Service

Code Compliance

How does it work?

Code Compliance is complaint-driven, meaning staff respond to concerns reported by the public. If you believe a property may be violating Borough Code, you can:

📞 Call (907) 861-7822 and select Option 4
✉️ Email: code.compliance@matsugov.us

Once a complaint is received:

1. A Code Compliance Officer will contact the property owner to explain the issue and offer guidance.
2. If a violation is confirmed, the officer will work with the owner to create a reasonable plan to fix it.
3. If no action is taken, the Borough may issue a citation, which can lead to court involvement.

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What types of violations are investigated?

Common violations include:

• Junk and trash accumulation

• Junk or abandoned vehicles

• Unpermitted development or land use

• Setback violations

• Vehicles parked in the Right-of-Way

What Is the Right-of-Way?

The Right-of-Way (ROW) is public land set aside for roads, sidewalks, and utilities. It often includes the area beyond the edge of the pavement, such as shoulders or grassy strips. Parking or storing vehicles in the ROW without permission can block access, create safety hazards, and may lead to towing.

If you're unsure whether you're on public ROW, contact the Borough before placing vehicles or objects near roadways. If it is necessary, you can apply for an encroachment permit.

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Snow Removal & Driveway Access

During winter, snow berms may form across driveways as a result of road plowing. While Borough crews try to avoid blocking driveways, it’s not always possible due to road conditions and safety priorities.

Property owners are responsible for:

• Removing snow berms that block their driveway.

• Clearing snow around their mailbox to ensure mail delivery and visibility.

• Ensuring snow is not pushed across the roadway. All snow removed from your driveway must be placed on your own property.

• Understanding that the Borough does not provide individual driveway clearing services.

For more information on driveway snow removal visit Driveway Snow Clearing

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The Code Compliance team also inspects:

• Conditional Use Permits (CUPs)

• Multifamily developments

• Gravel extraction sites

• Tower installations

• Other permitted projects to ensure ongoing compliance

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What if I receive a notice?

Don’t panic. The goal is to help you fix the issue. Communicate with your assigned Code Compliance Officer; they’re here to assist you. Most problems can be resolved without penalties if you take timely action.

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Important Note

Some reports may appear to be Borough violations but are actually regulated by other agencies. When this happens, we forward the concern to the appropriate entity, such as:

• Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)

• Alaska Department of Transportation (AKDOT)

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

We’ll do our best to guide you to the right place.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I report anonymously? A: Yes, but providing contact info helps staff follow up if needed.

Q: Will I be fined immediately? A: No. The first step is education and voluntary compliance. Citations are a last resort.

Q: How long do I have to fix a violation? A: That depends on the issue, but the Borough aims to set reasonable timelines based on the situation.

Q: What if I disagree with the violation? A: Talk to your Code Compliance Officer. They can explain the code and help clarify your options.

Contact

Development Services Division
📞 (907) 861-7822 (Option 4)
✉️ code.compliance@matsugov.us