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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Homer
Zoning permits are required prior to clearing or new construction, including additions. No building permit (structural code enforcement) is issued -- Homer has no adopted building code.
Small accessory buildings (tool sheds, greenhouses) under 200 square feet, detached from a main building -- exempt from zoning permitting but must still meet setback and other code requirements
No structural building permit is required for any project (Homer has no building code or building inspector)
Minor land maintenance and repair not involving new construction or additions
- Exempt Small accessory buildings (tool sheds, greenhouses) under 200 square feet, detached from a main building -- exempt from zoning permitting but must still meet setback and other code requirements
- Exempt No structural building permit is required for any project (Homer has no building code or building inspector)
- Exempt Minor land maintenance and repair not involving new construction or additions
Required documents
- Completed zoning permit application
- Site plan showing lot dimensions, existing and proposed structures, setbacks from property lines, access, and any other relevant site features
- Additional documents (DAP, SWP, fire marshal documentation) may be required depending on project scope
- Building code
- None. The City of Homer has not adopted a building code and does not have a building inspector. State Fire Marshal codes (13 AAC 50) apply to commercial structures and multi-family residential (3 or more units) statewide.
- Owner-builder
- Not applicable -- no building code enforcement program
- Contractor requirements
- State of Alaska contractor licensing applies for licensed trades (electrical, plumbing, mechanical). No local contractor registration requirement found.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Up to 10 working days for zoning permit review after complete submittal
- 01 Create an account at https://ci-homer-ak.smartgovcommunity.com/Public/Home.
- 02 Determine zoning of the parcel and applicable setbacks, use restrictions, and development standards.
- 03 Prepare site plan showing location and dimensions of proposed construction relative to property lines and existing structures.
- 04 For commercial buildings: obtain State of Alaska Fire Marshal Certification before constructing a commercial building.
- 05 Determine whether a Development Activity Plan (DAP) is required for erosion and sediment control during construction.
- 06 Determine whether a Stormwater Plan (SWP) is required for projects that exceed development thresholds.
- 07 Submit Zoning Permit application through SmartGov portal (or in person). Attach all required documents.
- 08 Planning staff reviews application; zoning permit review is up to 10 working days after complete submittal.
- 09 Zoning permit is issued; construction may begin.
- 10 Public Works permits and inspects water and sewer connections separately.
Typical processing time: Up to 10 working days for zoning permit review after complete submittal
§ 04
Fee schedule
Homer building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
No plan check fee (no building code program)
02
Permit fee formula
Flat or tiered fee by project type; zoning permit fees increase if construction begins without a permit (double fee: residential increases to $450, commercial increases to $800)
03
Reinspection fee
Permit-after-the-fact penalty: residential zoning permit fee doubles to $450; commercial doubles to $800
Payments accepted through SmartGov portal and at City Hall; contact department for accepted payment methods
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (907) 235-3106 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Planning Department office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Typical sequence: Homer has no building inspection program. Zoning compliance may be reviewed by Planning staff at the time of permit application. Public Works inspects utility connections.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Homer permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Homer, AK? ▸
Zoning permits are required prior to clearing or new construction, including additions. No building permit (structural code enforcement) is issued -- Homer has no adopted building code.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Homer, AK? ▸
Building permit fees in Homer, AK are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Flat or tiered fee by project type; zoning permit fees increase if construction begins without a permit (double fee: residential increases to $450, commercial increases to $800). Plan check fee: No plan check fee (no building code program).
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Homer, AK? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Homer, AK, follow these steps: 1. Create an account at https://ci-homer-ak.smartgovcommunity.com/Public/Home. 2. Determine zoning of the parcel and applicable setbacks, use restrictions, and development standards. 3. Prepare site plan showing location and dimensions of proposed construction relative to property lines and existing structures. 4. For commercial buildings: obtain State of Alaska Fire Marshal Certification before constructing a commercial building. 5. Determine whether a Development Activity Plan (DAP) is required for erosion and sediment control during construction. 6. Determine whether a Stormwater Plan (SWP) is required for projects that exceed development thresholds. 7. Submit Zoning Permit application through SmartGov portal (or in person). Attach all required documents. 8. Planning staff reviews application; zoning permit review is up to 10 working days after complete submittal. 9. Zoning permit is issued; construction may begin. 10. Public Works permits and inspects water and sewer connections separately.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Homer, AK? ▸
Building permit processing times in Homer, AK typically run Up to 10 working days for zoning permit review after complete submittal. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Homer, AK? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Homer, AK. The following work is generally exempt: Small accessory buildings (tool sheds, greenhouses) under 200 square feet, detached from a main building -- exempt from zoning permitting but must still meet setback and other code requirements; No structural building permit is required for any project (Homer has no building code or building inspector); Minor land maintenance and repair not involving new construction or additions. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Homer, AK? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Homer, AK via: (907) 235-3106.
last verified April 2026
source City of Homer Planning Department ↗
entry id permits/alaska/kenai-peninsula/homer
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Homer Planning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.