TO:      ALL BUILDERS  (COMMERCIAL)

The attached information titled "Requirements for City of Kenai, Building Permit Applications," has been prepared by the building department for the purpose of standardizing requirements and assisting in the processing of building permits.  The City of Kenai has adopted the following Building Codes under Kenai Municipal Code Title 4.

v      International Building, Fire, Fuel Gas, and Mechanical Codes as published by the International Code Council

v      Uniform Plumbing Code as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials

v      National Electrical Code as published by the National Fire Protection Association

These codes will be strictly enforced within the City of Kenai by the Building Official.  All plans will be reviewed and construction inspected for compliance with the applicable building codes and fire and life safety requirements by the Building Official and the Kenai Fire Marshal.  Plans will also be reviewed for compliance with KMC Title 14 - Planning & Zoning by the Planning Department.

Engineering design should include criteria for compliance with Seismic Design Category D2; utilize a ground snow load of 70 p.s.f. plus deadloads; using a basic wind speed of 100 m.p.h., Exposure B, and winter design temperature of –18 degrees F or as indicated by the Building Official.

It is strongly recommended that persons planning a commercial building or facility contact this office prior to initiating design to determine if there are any special requirements that must be considered.

Some construction may require review by the City Planning and Zoning Commission prior to issuance of a building permit.  This may include Townsite Historic Zone development, conditional use permits, variances, encroachments, etc. Commercial/industrial landscaping site plans will be reviewed by the Planning Department.

Any questions concerning these policies and procedures should be addressed to my office.

Sincerely,

Robert C. Springer

City of Kenai, Building Official


CITY OF KENAI

BUILDING PROCEDURE

A.  APPLICATION

Applicant shall submit all information as described below on the application sheet provided.  Such application shall:

1.      Identify and describe the work to be covered by the permit for which application is made.

2.      Describe the land on which the proposed work is to be done by legal description, street address, or similar description that will readily identify and definitely locate the proposed building or work.

3.      Indicate the use and occupancy for which the proposed work is intended.

4.      Be accompanied by construction documents (plans) and other information as required.

5.      State the valuation of the proposed work.

6.      Be signed by the applicant, or the applicant’s authorized agent and provide a point of contact name and phone number.

7.      Give such other data and information as required by the Building Official on Page 4 of this packet.

B.  REVIEW

The City of Kenai Building Department will research relevant building codes.  The City of Kenai Planning Department will research planning and zoning constraints and other related information.

Applicant must allow 20 working days for City review.  City review shall be in conformance with all applicable codes and ordinances, and may include review by the following:

1.         City Engineer

2.         Building Official

3.         Fire Marshal

4.         Planning Department

5.         Planning & Zoning Commission (as required)


Once plans and specs are satisfactory and the City has received payment of all required fees, the City Building Official will issue the permit.  Permit fees for new residential construction, other types of construction, and other inspections and fees shall be according to KMC Title 4.  An investigation fee may, by code, be imposed if work has commenced prior to obtaining the building permit.

Commercial Building Permit Fees

Based on Value of Building or Alteration and KMC Table 1-A

Plan review fees shall be 65% of building permit fee listed above.

Water and Sewer Permit Fees

(Valid for 12 months from date of issue.)

$200 for Water Permit

$200 for Sewer Permit

Sales Tax will be added to the above fees.

C.  CONSTRUCTION

Construction may proceed in stages as specified on the inspection reports.  In no case will there be less inspections than required on Page 6 of this packet.

D.  CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY

After final inspection by the Building Inspector and Fire Marshal, the City of Kenai Building Official will issue a Certificate of Occupancy, according to Section 110 International Building Code.  The building shall not be occupied until a certificate of occupancy has been issued.

Note:  This flow sheet is intended as an aid for anyone building within the city limits.  If there should be a conflict between this flow sheet and Chapter 1, International Building Code, the latter shall govern.


CITY OF KENAI

BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION

The following items will be needed with a building permit application.

COMMERCIAL BUILDING - NEW CONSTRUCTION

AND ADDITIONS OVER 500 SQ. FT. TO COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

1.      Three (3) sets of complete plans showing all construction details.  One set will go to the City of Kenai Fire Marshal for review, one set to the Building Official, and one set to be returned to the applicant stamped “Approved.”

2.      Three (3) sets of electrical plans.

3.      Three (3) sets of mechanical plans.

4.      Three (3) sets fire alarm or sprinkler plans, if required.

5.      Two (2) plot plans that clearly indicate the distance from all property lines to the proposed building.  If hooking up to City water and sewer, indicate the location of the proposed service lines.

6.      One (1) permit for a water connection ($200 plus tax) and one (1) permit for a sewer connection ($200 plus tax) if building is within 200 feet of the City water and sewer systems.  Size of connections and meter required.  Permits are available from the Finance Department at the time the building permit is issued.

7.      Plans submitted for commercial, industrial, 4-plex and above, including electrical and mechanical designs, shall be prepared and stamped by an appropriate architect or engineer licensed in the State of Alaska. 

8.      A landscaping/site plan that shows the proposed landscaping, layout of the building, parking, and snow storage area.  The plan will be submitted to the Planning Department for approval.

9.      Any building permit application submitted for construction within the TSH zone may require a review by the Planning and Zoning Commission.  Allow 6 weeks for approval.

10.  Provide a list of General, Electrical, Mechanical Contractors that will provide services.


ADDITIONS UP TO 500 SQ. FT. TO COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

AND/OR ALTERATIONS

1.      One (1) set of complete plans showing how addition or alteration is going to be built.

2.      One (1) set of electrical plans, if any additional electrical work is to be done.  (Note - the Building Official may waive the requirement for minor electrical alterations that do not significantly increase the load or character of the electrical system.)

3.      One (1) set of mechanical plans, if any additional mechanical work is to be done.  (The building official may waive the requirement for minor mechanical alterations that do not significantly affect the character of the mechanical system.)

4.      One (1) plot plan showing proposed location of addition on building and property corners marked.  If hooking up to City water and sewer, indicate the location of the proposed service lines.

5.      Additions or alterations of over $20,000 that add square footage to the building will require a landscaping/site plan that shows the proposed landscaping, layout of the building, parking and snow storage area.  The plan will be submitted to the Planning Department for approval.

6.      Any building permit application submitted for construction within the TSH zone may require a review by the Planning and Zoning Commission.  Allow 6 weeks for approval.

7.      Plans submitted for remodel or alteration of buildings that change occupancy and cost $50,000 or more shall be prepared by an appropriate architect or engineer licensed in the State of Alaska.

8.      Provide a list of General, Electrical, and Mechanical Contractors that will provide services.


CITY OF KENAI REQUIRED INSPECTIONS

Call 283-7535, Ext. 236, Prior to Noon for Afternoon Inspection

Calls after noon will be scheduled for the following afternoon.

1.       Water/Sewer:  water and sewer connections on City mains.

2.       Footing Inspection:  to be made when forms and reinforcing steel are in place.  The lot corners must be marked and setbacks must be field verified at this time prior to pouring concrete.  If building setbacks cannot be verified due to site conditions, the permit holder shall submit another site plan drawn by a State registered land surveyor that verifies the required building setbacks have been met.

3.       Foundation Inspections:

CMU block bond beam inspection to be made when the last course of block and bond beam steel is in place prior to pouring grout.

Concrete inspection to be made when foundation wall forms and reinforcing steel are in place prior to pouring concrete.

All Weather Wood inspection to be made after sheathing fastening is complete and again after all plastic or waterproofing is in place and prior to backfill.

4.       Under-Floor Inspection: to be made after all in-slab or under-floor building service equipment, conduit, piping accessories and other imbedded items are in place but before any concrete is poured.

5.       Dampproofing Inspection: to be made after dampproofing is complete prior to backfill (basements only).

6.       Plumbing & Mechanical Inspection: see additional information on Required Inspections - Plumbing.

7.       Electrical Inspection: at the completion of rough-in wiring, conduit, etc.

8.       Framing Inspection: to be made after the roof, all framing, fire blocking and bracing are in place and all ducting, piping, chimneys, and vents are complete.  Rough electrical, plumbing, and heating work must be approved prior to, or at the same time as, the framing inspection.

9.       Insulation and Vapor Barrier Inspection: to be made prior to all wall board installation.  Inspection shall include vapor barrier seal, caulking and insulation placement.

10.   Wallboard Inspection: to be made after all wallboard, interior and exterior, is in place and before wallboard joints and fasteners are taped and finished.

11.   Final Inspection: to be made after receiving as-built survey and the building is completed and ready for occupancy.

NOTE:  The Building Official may require that every request for inspection be filed at least one working day before such inspection is desired.


CITY OF KENAI BUILDING DEPARTMENT

REQUIRED INSPECTIONS - PLUMBING

1.  Underground plumbing before covering.

2.  Rough-in plumbing.

3.  Final.

The building drain and vent system shall be tested with at least a 10-foot head of water for 15 minutes or with an air test of 5 psi for 15 minutes.

The hot and cold water system shall be tested with an air test of 100 psi for 15 minutes.

Gas piping shall be tested with an air test of at least 10 psi for 15 minutes.

Fire sprinkler systems shall be hydrostatically tested at 200 psi for 2 hours.


REQUIREMENTS FOR CONNECTING TO CITY WATER AND SEWER

This information pertains to all people who intend to hook up to City water and sewer or are now on wells and septic tanks but will be hooking up to City water and sewer.

1.      No water or sewer service lines can be installed until the main lines have been tested, inspected, and approved by the City of Kenai.

2.      Water and sewer permits are required before starting any installation.  Each permit costs $200 plus tax.  Permits are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.  The legal description and house number are required.

3.      If the service lines are installed to your property line, it is not required to have a contractor licensed by the City do the work.  You may do your own if you wish; but be advised, you may be working in the water table.  If any excavation has to be done in the public right-of-way, a City-licensed contractor has to do that work, and an excavation permit is required as well as water and sewer permits and inspections.

4.      Copper tubing, type "K" or "L," and galvanized pipe are acceptable materials for water lines.  Joints in copper tubing underground may be flared or brazed only.  Your stub will be a ¾," or larger, flared fitting.  Install water lines 8' to 10' deep; at least 10' if under a driveway.  Water lines are to be at least ¾” or 2” if installed prior to a building permit being issued.

5.      Plastic pipe, ABS or PVC, and cast iron are acceptable materials for sewer lines.  Your sewer stub out may terminate with the bell end of the cast iron pipe.  If you use plastic, snap off the bell end and start the plastic pipe with an adapter from cast to plastic.  Grade sewer line at 1/4" per foot.  Install a cleanout approximately 2' outside your house and at 100' intervals.  Sewer lines are to be at least 4."

6.      The water and sewer lines must be inspected by the City before they are buried.  Notify the City at least 24 hours (not including weekends and holidays) in advance of the time requested for inspection.

7.      When converting an existing on-site well to City water service, all water lines from the present well must be entirely disconnected from the system and the well shall be abandoned in accordance with ADEC criteria.

8.      When converting an existing on-site sewer disposal system to the City sewer system, the septic tank and/or log crib must be pumped out and the tank and/or log crib filled in to prevent future collapse.  This work shall be in accordance with ADEC criteria.

9.      Before water can be turned on, the property owner must pay the deposit and sign up for services with the Finance Department.

10.  Charges for water and sewer begin with the request for water turn on.  The property owner will be charged the appropriate water and sewer rate whenever the curb stop or valve in the valve box is turned on and available to deliver water.  If water is being used for construction purposes only and not being disposed of in the Municipal Sewer System, the property owner will be required to pay only the water portion of the bill.  The property owner is required to notify the City before they start using the Municipal Sewer System.


CITY OF KENAI FIRE DEPARTMENT

BUILDING PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

COMMERCIAL

1.  Consultation with the Fire Department is recommended if a fire protection system will tax the water system, or the project is so large it will tax the water system when occupied.

2.  PLANS (Prepared by an architect or engineer licensed by the State of Alaska to practice such.)

a.   Complete set of plans showing all construction details.

b.   Complete set of plans for any installed system.  Must meet the applicable NFPA standard and working plans must include the criteria indicated within the standard.

c.   Complete set of plans for any automatic fire protection devices.  Must meet the applicable NFPA standard and working plans must include the criteria indicated within the standard.

d.   Distance to each exit must be shown on plans.

e.   Location of proposed building on general area and on lot.

f.    Location and type of portable fire extinguishers.

g.   Location and construction design of fire access roads.

h.   Hydrant locations. Must be within 250' for buildings within city water service area.

i.    All hydraulic computations for hydrants, sprinkler and standpipe systems.

j.    All drawings must show code year (i.e. 00 IFC) IBC occupancy, and IBC construction type.

3.  SPECIAL NOTES

a.     Local code requires a certain type of hydrant and the city water department regulates installation and hydrant protection.

b.     All hydrants installed by the contractor will be flushed and flow tested in the presence of water department or fire department personnel (or both) and will provide a test certificate to each department.

c.     All alarm and sprinkler systems will have an operational test conducted in the presence of fire department personnel or a delegate.  A test certificate shall be delivered to the fire department.  The installed system must meet the approval of the fire department.

d.     Key boxes may be required for some occupancies.  Requirements are, but are not limited to, high hazard buildings; buildings with complex layouts; buildings with installed systems; buildings with potential high life loss.  Key box make will be the type specified by the fire department.

e.       Sprinkler systems with 20 heads or more shall be monitored as stated in IBC Section 901.6.1


APPLICATION FOR BUILDING/WATER & SEWER PERMIT

CITY OF KENAI

1.      Describe work to be done:                                                                                       

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

2.  Indicate use or occupancy:                                                                                      

  1. Water & Sewer Permit: Required if within 200’ of public system

a.      If permit is required provide:

 Number of: Toilets:                      Sinks:                        Tubs/Showers:      

4.  Legal Description:  __________________________________________________

Street Address:  _____________________________________________________

5.  Submit plans, diagrams, or specifications when submitting application.

6.  State the valuation of work to be done:  $_____________________

__________________________________________________

Permittee or Owner

__________________________________________________        ________________

Mailing Address                                                                  Phone

__________________________________________________

Contractor

__________________________________________________        ________________

Contractor Address                                                                       Phone

__________________________________________________

Signature of applicant or authorized agent

____________________

Date

 

PLEASE SUBMIT THIS APPLICATION WITH PLANS

 


LANDSCAPING/SITE PLAN REVIEW

APPLICATION

APPLICANT

 

BUSINESS NAME

 

LEGAL PROPERTY OWNER

 

PROPERTY ADDRESS

 

MAILING ADDRESS

 

PHONE

 

ZONING DESIGNATION

C  RR  RR-1  RS  RS-1  RS-2  RU  CC  CG  IL  R   TSH  (Circle one)

LEGAL DESCRIPTION

 

PARCEL NUMBER

 

Include the following on the Site Plan.  If not applicable please put an NA next to the item.

____                a.         Common and scientific name of the planting materials to be used in the project.

____                b.         Typical planting details.

____                c.         Location of all planting areas and relationship to buildings, parking areas, and driveways.

____                d.         Identification and location of non-living landscaping materials to be used.

____                e.         Identification of on-site snow storage areas.

____                f.          Drainage patterns.

____                g.         Description of buildings, including building height, ground floor dimensions, kinds of building materials, type of architecture anticipated.

____                h.         Physical features of the property including location of all buildings, ingress and egress, and unusual features of the property which may restrict development and drainage.

Additional comments or information should be attached to this application. 

(Last updated 3/21/06)