Service

Encroachment Permit

What is an Encroachment?

An encroachment is when something—like a driveway, fence, mailbox, sign, or other structure—is placed on land that belongs to the Borough or is set aside for public use, such as a road, ditch, or utility corridor. Even storing materials, parking equipment, or piling snow in these areas counts as an encroachment.

Encroachments can cause problems like blocked access, drainage issues, or damage to public property. That’s why a permit is required before making any changes or placing anything in these areas.

When Do I Need an Encroachment Permit?

You need an encroachment permit if you plan to:

Build or fix a driveway, culvert, or drainage pipe that connects to a Borough road
Put up a fence, sign, steps, or other structure in or near a public road or trail
Store equipment, materials, or snow in a public right-of-way or easement
Dig, fill, or otherwise change the land in these areas

You do NOT need a permit if:

Your project is part of an approved subdivision plan
You’re a utility company working under a separate utility permit (MSB 11.30)

Doing work without a permit is a violation and could result in fines and having to remove the encroachment at your own cost.

What Kinds of Things Count as Encroachments?

Encroachments can be permanent, temporary, or even accidental. Some common examples include:

Driveways, culverts, and drainage features
Mailboxes, including clusterbox units
Fences, walls, signs, steps, or landscaping
Storing snow, dirt, gravel, or other materials in the road or ditch
Utility poles or pipes not approved by the Borough

Important: If there is a built pullout area for clusterbox mailboxes, it is for official USPS mail units only. Do not install a private mailbox in one of these pullouts. Doing so is a violation and may result in removal and fines under Borough code.

If you're not sure whether your mailbox location is okay, contact the local postmaster before installing anything.

How to Get a Permit

All encroachment permits are handled through the Borough's Permit Center.

Click the Apply Online button in the upper right of this page to get started
Upload a simple site plan showing where the work will be done
Include a short description of what you’re doing
Pay the permit fee when you submit your online application

The Permit Center will review your plans and let you know if anything else is needed before approval.

What Happens After You Apply?

Your application and fee are submitted to the Permit Center
Borough staff review your site plan and proposed work
If everything looks good, your permit will be approved
You can then begin work—just make sure it’s finished before the permit expires
Once the work is done, you must let the Permit Center know within 10 days
A Borough inspector may check that the work meets safety and code requirements
If needed, you may be asked to fix anything that isn’t up to standard
Once everything is approved, the permit is closed

If work is done without a permit or doesn’t meet standards, the Borough may remove the encroachment and charge you for the cost.

Mailbox Installations in the Right-of-Way

Mailboxes placed within a public right-of-way are considered encroachments under MSB Code 11.10.010. While some encroachments are permitted, not all types of mailboxes are allowed—especially in areas designated for engineered infrastructure.

Cluster Box Units (CBUs)

Cluster Box Units (CBUs), commonly used for grouped residential mail delivery, may be permitted within the right-of-way only when located within a designated, engineered mailbox pullout area approved by the Borough. These areas are designed to support safe and accessible mail delivery without impeding public maintenance or future infrastructure projects.

Standard Mailboxes

Standard individual mailboxes may be permitted only in locations approved by both the local USPS Postmaster and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. Mailboxes are not allowed within engineered Cluster Box Unit (CBU) areas or in other restricted portions of the public right-of-way.

To ensure proper placement:

Property owners or tenants must first consult with the local Postmaster to identify a potential location for mail delivery.
The Postmaster will coordinate with the Borough to confirm whether the proposed location is acceptable under Borough standards.
Final approval for mailbox placement within the right-of-way rests with the Borough.

It is essential that residents follow this process to avoid placement in restricted areas, ensure uninterrupted mail service, and prevent potential enforcement actions or removal of unauthorized mailboxes.

Borough Authority and Enforcement

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough retains ownership and authority over the public right-of-way along Borough roads. Any mailbox or related structure installed without proper authorization may be subject to removal in accordance with MSB 11.10.030. Reasons for removal may include:

Conflicts with public projects,
Obstruction of maintenance operations,
Noncompliance with location or safety standards, etc.

The Borough may remove unauthorized encroachments without further notice and bill the responsible party for all associated costs, including labor, materials, and administrative expenses. Alternatively, the Borough may issue a notice requiring the responsible party to remove the encroachment within a specified period.

Preventing Service Disruption

To avoid delays or interruptions in mail service, property owners are strongly encouraged to coordinate with the Postmaster before installing any mailbox or structure near a Borough road. Ensuring that mail delivery locations are compliant helps protect your access to service and prevents enforcement actions.

Driveway Access to Borough Roads

If you are planning to construct or modify a driveway that connects to a Borough road, you are required to obtain a driveway permit before any work begins.

When a Driveway Permit Is Required

You must apply for a driveway permit if:

You are constructing a new driveway,
You are modifying an existing driveway (e.g., widening, repaving, adding culverts),
You have an unpermitted existing driveway, or
You are changing the use of your property in a way that affects driveway standards (e.g., a residential lot becomes commercial).

Driveways are considered encroachments into the public right-of-way, and their construction must not interfere with drainage, public safety, snow removal, road maintenance, or other standards.

Apply Before You Build

Do not begin construction until you apply for a driveway permit. Unauthorized driveways may be subject to enforcement action, including modification, relocation, or removal at the owner’s expense.

Apply Online Today

To simplify the process, the Borough now accepts driveway permit applications online. You will be asked to provide basic site information, driveway dimensions, and, in some cases, a site plan stamped by a qualified engineer.

Click the Apply Online button in the upper right of this page to get started

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pile snow at the end of my driveway?
Only if it stays on your property. Snow piles can’t block roads, ditches, or public access areas.

I put up a mailbox—why is the Borough asking me to move it?
Mailboxes must follow location guidelines. If yours is in a clusterbox pullout or placed unsafely, it may need to be moved.

What happens if I build something without a permit?
You may be required to remove it, and the Borough can fine you or charge you for cleanup.

What if I already have something in the right-of-way?
If it’s safe and approved by the Borough, you may be allowed to keep it with a permit. If not, you may have to move it.

Can I appeal if my permit is denied?
Yes. You can ask for a reconsideration by writing to the Borough Manager within 10 days.

Need Help?

Phone: 907-861-7822
Email: permitcenter@matsugov.us

Code Reference
For full legal details, see Encroachment Code MSB 11.10: Encroachment Permits