How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK?

Fees are calculated as: Fire/Life Safety plan review fees: new construction and additions calculated on square footage per state valuation schedule; renovations and alterations calculated on project cost; special categories (home day cares, assisted living 5 or fewer residents, special events, code modifications) are $150 flat; hourly rate of $95/hour with 2-hour minimum when value cannot be determined; identical structures receive 60% of full fee for additional units. Multifamily permit: $500 flat fee. Land use permit fees vary by type.. Plan check fee: Included in fire/life safety review fee structure.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK?

The following work is generally exempt: Single-family and duplex/triplex residential structures are exempt from MSB fire/life safety plan review; Driveway permits are not required if the driveway connects to a private road; Floodplain permit only required if the parcel is within a Federally Designated Flood Hazard Area; Routine maintenance, landscaping, and minor repairs not affecting structure or mechanical systems. Note: Even if exempt from one permit type, other permit requirements may still apply. Confirm edge cases with the Permit Center before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK?

Inspections can be scheduled via: MSB Permit Center: 907-861-7822, PermitCenter@matsugov.us, MSB Fire Marshal: 907-861-8383 (for fire/life safety inspections), FireCode@MatSuGov.us. Contact Permit Center or Fire Marshal to schedule; availability depends on workload.

County Building Permits

Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Alaska Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

The MSB Permit Center handles land use permits, floodplain development permits, driveway permits, multifamily residential permits, fire/life safety plan reviews, and encroachment permits for all unincorporated areas of the borough. Properties located within the city limits of Wasilla, Palmer, or Houston are administered by those respective cities. Building permits for single-family residential construction in unincorporated MSB are not separately administered at the borough level under a traditional building permit program; the primary MSB construction-related permits are land use permits, multifamily permits, and fire/life safety plan reviews.

Department: Matanuska-Susitna Borough Planning and Land Use Department, Permit Center
Address: 350 E. Dahlia Ave., Palmer, AK 99645
Phone: 907-861-7822
Email: PermitCenter@matsugov.us
Website: https://planning.matsugov.us/pages/permit-center

Online Permit Portal

Open Tyler Technologies EnerGov Self-Service Portal

Platform: Tyler Technologies EnerGov • Account required: No • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Determine whether the project parcel is within city limits or unincorporated MSB by using myProperty at https://myproperty.matsugov.us/
Determine the zoning district using the interactive land use map at https://matsugov.us/zoning or by contacting the Permit Center
Determine the applicable permit type (land use permit, floodplain permit, multifamily permit, fire/life safety review)
Download or access the relevant application form from https://matsugov.us/articles/permit-center
Prepare required documents (site plan, elevation certificate if in flood zone, construction drawings as applicable)
Submit application online via the EnerGov portal or in person at the Permit Center
Pay applicable fees (set by Assembly annually, effective July 1 to June 30)
Await review by Permit Technician and relevant Deputy (Fire Marshal, Planner, etc.)
Receive approval letter and/or certificate; post certificate on site
Schedule final inspection upon project completion
Receive certificate of occupancy or closure letter after any deficiencies are resolved

Typical processing time: Fire/Life Safety plan reviews typically completed within three weeks. Land use permit timelines vary by type. Multifamily permits issued within 10 days of complete application review.

Source: Matanuska-Susitna Borough Planning and Land Use Department, Permit Center

General Requirements

Land use permits are required for new construction, additions to existing buildings, change of use, clearing/grading/excavation, and resource extraction in unincorporated MSB. A Multifamily Residential Permit is required for residential developments of more than six units per lot or new construction exceeding two dwellings per 40,000 square feet. A Floodplain Development Permit is required prior to any development within a Federally Designated Flood Hazard Area. Fire/Life Safety plan review is required before construction, alteration, or occupancy change for structures where people work, play, or spend time; buildings used as triplex or smaller residential housing are exempt.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Site plan with legal description, parcel dimensions, and setbacks
Elevation Certificate prepared by registered engineer or surveyor (for floodplain development)
Construction drawings and specifications (for fire/life safety review)

Permit validity: Not publicly specified; contact Permit Center at 907-861-7822 for current policy
Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Fire Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Existing Building Code - all effective October 28, 2022 per 13 AAC 50-55 and MSB Resolution 06-054. Alaska has NOT adopted the IRC for residential construction.
Owner-builder: Alaska Statutes AS 08.18.161 provides an owner-builder exemption allowing property owners to perform construction on their own primary residence without state contractor registration. The exemption does not apply to work performed for compensation. Sale or lease within 2 years of completion creates a rebuttable presumption regarding intent.
Contractor requirements: All contractors performing construction, repair, or maintenance in Alaska must be registered with the State of Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing. General contractors performing residential work valued at more than 25% of the home's value require a General Contractor With Residential Endorsement. General liability insurance minimums: $20,000 (property damage), $50,000 (single person injury), $100,000 (multiple person injury); $25,000 bond required. Workers compensation required for businesses with employees.

Fees

Plan check fee: Included in fire/life safety review fee structure
Permit fee formula: Fire/Life Safety plan review fees: new construction and additions calculated on square footage per state valuation schedule; renovations and alterations calculated on project cost; special categories (home day cares, assisted living 5 or fewer residents, special events, code modifications) are $150 flat; hourly rate of $95/hour with 2-hour minimum when value cannot be determined; identical structures receive 60% of full fee for additional units. Multifamily permit: $500 flat fee. Land use permit fees vary by type.
Payment note: All fire/life safety fees are NON-REFUNDABLE per MSB policy. Online payment available through EnerGov portal.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective July 1 - June 30 (annual)).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Single-family and duplex/triplex residential structures are exempt from MSB fire/life safety plan review
Driveway permits are not required if the driveway connects to a private road
Floodplain permit only required if the parcel is within a Federally Designated Flood Hazard Area
Routine maintenance, landscaping, and minor repairs not affecting structure or mechanical systems

Important: Even if exempt from one permit type, other permit requirements may still apply. Confirm edge cases with the Permit Center before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

MSB Permit Center: 907-861-7822 (phone)
PermitCenter@matsugov.us (email)
MSB Fire Marshal: 907-861-8383 (for fire/life safety inspections) (phone)
FireCode@MatSuGov.us (email)

Scheduling deadline: Contact Permit Center or Fire Marshal to schedule; availability depends on workload
Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: (1) Submit application and documents; (2) Permit Technician review and fee calculation; (3) Deputy Fire Marshal or planner review (approximately 3 weeks for fire/life safety); (4) Approval letter issued; (5) Construction proceeds; (6) Final inspection scheduled upon completion; (7) Certificate of occupancy issued after deficiencies resolved

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Fire Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Existing Building Code - all effective October 28, 2022 per 13 AAC 50-55 and MSB Resolution 06-054. Alaska has NOT adopted the IRC for residential construction.
Verify contractor license: Alaska Contractor Registration
Zoning information: View zoning info
myProperty (parcel and zoning lookup)
Floodplain Development Info
Borough Code (Title 17 land use)
MSB Fire Code and Life Safety
GIS Open Data
License lookup guide: Alaska Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Alaska Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Alaska hub: Alaska Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Planning and Land Use Department, Permit Center before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Matanuska-Susitna Borough Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK?: Land use permits are required for new construction, additions to existing buildings, change of use, clearing/grading/excavation, and resource extraction in unincorporated MSB. A Multifamily Residential Permit is required for residential developments of more than six units per lot or new construction exceeding two dwellings per 40,000 square feet. A Floodplain Development Permit is required prior to any development within a Federally Designated Flood Hazard Area. Fire/Life Safety plan review is required before construction, alteration, or occupancy change for structures where people work, play, or spend time; buildings used as triplex or smaller residential housing are exempt.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK?: Fees are calculated as: Fire/Life Safety plan review fees: new construction and additions calculated on square footage per state valuation schedule; renovations and alterations calculated on project cost; special categories (home day cares, assisted living 5 or fewer residents, special events, code modifications) are $150 flat; hourly rate of $95/hour with 2-hour minimum when value cannot be determined; identical structures receive 60% of full fee for additional units. Multifamily permit: $500 flat fee. Land use permit fees vary by type.. Plan check fee: Included in fire/life safety review fee structure.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK?: 1. Determine whether the project parcel is within city limits or unincorporated MSB by using myProperty at https://myproperty.matsugov.us/ 2. Determine the zoning district using the interactive land use map at https://matsugov.us/zoning or by contacting the Permit Center 3. Determine the applicable permit type (land use permit, floodplain permit, multifamily permit, fire/life safety review) 4. Download or access the relevant application form from https://matsugov.us/articles/permit-center 5. Prepare required documents (site plan, elevation certificate if in flood zone, construction drawings as applicable) 6. Submit application online via the EnerGov portal or in person at the Permit Center 7. Pay applicable fees (set by Assembly annually, effective July 1 to June 30) 8. Await review by Permit Technician and relevant Deputy (Fire Marshal, Planner, etc.) 9. Receive approval letter and/or certificate; post certificate on site 10. Schedule final inspection upon project completion 11. Receive certificate of occupancy or closure letter after any deficiencies are resolved
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK?: Typical processing time is Fire/Life Safety plan reviews typically completed within three weeks. Land use permit timelines vary by type. Multifamily permits issued within 10 days of complete application review..
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK?: The following work is generally exempt: Single-family and duplex/triplex residential structures are exempt from MSB fire/life safety plan review; Driveway permits are not required if the driveway connects to a private road; Floodplain permit only required if the parcel is within a Federally Designated Flood Hazard Area; Routine maintenance, landscaping, and minor repairs not affecting structure or mechanical systems. Note: Even if exempt from one permit type, other permit requirements may still apply. Confirm edge cases with the Permit Center before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK?: Inspections can be scheduled via: MSB Permit Center: 907-861-7822, PermitCenter@matsugov.us, MSB Fire Marshal: 907-861-8383 (for fire/life safety inspections), FireCode@MatSuGov.us. Contact Permit Center or Fire Marshal to schedule; availability depends on workload.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Matanuska-Susitna Borough (Unincorporated Area) can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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