Building Inspection

Cliff McHenry is the part time City of Nome Building Inspector. His office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 to 5:00. Mr. McHenry can also be reached directly by calling 907-443-6604.

The office of the building inspector works closely with the City Clerk’s office in managing the permitting process in the City of Nome. Please take a moment to review the permitting process below: 

All permit activity is to take place on the My gov portal.

The completion of this application does not constitute the issuance of a permit. There is a review process to include current tax compliance of the property, the required plans to meet City of Nome requirements, (i.e. drawing of project etc.) Review by NJUS for sewer and water and power connections, route for moving buildings etc.

There is typically a 5 to 7 day “ turnaround “between receiving a permit and issuing a permit (unless additional information is needed). You will be contacted if more information is required. It is the responsibility of the owner of record to ascertain a permit is in place. The contractor or person doing the work may pull a permit on owners behalf, but a “Proxy Statement” would have to be signed by owner. Emergency repairs are allowable, but a permit should be initiated on the next business day. The owner of Record is responsible for ensuring the worker or contractor has the skills and is adequately insured to protect the owner and City from liability for any damages. At www.nomealaska.org you can click on development (Code of  Ordinances Title 5) to view information on permits and what Building Standards are followed.

Clicking on Property Information will take you to the City of Nome GIS which will help with locating your property lines etc. If you have questions on the specific requirements required for your project the  Building  Inspector can be reached at 907-443-6604 Tuesday thru Thursday 8:30 to 5:00. Thank you and we look forward to assisting you in your project.   

Building Codes Adopted: The 2009 Edition of the International Building Code, the 2009 Edition of the International Residential Code, the 2009 Edition of the International Mechanical Code, the 2011 Edition of the National Electrical Code, the 2012 Edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code, and the 2009 Edition of International Fire Code, as well as all administrative provisions thereof, as modified by the state of Alaska in 8 AAC 63.010, 8 AAC 70.025, 13 AAC 50.020, 13 AAC 50.023, 13 AAC 50.025, and 15 AAC 150.035 are collectively adopted by reference as the building code of the city except as further modified by this chapter. (Ord. O-15-03-01A § 1, 2015: Ord. O-09-12-02 § 1, 2009: Ord. 01-12-1 § 1 (part), 2001)

The Office of Building Inspection also works closely with the Department of Public Works and the Nome City Police to assist in keeping Public Right of Ways open for Fire Safety and Snow Removal. With Nome’s smaller lot sizes and homes built close to Right of Ways it takes the cooperation of all citizens to accomplish this task. Please keep all vehicles and equipment out of the Public Right of Ways.

Typically the Power Poles are located 1 to 2 feet onto your property, and using this as a boundary is advised. Also the City of Nome website (nomealaska.org) property search page has the GIS database showing property boundaries .If you’re unsure of the boundaries please contact us. Also, the Port of Nome has space available to rent if you are short of space to store items on your property. Please click here for applicable Nome City Ordinances that deal with Right of Way issues

Within the City of Nome, a permit is required for the following: 

(1) A building permit is required for all new construction.

(2) A demolition permit is required for any demolition of any existing structure.

(3) A mechanical/electrical permit is required for replacement or installation in an existing structure of any boiler, furnace, water heater, breaker panel, oil tank, stationary propane tank, wood burning stove or fireplace.

(4) A moving permit is required for any person to drag, pull or push, or cause to be dragged, pulled or pushed, any structure onto, across, along, or within any lot, street or sidewalk within the limits of the city.

(5) A remodeling permit is required for any alteration of, enlargement of, repair of or renovation of any structure.

(6) An excavation/fill permit is required for any excavation or fill of land that materially alters runoff from the property to be excavated or filled.

(7) A floodplain development permit is required for any development in an area of special flood hazard as defined in NCO Section 11.50.060.

Permit fees:

(a) Fees for moving, demolition and excavation permits are as follows:

(b) Remodeling, building, electrical and mechanical permit fees are as follows:

PER O-22-07-01 the City of Nome is waiving permit fees for building, remodel, mechanical and electrical permit applications through December 31, 2027 for projects with a total value of less than $500,000. 

Table 5.10.080.A

Building Permit Fees

(c) Other inspections and fees are as follows:

(1) Inspection outside of normal business hours—forty-seven dollars per hour (minimum charge—two hours);

(2) Reinspection fees—forty-seven dollars per hour;

(3) Inspections for which no fee is specifically indicated—forty-seven dollars per hour (minimum charge—one-half-hour);

(4) Additional plan review required by changes, additions or revisions to plans-forty-seven dollars per hour (minimum charge—one-half-hour);

(5) For use of outside consultants for plan checking and inspections, or both — actual costs.

(d) Total valuation of the proposed construction will be determined by the building official using the most recent building valuation data published by the International Conference of Building Officials or the applicant’s estimate of valuation. (Ord. 01-12-1 § 1 (part), 2001)

The City's building ordinances can be found at: https://www.codepublishing.com/AK/Nome/#!/Nome05/Nome0510.html#5.10 

For more information, please contact the Building Inspector or the Clerk's Office.