Org Unit
Planning & Land Use
The Planning & Land Use Department is responsible for managing land use in the Mat-Su Borough through permitting, code enforcement, platting, and zoning. Staff of the Planning & Land Use Department are trained professionals as well as members of Mat-Su communities. Our goal is to support the Borough's vision of being the "best community in Alaska to live, work, and play" by contributing to quality of life and economic growth.
The quarterly Planning Pulse electronic newsletter (formerly called the Planner Platform) is available to keep you informed on hot topics and upcoming opportunities for participation in the planning process! Click the blue action button to sign up.
Services
Earth Materials Extraction Permit
This permit is required for anyone extracting gravel, sand, or other earth materials in the Mat-Su Borough. It ensures that operations are safe, environmentally responsible, and compliant with borough code and when working near or below the water table.
Talkeetna Special Land Use District
A Conditional Use – Talkeetna SPUD Permit is required for certain types of development in the Talkeetna Special Land Use District. This includes tourism-related businesses, mixed-use buildings, or residential projects that aren’t automatically allowed.
Tall Structure Permit
If you're planning to build a tall structure like a telecommunications tower or wind energy system in the Mat-Su Borough, you’ll need a Tall Tower Permit. The type of permit depends on the height and purpose of the structure.
Utility Permits
A Utility Permit is required when installing, maintaining, or modifying utility infrastructure—such as water, sewer, gas, electric, or telecom—within public rights-of-way This helps ensure safe and coordinated development while protecting public assets.
Waste Incinerators - Conditional Use Permit
A Conditional Use – Waste Incinerators Permit is required to build or operate a waste incinerator in the Mat-Su Borough. This includes facilities for medical or non-medical waste.
Weight Restriction Waiver Permit
The Borough may grant limited exemptions for transporting non-divisible equipment, as defined in MSB 11.08. Equipment that cannot be dismantled without damaging its intended use or that requires more than eight work hours to dismantle using proper tools.
Parent Department
Division
Boards
Historical Preservation Commission
Promotes and maintains cultural heritage and historic integrity within the MSB and cultivates economic benefits through historic preservation.
MSB Fish and Wildlife Commission
Advises assembly, MSB manager, and/or any state or federal entities with jurisdiction in the area of fish, wildlife, and habitat.
Transportation Advisory Board (TAB)
Makes recommendations to the administration and the Assembly on transportation issues.
Board of Adjustment and Appeals
Hears appeals on decisions of the Planning Commission, Platting Board, and Administrative Decisions regarding land use.
Planning Commission
Advises on planning and land use regulation and community development. Serves as a quasi-judicial body for land use permits.
Platting Board
Acts on applications for preliminary plats, variances, public use easements, plat note amendments, vacations of public interest, and appeals of Platting Officer decisions.
Public Notices & Announcements
Road Closure - Point Mackenzie
Upgrades to Point Mackenzie road will begin on Tuesday April 15, 2025. Watch for flaggers and expect delays when traveling between mile marker 0 and mile 3. Construction activities can be exected 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. throughout the summer.
Road Closure - Point Mackenzie
Upgrades to Point Mackenzie road will begin on Tuesday April 15, 2025. Watch for flaggers and expect delays when traveling between mile marker 0 and mile 3. Construction activities can be exected 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. throughout the summer.
17.67—Tall Structures Application for Tax ID#2327B01L004
Justin Abbott, on behalf of AT&T Mobility, applied for an Administrative Permit under MSB 17.67—Tall Structures. The Permit is for a 120-foot telecommunications tower located at 3600 E. Bogard Road, Tax ID# 2327B01L004.
2026 Borough Wide Weight Restrictions
Notice of Seasonal Weight Restrictions starting April 2026
One-Day Permitting Workshop: Mat-Su Development Essentials
One-Day Permitting Workshop taking place on April 13 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the Assembly Chambers, Palmer. Practical, one-day course is designed for anyone planning land use projects and is open to both industry professionals and the general public.
Seasonal Road Closures
Seasonal closure of Borough managed rights-of-way to construction starts at 5 p.m. on November 7, 2025