Questions & Answers

Yes. Each property is zoned with one of the following zoning districts and each zoning district has different regulations regarding the type of uses allowed. There are also regulations addressing minimum setbacks, maximum building height, maximum number of residential dwellings, landscaping, minimum parking spaces, etc. All of these rules can be found in the City of Wasilla Municipal Code, which can be viewed by clicking HERE.

• Rural Residential (RR)
• Single-Family Residential (R1)
• Residential (R2)
• Residential Multifamily (RM)
• Commercial (C)
• Industrial (I)
• Public (P)
  

Click HERE to see the zoning map for the City. You can also call the Planning Division Office at 907.373.9020 or email planning@ci.wasilla.ak.us.  

Yes. They apply to all properties except single-family homes and uses located at the Wasilla Municipal Airport. The regulations are contained in WMC 16.33 – Landscape Standards and can be viewed by clicking HERE.

Yes. Typically setbacks are 25' from the front lot line (not the edge of pavement), 25' from the rear lot line, 10' from both side lot lines, and 75' from the ordinary high water mark of all water bodies. Setback regulations are contained in WMC 16.24.030 – Setbacks and Height and can be viewed by clicking HERE.

The City of Wasilla does not require building permits. However, building permits may be required by the Alaska State Fire Marshall for multi-family or commercial uses. Please contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Fire Chief's office to determine if a permit is needed before beginning any construction or remodeling. They can be reached at 907.373.8830. Additional information is also available on their website at www.matsugov.us/cmsfd/fdcodels.  

If you are building residential housing units with less than three dwelling units, we recommend you contact a dwelling/building inspector for independent inspections. Additional information regarding residential home inspections is available at www.icbo.org and www.ahfc.state.ak.us.  

Yes, a land use permit is typically needed. Please call the Planning Division Office to verify whether a permit is needed before beginning construction or any commercial activity within the City limits. Examples of activities that require a land use permit include, but are not limited to, construction of a building, adding onto an existing building, expanding an existing use, changing a use in a space in an existing commercial building, changing a residential building to a commercial building, adding additional residential dwelling units, clearing trees, grading and excavation, or extracting resources.

State law provides several methods available to annex contiguous property into the City limits. Please contact the City Planning Office at 907.373.9020 or by email at planning@ci.wasilla.ak.us to get information about possible annexation into the City limits. Please discuss these methods with the City Planner.

• $50 – Administrative approval
• $100 – Use Permits – Public notice mailed to property owners within 1200’ radius
• $500 – Conditional Use Permits - Public notice mailed to property owners within 1200’ radius and public hearing at Planning Commission

The District Use Chart in WMC 16.20.020 indicates what type of permit is required for specific uses within all of the zoning districts. This chart can be viewed by clicking HERE.