State Permits: Alaska
Alaska, the largest state in the US, is known as “the last frontier.” Its rugged and barren landscape can be daunting to most architects and contractors, but if your retail company is looking to expand outside the continental US then there are some rules and regulations that you need to learn first.
First, Alaska is one of three states that does not segment their cities and suburbs into counties. Instead of counties, Alaska separates its territories into boroughs, and there are 16 boroughs that contractors have the opportunity to build. Each of these boroughs, such as Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau, requires their own types of permits, and they can all be found in different government buildings. However, there are some restrictions that need to be followed no matter what borough you’re building:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency manages storm water permits that are required for all construction projects that disturb over one acre of land.
State of Alaska, Department of Public Safety require building permits for all commercial and residential structures that have four or more dwelling units. This requirement is mandatory throughout the state of Alaska.
In general in Alaska, you have to take the environment you are in into consideration. Many boroughs have building codes that deal with the surrounding area. There are floodplain restrictions and zoning laws that place heavy emphasis on not disturbing the natural area. There are the typical permit regulations in Alaska though. The boroughs require building, plumbing, electrical and energy permits. As with most states, it is necessary to submit your construction plans, and in Alaska, these plans are submitted and reviewed by the state. However, if you are building in Anchorage, Juneau, Fairbanks, Kenai, Seward, Kodiak, Sitka and Soldotna then your plans can go directly to the city that you plan on beginning construction.
Alaska is a beautiful state that takes pride in its surroundings, and it protects them through its building codes, permits and licenses. Make sure to do your research on the different boroughs and find out which one most suits the needs of your retail project. From there, find the website that will direct you to the necessary permits, or hire a permit expeditor that already has the information and the efficiency that you need.
For more information on building codes and permits visit:
http://www.reedconstructiondata.com/building-codes/alaska/
