290 E. Herning Avenue
Wasilla, AK 99654

(Come up Main Street off of the Parks Highway and take your first left on Herning Avenue)

2) Who do I talk to about getting a Wasilla business license?

Our Finance Department here at City Hall. Their phone number is 373-9088.

3) When is the next City Council meeting, and can I come in and be heard?

Regularly scheduled Council meetings are held twice a month on the second and fourth Monday. The City Clerk's office at 373-9090 has the schedule of City Council meetings and they can schedule under "Persons to be Heard" on the next Council agenda and can explain to you how this is done.

4) I have a complaint. Who can help me?

Please refer to the particular department that has jurisdiction over the subject matter, i.e.:

• road maintenance (Public Works Department);
• water/sewer bill (Public Works Department);
• location of marker at cemetery (Clerk's Office);
• sales tax (Finance Department);
• traffic accident (Police Department);
• need of a variance for my property (Planning Department)

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Yes. The City of Wasilla is zoned into seven designated zones. They are:

RR-Rural
R1-Single Family
R2-Residential
RM-Multi-Family
C-Commercial
I-Industrial &
P-Public

If you plan to construct, add to an existing structure or use, change a use, or excavate or extract resources you will need to obtain a permit from the Planning Office. Please refer to Wasilla Municipal Code Section16.04.070.

2) Do I need a building permit?

The City of Wasilla does not require building permits. However, building permits are required by the Alaska State Fire Marshall for anyone who plans to construct, repair, remodel, add fire systems or change occupancy for any building other than residential housing that is three-plex or smaller or anyone who plans to install or change fuel tanks.

Your project must be reviewed and approved by the State Fire Marshall's Office before construction, repair or remodel is started. The State Fire Marshall's Office phone number is (907) 269-5604 or Website, www.dps.state.ak.us/fire.

If you are building residential housing units with three dwelling units or less we highly recommend you contact a dwelling/building inspector for independent inspections. Please reference www.icbo.org and/or www.ahfc.state.ak.us for additional information on certified inspectors.

3) How do I annex into the city?

You may contact the City Planner to obtain an Annexation Petition. The current status of annexation requires 100% participation and the property must be contiguous with existing city boundaries.

4) How much are Land Use Permit fees?

$50. Administrative approval
$100. Use Permits - mail out required
$500. Conditional Use Permits - requires mail out and public hearing

5) Does the City have landscaping standards?

Yes. They are referenced in Wasilla Municipal Code Section16.16.050(15). You may refer to them on this website.

6) Are there building setbacks within the City of Wasilla?

Yes. Typically setbacks are 25' from the front lot line, 25' from the rear lot line, 10' from both side lot lines and 75' from the ordinary high water mark of all water bodies. However, please verify with the Wasilla Municipal Code Section 16.24.

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1) Why do I need a City of Wasilla Business License?

For the privilege of engaging in any business in the city, a person shall first apply to do so, and pay the $25 fee. A license issued to a firm for a particular line of business covers all its operations in the city in that line of business regardless of the number of establishments. Nonprofit organizations are required to obtain a city business license and pay the license fee as provided for in WMC 6.04.040.A.

2) Do I need any other licenses to do business in Wasilla city limits?

Yes. The State of Alaska and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough require that all businesses be in compliance with their statutes. The Finance Department has the State and Borough license applications on hand but we do not process them in our office. They are processed at their respective addresses listed on the applications.

3) How long is the City of Wasilla business license good for?

The license is valid through December 31st of each calendar year.

4) Do I have to display the city license?

The city license shall be displayed prominently at the place of business; any seller who has no regular place of business shall display such license upon request.

5) If I sell my business can I transfer the license to the new owner?

No. Licenses are non-transferable. Along that same line, if you close a business you are required to surrender your license to the city and report the closure.

6) If it is close to the end of the calendar year will I have to obtain a new license the following year?

Newly established businesses applying for a city business license after December 1st, each year, will be issued a license valid through the following calendar year.

7) If I fail to remit sales tax can I lose my license?

Yes. The license is automatically suspended when the seller fails to remit delinquent sales tax, penalty and interest within thirty (30) days after notice. It is then unlawful for a seller to engage in business without a current city business license.

8) Do I have to charge and collect the city sales tax and for what?

Yes. The city of Wasilla sales tax is imposed and collected pursuant to the authority granted by Alaska Statutes (Section 29.45.700 et. Seq.) This sales tax is to be liberally construed to include within the tax all retail sales, rentals and service activities.

9) Does everyone get charged sales tax?

Yes. Everyone is charged sales tax. Only those payers who have evidence of a current City of Wasilla sales tax exemption, obtained through the Finance Department at city hall will not be charged. It is in your best interest to obtain a copy of each exemption that is granted.

10) What is the most sales tax charged on a sale?

The City of Wasilla sales tax caps at $12.50. In other words you will never charge a customer more than $12.50 on any one transaction. In the case of an ongoing project that is billed monthly, the sales tax is billed once per month. Commercial rentals follow this same rule; assuming that the commercial rental is over $500 per month, the tenant would be charged the $12.50 maximum tax each month.

11) Can I pay the sales tax myself and not charge the customer?

Only if you make notice to your customers that the price includes sales tax.

12) What if I didn't collect any sales tax during a month?

You must turn in any and all sales tax report forms that you receive, either with the payment due or with a zero (0) listed as the amount due. Make sure you date and sign the return before returning it to the city. Even reports, where there is no tax to report (zeros), are subject to the $250 violation should they not be delivered in a timely manner.

13) What if I don't pay the city the sales tax I charged my customers?

The city follows a regular request pattern for the remittance of the sales tax. Failure to pay may result in the revocation of your business license. Delinquent sales tax is charged up to a 25% penalty, plus 15% interest, as well as a $250 ordinance violation fee per month that is not reported. The city employs Cornerstone Credit Services to its handle collections. In addition, the city can foreclose a recorded sales tax lien as provided by law.

14) Can I spend the sales tax that I collect?

No. Title to sales tax vests in the city upon collection by the seller. The seller holds the sales tax n trust for the city, and is accountable to the city therefore.

15) Does the city ever conduct audits?

Yes.

16) How are sales tax payments applied?

All payments of sales tax received form a seller owing delinquent sales tax shall be applied first to accrued penalty, second to accrued interest, and then to sales tax payments owed by the seller in the order of their due dates.

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1) How can I report a crime?

You can call the Wasilla Police Department at 352-5401 for non-emergency reports. Any emergency will receive immediate attention by dialing 911. You may also stop by the Wasilla Police Department during normal business hours - Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. to report incidents. The Wasilla Police Department is located at 1800 E. Parks Hwy. In Wasilla (across the Parks Hwy. from the Cottonwood Creek Mall).

2) The Wasilla Police Department completed an investigation of an incident in which I was involved. How can I get a copy of the report?

Requests for reports can either be made in writing or in person. Written requests can be mailed to the Wasilla Police Department at 1800 E. Parks Hwy., Wasilla, AK  99654, or faxed to the department at (907) 357-7877.  Requests will be honored based on existing policies regarding release of information from police reports. There may be a fee for copying.

3) How can I apply for a job with the Wasilla Police Department?

The Wasilla Police Department advertises any open positions through local newspapers and Job Service.  Hiring is accomplished through a competitive process. You can call the City of Wasilla's Human Resources Department to determine if there are any openings or if any are anticipated, then watch and respond to any advertisements for openings. The City of Wasilla's Human Resources Department distributes and collects employment packets during open recruitment periods.

4) I heard the Wasilla Police Department has a Reserve Officer program. How can I participate in the Reserve program?

The Wasilla Policed Department does have a Reserve Officer program. Participation is on a voluntary basis and offers training, experience and opportunities to serve the community in a worthwhile manner.  Reserve officers act as volunteer police officers for the department.  They may be called upon to assist in normal patrol functions, at special events and details, with investigations and in times of disaster or emergency.  The selection process is basically the same as for a regular full time officer.  The process may include a written test, oral board, individual interview, physical agility test, background investigation and a psychological examination.  Initial training normally consists of about 120 hours of introductory law enforcement training.  The training is provided by the department.  Following initial training, reserve officers are expected to dedicate at least 20 hours per month to the unit.  Normally, there is no set schedule and reserve officers can complete their 20 hour commitment at their convenience.  In addition, two training sessions are offered each month.  Officers are expected to attend at least one of these sessions.  Uniforms and other required equipment are provided by the department.  Footwear is not provided.  Reserve officers may purchase and provide approved personal equipment if they desire.

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No. The Alaska State Court System located in Palmer issues marriage licenses. You may contact them at 907-746-8102.

2) May I register to vote or change my voter registration at the Wasilla City Clerk's Office?

The State of Alaska Mat-Su Division of Elections office will assist you with voter registration. The office is located in the North Fork Professional Building, 1700 E. Bogard Road, Building B, Suite 104, Wasilla, AK  99654. You may reach them by phone at 907-373-8952 or visit their website at www.elections.state.ak.us

3) How can I reach the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce?

The Wasilla Chamber of Commerce is located in Railroad Depot Building at the corner of Knik-Goosebay Road and Railroad Avenue in Wasilla. You may contact them at 907-376-1299.

4) Does the City of Wasilla issue burn permits?

No. Please Contact the State of Alaska, Division of Forestry, Mat-Su Area Office, at 761-6338.

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1) How do I become a member of the Mat-Su Youth Court?

You can register for the next available criminal law training class by calling 352-5445. We have classes one or two times per year and a video class that you can take when no "live" class is available.  If there is no class coming up soon you will be put on a waiting list for the next available class.

2) Why would I want to become a member of the Mat-Su Youth Court?

You will get the chance to become a part of the juvenile justice system by joining MSYC. You will learn about the juvenile justice system, and about criminal law. After 94 hours of participation you can receive a half credit social studies elective from the MSB School District.   Members can go on field trips and get the chance to go to an annual statewide conference.  It also gives you a warm-and-fuzzy feeling because you're giving something back to your community. The volunteer service you provide the Mat-Su community will also help you in your future plans - such as job hunting, college applications and scholarships.

3) If I got into trouble, why should I choose Mat-Su Youth Court to handle my case?

Mat-Su Youth Court is a diversion program and offers an informal way of handling your case, rather than going through the formal juvenile system. If you successfully complete your sentence, your case doesn't become a part of your permanent record, and when answering the question on job applications - you can state that you've never had a conviction. It also helps your record for military entry purposes. Defendants who complete their sentence through MSYC are invited to join the program as members. Your first-hand knowledge of the program will make you an invaluable member of Mat-Su Youth Court!

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You now have access to our libraries from any internet connection. Any time of day you can search our catalog, place holds to be picked up at the library of your choice, (5 Borough Libraries, 2 City Libraries) access your record to see a listing of what you currently have checked out, or to find out which current best sellers we have available. The address is: http://public.matsulibraries.org.

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Coming Soon!

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