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Building Inspector
Dale Welty
(907) 747-1837
dale.welty@cityofsitka.org
Building Official/Fire Marshall
Patrick Swedeen
(907) 747-1832
pat.swedeen@cityofsitka.org
Location
100 Lincoln St
Sitka,
AK
99835
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Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Design Requirements

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Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Design Requirements
  1. I HAVE A SET OF DRAWINGS SEALED AND SIGNED BY AN ENGINEER/ARCHITECT REGISTERED IN A STATE OTHER THAN ALASKA. DOES THE PLAN SUBMITTAL MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A DESIGN PROFESSIONAL IN ALASKA?

  1. No. Only design professionals registered with the Alaska Board, maintained current, have any legal standing in the state. Professionals registered in other states must obtain registration in Alaska by virtue of a test or comity prior to offering or initiating any design work within Alaska.

  2. CAN AN ALASKA REGISTRANT OVERSTAMP DRAWINGS PREPARED AND STAMPED BY AN OUT-OF-STATE REGISTRANT FOR SUBMITTAL IN ALASKA?

    An Alaska registrant may only seal design drawings prepared by him or under his direct control.

  3. CAN I, AS AN OWNER/BUILDER/CONTRACTOR, MAKE CHANGES TO APPROVED ENGINEERS/ARCHITECTS DRAWINGS?

    No. When drawings are prepared by an Alaska registrant no changes may be made except by that professional or another appropriately-licensed professional.

  4. MAY AN ALASKA REGISTRANT MAKE CHANGES TO DRAWINGS PREPARED BY ANOTHER ALASKA REGISTRANT?

    Yes, with conditions. An Alaska registrant may revise or change drawings prepared by another registrant with the following conditions:

    1. Every effort must be taken to notify and obtain concurrence from the original design professional with respect to changes to the original drawings.
    2. The registrant initiating changes to the drawings assumes full responsibility for any changes and their effect on the remainder of the construction.
    3. Changes to the drawings must comply with the standards stated in this reference manual.

  5. MAY AN ALASKA-REGISTERED ENGINEER PREPARE AND STAMP ARCHITECTURAL PLANS?

    No, but with some exceptions, i.e., where architectural applications are of minor importance. An engineer may only practice within his/her area of expertise.

  6. MAY AN ALASKA-REGISTERED ARCHITECT PREPARE AND STAMP ENGINEERING DOCUMENTS?

    No, but with some exceptions, i.e., where engineering applications are of minor importance. The scope of engineering shall be limited by regulations set forth by the Division of Occupational Licensing.

  7. MAY AN ALASKA-REGISTERED CONTRACTOR PREPARE AND SUBMIT PLANS TO A BUILDING DEPARTMENT WITHOUT ENGAGING A DESIGN PROFESSIONAL?

    No. An Alaska-licensed contractor (general, mechanical, electrical, etc.) may not prepare and submit plans to a building department, except as exempted under AS 08.48.

  8. CAN ENGINEER'S CALCULATIONS BE USED AS DOCUMENTS FOR CONSTRUCTION WORK?

    It depends on the circumstance, i.e., when calculations are the sole document.

    1. Yes, when the document provides a clear description of work acceptable to the building official for the work intended. (A cover sheet should describe the scope of work.)
    2. No, when the document presents only engineering analysis and does not provide a satisfactory description of work, for construction purposes.
    3. No, when amended submittals conflict with the original approved description of work.

  9. DO SHOP DRAWINGS HAVE TO BE STAMPED BY AN ENGINEER OR ARCHITECT AND SUBMITTED TO THE BUILDING OFFICIAL FOR APPROVAL?

    No, shop drawings are intended as contractor or fabricator details (e.g., structural fabrication). These are not part of the building department approved design documents.

  10. WHAT ARE EXAMPLES OF COMPONENT OR SUPPLEMENTAL DESIGNS WHICH ARE REQUIRED TO BE STAMPED BY A DESIGN PROFESSIONAL WHEN SUBMITTED TO THE BUILDING OFFICIAL FOR APPROVAL?

    Examples are:

    1. Prefabricated metal buildings
    2. Roof truss systems (complete system)
    3. Post-tension or prestress designs
    4. An alternate to original submittal
    5. Component or system substitution which substantially changes scope of work or code application
    6. Precast concrete building components

  11. CAN A LAND SURVEYOR PREPARE AND SUBMIT PLOT AND GRADING PLANS?

    Yes. Land surveyors may prepare plot plans which provide topographical and related measurement data, including the location of design features. However, an LS may not design engineering or architectural components.