City and Borough of Juneau, AK - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All areas within the City and Borough of Juneau municipal boundaries, including downtown Juneau, Douglas Island, Mendenhall Valley, Lemon Creek, Auke Bay, and all other developed and undeveloped communities within the borough.

Department

Community Development Department, Building Safety Division

Address

230 South Franklin Street, 4th Floor, Marine View Center Building, Juneau, AK 99801

Phone

(907) 586-0770

Email

cdd@juneau.org

Website

https://juneau.org/community-development

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Review the 'Do I Need a Permit?' guide at juneau.org to determine whether your project requires a building permit under CBJ Title 19.
2. For complex projects, consider scheduling a pre-application meeting with CBJ planners and building inspectors at the Permit Center. Contact Planning and Zoning at (907) 586-0753.
3. Prepare required documents (site plan, construction drawings, structural plans for engineer-stamped projects, environmental certifications if applicable).
4. Create a Civic Access account and submit your application online through the Permit Center Hub at juneau.org/community-development. Upload all required documents.
5. CBJ staff will conduct a pre-screening review to confirm completeness. Incomplete applications will be returned with a list of required corrections.
6. Approved applications enter formal plan review with CBJ building inspectors and planners. You will receive status notifications and correction requests through your Civic Access account.
7. Respond to any plan review comments, resubmit revised documents through the portal, and pay the assessed permit fees.
8. Upon final approval, the permit is issued through Civic Access. Post the permit at your job site before beginning construction.
9. Schedule inspections through the Civic Access portal (or by phone at (907) 586-1703 through April 30, 2026) at each required stage of construction.
10. Conduct final inspection. Commercial projects require a Certificate of Occupancy; residential projects receive final sign-off.

Typical processing time: Plan review timelines vary by project complexity. Contact the Permit Center at (907) 586-0770 for current estimated review times.

Source: Community Development Department, Building Safety Division

General Requirements

A building permit is required for construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, demolition, or change of occupancy of any building or structure, and for the installation or alteration of any equipment regulated by the code. This includes new construction, additions, interior/exterior alterations affecting structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, fire protection, egress, or energy systems, change of occupancy, demolition, installation of fuel-burning appliances, electrical/plumbing/mechanical work, decks, covered porches, and accessory structures above applicable size thresholds.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application (submitted through Civic Access)
• Site plan showing property lines, existing and proposed structures, setbacks, access, and natural hazard features
• Construction drawings and specifications to CBJ Title 19 / International Building Code standards
• For structural work: engineer-stamped drawings and calculations by an Alaska-licensed structural engineer
• For commercial mechanical/plumbing: plans stamped by an Alaska-licensed mechanical engineer
• For commercial electrical: plans stamped by an Alaska-licensed electrical engineer
• For FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas: floodplain development permit application and engineer certification
• For avalanche/landslide hazard zones: engineered structural analysis or civil engineer study
• For Downtown Historic District properties: Design Review Board application and compliance documentation
• Owner/applicant identification, parcel address, and contractor information

Permit validity

Building permits are valid for 18 months from the date of issuance. Extensions are available (up to two 18-month extensions for a maximum total of 54 months). Submit extension requests at least 30 days before permit expiration. A permit may be deemed expired if no inspection is requested within the initial 18-month period; contact the Permit Center to confirm current policy.

Building code

CBJ Title 19 adopts the International Building Code (IBC) with Juneau-specific local amendments. The CBJ formally adopted the IBC 2012 Edition; the Building Code Advisory Committee has been reviewing subsequent editions. Confirm the current adopted edition with the Permit Center. CBJ also enforces the International Residential Code (IRC), International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, National Electrical Code (NEC), Alaska Residential Building Energy Efficiency Standard (ARBEES), and ASHRAE 90.1 commercial energy code. Local amendments address seismic design, snow loads, high precipitation, vapor barriers, foundation design for frost and permafrost conditions, and natural hazard overlays.

Owner-builder

Under Alaska Statute AS 08.18.161, property owners acting as their own general contractor are exempt from state contractor registration if they personally perform the work, hire hourly workers and subcontractors directly, and purchase materials themselves. This exemption is limited to one residential or small commercial structure (up to a fourplex) every two years and does not apply to work performed for compensation or property held for sale. Owner-builders must still obtain all CBJ building permits, submit code-compliant plans, and pass all required inspections.

Contractor requirements

All contractors performing work in Juneau must comply with Alaska contractor licensing: (1) General contractors must register with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (DCBPL) and carry minimum liability insurance ($20,000 property damage / $50,000 per-person bodily injury / $100,000 multiple-person bodily injury) and a $25,000 surety bond; (2) Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical trades require Certificates of Fitness from the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. CBJ does not currently operate a separate municipal contractor license registry. Confirm current local requirements with the Permit Center at (907) 586-0770.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Varies by project type

Plan check fee

Plan review fees are assessed as a percentage of the building permit fee per CBJ Title 19; exact percentages available from the Permit Center

Permit fee formula

Building permit fees are valuation-based, computed from the assessed valuation of proposed construction (labor plus materials) using ICC Building Valuation Data tables adjusted for Juneau's high construction cost environment due to remote location, no road access, high freight costs, limited contractor pool, and challenging climate.

Trade permit fee

Separate fees apply for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits

Reinspection fee

CBJ assesses reinspection fees when an inspector cannot access the site or locate the responsible party; contact Permit Center for current amounts

Payment note

Fees are paid through the Civic Access portal or at the Permit Center. Payment is due before permit issuance.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Contact Permit Center for current rates).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Ordinary maintenance, repair, or direct replacement work valued at $15,000 or less (unless the work involves: electrical service equipment modification, structural system modification, alteration of means of egress, or replacement/installation of fuel appliances)
• Small detached accessory buildings below applicable size thresholds (verify current threshold with the Permit Center)
• Ordinary decorating, painting, papering, tiling, and similar finish work
• Flatwork: sidewalks, driveways, and non-structural flatwork at or near grade that does not affect drainage patterns
• Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
• Certain fence types below height thresholds (verify current threshold with Permit Center)

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from land use permits, zoning compliance review, or Engineering and Public Works permits. Applicants should verify all applicable permit requirements before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Civic Access portal (online)
• (907) 586-1703 (through April 30, 2026 only) (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Transition in progress: Through April 30, 2026, inspections may be scheduled by phone at (907) 586-1703 or through Civic Access. From May 1, 2026 onward, all inspection requests must be scheduled through the Civic Access portal. Applicants with open permits issued before the Civic Access transition should email cdd@juneau.org to link their permits to their accounts before the May 1 hotline cutoff.

Inspection hours

Inspections are conducted Monday through Thursday during CBJ business hours (8:00 AM to 4:30 PM). CBJ is closed Fridays and on borough holidays.

Time windows

Schedule construction to accommodate the four-day inspection week typical for remote Alaska jurisdictions.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical residential sequence: footing/foundation, foundation/slab, under-slab rough-in, framing/structural rough-in, rough-in mechanical/plumbing/electrical, insulation/vapor barrier (critical in Alaska's cold/wet climate), energy compliance, final inspection. Commercial sequences are similar with additional mechanical, electrical, fire suppression, and life safety inspections. Special inspections per IBC Chapter 17 may be required for structural systems with special detailing.

Contact the Permit Center to discuss inspection scheduling and requirements.

Additional Resources

• Building code: CBJ Title 19 adopts the International Building Code (IBC) with Juneau-specific local amendments. The CBJ formally adopted the IBC 2012 Edition; the Building Code Advisory Committee has been reviewing subsequent editions. Confirm the current adopted edition with the Permit Center. CBJ also enforces the International Residential Code (IRC), International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, National Electrical Code (NEC), Alaska Residential Building Energy Efficiency Standard (ARBEES), and ASHRAE 90.1 commercial energy code. Local amendments address seismic design, snow loads, high precipitation, vapor barriers, foundation design for frost and permafrost conditions, and natural hazard overlays.
• Verify contractor license: Alaska Contractor Registration Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• CBJ Code of Ordinances (full municipal code online)
• Downtown Historic District & Design Review Board
• Landslide & Avalanche Assessment
• Flood Map Revisions & Flood Inundation Maps
• Juneau Glacial Flood Dashboard (Mendenhall River flood risk)
• Harbors & Marine Construction Permits
• License lookup guide: Alaska Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Alaska Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Alaska hub: Alaska Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

City and Borough of Juneau Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in City and Borough of Juneau, AK?

A building permit is required for construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, demolition, or change of occupancy of any building or structure, and for the installation or alteration of any equipment regulated by the code. This includes new construction, additions, interior/exterior alterations affecting structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, fire protection, egress, or energy systems, change of occupancy, demolition, installation of fuel-burning appliances, electrical/plumbing/mechanical work, decks, covered porches, and accessory structures above applicable size thresholds.

How much does a building permit cost in City and Borough of Juneau, AK?

The minimum permit fee is Varies by project type. Fees are calculated as: Building permit fees are valuation-based, computed from the assessed valuation of proposed construction (labor plus materials) using ICC Building Valuation Data tables adjusted for Juneau's high construction cost environment due to remote location, no road access, high freight costs, limited contractor pool, and challenging climate.. Plan check fee: Plan review fees are assessed as a percentage of the building permit fee per CBJ Title 19; exact percentages available from the Permit Center.

How do I apply for a building permit in City and Borough of Juneau, AK?

1. Review the 'Do I Need a Permit?' guide at juneau.org to determine whether your project requires a building permit under CBJ Title 19. 2. For complex projects, consider scheduling a pre-application meeting with CBJ planners and building inspectors at the Permit Center. Contact Planning and Zoning at (907) 586-0753. 3. Prepare required documents (site plan, construction drawings, structural plans for engineer-stamped projects, environmental certifications if applicable). 4. Create a Civic Access account and submit your application online through the Permit Center Hub at juneau.org/community-development. Upload all required documents. 5. CBJ staff will conduct a pre-screening review to confirm completeness. Incomplete applications will be returned with a list of required corrections. 6. Approved applications enter formal plan review with CBJ building inspectors and planners. You will receive status notifications and correction requests through your Civic Access account. 7. Respond to any plan review comments, resubmit revised documents through the portal, and pay the assessed permit fees. 8. Upon final approval, the permit is issued through Civic Access. Post the permit at your job site before beginning construction. 9. Schedule inspections through the Civic Access portal (or by phone at (907) 586-1703 through April 30, 2026) at each required stage of construction. 10. Conduct final inspection. Commercial projects require a Certificate of Occupancy; residential projects receive final sign-off.

How long does it take to get a building permit in City and Borough of Juneau, AK?

Typical processing time is Plan review timelines vary by project complexity. Contact the Permit Center at (907) 586-0770 for current estimated review times..

What work is exempt from building permits in City and Borough of Juneau, AK?

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance, repair, or direct replacement work valued at $15,000 or less (unless the work involves: electrical service equipment modification, structural system modification, alteration of means of egress, or replacement/installation of fuel appliances); Small detached accessory buildings below applicable size thresholds (verify current threshold with the Permit Center); Ordinary decorating, painting, papering, tiling, and similar finish work; Flatwork: sidewalks, driveways, and non-structural flatwork at or near grade that does not affect drainage patterns; Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; Certain fence types below height thresholds (verify current threshold with Permit Center). Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from land use permits, zoning compliance review, or Engineering and Public Works permits. Applicants should verify all applicable permit requirements before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in City and Borough of Juneau, AK?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Civic Access portal, (907) 586-1703 (through April 30, 2026 only). Transition in progress: Through April 30, 2026, inspections may be scheduled by phone at (907) 586-1703 or through Civic Access. From May 1, 2026 onward, all inspection requests must be scheduled through the Civic Access portal. Applicants with open permits issued before the Civic Access transition should email cdd@juneau.org to link their permits to their accounts before the May 1 hotline cutoff..