Anchorage Updates Municipal Building Code

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Over the past year, the Development Services Department has been working with community members and building experts to modernize the Municipality's building codes (Title 23) and bring them into conformity with national standards. The Anchorage Assembly approved AO 2026-33, As Amended at their April 14 meeting to adopt the recommended changes.

"This AO combined the efforts of over 100 volunteers in the construction community including contractors, engineers, and architects on ten different committees, all focused on updating the building codes for meeting the needs of Anchorage," said Department Engineering Services Manager Daniel King.

The many changes that will make housing safer and more affordable include:

New Single Stair Egress Code Boosts Apartment Development
In communities across the country, single stair reform has been shown to bring down costs for building apartments and condos and optimize the use of smaller or unusual-sized lots. This pivotal change not only maximizes the usable square footage of building lots but also paves the way for larger, more desirable living spaces on smaller infill lots.

Building Permit Exemption Expanded
In a significant move to ease burdens on homeowners, the cost threshold for building permit exemptions for non-structural repairs and replacements-including essential fixes like siding and roofing-has doubled from $5,000 to $10,000. This streamlined approach empowers homeowners to make necessary repairs quickly and efficiently, ensuring homes remain safe and secure. For more extensive projects like complete reroofs, permits will still play a vital role, as they allow for thorough inspections that guarantee structural integrity and ensure proper installation. This exciting change simply makes it easier for residents to maintain their homes and protect their families.

New Code for Accessory Dwelling Units
To enhance housing flexibility and affordability, the latest revision to building codes now allows homeowners to add attached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) within the existing footprint of their homes without the complications of fire separation. This change simplifies the process of altering an existing single-family home into a duplex with one unit 1,200 square feet or less.
With the new code in place, homeowners can add an ADU while ensuring safety through interconnected smoke detectors between the units. This approach not only promotes safer living environments but also empowers homeowners to maximize their property's potential.

The MOA Building Services Department presented a summary of the major changes to Title 23 - Building Code during an Assembly Worksession in March. The updates contained in AO 2026-33, As Amended, will take effect Monday, May 18.

"The Assembly and Mayor LaFrance have cut a lot of red tape for housing development in recent years and that work is paying off - we've received permit applications for 47 units of new multi-family housing so far this year as compared to just 4 last year at this time," said Assembly Chair Anna Brawley. "Practical changes like these building code updates will do even more to encourage new housing, while also maintaining a high level of safety for the residents of those units."

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Contact:
Clare Ross, Anchorage Assembly
Legislative Services Director
[email protected]

Daniel King, Development Services Department
Engineering Services Manager
[email protected] ​

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