical sequence: Varies by project type. A downloadable inspection list by project type is available from the department. Typical sequence for residential new construction includes foundation, framing, rough plumbing/electrical/mechanical, insulation, and final inspections.

Source: City of Fairbanks Building Department ↗