City of Saxman

A building permit is required for new construction, additions, structural alterations, demolition, changes of occupancy, electrical/mechanical/plumbing work, retaining walls over 4 feet, decks, and accessory structures above exempt thresholds (per Alaska State Building Code standards).

• Exempt One-story detached accessory structures used as tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses, or similar uses, provided floor area does not exceed 200 square feet
• Exempt Fences not over 6 feet high
• Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge or adjacent to public right-of-way
• Exempt Ordinary repairs that do not affect structural elements, fire ratings, or life safety systems
• Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Exempt Moveable cases, counters, and partitions not exceeding 5 feet 9 inches in height
• Exempt Prefabricated above-ground swimming pools less than 24 inches deep, not greater than 5,000 gallons, and installed entirely above ground
• Exempt Platforms, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below

Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and other requirements. Always confirm with the administering authority (Saxman City Hall or Alaska DBS). Note: Saxman is a predominantly Tlingit community with significant cultural and tribal heritage. Any parcel on BIA tribal trust or restricted allotment land is subject to federal/tribal regulation in addition to city or borough permits.

Building code

Alaska State Building Code (AS 18.60): 2018 IBC, 2018 IRC, 2018 IMC, 2018 IPC, 2018 IFC, 2018 IECC with Alaska amendments. NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code) as adopted by Alaska Electrical Code. Reference City of Saxman ordinances: https://library.municode.com/ak/saxman/codes/code_of_ordinances

Permit validity

Per Alaska State Building Code: permits expire if construction does not commence within 180 days of issuance or if work is abandoned or suspended for 180 consecutive days. Extensions may be available; confirm with administering authority.

Owner-builder

Homeowners may pull permits for their primary residence as owner-builders. For electrical and plumbing work, Alaska state law generally requires licensed contractors unless the homeowner qualifies for an exemption. Confirm licensing requirements with the administering authority.

Contractor requirements

Alaska DLWD contractor registration required for all contractors. Trade-specific certifications (journeyman/master electrician, plumber) apply under Alaska's mechanical and electrical codes. Verify contractor status at https://labor.alaska.gov/lss/home.htm

Source: City of Saxman — City Administration / Building Permits ↗

1. 01
   CRITICAL FIRST STEP: Contact City of Saxman City Hall at (907) 247-2228 to confirm whether the City of Saxman handles building permits in-house, contracts with the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Building Division, or routes permits to the Alaska Division of Building Safety (DBS). This determines your next steps.
2. 02
   If handled by Saxman City Administration directly: Obtain permit application form from Saxman City Hall.
3. 03
   If routed to Alaska DBS: Submit plans and application through the Alaska DBS permit portal at https://labor.alaska.gov/lss/bldgs.htm (DBS serves Southeast Alaska from the Juneau regional office).
4. 04
   Prepare construction documents following Alaska State Building Code standards: site plan, construction drawings, structural calculations, energy code compliance (Alaska amendments to IECC for Climate Zone 7), and contractor registration information.
5. 05
   Submit complete application and plans in person at Saxman City Hall (2601 Tongass Ave, Ketchikan) or through Alaska DBS portal, depending on administering authority.
6. 06
   Pay applicable plan review and application fees.
7. 07
   Await plan review and approval by either Saxman City Administration or Alaska DBS.
8. 08
   Respond to any correction requests and resubmit revised plans if required.
9. 09
   Upon approval, pay remaining permit fees and receive issued permit.
10. 10
    Post permit on job site before construction begins.
11. 11
    Schedule all required inspections with the administering authority (Saxman City Hall or Alaska DBS).
12. 12
    Pass all required inspections, including final inspection.
13. 13
    Receive Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Completion.

Typical processing time: Not confirmed for Saxman-specific processing times. Small jurisdiction processing times can vary widely. Contact Saxman City Hall or Alaska DBS Juneau at (907) 465-2050 for current estimates.

Source: City of Saxman — City Administration / Building Permits ↗

If Alaska DBS handles permits, DBS fee schedule applies: https://labor.alaska.gov/lss/bldgs.htm

• Saxman City Hall: (907) 247-2228; Alaska DBS Juneau: (907) 465-2050 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Contact administering authority (Saxman City Hall or Alaska DBS) for current scheduling procedures and advance notice requirements.

Inspection hours

City Hall hours not confirmed from public sources. Alaska DBS Juneau office: Monday–Friday business hours (call for current hours).

Time windows

Inspection availability depends on administering authority. Weather considerations apply (frequent rain and wind in Southeast Alaska).

Typical sequence: Typical sequence per Alaska State Building Code: footing/foundation, foundation waterproofing/drainage, underground utilities, framing, rough MEP, insulation, fire-rated assembly (if applicable), and final inspection. Confirm specific required inspections with administering authority at time of permit issuance.

Reinspection fee applies per administering authority's schedule.

Source: City of Saxman — City Administration / Building Permits ↗