Service
Earth Materials Extraction Permit
This page guides you through whether you need a permit to extract gravel, sand, or other earth materials, and how to apply.
Permit requirements depend on:
-
Location (SPUD or Interim Materials District)
-
Volume of material extracted
-
Duration of activity
-
Proximity to the seasonal high water table
Step 1: Check Where Your Property Is Located
Before evaluating volume or duration, confirm whether your property is in a special area.
Special Land Use District (SPUD)
If your property is within a SPUD:
-
Additional rules may apply
-
A Conditional Use Permit may be required under that district
-
The most restrictive applicable regulation governs
You must comply with both:
-
MSB 17.30 (Earth Materials Extraction), and
-
The applicable SPUD regulations
Interim Materials District (IMD)
Some areas are designated as Interim Materials Districts.
-
These areas are intended for material extraction activities
-
Different permitting pathways may apply
-
Verification is required before proceeding
Step 2: Determine If You Are Exempt
You do not need a permit if:
-
You extract 2,000 cubic yards or less per year, and
-
The material is not for sale or barter, and
-
Extraction does not occur within four feet of the seasonal high water table
If any of these conditions are not met, a permit is required.
Step 3: Check Water Table Conditions
If your project involves extraction:
-
Within four feet of the seasonal high water table, or
-
Below the water table
A permit is required regardless of volume.
Additional technical requirements apply under MSB 17.30.037.
Step 4: Determine Permit Type
If a permit is required, determine which type applies.
Administrative Permit
You may qualify if:
-
Extraction is 7,000 cubic yards or less annually, and
-
Operation duration is 24 months or less
Administrative permits:
-
Are approved by the Planning Director
-
Require public notice (½ mile radius)
-
Do not require a public hearing
A one-time extension of up to 6 months may be granted if:
-
Requested in writing, and
-
All permit conditions have been met
Conditional Use Permit (CUP)
A CUP is required if:
-
Extraction exceeds 7,000 cubic yards annually, or
-
Operation exceeds 24 months, or
-
The proposal does not meet administrative permit criteria, or
-
The project is within four feet of the seasonal high water table
CUPs:
-
Require a public hearing
-
Are decided by the Planning Commission
-
May include conditions of approval
Step 5: Additional Requirements for Water Table Extraction
Projects near or below the water table must include:
-
Monitoring wells and test pits
-
Groundwater flow and elevation data
-
Baseline and ongoing water quality sampling
-
Hydrologic report prepared by a qualified professional
-
Spill prevention, control, and countermeasures plan
Required setbacks from drinking water sources:
-
500 feet (downgradient)
-
350 feet (cross-gradient)
-
200 feet (upgradient)
Step 6: Other Required Approvals
Earth materials extraction may also require approvals from:
-
Alaska Department of Natural Resources (ADNR)
-
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
-
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Section 404 permits)
-
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), if applicable
-
Floodplain Development Permit
Compliance with state and federal law must be demonstrated prior to final Borough approval.
Step 7: Prepare Your Application
A complete application must include:
-
Completed application form
-
Site development plan (per MSB 17.28)
-
Reclamation plan
-
Project narrative describing:
-
Volume and duration
-
Site layout and access
-
Operational characteristics
-
Additional materials may be required depending on project complexity.
Step 8: Apply Online
Submit your application through the Borough portal:
Apply Online – MSB Self-Service Portal
Step 9: Borough Review Process
Administrative permit:
-
Staff review for completeness
-
Public notice issued
-
Director decision issued with conditions if necessary
Conditional use permit:
-
Staff review and public notice
-
Public hearing before Planning Commission
-
Decision to approve, deny, or approve with conditions
Step 10: Approval Standards
To approve a permit, the Borough must find:
-
The use is consistent with applicable plans
-
The project preserves the character of the area
-
Public health, safety, and welfare are protected
-
Adequate setbacks and safeguards are provided
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Assuming small projects do not require permits without checking water table conditions
-
Not verifying SPUD or IMD applicability
-
Underestimating total extraction volume
-
Submitting incomplete site plans or reclamation plans
-
Beginning extraction before permit approval
-
Not checking whether the property is within a floodplain before beginning excavation
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for personal use?
No, if extraction is 2,000 cubic yards or less annually, not for sale or barter, and not near the water table.
What triggers a Conditional Use Permit?
-
More than 7,000 cubic yards annually
-
More than 24 months of operation
-
Extraction near or below the water table
-
Projects that do not meet administrative criteria
What happens if groundwater conditions are impacted?
You must notify the Borough within 24 hours and submit a hydrologic assessment within 14 days.
Can a permit be transferred?
Yes, in accordance with MSB 17.30.120.
Contact
Development Services Division
(907) 861-7822
permitcenter@matsugov.us
Code Reference
-
MSB 17.30 – Earth Materials Extraction
-
MSB 17.28 – Site Development Standards
Quick Summary
-
Permits depend on location, volume, duration, and water table proximity
-
Small, non-commercial extraction may be exempt
-
Water table proximity overrides exemptions
-
SPUD and IMD rules may add requirements
-
A complete application is critical for approval
