Service
Marijuana Related Facility Permit
Thinking about opening a marijuana shop or grow in the Mat-Su?
Before you launch, you’ll need a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) under Borough Code MSB 17.60.
The CUP process is how the Borough makes sure new marijuana businesses fit their neighborhood, meet safety standards, and protect nearby property owners.
Do I Need a CUP?
You do if you plan to run:
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A marijuana retail facility (MSB 17.60.170)
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A marijuana cultivation facility (MSB 17.60.160)
Small-grow exemption: A single cultivation site with less than 500 ft² under cultivation on one parcel is exempt (MSB 17.60.030).
These rules apply only outside the cities of Palmer, Wasilla, and Houston.
Key Rules by Facility Type
Retail Facilities — MSB 17.60.170
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Location | Parcel must be suitable for commercial use. |
| Parking | 1 space / 350 ft² net floor area; include ADA spaces. |
| On-site use | No on-site consumption allowed. |
Cultivation Facilities — MSB 17.60.160
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Plans you must submit | Wastewater & waste, odor control & ventilation, haz-chem storage, security/staff training. |
| Setbacks | 50 ft from public ROW; 100 ft from side & rear lot lines. |
Location Restriction — MSB 17.60.150
All marijuana facilities must be ≥ 1,000 ft from school grounds (property-line to property-line).
General Standards — MSB 17.60.100 & 17.60.150
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Must blend with surrounding area and avoid nuisances (odor, noise, glare).
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Provide buffers/landscaping if needed.
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Show proof of Borough Fire Code compliance and documentation that you hold the required State marijuana license (MSB 17.60.150(D)(1)—the Borough code references the State license requirement).
How to Apply for a CUP
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Apply Online: Start a Marijuana CUP Application
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Prepare:
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Detailed site plan
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Project narrative + required technical plans (see above)
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Proof of State marijuana license (for retail/cultivation)
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Submit the packet to the Planning Department and pay the filing fee.
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Attend the Planning Commission public hearing (notice is mailed to neighbors).
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The Commission issues its decision within 30 days of the hearing (MSB 17.60.040(C)).
A CUP runs with the land and can be transferred (MSB 17.60.180) if the new owner notifies the Borough within 90 days.
Renewing or Transferring Your State Marijuana License? — Borough Referral Review
When you apply to issue, renew, relocate, or transfer a State of Alaska marijuana license, the Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office (AMCO) emails the Borough for comment.
Under MSB 8.41 we must:
- Verify permits – confirm you hold any required CUPs under MSB 17.60.
- Check Borough finances – confirm no delinquent Borough taxes, fees, or judgments are owed.
At-a-Glance Process
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1 | AMCO sends referral to the Borough. |
| 2 | The Borough emails you an electronic invoice for the $100 referral fee (fee set by MSB 8.40.010). |
| 3 | Pay the fee online, in person, or by mailed check (reference the invoice or permit number). |
| 4 | Resolve any outstanding Borough issues (we’ll notify you if we find any). |
| 5 | • If everything is clear, we email AMCO within 30 days that the Borough waives protest (“no comment”). |
- If issues remain, we file a protest explaining the reasons.
Tip: Paying the $100 fee and clearing any open items are the only actions you need to secure a Borough “no protest” response.
Resident Objections
Any Borough resident may file an objection to an existing or proposed facility (§ 8.41.040).
Submit objections to the Planning & Land Use Department; we’ll investigate and, if appropriate, forward the matter to AMCO.
Need Help?
Permit Center – Planning Department
📞 907-861-7822
📧 permitcenter@matsugov.us