Residential – Interior Remodel

A residential interior remodel is any type of interior changes that do not affect the square footage of the house. Examples of this include removing or adding interior walls, changing the location of plumbing and/or electrical, etc. This type of construction 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

  1. Existing Floor Plan (Example Floor Plan)
    • Label all interior rooms and include square footage
  2. Proposed Floor Plan
    • Label all interior rooms and include square footage
  3. Structural Plan (Example Cross Section)
    • For areas being changed only
    • If there are walls over 10 feet in height, plan will need an engineer’s stamp
  4. Only applicable if there are structural changes
  5. Water Line Information Sheet (only if adding water fixtures)
    • This can be filled out at the Permit Center or online here
    • If assistance is needed, call the Permit Center at 907.586.0770 or stop in
  6. Building Permit Application Form

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

  1. Fire and Sound Separation Plan
    • 1 hour fire separation and 50 STC is required
  2. Accessory Apartment Form (only if applicable)
  3. 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.