Building Permit Information

The City and Borough of of Wrangell requires permits and licenses for certain activities. The most commonly used forms can be found on-line under the Department that issues the permit.

Development activities, either residential, commercial or industrial, may require permits approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission. All commercial and industrial construction requires State of Alaska Fire Marshal review prior to a local building permit's issuance.

The City and Borough of Wrangell reminds the public that a Building Permit is required for the erection, construction, moving, alteration, enlargement, repair, or conversion of structures located within the Borough.

Building Permits are required in order to ensure that all projects adhere to building codes, zoning requirements, height requirements, setbacks, minimum lot size, and permitted uses, which vary throughout the Borough.

Attached is a copy of the Building Permit. This form, which can be obtained from the Capital Projects Department or from City Hall (as well as printed form the website), must be filled out and the appropriate permit fees paid. The Capital Projects Department will issue the permit and be able to answer questions you may have regarding the building requirements. The Zoning Administrator and/or Electrical Superintendent may also need to sign the permit to confirm compliance with various other codes.

Other construction or land development activities may require state and federal permits. It is incumbent upon the developer to obtain the necessary state and federal approvals. While there is no City and Borough of Wrangell-issued business license, all businesses operating with the Borough are required to have a State Business License.

Feel free to call any of the Departments to ask if any permits or licenses are required and what the procedure is. Staff will help guide you through the development and permitting process.

When a Permit is Required

You must apply for a building permit if you plan to:

Construct a new home or accessory structure
Place a modular home on a foundation
Make additions or major alterations to an existing structure
Install foundations, utilities, or perform other significant site work

Building permits are required for all new structures larger than 150 square feet of floor area and 102 inches in wall height or that involve structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work.

How to Apply

Complete a Building Permit Application — forms are available at City Hall or online at wrangell.com.
Submit the application along with the required site plan, showing the driveway and building pad, building location and footprint, setback dimensions, utilities, and drainage features.
If applicable, include engineered drawings or specifications for the structure.
The Borough will review the submission for compliance with zoning, utility, building, electrical, and fire safety standards.
Once approved, you will receive a permit allowing you to begin construction.

Do I Need A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Wetland Permit?

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Regulatory Division is responsible for protecting aquatic environments such as oceans, rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, and wetlands—collectively referred to as Waters of the United States (WOTUS). Only the USACE has the authority to make an official determination as to whether an area contains WO-TUS. Any discharge of fill material into, or work conducted in, under, or over WOTUS may require a permit from the USACE. Additional permits or authorizations may also be required from federal, state, or local agencies, depending on the scope of the project.

For single-family residential development, the following permits may apply depending on proximity to water and the extent of impacts:

Nationwide Permit (NWP) #29 – for residential development affecting 0.5 acres or less of WOTUS
Nationwide Permit (NWP) #18 – for minor discharges
Regional General Permit #7 – applicable when the site is within 300 feet of open water or within 500 feet of an anadromous stream (inland waters accessible to migrating fish)