Service

Sutton Special Land Use District

A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in the Sutton Special Land Use District is required only for specific uses identified in Borough code. It is not required for all development.

This page helps you determine:

Whether your project needs a Sutton SPUD CUP
What to submit
How the process works
How to apply online

Start Here: Do You Need a Sutton SPUD CUP?

Before applying, answer this:

👉 Is your proposed use listed as a conditional use in MSB 17.27.060 or elsewhere in Borough code?

You likely DO need a CUP if your project includes:

Junkyards or automobile wrecking yards
Structures over 50 feet tall (such as towers)
Natural resource extraction or processing
Heavy industrial uses
Shooting ranges (indoor or outdoor)
Racetracks for motorized vehicles
Box stores
Chemical processing or incineration facilities
High-voltage transmission lines
Any borough-wide conditional use

You likely DO NOT need a Sutton SPUD CUP if:

Your use is not listed as conditional or prohibited in Sutton SPUD code
Your project is a typical residential or small-scale commercial use

📌 Important:
Sutton SPUD code generally treats uses as permitted unless specifically listed otherwise. Even if a CUP is not required, other permits may still apply.

Important: Other Permits May Still Be Required

A Sutton SPUD CUP is just one part of the review process.

Depending on your project, you may also need:

Building permits
Driveway or access permits
Floodplain development permits
State or federal approvals
Compliance with setbacks, plat notes, or easements

👉 Always verify your full permit requirements before starting construction.

What the CUP Process Does

A Conditional Use Permit allows the Borough to:

Review projects with potential impacts
Ensure compatibility with surrounding properties
Apply site-specific conditions if needed

Examples of conditions may include:

Hours of operation
Traffic access requirements
Noise or lighting controls
Screening, buffering, or layout adjustments

What You Need to Apply

A strong application improves your chances of approval and speeds up review.

Required Submittals

Project description
What you are proposing and how the site will be used
Site plan
Showing:
- Property boundaries
- Structures and layout
- Access, parking, and setbacks
Operational details (if applicable)
- Hours of operation
- Traffic and deliveries
- Equipment or materials used
Supporting documentation
Any studies, agency approvals, or technical details relevant to your use
Application fees

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Confirm Your Permit Type

Review Sutton SPUD code and confirm your use is conditional.

2. Prepare Your Application

Make sure your submittal clearly explains:

What you are doing
Where it will occur
How impacts will be managed

3. Apply Online

Submit your application through the Borough portal:

👉 Apply Online – MSB Self-Service Portal

4. Staff Review

Borough staff will:

Review your application for completeness
Request additional information if needed

5. Public Notice

Nearby property owners and the public are notified of your proposal.

6. Planning Commission Hearing

Your project is presented at a public meeting
The public may provide input
The Planning Commission evaluates the proposal

7. Decision

The Planning Commission may:

Approve the permit
Approve with conditions
Deny the permit

Tips for a Strong Application

Be clear and detailed about your proposal
Address traffic, noise, and site impacts upfront
Provide a clean, readable site plan
Anticipate questions from neighbors and the Commission

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all commercial projects in Sutton require a CUP?

No. Only uses specifically listed as conditional require a CUP.

Do tall structures require a CUP?

Yes, generally if the structure exceeds 50 feet, unless exempt.

Does resource extraction require a CUP?

Yes. This is specifically listed as a conditional use in Sutton SPUD.

Is multifamily housing a CUP in Sutton?

Not automatically. If it is not listed as a conditional or prohibited use, it is generally treated as permitted, but other Borough requirements may still apply.

Who makes the final decision?

The Planning Commission makes the decision after a public hearing.

Need Help?

If you are unsure whether your project requires a CUP or what to submit, contact the MSB Planning Department before applying. Getting clarity early can save time and cost.

Code Reference

MSB 17.27 – Sutton Special Land Use District
MSB 17.60 – Conditional Uses (Borough-wide)

👉 Review full code here:
https://www.codepublishing.com/AK/MatanuskaSusitnaBorough/

Quick Summary

Not all development in Sutton requires a CUP
Only specific listed uses trigger a Sutton SPUD CUP
The process includes public review and Planning Commission approval
A complete, well-prepared application is key to success