City of Houston

Construction permits are required for any project over 480 square feet within Houston city limits. Driveway permits are required for driveways connecting to public roads. Utility permits are required for utility connections. For flood zone properties, a separate MSB Floodplain Development Permit is required in addition to the city construction permit.

• Exempt Projects 480 square feet or less do not require a city construction permit
• Exempt Routine maintenance, minor repairs not affecting structure
• Exempt Projects on private roads do not require a city driveway permit

Note: Even if exempt from city permit, MSB floodplain requirements apply in designated flood zones. MSB fire/life safety requirements apply to applicable commercial/multifamily structures. Contact Public Works or MSB for confirmation.

Building code

References Alaska state building codes; for specific code edition adopted by the city, contact Public Works or the Houston City Clerk at 907-892-6869.

Permit validity

Not published; contact Public Works

Owner-builder

Alaska state owner-builder exemption (AS 08.18.161) applies; property owners may build their own primary residence without state contractor registration; sale/lease within 2 years triggers state review

Contractor requirements

Alaska state contractor registration required; see https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing/ConstructionContractors.aspx. City recommends hiring a certified building inspector to verify construction.

Source: City of Houston Public Works Department ↗

1. 01
   Determine whether your project is within Houston city limits (parcels outside city limits go to MSB)
2. 02
   For flood zone properties, check flood hazard status via MSB myProperty at https://myproperty.matsugov.us/
3. 03
   Contact Public Works at 907-892-6869 or publicworks@houston-ak.gov to confirm permit requirements for your project
4. 04
   Download the Construction Permit form (Form #5961) from https://houstonak.us/how_do_i/forms___applications.php
5. 05
   Prepare required documents: site plan with property dimensions, setbacks, and proposed construction location; construction drawings
6. 06
   Submit application online or in person at City Hall
7. 07
   Pay applicable fees (FY 2023 fee schedule available; contact for current fees)
8. 08
   Await permit issuance from Public Works Clerk
9. 09
   If in a flood zone, also obtain MSB Floodplain Development Permit before proceeding
10. 10
    Hire a certified building inspector to verify construction from design to completion
11. 11
    For commercial/multifamily, contact MSB Fire Code Office at 907-861-8383 for required fire/life safety plan review
12. 12
    Complete project and receive final sign-off

Typical processing time: Not published; contact Public Works at 907-892-6869

Source: City of Houston Public Works Department ↗

Online payment system available for some forms; contact Public Works for current payment methods

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

• Public Works: 907-892-6869 (phone)
• publicworks@houston-ak.gov (email)
• MSB Fire Code Office: 907-861-8383 (for fire/life safety inspections) (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM

Typical sequence: (1) Obtain permit before beginning construction; (2) Private certified building inspector engaged to verify construction at key phases; (3) Contact MSB Fire Code Office for fire/life safety final inspection if applicable; (4) Final sign-off from Public Works. City recommends hiring a certified building inspector to inspect construction from design to completion.

Source: City of Houston Public Works Department ↗