Permits

Planning staff is available to help you through the permit process, to save you time, money, and effort. Contact the Planning Office early and often when planning your project.

Planning and Zoning staff issue several types of permits. The City of Homer does not have a building inspection program and does not issue building permits. Visit the Building Code Information webpage for more information. However, Zoning Permits are required prior to clearing or new construction, including additions. Small accessory buildings such as tool sheds and greenhouses, under 200 square feet, detached from a main building, may be exempt from permitting but must still meet setback and other code requirements. Please contact the Planning Department if you are unsure if your project will require a permit.

Residential Permits issued by the City of Homer include:

• Zoning Permits
• Driveway Permit (Issued by Public Works)
• Water/Sewer Permits (Issued by Public Works)

Review the Fees webpage for current information on permit fees. 

Online Permitting Portal

Homer developers, contractors, and residents can now use the online Customer Portal to track development projects and apply for permits.

How to get started with the City's new online Customer Portal permit system.

Applicants will be required to create an online portal account prior to submitting new applications, making payments, scheduling inspections, etc.

New customers, without existing permits or applications, may proceed to the customer portal and create a new account and submit applications. Various user guides can be found on the Customer Portal under "Documents". 

For customers with existing accounts, it is highly recommended that you obtain the Access Code to gain access to historical permits and project information. Please call the City Planning department at 907-235-3106 and ask us to locate your Access Code. The access code will link your account to your existing application(s) and any active permit(s).

Access the online Customer Portal

Zoning Permits are only issued when all other required permits have been acquired and submitted to the Planning Office. Zoning Permit review is up to 10 working days after complete submittal.

Wetlands

Filling and building in areas designated as wetlands require a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) permit. To determine if a development site is located within wetlands, refer to the Kenai Peninsula Borough (KPB) Land Cover Viewer GIS Map with the “KWF Wetlands Assessment” layer turned on. Review the USACE Permitting webpage for more information.

Floodplain

Development in Flood Hazard Areas requires a Flood Development Permit issued by the Planning Office. More information can be found on the Flood Maps, Permits, and Flood Protection Information webpage.

Commercial and Multi-Family Projects

Commercial and larger residential projects may also require the following:

• State of Alaska Fire Marshal Certification is required before constructing a commercial building. Learn more on the State of Alaska Plan Review Bureau webpage.
• A Development Activity Plan that illustrates the management of erosion and sediment during construction. Review Best Management Practices for the Development Activity Plan.
• A Stormwater Plan (SWP) may be required for projects that exceed the development thresholds found in Homer City Code 21.50. The type of development that may trigger this permit includes significant grading, an increase of impervious coverage, and grading/clearing on steep slopes. This is not the same as a State of Alaska Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for disturbing an acre or more. View the City of Homer Stormwater Plan (SWP) Application.
• A Fire Marshal Approval Letter is often needed for existing commercial buildings (7 years or older) that have not had a previous Fire Marshal Plan Review. View guidance on obtaining the Fire Marshall Approval Letter.

Conditional Use Permit

Development requiring a Conditional Use Permit or other approvals that require a public hearing before the Planning Commission generally add at least two months to the timeline. Contact the Planning Office to discuss your specific project and timeline.

Agency Contact Information

City of Homer Public Works
907-235-3170
publicworks@cityofhomer-ak.gov
City of Homer Public Works Department website

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
907-753-2712
regpagemaster@usace.army.mil
US Army Corps of Engineers website

State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
907-269-0770
DOT.CR.Director@alaska.gov
State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities website

State of Alaska Department of Public Safety, Fire and Life Safety Plan Review Bureau
907-269-2004
dps.prb@alaska.gov
State of Alaska Department of Public Safety, Fire and Life Safety Plan Review Bureau website

Homer Area Professional Services

This list is provided for your convenience. The City of Homer does not endorse or verify the qualifications of these businesses.

*Homer area local business. Other firms listed are located elsewhere on the Kenai Peninsula.