Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

The FNSB has NOT adopted a building code. No building permit is required in the unincorporated borough area (outside City of Fairbanks and City of North Pole). The borough administers zoning permits and floodplain permits for the unincorporated area. Commercial construction in unincorporated areas may require a State Fire Marshal plan review.

Department

Fairbanks North Star Borough Department of Community Planning

Address

907 Terminal Street, 2nd Floor, Fairbanks, AK 99707 (Mailing: P.O. Box 71267, Fairbanks, AK 99707)

Phone

(907) 459-1260

Email

planning@fnsb.gov

Website

https://www.fnsb.gov/177/Community-Planning

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Check property zoning using the interactive Zoning Identifier Map at https://www.fnsb.gov/222/Planning-Zoning-Resources.
2. Download the applicable zoning permit application: Residential Zoning Permit or Commercial/Industrial/Multi-Family Zoning Permit. A separate form exists for marijuana establishments.
3. Prepare a site plan per the FNSB site plan drawing instructions available from planning@fnsb.gov.
4. Email completed application and site plan to planning@fnsb.gov, or submit in person.
5. The department reviews the application and issues the zoning permit within five business days of receiving a complete application (up to 15 business days for properties in certain overlay zones).
6. For properties in a Special Flood Hazard Area, also obtain a Floodplain Permit: Determine flood zone using FEMA flood maps, download the applicable floodplain permit application, and submit with required documentation.
7. Borough has 30 days to process floodplain permit applications.

Typical processing time: Zoning permits: 5 business days. Floodplain permits: 30 days.

Source: Fairbanks North Star Borough Department of Community Planning

General Requirements

A ZONING permit is required before excavation, construction, relocation, or installation begins for any new use in most zoning districts. Exceptions: properties in General Use (GU) zoning district outside special landscape overlay zones, and lots being cleared or graded only. A FLOODPLAIN permit is required for new construction and development in Special Flood Hazard Areas. NO BUILDING PERMIT is required in unincorporated FNSB because the borough has not adopted a building code.

Required Documents

• Completed zoning permit application form
• Site plan showing lot dimensions, setbacks, building footprint, and access

Permit validity

Not stated publicly; contact planning@fnsb.gov.

Building code

None adopted at the borough level. The FNSB has not adopted a building code for the unincorporated area.

Owner-builder

Not applicable (no building permit in unincorporated area). State contractor licensing requirements still apply statewide.

Contractor requirements

State of Alaska contractor licensing applies to all construction statewide regardless of local permit requirements.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Zoning permits are free. Floodplain permits are free.

Plan check fee

Not applicable for zoning permits.

Permit fee formula

No fee for standard zoning and floodplain permits. Other planning actions (rezones, conditional use permits, variances) have fees per the FY26 Community Planning Fee Schedule.

Reinspection fee

Not applicable; no building inspections in unincorporated area.

Payment note

No payment required for zoning permits; other planning application fees paid at submission.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective July 1, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• All construction in unincorporated FNSB is exempt from building permit requirements (no building code adopted)
• Properties in General Use (GU) zoning district outside special landscape area overlay zones
• Lots being cleared or graded only (no new construction or change of use)
• Work types listed in 2015 International Building Code Section 105.2 do not require a zoning permit (minor repairs and maintenance not affecting structural, fire, egress, or sanitation elements)
• Note: Commercial marijuana establishments are NOT exempt and require zoning or conditional use permit approval

Important: All construction is exempt from building permit. Zoning permit exemptions apply in limited circumstances.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Not applicable; the FNSB does not conduct building inspections in unincorporated areas. However, commercial, multi-family, industrial, and institutional construction anywhere in Alaska may require plan review and inspection by the Alaska State Fire Marshal's Office. Contact the Alaska State Fire Marshal, Interior Alaska office, at (907) 451-5200 or apply online at https://st-alaska-ak.smartgovcommunity.com/

Additional Resources

• Building code: None adopted at the borough level. The FNSB has not adopted a building code for the unincorporated area.
• Verify contractor license: Alaska Contractor Licensing
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• FNSB Borough Code (Title 18 Zoning)
• Floodplain Management
• FEMA Flood Map Service
• Alaska State Fire Marshal
• Alaska State Fire Marshal Online Portal
• FNSB Property Search
• License lookup guide: Alaska Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Alaska Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Alaska hub: Alaska Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Fairbanks North Star Borough Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK?

A ZONING permit is required before excavation, construction, relocation, or installation begins for any new use in most zoning districts. Exceptions: properties in General Use (GU) zoning district outside special landscape overlay zones, and lots being cleared or graded only. A FLOODPLAIN permit is required for new construction and development in Special Flood Hazard Areas. NO BUILDING PERMIT is required in unincorporated FNSB because the borough has not adopted a building code.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK?

The minimum permit fee is Zoning permits are free. Floodplain permits are free.. Fees are calculated as: No fee for standard zoning and floodplain permits. Other planning actions (rezones, conditional use permits, variances) have fees per the FY26 Community Planning Fee Schedule.. Plan check fee: Not applicable for zoning permits..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK?

1. Check property zoning using the interactive Zoning Identifier Map at https://www.fnsb.gov/222/Planning-Zoning-Resources. 2. Download the applicable zoning permit application: Residential Zoning Permit or Commercial/Industrial/Multi-Family Zoning Permit. A separate form exists for marijuana establishments. 3. Prepare a site plan per the FNSB site plan drawing instructions available from planning@fnsb.gov. 4. Email completed application and site plan to planning@fnsb.gov, or submit in person. 5. The department reviews the application and issues the zoning permit within five business days of receiving a complete application (up to 15 business days for properties in certain overlay zones). 6. For properties in a Special Flood Hazard Area, also obtain a Floodplain Permit: Determine flood zone using FEMA flood maps, download the applicable floodplain permit application, and submit with required documentation. 7. Borough has 30 days to process floodplain permit applications.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK?

Typical processing time is Zoning permits: 5 business days. Floodplain permits: 30 days..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK?

The following work is generally exempt: All construction in unincorporated FNSB is exempt from building permit requirements (no building code adopted); Properties in General Use (GU) zoning district outside special landscape area overlay zones; Lots being cleared or graded only (no new construction or change of use); Work types listed in 2015 International Building Code Section 105.2 do not require a zoning permit (minor repairs and maintenance not affecting structural, fire, egress, or sanitation elements); Note: Commercial marijuana establishments are NOT exempt and require zoning or conditional use permit approval. Note: All construction is exempt from building permit. Zoning permit exemptions apply in limited circumstances.