Commercial – New Construction

New Construction Image

Construction of a new commercial development will need to be permitted and reviewed by Building, Planning, and General Engineering. There are three stages to permitting this type of development.

Information Gathering Stage

During this stage, before any plans are drawn up by architects or engineers, it is important to think about the following items.

  1. What are the dimensions of the lot, setback requirements, height limitations, and lot coverage allowances for placing a structure on the property?
    • Discover your zoning district through our Parcel Viewer.
    • View the Table of Dimensional Standards; exceptions to setbacks sometimes apply.
    • If you need help, contact a Planner at 907.586.0715.
  2. Are you located inside of a flood, avalanche, or landslide hazard zone?
  3. Are there wetlands on your lot? If so, a wetlands determination may be required.
  4. Have you thought about parking for your new development?
  5.  Are you located inside the boundary of an adopted area plan such as Auke Bay or Lemon Creek?
  6. Are you adding a new use to the property?
    • Contact a Planner to ensure the new use is allowable in your zoning district and whether or not it needs Planning Commission approval.
    • If Planning Commission approval is required, allow 6 – 8 weeks for a decision.

Required Submittals for Permit Application Stage

  1. Site Plan
    • Site plan must be to scale
    • Include the dimensions of the structure
    • Include accurate property line locations in relation to the proposed structure
  2. Parking Plan (could be combined with site plan)
  3. Exterior Lighting Plan (could be combined with site plan)
    • Show the location of the lights and the lighting specs
  4. Vegetation Plan (could be combined with site plan)
  5. Grading Plan
    • Stamped and Signed by Alaska Civil Engineer
  6. Structural Plan
    • Stamped and Signed by Alaska PE Engineer
  7. Architectural Plan
    • Stamped and Signed by Alaska Architect
    • Should include square footage of interior spaces
  8. Electrical Plan
    • Stamped and Signed by Alaska Electrical Engineer
  9. Mechanical / Plumbing Plan
    • Stamped and Signed by Alaska Mechanical Engineer
  10. Building Permit Application (Paper Version) [BLD]

Plan Review Stage

Once your application has been accepted for intake at our Permit Center, your project will enter the Plan Review stage. Expect to hear back from Planning, Building, or Engineering concerning the following:

  • They have questions about your project
  • Part of your project may need modification

Once all parties have approved the plans for your project, your building permit will be issued and you may begin construction. Expected timeline for this stage is two weeks.