The first zoning ordinance for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough was adopted in 1966. The 1966 version of the zoning ordinance has been amended over 635 times since its adoption. The current ordinance, Title 17, contains provisions for 15 zoning districts, provisions for administration and enforcement, provisions for special permits, nonconforming uses and structures.

In 2005 the borough adopted an update to the Borough-Wide Comprehensive Plan. The update specifically calls for the development of “a new zoning ordinance that includes classifications for the land use categories adopted in the plan. These classification and associated development regulations should provide for flexibility in accommodating the various land use. The zoning ordinance will incorporate standards for development consistent with the concepts of the update but not limited to “appropriate land use guidelines and regulations that reduce land use conflicts and protect residents and businesses..”

Thus, the borough is conducting the first comprehensive update of the zoning ordinance in over 50 years.

The Zoning Ordinance Update is based upon the following Principles / Tenets:

• Creating and maintaining a flexible code.
• Creating a code that is “user-friendly”.
• Creating a code that addresses the impact of development on surrounding properties.
• Creating a code that provides illustrations that demonstrate code requirements.
• Creating a code that provides text that is logical and concise.
• Creating a code that provides text that is legally defensible and compatible with State and Federal regulations and court decisions.

On September 2, 2008, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly approved an agreement for consulting services with LSL Consulting, Inc. to assist in coordination and preparation of the revised Zoning Ordinance.

 

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