Org Unit
Development Services
Overview
The Development Services Division helps residents, businesses, and builders navigate land‑use, permitting, code compliance, and development review within the Matanuska‑Susitna Borough. We provide customer support at the Permit Center, manage online permit applications, investigate code concerns, inspect work in the Borough’s right‑of‑way, and review development proposals for consistency with Borough code.
Residents can submit most applications online through the Borough’s Permit Portal:
👉 https://matsu.gov/permitportal
Permit Center
What We Do
The Permit Center is the public’s main point of contact for building and land‑use activity in the Borough. The team:
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Provides customer support and answers permitting questions
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Reviews applications for completeness
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Assists with online portal submissions and payments
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Reviews and issues permits
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Provides updates throughout the review process
The Permit Center supports all online applications submitted through the Borough’s portal:
👉 https://matsu.gov/permitportal
Common Tasks
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Driveway permits
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Land‑use applications
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Address requests
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Code compliance referrals
Right‑of‑Way (ROW) Inspections
ROW Inspectors ensure that public roads and rights‑of‑way are kept safe and accessible. They:
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Review and inspect driveways, utility installations, and work occurring in the public ROW
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Ensure drainage, sight‑distance, and access meet safety requirements
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Respond to reports of ROW damage or encroachments
Code Compliance
Role in the Borough
Code Compliance Officers help maintain safe, orderly development and protect community quality of life. They:
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Investigate reports of potential code violations
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Conduct site visits and inspections
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Work with property owners to correct issues
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Provide education on Borough regulations
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Coordinate with other departments when needed
Examples of Issues They Address
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Unpermitted construction
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Setback violations
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Land‑use not allowed in the zoning district
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Junk, nuisance, or unsafe property conditions
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Right‑of‑way encroachments
For more information, visit https://matsu.gov/departments/code-compliance
Current Planning
Current Planners
Current Planners review proposed development to ensure consistency with Borough codes, land‑use regulations, and community plans. They:
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Review land‑use permits, plat notes, variances, and conditional uses
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Support public hearings before the Planning Commission
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Confirm zoning and land‑use restrictions
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Assist property owners with questions about what can be built on their land
Floodplain Administrator
The Borough’s Floodplain Administrator oversees compliance with FEMA and local floodplain requirements. Responsibilities include:
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Reviewing development within Special Flood Hazard Areas
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Ensuring projects follow MSB 17.29 – Flood Damage Prevention
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Issuing Floodplain Development Permits
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Providing information on flood risk and insurance requirements
This work ensures the Borough remains in good standing with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), protecting access to flood insurance for residents.
For more information, visit https://matsu.gov/services/floodplain-development-permit
Apply Online
Most permits and applications can be submitted through the Borough’s Permit Portal:
👉 https://matsu.gov/permitportal
Services
Alcohol Beverage Uses Permit
Businesses planning to sell or serve alcohol in the Mat-Su Borough must apply for a Conditional Use Permit. This ensures the location and operation meet safety, zoning, and community standards.
Chickaloon Special Land Use District (SPUD)
The Chickaloon SPUD is a designated special land use area established to ensure that land use aligns with the Chickaloon Comprehensive Plan and to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Code Reference: MSB 17.18.010–020
Conditional Use Permit
A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) allows property owners to request approval for land uses that are not automatically permitted in a zoning district but may be allowed if certain conditions are met.
Core Area Conditional Use Permit
A Core Area Conditional Use Permit is required for certain commercial, industrial, or higher-density residential projects between Palmer and Wasilla. These uses need extra review to ensure they support the Borough’s growth goals.
Denali State Park Special Land Use District - Conditional Use Permit
A Conditional Use Permit is required for certain development activities within the Denali State Park SPUD. This permit ensures that projects such as cabins, commercial uses, or infrastructure are carefully reviewed to protect the park’s natural values.
Driveway Permits
Apply for a permit to construct, modify, or connect a driveway to a borough road. Required for all new driveways or changes to existing access points.
Earth Materials Extraction Permit
This permit is required for anyone extracting gravel, sand, or other earth materials in the Mat-Su Borough. It ensures that operations are safe, environmentally responsible, and compliant with borough code and when working near or below the water table.
Encroachment Permit
An Encroachment Permit is required for any work or structure within Borough rights-of-way—driveways, signage, utilities, landscaping, fences, culverts, or temporary road closures.
Floodplain Development Permit
If planning construction, fill, excavation, or development in a flood-prone area of the MatSu Borough, you must apply for a **Floodplain Development Permit**. This helps ensure your project meets safety standards and complies with floodplain regulations
Glacier View Special Land Use District - Conditional Use Permit
A Conditional Use Permit is required for certain types of development in the Glacier View Special Planning and Use District (SPUD). This area near the Matanuska Glacier is protected to preserve its scenic and rural character while allowing managed growth.
Grandfather Rights (Legal Non-Conforming Status)
This application helps property owners request official recognition of a structure that doesn’t meet current zoning or setback rules but was built legally under previous regulations. Commonly referred to as **“Grandfather Rights”**.
Ice House Registration Permit
Ice houses must be registered with the Borough if placed on certain lakes during winter. This helps prevent pollution, safety hazards, and abandoned structures after ice breakup
Junkyard - Conditional Use Permit
Planning to operate a junkyard in the Mat-Su Borough? You’ll need a Conditional Use Permit. Junkyards can affect nearby properties, public safety, and the environment, so they require special approval through a public hearing and may include conditions.
Marijuana Related Facility Permit
Grow or sell marijuana in the Mat-Su Borough outside Houston, Palmer & Wasilla. Get a Conditional Use Permit—submit the online CUP form with site, odor & security plans, pay the fee, then attend a Planning Commission hearing.
Multifamily Development Permit
Required for residential projects with multiple dwelling units. Ensures safe, well-designed housing that fits the neighborhood and meets borough standards. Applicability is defined in MSB 17.73 – Multifamily Development Design Standards.
Nancy Lake State Recreation Area Special Land Use District
A Conditional Use Permit for the Nancy Lake Special Land Use District is required for certain types of development or land use that are not automatically allowed in this area. This helps balance growth with the preservation of the area's qualities.
Public Display of Fireworks Permit
A permit is required for public fireworks displays in the Mat-Su Borough outside of New Year’s Eve. Applicants must submit safety documentation, insurance, and notify emergency services. Apply online or at the Permit Center.
Racetrack - Conditional Use Permit
A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is required to operate a commercial racetrack in the Mat-Su Borough if the facility hosts more than ten events per year. The permit ensures that large-scale operations meet borough standards and address community concerns.
Residential Conditional Use Permit
A Residential Conditional Use Permit allows specific residential projects not typically permitted, ensuring they meet community standards while protecting public health and safety.
Special Event Permit
Planning a concert, festival, or large public gathering in the Mat-Su Borough? You’ll need a Special Event Permit to ensure safety, sanitation, and compliance with borough code.
Sutton Special Land Use District
A Sutton Special Land Use District (SPUD) Conditional Use Permit is required for certain types of development in the Sutton Special Planning and Use District. This includes commercial projects or other uses that are not automatically allowed.
Talkeetna Special Land Use District
A Conditional Use – Talkeetna SPUD Permit is required for certain types of development in the Talkeetna Special Land Use District. This includes tourism-related businesses, mixed-use buildings, or residential projects that aren’t automatically allowed.
Tall Structure Permit
If you're planning to build a tall structure like a telecommunications tower or wind energy system in the Mat-Su Borough, you’ll need a Tall Tower Permit. The type of permit depends on the height and purpose of the structure.
Utility Permits
A Utility Permit is required when installing, maintaining, or modifying utility infrastructure—such as water, sewer, gas, electric, or telecom—within public rights-of-way This helps ensure safe and coordinated development while protecting public assets.
Variance - Title 17
Request a variance when unique property conditions make it difficult to meet zoning rules. Variances allow limited exceptions to borough code when strict enforcement would cause unfair hardship. Apply online and submit required documents.
Waste Incinerators - Conditional Use Permit
A Conditional Use – Waste Incinerators Permit is required to build or operate a waste incinerator in the Mat-Su Borough. This includes facilities for medical or non-medical waste.