Kodiak Island Borough

Building permits are required for new construction of any structure; additions to existing structures; alterations to structural components (foundations, load-bearing walls, roof structure); change of occupancy; demolition; placement of manufactured or modular homes; installation, replacement, or modification of mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems; accessory structures; decks and elevated platforms; retaining walls over 4 feet in height; fences over 7 feet in height; and commercial construction.

• Exempt Routine maintenance and repair that replaces like-for-like without changing structural load paths, fire ratings, exit configuration, or occupancy (e.g., re-roofing with same material, replacing a window of the same size)
• Exempt Painting, wallpapering, floor covering, cabinet installation, counter replacement, and similar non-structural finish work
• Exempt Fences under 7 feet in height
• Exempt One-story detached accessory structures used as tool sheds, storage sheds, or playhouses with a floor area not exceeding 200 square feet (confirm current threshold with KIB); electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work within such structures still requires a permit
• Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep
• Exempt Decks not exceeding 200 square feet that are not attached to the dwelling and not more than 30 inches above grade

Note: Even exempt structures must comply with zoning setback requirements, lot coverage limits, and height restrictions. Unpermitted structures may not qualify for insurance coverage. Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the KIB Community Development Department before proceeding.

Building code

Kodiak Island Borough has adopted the 2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC), and 2018 International Fire Code (IFC) with Alaska statewide amendments. The Alaska Building Energy Efficiency Standard (BEES) applies to all new construction and major renovations. Structural design must comply with ASCE 7-16 for wind and seismic loads.

Permit validity

Building permits expire if work does not commence within 180 days of issuance or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 consecutive days. Permit renewals are available upon written request and payment of a renewal fee, provided the adopted building code edition has not changed since the original permit was issued.

Owner-builder

Under Alaska law, property owners may act as their own general contractor for construction of a structure intended as their primary residence without holding a general contractor license. An owner-builder affidavit or declaration may be required. Licensed subcontractors are required for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work regardless of owner-builder status.

Contractor requirements

All contractors performing work in the Kodiak Island Borough must hold a current Alaska Business License (issued by Alaska DCCED) and a valid Construction Contractor registration from the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DLWD). Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical contractors must hold the applicable specialty contractor license. Verify current license status before engaging any contractor.

Source: Kodiak Island Borough Community Development Department ↗

1. 01
   Confirm the project parcel is within Kodiak Island Borough boundary and outside City of Kodiak city limits using KIB GIS or by contacting the KIB Assessor at (907) 486-9353.
2. 02
   Verify the parcel is private fee land, not federal refuge land (Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge), Coast Guard installation, tribal trust land, or ANCSA corporation land. Request a parcel printout from the KIB Assessor to confirm ownership and borough assessment status.
3. 03
   Obtain a zoning determination by contacting the KIB Community Development Department at (907) 486-9362. Verify that the proposed use is permitted outright or allowed as a conditional use in the applicable zone. If a conditional use, variance, or subdivision approval is required, initiate those applications first and obtain approvals before submitting the building permit application.
4. 04
   For projects in FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas, contact KIB Community Development about floodplain development permit requirements. Confirm FIRM panel number and base flood elevation using the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
5. 05
   For projects in or near tsunami hazard zones, consult DGGS tsunami inundation maps. The Building Official may require special review or conditions for structures sited in zone 1 inundation areas.
6. 06
   Prepare required construction documents appropriate to the project type. For all structures in the borough, seismic design documentation is required due to Kodiak's extreme seismic environment. Kodiak is in Seismic Design Category D or E; engineer-stamped plans are required for commercial buildings and strongly recommended for larger residential structures.
7. 07
   Complete the KIB building permit application form, available from the Community Development Department.
8. 08
   Submit the completed application form, all required construction documents, and applicable fee payment to the Community Development Department in person at 710 Mill Bay Road, Room 205, or by mail.
9. 09
   The Building Official reviews plans for compliance with adopted codes. If deficiencies are found, a correction letter is issued. Revise and resubmit corrected plans; resubmittal cycles add time to the permit process.
10. 10
    Upon plan approval, the building permit is issued. Post the permit card at the job site in a weather-protected, conspicuous location before work begins.
11. 11
    As construction progresses, schedule required inspections by contacting the Community Development Department.
12. 12
    After passing the final inspection, a Certificate of Occupancy (for occupied structures) or Certificate of Completion (for non-occupied structures) is issued. No structure may be occupied before the Certificate of Occupancy is issued.

Typical processing time: Residential permits for straightforward single-family construction may process in 2–4 weeks. Commercial or engineered projects typically require 4–8 weeks for plan review, possibly longer during busy periods. Plan longer timelines than in mainland jurisdictions due to the island's logistics environment.

Source: Kodiak Island Borough Community Development Department ↗

Payment is made in person at the Community Development office. Contact the department for currently accepted payment methods.

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

• (907) 486-9362 (phone)
• commdev@kodiakak.us (email)

Scheduling deadline

Request lead time of at least 2–3 business days. Longer lead times are advisable during busy construction seasons (late spring through early fall) or during periods of severe weather.

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, borough business hours. Confirm current hours with the department.

Typical sequence: Typical sequence for residential new construction: pre-pour footing and excavation; foundation reinforcement and anchor bolts; foundation damp-proofing and perimeter drainage; framing inspection (including seismic straps and hold-downs); rough-in plumbing inspection; rough-in mechanical inspection; rough-in electrical inspection (by KIB inspector or Alaska State Electrical Inspection Program); insulation and vapor barrier inspection; wallboard and fire-rated assemblies; final building inspection. The Building Official determines which inspections are required for a given project.

For parcels off the road system or in remote villages, the applicant is responsible for arranging transportation for the inspector. In-person inspections at remote sites require coordination of small aircraft or watercraft, which adds cost and weather-dependent scheduling uncertainty. For small rural residential projects, the Building Official may accept construction photo documentation and contractor affidavits as a partial substitute for in-person inspection at certain phases.

Source: Kodiak Island Borough Community Development Department ↗