Residential – Addition to Existing Structures

Addition To Existing Structure Button

A residential addition is any type of construction that expands the square footage of the house, either by going up or out. Examples of this type of construction include adding an attached garage, adding another floor to the house, replacing standard windows with bay windows, etc. Residential additions will need to be permitted and reviewed by Building, Planning, and General Engineering. There are three stages to permitting this type of construction.

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. Do you want to add an accessory apartment or a second dwelling unit on your lot?
    • Check that your lot size and zoning district allows for additional dwellings. The Table of Dimensional Standards can help; or, speak with a Planner.
    • Contact a Planner to ensure project falls into minor development, rendering Planning Commission approval unnecessary.
  3. Are you changing or adding a use to the property?
    • Example: Adding a space for a home based business
    • 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

Site Plan (Example 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
  • Show where parking will be provided for residents
  • Show where required natural or landscaped vegetation will be provided
  • Using an existing plat or as-built survey can be a good starting point for drawing the lot lines
Grading Plan (Example and Checklist)
  • Show the path for drainage
  • Complete the Grading Plan Checklist

Note on Additions
A Grading Plan is only needed if the footprint increases by more than 50%.

Foundation Plan (Example)
  • View the Standard CBJ Foundation Plan

Note on Additions
A Foundation Plan is only needed if you are expanding the existing foundation.

Structural Plan (Example Cross Section)
  • Show cross sections of foundations, walls, floors, and roof
  • If there are walls over 10 feet in height, plan will need an engineer’s stamp

Note on Remodels
Structural plan is needed only for the areas being remodeled.

Floor Plan (Example)
  • Label all interior rooms
  • Label all interior square footage
  • Show all water facilities (sink, toilet, tub, shower, etc.)

Note on Remodels
We will need an existing floor plan that shows what currently exists, and a proposed floor plan that will show the remodel work.

Elevation Plan (Example)
  • Show height of building
  • Show the dimensions of the roof eaves
Water Line Information Sheet
  • To be completed if adding new water fixtures
  • This can be filled out at the Permit Center during your application process, or in advance.
  • If assistance is needed, call the Permit Center at 586-0770 or stop in.
Building Permit Application (Paper Version) [BLD]

If development includes an accessory apartment or second dwelling unit, provide the additional items

  • Accessory Apartment Application (only if applicable) [AAP]

    Multi-dwelling units require a meter to be installed by a plumber.

  • Fire and Sound Separation Plan (Key Points)

    1 hour fire separation and 50 STC is required

    • *Multi-dwelling units require a meter to be installed by a plumber

    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.