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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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)

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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.

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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.

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Step 8: Apply Online

Submit your application through the Borough portal:

Apply Online – MSB Self-Service Portal

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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What happens if groundwater conditions are impacted?
You must notify the Borough within 24 hours and submit a hydrologic assessment within 14 days.

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Can a permit be transferred?
Yes, in accordance with MSB 17.30.120.

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Contact

Development Services Division
(907) 861-7822
permitcenter@matsugov.us

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Code Reference

• MSB 17.30 – Earth Materials Extraction

• MSB 17.28 – Site Development Standards

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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