Haines Borough

A building permit is required for: new construction of any building or structure; additions or expansions; structural alterations or repairs affecting load-bearing elements; change of occupancy or use; demolition; relocation; electrical work; plumbing work; mechanical systems; decks, porches, and covered entries; carports, garages, and accessory buildings above exempt size threshold; retaining walls exceeding four feet in height; floodplain development in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas; and swimming pools and spas.

• Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses, similar) with a floor area not exceeding 200 square feet, where not used for habitation and not located in a floodplain
• Exempt Fences not exceeding eight feet in height (zoning setbacks still apply; confirm with department)
• Exempt Retaining walls not over four feet in height (from bottom of footing) that are not supporting a surcharge or within a floodplain
• Exempt Interior cosmetic and finish work: painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops
• Exempt Replacement of doors and windows without enlarging the rough opening
• Exempt Ordinary maintenance and repair not affecting structural, mechanical, plumbing, or electrical systems
• Exempt Temporary structures erected for less than 180 days (confirm with department for commercial temporary structures)

Note: Even exempt-from-permit work must comply with all applicable zoning requirements (setbacks, height limits, lot coverage). Always confirm with the Community Development Department before proceeding without a permit.

Building code

Haines Borough has adopted the following building codes under Title 16 of the Borough Code (verify current edition with Community Development, as adoption status and amendments evolve): International Building Code (IBC) 2018 edition with Alaska and local amendments; International Residential Code (IRC) 2018 edition with Alaska and local amendments; International Mechanical Code (IMC) 2018 edition; International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) 2018 edition; International Plumbing Code (IPC) or Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC); National Electrical Code (NEC) 2020 edition; International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2018 edition with Alaska climate zone amendments (Haines is Climate Zone 7); International Fire Code (IFC) 2018 edition for commercial structures; and Alaska-specific amendments under 8 AAC 61, 8 AAC 63, and related regulations, plus Haines Borough local amendments in Title 16 of the Borough Code.

Permit validity

Building permits are generally valid for 180 days from the date of issuance. If construction has not commenced within 180 days, or if work is suspended for more than 180 days after commencement, the permit expires and a new application is required. One renewal or extension may be available upon written request to the Building Official, subject to approval. Contact Community Development for current extension policies.

Owner-builder

Under Alaska Statute AS 08.18.161, the owner-builder exemption allows a property owner to perform construction work on their own primary residence without holding a state contractor registration. Key conditions: (1) the owner must occupy or intend to occupy the structure as their primary residence; (2) the owner cannot use the exemption to build for sale or rent; (3) the exemption does not apply if the property is sold within 12 months of the permit application without full disclosure of owner-builder status; (4) owner-builders must still obtain all required permits and pass all required inspections. An owner-builder affidavit may be required by the Borough at application. Contact Community Development for current requirements.

Contractor requirements

Any contractor performing construction work within Haines Borough must hold a valid Alaska Contractor Registration issued by the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DLWD), Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing (CBPL). Alaska contractor registration is required for projects of $10,000 or more in labor and materials. Verify contractor registration at: https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/cbp/main/search/professional. Electrical journeymen and master electricians must hold Alaska electrical licenses; plumbers must hold Alaska plumber licenses. All contractor registration and license numbers must be provided on the permit application.

Source: Haines Borough Community Development Department (Building Division) ↗

1. 01
   Contact the Haines Borough Community Development Department at (907) 766-6400 for a pre-application consultation to identify site-specific issues early, including zoning district, floodplain status, and special overlay requirements.
2. 02
   Confirm zoning compliance using Haines Borough Title 17 (Zoning) at https://library.municode.com/ak/haines_borough/codes/code_of_ordinances to verify permitted uses, setbacks, lot coverage, and height restrictions.
3. 03
   Work with Community Development to determine permit type and applicable codes (building, floodplain development, electrical, plumbing, mechanical) and any special requirements such as historic preservation review or environmental authorization.
4. 04
   Prepare the permit application and construction documents: completed borough building permit application form, site plan to scale showing property boundaries, parcel number, all structures with dimensions, setbacks, well/septic locations, floodplain boundaries if applicable, and north arrow; construction drawings (floor plans, elevations, foundation plan, framing details); structural calculations for engineered elements; contractor information with Alaska contractor registration number and proof of insurance; and estimated construction valuation.
5. 05
   Submit the completed application package in person at the Borough Administration Building (103 Third Avenue South) during business hours (Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Alaska Time), or by mail to P.O. Box 1209, Haines, AK 99827. Confirm all submission requirements with the department before mailing.
6. 06
   Department staff reviews plans for code conformance, zoning requirements, and special area regulations. Plan review typically takes 5-10 business days for straightforward residential projects; commercial and special review projects take longer. The department will issue a Request for Additional Information (RFI) if plans are incomplete or non-compliant.
7. 07
   Pay the required permit fees once plans are approved. The permit is issued after payment is confirmed and must be posted prominently on the job site.
8. 08
   Contact the Building Official to schedule each required inspection before proceeding to the next phase of construction.
9. 09
   Upon completion of all required inspections and final inspection, the Building Official issues final approval or Certificate of Occupancy.

Typical processing time: Approximately 5-10 business days for straightforward residential projects with complete submittals. Commercial projects, floodplain development permits, and projects requiring Historic Preservation Commission review will take substantially longer. Contact (907) 766-6400 for current estimate based on staff workload.

Source: Haines Borough Community Development Department (Building Division) ↗

Contact the Community Development Department to confirm accepted payment methods and current payment procedures.

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

• (907) 766-6400 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Request inspections at least one to two business days in advance. Allow sufficient lead time — Haines Borough has a limited inspection staff and Haines's geographic remoteness may affect scheduling flexibility.

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Alaska Time); closed on state and federal holidays

Typical sequence: Typical sequence for residential new single-family dwelling: (1) Footing inspection — before pouring concrete footings to confirm soil bearing, frost depth compliance, and form dimensions; (2) Foundation inspection — after forms set, before pouring walls or laying masonry; (3) Framing (rough structural) inspection — after rough framing complete but before insulation/sheathing; (4) Rough plumbing inspection — after rough-in supply, drain, waste, and vent piping, before walls closed; (5) Rough mechanical inspection — after rough-in ductwork and combustion air provisions; (6) Rough electrical inspection — after rough wiring, panels, and boxes installed; (7) Insulation and energy compliance inspection — after insulation and vapor retarder in place but before drywall; (8) Final inspection — after all work complete and structure ready for occupancy. For commercial projects, additional inspections include underground utilities, fireblocking/draftstopping, special inspections (concrete, masonry, welding, soils), and fire suppression/alarm rough-in.

Source: Haines Borough Community Development Department (Building Division) ↗