City of Wasilla

A land use permit is required for construction of a building, adding onto an existing building, expanding an existing use, changing a use in a commercial space, converting residential to commercial, adding residential dwelling units, clearing trees, grading, excavation, or resource extraction within city limits. The city does not administer a traditional building permit or building plan review; for new multifamily and commercial/industrial buildings, MSB fire/life safety plan review is additionally required.

• Exempt Accessory structures (sheds) 120 sq ft or less are generally exempt from a land use permit requirement
• Exempt Fences of light-frame construction not over 8 feet high are generally exempt
• Exempt Routine maintenance, repair, or replacement that does not change the use, footprint, or zoning compliance of the property

Note: Even if no city permit is required, MSB fire/life safety plan review may still apply for commercial/multifamily structures. Confirm with MSB Fire Code Office at 907-861-8383.

Building code

City does not separately adopt or administer a building code. The MSB and state fire/life safety codes (2021 IBC, 2021 IFC via 13 AAC 50-55) apply to applicable commercial/multifamily structures. Land use is governed by Wasilla Municipal Code Title 16 (recodified effective September 26, 2025).

Permit validity

Not published on city website; contact Planning Department at 907-373-9020

Owner-builder

Alaska state owner-builder exemption (AS 08.18.161) applies; property owners may build their own primary residence without contractor registration; sale/lease within 2 years triggers state review

Contractor requirements

Alaska state contractor registration required; see state CBPL requirements at https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing/ConstructionContractors.aspx

Source: City of Wasilla Planning Department ↗

1. 01
   Review the District Use Chart in WMC 16.20.020 to determine which permit type is required for your use and zoning district
2. 02
   Contact the Planning Department at 907-373-9020 to confirm permit requirements (free pre-application conference available by appointment)
3. 03
   Create a registered account on the CitizenServe portal
4. 04
   Submit land use permit application online with required documents
5. 05
   Pay applicable fees: Administrative Approval Permit ($50), Use Permit ($100), or Conditional Use Permit ($500)
6. 06
   Await review; Use Permits include a 14-day public comment period; Conditional Use Permits require Planning Commission approval
7. 07
   For new multifamily, commercial, or industrial construction: separately contact MSB Fire Code Office at 907-861-8383 for required fire/life safety plan review
8. 08
   Receive approval; post any required certificates on site
9. 09
   For driveway or utility connections to city infrastructure, file separate application with Public Works at 907-373-9010

Typical processing time: Approximately 1 week for standard administrative reviews; longer for items requiring public notice or Planning Commission hearing

Source: City of Wasilla Planning Department ↗

Payment available through CitizenServe portal online

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• MSB Fire Code Office: 907-861-8383 (for fire/life safety inspections) (phone)
• FireCode@MatSuGov.us (email)
• Public Works: 907-373-9010 (for utility/driveway inspections) (phone)

Inspection hours

City Planning Department hours: Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM

Typical sequence: No traditional building inspection program administered by the city. MSB Fire Code Office handles fire/life safety inspections for commercial/multifamily. For fire/life safety: (1) Submit MSB fire code application; (2) Plans reviewed by MSB Deputy Fire Marshal; (3) Approval letter issued; (4) Construction proceeds; (5) Final inspection scheduled with MSB Fire Code Office; (6) Certificate of occupancy issued

Source: City of Wasilla Planning Department ↗