Unincorporated Matanuska-Susitna Borough

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.

• Exempt Single-family and duplex/triplex residential structures are exempt from MSB fire/life safety plan review
• Exempt Driveway permits are not required if the driveway connects to a private road
• Exempt Floodplain permit only required if the parcel is within a Federally Designated Flood Hazard Area
• Exempt 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.

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.

Permit validity

Not publicly specified; contact Permit Center at 907-861-7822 for current policy

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.

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

1. 01
   Determine whether the project parcel is within city limits or unincorporated MSB by using myProperty at https://myproperty.matsugov.us/
2. 02
   Determine the zoning district using the interactive land use map at https://matsugov.us/zoning or by contacting the Permit Center
3. 03
   Determine the applicable permit type (land use permit, floodplain permit, multifamily permit, fire/life safety review)
4. 04
   Download or access the relevant application form from https://matsugov.us/articles/permit-center
5. 05
   Prepare required documents (site plan, elevation certificate if in flood zone, construction drawings as applicable)
6. 06
   Submit application online via the EnerGov portal or in person at the Permit Center
7. 07
   Pay applicable fees (set by Assembly annually, effective July 1 to June 30)
8. 08
   Await review by Permit Technician and relevant Deputy (Fire Marshal, Planner, etc.)
9. 09
   Receive approval letter and/or certificate; post certificate on site
10. 10
    Schedule final inspection upon project completion
11. 11
    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 ↗

All fire/life safety fees are NON-REFUNDABLE per MSB policy. Online payment available through EnerGov portal.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective July 1 - June 30 (annual)) before budgeting.

• 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 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

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