• Zoning Rules & Regulations
  • Planning & Zoning Commission
  • Maps & Land Records
  • State Resources

Thorne Bay Municipal Code:

 

Title 2 Administration and Personnel, Chapters:

15.04.020 DEVELOPMENT PLANS.

A. Purpose: to make the public aware of setback requirements and eliminate building encroachments into rights-of-ways, easements and other properties.

B. Plan Required. No structure shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, relocated or extended without a development plan permit issued by the city. No existing use of a structure shall be converted to another use without a permit issued by the city. Failure to submit a development plan shall be a violation of this chapter.

C. All applications for development plans shall be completed on city forms and accompanied by a site plan that includes:

  1. Property boundaries and dimensions;
  2. Scale with north arrow;
  3. All existing and proposed structures and their dimensions;
  4. Distance of structures to all lot lines;
  5. Rights-of-way and easements adjacent to the property;
  6. Off-street parking spaces with their dimensions;
  7. Location of utility poles, and water and sewer lines;
  8. Access and driveways;
  9. Any topographical features that may affect the development of the property;
  10. Proposed use of the new structure and current use of any existing buildings.

2.48.010 ESTABLISHED-PURPOSE.

There is established the planning commission for the city to constitute a department of the city and to perform the city-wide functions of planning, platting and zoning for the city, and to advise the chief executive officer and city council of them. The City Council may perform any one or all of the city-wide functions of planning, platting and/or zoning. The Chief executive officer or his delegate shall serve as the city planning official until such time as he appoints, and the City Council confirms another to perform that function.

2.48.020 COMMISSION MEMBERSHIP.

  1. The planning commission shall consist no more than 11 and no less than five qualified city voters from the community.
  2. Members of the commission must keep current any accounts held with the City (i.e., utilities, lease payments, rents, sales tax, etc.) any member whose accounts fall into delinquency may be removed from the commission by the chief executive officer. City Council will consider financial or other hardship.
  3. Any person declaring candidacy for the planning commission shall not be considered until the persons accounts are made current. City Council will consider financial or other hardships.
  4. Members shall be appointed by the chief executive officer, subject to confirmation by the city council, for a term of three years. Appointments to fill vacancies are for the unexpired term. The compensation and expenses of the planning commission and its staff are paid as directed by the chief executive officer. 

View the Community Profile Maps from DCRA:

Customer Forms & Applications

 
Download DocumentsDepartment

Petition for Rezone or Amendments in Zoning - Fillable

Planning & Zoning

Development Plan Permit Application-Fillable

Planning & Zoning

CUP-Conditional Use Permit-Application

Planning & Zoning

Variance Application

Planning & Zoning

Subdivision Application-Fillable

Planning & Zoning

Subdivision Waiver Application-Fillable

Planning and Zoning

Land Records/Plats

View plat maps of property located within Thorne Bay.  Not all maps are availabe within this table.  For a more detailed search of plats and other land records, please visit the Alaska Recorder's Office at http://dnr.alaska.gov/ssd/recoff/searchRO.cfm
DownloadDescription
Aerial View of North and South Thorne BayAerial View North and South TNB
South Thorne Bay AerialMap
Deer Creek Subdivision Aerial MapAerial Map of the Deer Creek Subdivision - Located in the Industrial Zone of Goose Creek/South TNB
Thorne Bay Aerial Map of North SideAerial Map of the North Side of Thorne Bay
Downtown Subdivision Aerial MapAerial Map of the Downtown Business District
Rainy Lane Aerial mapAerial Map Data - Rainy Lane
Property Management Agreement DNR - City - Freeman Drive-102-1989-001930-0Land Management Agreement - Recorder Office Link: http://dnr.alaska.gov/ssd/recoff/sag/DocDisplay.cfm?SelectedDoc=19890019300&District=102
80-121 - South Thorne Bay PlatPlat 80-121 / South Thorne Bay Subdivision Plat
South TNB Road Map - LargeMap
Sort Yard Plat - Heli-Pad locationPlat 2005-33
Tract BP-2, BP-3Plat 97-86/Seaaford Subdivision
Alaska_MapAlaska Map
Alaska-Driving-MapState of Alaska Driving Map
Welcome to Thorne Bay Guide Map All SidesMap - City Welcome Street Map
Zoning Map-Including South Thorne BayCity Zoning Map - Colored 2
Street MapNot Actual Recorded Map - Street Map
Thorne Bay Planning and Zoning MapCity Zoning Map - Colored
Downtown Business District MapPlat 2006-5
Thorne Bay Town MapNot Actual Recorded Plat
Deer Creek MapPlat 91-21
Old Skid Road Map and North Road + South Thorne Bay Addition 1Plat 2016-7/2009-7

Publications:

Recommended web site search topics:

  • Alaska Planning and Land Management
  • Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, Statewide Transportation Improvements Program and Needs List
  • S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Native Americans
  • S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration
  • University of Alaska Center for Economic Development, VISTA
  • S.D.A. Rural Development in Alaska
  • S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Sustainable Communities
  • UAF Cooperative Extension Service – Community Support

Applicable Laws and Regulations

Alaska Statutes

  • AS 29.35.180 planning within a first or second class borough in accordance with AS 29.40, planning within a home rule borough.
  • AS 29.35.250 Cities inside boroughs.
  • AS 29.35.260 Cities outside boroughs.
  • AS 29.40.010-.200 planning, platting, land use regulation, borough responsibilities, delegation of responsibilities, planning commission, mandatory planning commissions, borough comprehensive plan, limitation on land use regulation variance, appeal, delegation of authority.

Residential Zoning

  1. Uses Allowed In Residential Zone Without Special Permitting. 2
  2. Uses Considered In Residential Zone With Conditional Use Permitting. 2
  3. Uses Prohibited In Residential Zone. 3
  4. Property Development Standards. 3
  5. Property Development Standards for Tract B. 4

 

17.04.022 RESIDENTIAL ZONE.

The purpose of the Residential zone is to maintain property values and to provide for aesthetically pleasing neighborhoods by permitting single-family houses, duplexes and modular homes with a limited range of compatible uses.

Development plans are required for all development within the Residential zone conforming to applicable standards of section 17.04.035.

A.  Uses Allowed In Residential Zone Without Special Permitting.

  1. Single-family houses or duplex;
  2. Modular homes or modular duplex;
  3. Mobile homes;
  4. Home occupation or business;
  5. office in home;
  6. Accessory buildings for private/Residential uses such as garage, shed, private storage of a recreational vehicle, travel trailer, recreational boat, trucks;
  7. Visiting travel trailer or motor home occupied by guests of the residence up to 30 days.
    1. Over 30 days requires prior approval from the planning official
    2. Over 60 days requires conditional use permit 17.04.022 (b)(8)
  8. Basic services (services and facilities which are necessary for development. They include power lines, water lines, sewer lines, power/telephone poles and other low impact facilities of the same character to provide for utilities). (Ordinance 18-08-21-04 § Part 7)

B.  Uses Considered In Residential Zone With Conditional Use Permitting. 

The purpose of a conditional use is to provide for uses that may be suitable in certain locations within this zone but not all locations. Conditional uses must meet certain criteria before obtaining approval.

  1. Religious assembly;
  2. Electrical utility substations, pump/lift stations;
  3. Day care center or facility;
  4. Bed and breakfast;
  5. Parking a truck or other equipment over two tons;
  6. Home occupation or business in accessory building;
  1. Building or buildings housing three units or more.
  2. Travel trailer or motor home occupied by guests of the residence over 60 days but not to exceed 180 days). (Ordinance 18-08-21-04 § Part 8)

C.  Uses Prohibited In Residential Zone.

  1. All uses not listed as allowed uses outright or through conditional use permit process.
  2. The keeping of animals for profit or for more than personal use; keeping of large animals such as cattle, pigs, horses and goats; the keeping of more than four dogs with the exception of puppies; keeping of roosters or other noisy livestock.

D.  Property Development Standards.

  1. Minimum lot size: Seven thousand five hundred square feet.
  2. Parking: Two off street parking areas required for each living unit.
  3. Setbacks: Ten feet from all lot lines, fifteen feet from road rights-of-way. 
  1. In addition, development on corner lots shall not impede visibility.
    1. Building heights: thirty-five feet.
    2. Density:
  2. Single family-minimum of seven thousand five hundred square foot lot size.
  3. Multifamily; a minimum of seven thousand five hundred square feet lot size for the first unit and five thousand square feet addition lot size for each additional unit.
  4. Uses other than Residential: no more than one principal structure.
  5. Maximum lot coverage for all structures fifty percent of the lot area remaining after the setback area is subtracted from the total lot area.
  6. Fences, Walls and Hedges: Fences, walls and hedges may occupy a portion of a yard and be built up to the property line with a six-foot maximum height limit and Fences shall not obstruct vehicular visibility.        

 

E.  Property Development Standards for Tract B.

  1. Single-family residences or duplexes only are allowed on lots 1 through 6, stick-built on permanent foundations.
  2. Modular or mobile homes are allowed on lots 7 and 8 that conform to the following:
  3. Minimum twenty feet wide with seven hundred fifty square feet of living space;
  4. Minimum three to twelve pitch roof;
  5. tongue and axles must be removed;
  6. Wood or wood appearance siding required;
  7. Must be skirted so that structure gives a stick-built appearance.
  8. Lots may not be subdivided.
  9. Signs are prohibited except for one sign of not more than five square feet advertising the property for sale or rent and a sign limited to equal size showing ownership of the property.
  10. All driveway approaches will be built from the driving surface of the main road to the edge of the lot, with a minimum of twelve-foot width on top and perpendicular to the road. All driveways shall have culverts a minimum of twelve inches in diameter where drainage requires as determined by city maintenance, the city council or the planning commission.
  11. Animals, livestock or poultry may not be raised, kept or bred on any lot except up to a total of four dogs, cats, or other normal household pets, provided they are not kept, bred or maintained for any commercial purposes. All animals shall be restrained.
  12. The minimum setbacks shall be twenty feet from road rights-of-way and ten feet from rear and interior lot lines, including attachments and outbuildings. (Ord 17-08-15-01, Prior Ord: 00-03 § 4, 2000:  93-23 § 6(part), 1993)

 

Residential Zone

Deer Creek Residential Zoning

17.04.023 DEER CREEK RESIDENTIAL.

The purpose of this zone is to create an aesthetically pleasing residential subdivision consisting of permanent single-family housing. Lot DC-14B shall be exempt from this title for the duration of municipal ownership.

Development plans are required for all development within the high-density residential zone conforming to applicable standards of section 17.04.035.

 

A.  Uses Allowed in High Density Residential Zone Without Special Permitting.

  1. Stick-built single-family residences built on permanent, continuous foundations with a minimum one-foot width, or treated pile driven foundations or concrete sonatube foundations;
  2. Home occupation or office in home;
  3. Accessory buildings for private residential uses such as garage, shed, greenhouse, smokehouse, private storage of a recreational vehicle, travel trailer or recreational boat;
  4. Basic services (services and facilities which are necessary for development. They include power lines, water lines, sewer lines, power/telephone poles and other low impact facilities of the same character to provide for utilities);
  5. Bed and breakfast: two rental rooms or less;
  6. Visiting travel trailer or motor home occupied by guests of the residence up to 30 days.
    1. Over 30 days requires prior approval from the planning commission.
    2. Over 60 days requires conditional use permit 17.04.022 (b)(8)
  7. Multifamily housing on lot 15b.

(Ordinance 18-08-21-04 § Part 6.i)

 

 

 

B.   Uses Considered in Deer Creek Residential Zone with Special Permitting.

  1. Guest cabins, lodge on lot 15b;
  2. Restaurant/lodge on lot 15b;
  3. Moveable construction trailer or travel trailer for residential use during construction of permanent residential structure. Conditional use permits shall be issued for one year with an annual review if necessary;
  4. Bed and breakfast: over two rental rooms;
  5. Structures and fences built above the maximum height limit;
  6. Marine sales and repair services;
  7. Telecommunications facilities, towers, and/or antennas.

 

C.   Uses Prohibited.

  1. Subdivision;
  2. Private garbage pits;
  3. Storage of heavy equipment;
  4. Storage of derelict vehicles or unsightly accumulation of personal property;
  5. The raising of animals, livestock and poultry except normal household pets of up to four dogs and cats and their litters, provided that they are not kept, bred or maintained for commercial purposes.

 

D.  Property Development Standards.

  1. Minimum lot size: fifteen thousand square feet.
  2. Parking: all parking shall be off-street and on the premises.
  3. Setbacks: twenty feet from road right-of-way, ten feet from rear and interior lot lines for lots DC1 through DC8. Beach front lots DC9b through DC15b, ten feet from road right-of-way, rear and interior lot lines. Pile driven and concrete sonatube foundation driveways shall be exempt from the setback requirement on beach front lots.
  4. Building heights: thirty-five feet.
  5. Density: single-family residences only.
  6. Utilities: all dwellings must be connected to municipal water, and sewer utilities prior to occupancy.
  7. Driveway approaches will be built from the driving surface of the main road to the edge of the lot, with a minimum of twelve feet width on to and perpendicular to the centerline of the platted right-of-way on beach front lots only (lots DC9b through DC15b). A driveway site plan shall be required for planning commission review for lots DC1 through DC8. All driveways shall have culverts a minimum of twelve inches in diameter where drainage requires as determined by city maintenance.
  8. All property must be accessed by platted public right-of-way. Property owners may access lots from public access easement with knowledge that easement will not be maintained by the city. The public access easement must remain open and unblocked but is not required to be maintained by the property owner. The public access easement shall be restricted to foot traffic only.
  9. Building requirements: all single-family residences shall contain not less than seven hundred fifty square feet of floor space, excluding garages and open porches.
  10. Signs: signs shall not be displayed to the public view on any lot except one sign of not more than five square feet advertising the property for sale or rent and a sign limited to equal size showing ownership of the property or advertising a home business.
  11. Fences, walls or hedges may be built up to six feet in height up to the property line. Fences shall not obstruct vehicular visibility. (Ord. 17-08-15-01; Prior Ord. 94-05 § 3, 1994; 93-23 § 6(part), 1993)(Ord. 17-08-15-01)

 

Deer Creek Res.

Mixed Res/Comm I

17.04.024  MIXED RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL I.  

The purpose of this zone is to maintain property values and to provide for aesthetically pleasing neighborhoods by permitting single-family houses, duplexes, and modular homes with a limited range of compatible uses.

Development plans are required for all development within the mixed Residential / commercial I zone conforming to applicable standards of section 17.04.035.

 

a.  Uses Allowed in Mixed Residential/Commercial I Zone Without Special Permitting.

  1. All uses allowed in section 17.04.022 Residential zone, part “a”.
  2. Community recreation including parks, beaches, open space, and buffer strips;
  3. Bed and breakfast with 2 or less guest rooms;
  4. Home occupation or home business in accessory building.

 

B.   Uses Considered in Mixed Residential/Commercial I Zone with Conditional Use Permitting. 

  1. All uses allowed in section 17.04.022 Residential zone, part “b” not allowed outright in part a of this section.
  2. The keeping of animals for profit or for more than personal use, the keeping of more than four dogs with the exception of puppies;
  3. Administrative services and offices;
  4. Banks and other financial institutions;
  5. Building material retail and supply;
  6. Lodges and resorts;
  7. Hotels and motels;
  8. Laundromat, laundries and dry cleaning;
  9. Lodges of fraternal orders, labor and social organizations;
  10. Restaurants and other eating establishments;
  11. Restaurants, bars and taverns that serve alcoholic beverages;
  12. Retail sales outlets (stores);
  13. Mini-storage units (maximum of 200 square feet per unit;
  14. Marine sales;
  15. Hair salons;
  16. Post offices;
  17. Community buildings and community indoor and outdoor recreation facilities;
  18. Communication facilities;
  19. Telecommunication facilities, towers, and/or antennas

 

C.   Property Development Standards.

  1. Minimum lot size: four thousand five hundred square feet.
  2. Minimum lot width: forty feet.
  3. Parking: all parking will be off-street and on the premises.  Dwelling units, including new apartments, duplex, triplex or multifamily completed after the adoption of this title shall provide off-street parking as required in Section 17.04.041.
  4. Setbacks: five feet from all lot lines and ten feet from road rights-of-ways.  In addition, development on corner lots shall not impede vehicular visibility.
  5. Building heights:
    1. A maximum of thirty-five feet as defined in the definitions for “building height”. Severe slopes maybe grounds to seek a variance from building height limitations.
  6. Density:
  7. Single family: a minimum of four thousand five hundred square foot lot size.
  8. Multi-family: a minimum of four thousand five hundred square feet for the first unit and two thousand square feet for each additional unit lot size.
  9. For uses other than Residential, no more than one principal structure.
  10. Maximum lot coverage: fifty percent of the lot area remaining after the setback area is subtracted from the total lot area.
  11. Temporary structures are not subject to section 17.04.024(f)(6)(c).
  12. Fences, walls and hedges: fences, walls and hedges may occupy a portion of a yard and be built up to the property line with a six-foot maximum height limit and shall not obstruct vehicular visibility. 
  13. Signs. Five by five-foot maximum signs flush against a building, signs on post or swinging sign: two by three feet maximum.
  14. Landscaping or view obscuring screening may be required. (Ordinance 17-08-15-01, Prior Ord. 99-26 § 6(part), 1999; Ord. 93-23 § 6(part), 1993)(Ord. 17-08-15-01)

 

Mix Res/Comm I

Mix Res/Comm II

17.04.025 MIXED RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL II. 

The purpose of this zone is to provide for an aesthetically pleasing neighborhood and to maintain property values by permitting single-family houses, duplexes and mobile homes plus accommodating present mixed commercial uses.

“Development Plans” are required for all building within the mixed Residential / commercial ii zone conforming to the applicable standards of section 17.04.035.

 

A.  Uses Allowed In The Mixed Residential / Commercial II Zone Without Special Permitting.

  1. All uses allowed in section 17.04.022 Residential Zone Part “A” Permitted Uses
  2. Up to two living units, not to exceed 1500 square feet each, attached to a permitted or conditionally approved commercial uses, and one living unit not to exceed 1500 square feet, detached but used in association with permitted or conditionally approved commercial uses. (Ordinance 18-08-21-04 § Part a)

 

B.   Uses considered in mixed Residential/commercial II zone with conditional use permitting. 

  1. All uses allowed in section 17.04.024 mixed Residential / commercial i, part “b” not allowed outright in part (a) of this section.
  2. Electrical utility substations, pump/lift station;
  3. The keeping of roosters and other noisy livestock;
  4. Day care center or facility for 6 or more children;
  5. Multifamily structure (more than 2 units);
  6. Structure or fence built above the maximum height limit.
  7. Government and education complexes, including libraries, museums;
  8. Light equipment sales and rentals;
  9. Clinics and other medical offices and facilities;
  10. Storage units;
  11. Auto, marine and light equipment repair;
  12. Veterinary office;
  13. Post office;
  14. Fire and emergency service buildings;
  15. Nursing and convalescent homes, group Residential facilities, children’s homes;
  16. V. park;
  17. Bed and breakfast with 5 or more guest rooms;
  18. Telecommunications facilities, towers, and/or antennas.

 

C.   Property Development Standards.

  1. Minimum lot size: seven thousand five hundred square feet.
  2. Minimum lot width: fifty feet.
  3. Parking: all parking will be off-street and on the premises.  Dwelling units, including new apartments, duplex, triplex or multifamily completed after the adoption of this title shall provide off-street parking as required in section 17.04.041
  4. Setbacks: five feet from all lot lines and ten feet from road rights-of-ways.  In addition, development on corner lots shall not impede vehicular visibility.
  5. Building heights: A maximum of thirty-five feet as defined in the definitions for “building height”.  Sever slopes maybe grounds to seek a variance from building height limitations.
  6. Density:
  7. Single family: a minimum of seven thousand five hundred square feet lot size
  8. Multifamily: a minimum of seven thousand five hundred square feet for the first unit and three thousand square feet for each additional unit lot size.
  9. For uses other than Residential, no more than one principal structure.
  10. Maximum lot coverage: fifty percent of the lot area remaining after the setback area is subtracted from the total lot area.
  11. Temporary structures are not subject to Section 17.04.025(F)(6)(c).
  12. Fences, walls and hedges: fences, walls and hedges may occupy a portion of a yard and be built up to the property line with a six-foot maximum height limit and shall not obstruct vehicular visibility.
  13. Five by five-foot maximum sign flush against a building, signs on post or swinging sign two by three feet.  (Ord. 17-08-15-07; Prior Ord. 99-26 § 6(part), 1999; Ord. 93-23 § 6(part), 1993) (Ord. 17-08-15-01)

 


Mix Res/Comm II

Mix Res/Comm III

17.04.026 MIXED RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL III.

The purpose of this zone is to be as open and unrestrictive as possible by allowing many different, compatible uses, yet still provide protection to all property owners in the subdivision.

Development plans are required for all development within the Mixed Residential / Commercial III zone conforming to applicable standards of section 17.04.035. 

 

A.  Uses Allowed In Mixed Residential / Commercial III Zone Without Special Permitting. 

  1. All uses allowed in section 17.04.025 mixed Residential ii, part “a”.
  2. Travel trailer or motor home;
  3. Telecommunications facilities, towers, and/or antennas.

 

B.   Uses Considered In Mixed Residential/Commercial Iii Zone With Permitting.

Any uses listed as permitted or conditionally permitted in the commercial zone i, ii, iii, public zone, waterfront zone, commercial zone or industrial zone may be permitted in the zone, as long as the proposed use will not adversely affect the surrounding property owners, meets the required standards and is approved by the city of Thorne Bay.

 

C.   Notice Of Intent.

Any person proposing a commercial or industrial use must file a notice of intent with the city.  This notice will specifically describe the proposed use in detail. The notice of intent will be posted in five places throughout the city for thirty days. If there is no objection to the proposed use, no permits other than a development permit will be required by the city. If any one of the criteria listed below is met, the applicant of the proposed use will be required to apply for a conditional use permit.

  1. The size of a business requires five or more employees;
  2. The nature of the business or project has a significant negative impact on property values or significantly harms the public health, safety and welfare of the adjacent property. Degradation of property includes but is not limited to impact from noise, dust, smoke, vibration, order, increased traffic and parking;
  3. Three property owners within a ten-lot radius from the proposed use location calls for a public hearing by submitting an objection statement. The objection must be filed on forms provided by the city within the thirty-day period in which the notice of intent is posted. The objection statement shall contain a detailed description of all potential significant impacts the proposed use may have on the area. The statement shall also contain other specific reasons as to why the proposed use should be brought to public hearing. The commission shall not entertain objections that are feudal in nature between two neighbors.

 

D.  Application for Notice of Intent. 

All applications shall contain:

  1. Name and address of the property owner;
  2. Name and address of the applicant, if different from the property owner;
  3. Legal description of the property, vicinity map and site plan. The site plan will include:
    1. Scale, north arrow and date,
    2. Property boundaries and dimensions,
  • All existing and proposed structures and their dimensions,
  1. Rights-of-way and easements adjacent to the property,
  2. off-street parking spaces and their dimensions,
  3. Access and driveways,
  • Any topographical features that may affect the development of the property,
  • Proposed use of the new structures and current use of any existing structures;
  1. A detailed description of the proposed use, including but not limited to:
    • Number of employees,
    • Nature of the proposed use,
    • Describe any dust, odor, vibration, smoke, noise, increased traffic or parking the proposed use will generate and how it will affect the surrounding property owners,
    • Times and days the proposed use will be in operation.
  2. Applications for conditional use permit. See section 17.04.043 for procedure.
  3. Property development standards.
  4. Minimum lot size: one acre.
  5. Minimum lot width: two hundred feet.
  6. Setbacks: ten feet from property lines and road rights-of-ways when no easement is present. When applicable, state-designated setbacks and easements will take precedent over the ten-foot setback requirement.
  7. Building heights: a maximum of thirty-five feet as defined in the definitions for “building height”. Severe slopes may be grounds to seek a variance from building height limitations.
  8. Parking: all parking will be off-street and on the premises as required in section 17.04.041.
  9. Density:
  10. For separate single-family dwellings:
  11. One acre minimum for each single-family dwelling structure.
  12. For uses other than Residential, no more than one principal structure.
  13. For uses other than Residential, no more than one principal structure.
  14. For multi-family structures:
  15. One acre minimum for the first unit and seven thousand five hundred square feet minimum lot size for each additional unit.
  16. Maximum lot coverage: fifty percent of the lot area remaining after the setback area is subtracted from the total lot area.
  17. Temporary structures are not subject to section 17.04.026(f)(6)(c).
  18. Signs: no signs shall cause glare on a public right-of-way or surrounding public property.  Otherwise, there are no restrictions.
  19. All new housing, Commercial/Industrial
  20. Development and subdivision is subject to Alaska department of environmental conservation review and approval per the recorded plats.
  21. Landscaping or view obscuring screening may be required. (Ord. 99-26 § 6(part), 1999; ord. 93-23 § 6(part), 1993) (Ord. 17-08-15-01)

 

Mix Res/Comm III

Commercial Zone

17.04.027 COMMERCIAL ZONE. 

The purpose of the commercial zone is to accommodate a wide range of commercial and compatible light industrial uses.

 “Development Plans” are required for all development within the commercial zone conforming to applicable standards of section 17.04.035.

A.  Uses allowed in commercial zone without special permitting.

  1. Administrative services and offices;
  2. Ambulance service;
  3. Auto and other light vehicle sales and rentals;
  4. Banks and other financial institutions;
  5. Building materials and supplies sales and storage;
  6. Restaurants and other eating establishments;
  7. Light equipment sales and rentals;
  8. Government complexes;
  9. Lodges, resorts and related uses;
  10. Gunsmiths, locksmiths and other related sales and services;
  11. Hotels and motels;
  12. Laundromat, laundries and dry cleaning;
  13. Medical services;
  14. Lodges of fraternal orders, labor and social organizations;
  15. Newspaper offices;
  16. Post office;
  17. Professional, finance, real estate and brokerage offices;
  18. Community recreation;
  19. Retail sales and rentals;
  20. Taxi stands;
  21. Theaters;
  22. Veterinary office;
  23. Mini-storage units;
  24. Marine sales;
  25. School district offices and facilities.
  26. Chamber of commerce and visitor facilities;
  27. Nursing and convalescent homes, group residential facilities, children’s homes;
  28. Heliport;
  29. V. park;
  30. Basic services (services and facilities which are necessary for development. They include power lines, water lines, sewer lines, power/telephone poles and other low impact facilities of the same character to provide for utilities to serve the uses on the lot;
  31. Up to two living units, not to exceed 1500 square feet each, attached to a permitted or conditionally approved commercial uses, and one living unit not to exceed 1500 square feet, detached but not used in association with permitted or conditionally approved commercial uses;
  32. Telecommunication facilities, towers, and/or antennas

 

B.   Uses Considered in Commercial Zone with Conditional Use Permitting.

  1. Utility generation plants or substations;
  2. Bars, taverns and restaurants that sell alcoholic beverages;
  3. Transportation, trucking, moving and storage facilities;
  4. Gasoline service stations;
  5. Auto, auto body marine and light equipment repair;
  6. Plant nurseries;
  7. Communication facilities;
  8. Warehousing, storage, and handling of cargo;
  9. Gasoline service stations;
  10. Heavy and light equipment repair and maintenance
  11. Shipyards, vehicle, marine and equipment storage, and sales facilities;
  12. Building materials and supplies sales and storage;
  13. Auto and other light vehicle repairs, sales and rentals;
  14. Marine fuel, water, and sanitation facilities;
  15. Mini-storage units, storage garages, storage warehouses for rental uses;
  16. The processing, repairing, assembling, packaging and warehousing of materials for sale;
  17. Electrical utility substations, major pump/lift stations;
  18. Structures and fences built above the maximum height limit.

C.   Property development standards.

  1. Minimum lot size: five thousand square feet or no minimum for a lot housing a utility.
  2. Minimum lot width: fifty feet or no minimum for a lot housing a utility.
  3. Setbacks: ten feet from road rights-of-way and five feet from side and rear property lines, except for a utility.
  4. Building heights: a maximum of thirty-five feet as defined in the definitions for “building height”. Sever slopes maybe grounds to seek a variance from building height limitations.
  5. Parking: all parking is off-street and subject to section 17.04.041.
  6. Signs: no signs shall cause glare on any public right-of-way or surrounding property. Signs shall not be illuminated between the hours of eleven p.m. and seven a.m. unless the establishment is open during those hours.
  7. Fences, walls and hedges: fences, walls and hedges may occupy a portion of a yard and be built up to the property line with a six-foot maximum height limit and shall not obstruct vehicular visibility. 
  8. Landscaping or view obscuring screening may be required. (Ordinance 17-08-15-01)

 

Commercial Zone

Industrial Zone

17.04.028 INDUSTRIAL ZONE.

This zoning designation is intended to provide an area that is suitable for both heavy and light industrial uses such as manufacturing, processing, repairing and assembling.

Section 15.04.020 stipulates that “Development Plans” are required of All building to make the public aware of setback requirements and eliminate building encroachments into right-of-way, easements and other properties. (Ordinance 17-08-15-01; prior Ord. 16-01-05-02)

 

A.  Permitted Uses.

  1. Solid waste disposal facilities;
  2. The manufacturing, processing, repairing, assembling and disassembling, compounding, packaging treatment, fabrication and warehousing of materials or property;
  3. The storage of fuels or propane in compliance with applicable fire codes;
  4. Junkyards and salvage yards that are screened from view from when adjacent to a public right-of-way;
  5. Mining and quarry operations;
  6. Sand and gravel operations;
  7. Vehicle, marine and equipment storage;
  8. Heavy and light equipment repair and maintenance;
  9. Commercial nurseries and greenhouses;
  10. Commercial or private stabling of farm animals;
  11. Commercial sawmills shake and shingle mills;
  12. Commercial lumber mills and the retail sale of lumber;
  13. Moving, trucking and transportation firms;
  14. Accessory Uses.
  15. office that is accessory to the permitted use,
  16. Watchman’s quarters, owner/operator residence, or bunkhouse if applicable.

 

B.   Conditional Use.

  1. Any commercial use that is not an expressly permitted use;
  2. Storage and sale of explosives.

 

C.   Prohibited Use.

  1. Uses that degrade air, water and land without effective mitigative procedures that alleviate negative impacts;
  2. Residential subdivision.

 

 

D.  Property Development Standards.

  1. Minimum lot size: two acres with Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation review and approval.
  2. Minimum lot width: one hundred fifty feet.
  3. Setback Requirements.
    1. Front yard: twenty feet.
    2. Rear yard: twenty feet.
    3. Side yard: twenty feet.
  4. Maximum lot coverage by buildings: no limitations, setback requirement must be met.
  5. Maximum height: no restrictions.
  6. Within five years of purchase, improvements to the property must be equal to the value of the property at the time of purchase.

 

E.   Parking Requirements.

All parking must be in compliance with Section 17.04.041.

 

 

F.   Sewage Systems and Treatment.

All private sewerage treatment plans and subdivisions must be approved by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.

 

 

G.  Fences, Walls and Hedges: 

Fences, Walls and Hedges may be built up to the property line and shall not obstruct vehicular visibility. (Ordinance 17-08-15-01; prior Ord. 93-23 § 6(part), 1993)


Industrial Zone

Waterfront Zone

17.04.029 WATERFRONT ZONE. 

The purpose of this zone is to provide for aesthetically pleasing commercial areas along the waterfront while retaining access to the waterfront for both public and private uses.

Development plans are required for all development within the waterfront commercial zone conforming to applicable standards of section 17.04.035.

 

A.  Uses allowed in waterfront zone without special permitting.

  1. Port and harbor facilities, including docks, floatplane operations;
  2. Marine, vehicle and propane fuel sales;
  3. Public, private and commercial moorage associated with approved uses;
  4. Post office;
  5. Small scale; seafood processing plants, cold storage plants and facilities;
  6. Hair salons;
  7. Banks and other financial institutions;
  8. Parks and open space;
  9. Community recreation, community facilities, open space, beaches and buffer strips;
  10. Retail sales and rentals;
  11. Laundromat;
  12. Restaurants and other eating establishments;
  13. Residential uses accessory to permitted uses such as watchmen quarters, owner-operator’s home or rental unit constructed above an allowed use without special permitting;
  14. Water and sanitation facilities;
  15. Administrative offices accessory to permitted uses.

 

B.   Uses allowed in waterfront zone-trans-shipment without special permitting.

  1. Storage and shipping of containers, equipment, materials, commodities and any other items being shipped to and from Prince of Wales Island;
  2. Pick-up and delivery of containers, equipment, materials, commodities and any other items shipped to and from Prince of Wales Island;
  3. Loading and unloading freight barges.

 

C.   Uses allowed in waterfront zone-business district subdivision without special permitting.

  1. Material storage and sales associated with another local commercial operation;
  2. Vehicle, boat and equipment parking, storage and repair;
  3. Electric and communication facilities;
  4. Warehouses and rental storage, including units;
  5. Container storage.

D.  Uses Considered in Waterfront Zone with Conditional Use Permitting.

  1. Bars, taverns and restaurants that sell alcoholic beverages;
  2. Hotels, motels and restaurants;
  3. Lodges and resorts;
  4. Communication facilities;
  5. Light industrial facilities;
  6. Commercial sales not associated with another local commercial operation;
  7. All floating structures or structures on piling, excluding floatplane operations and docks accessary with approved uses;
  8. Structures and fences built above the maximum height limit;
  9. Telecommunication facilities, towers, and/or antennas.

 

E.   Property Development Standards.

  1. Minimum lot size: no minimum lot size.
  2. Minimum lot width: no minimum lot width.
  3. Setbacks: five feet from road rights-of-way and five feet from side and rear property lines.
  4. Building heights: a maximum of thirty-five feet as defined in the definitions for “building height”. Severe slopes maybe grounds to seek a variance from building height limitations.
  5. Parking: all parking unless is otherwise approved by the planning director is off-street and subject to section 17.04.041.
  6. Signs: no signs shall cause glare on any public right-of-way or surrounding property.  Signs shall not be illuminated between the hours of eleven p.m. and seven a.m. unless the establishment is open during those hours.
  7. Fences, walls and hedges: fences, walls and hedges may occupy a portion of a yard and be built up to the property line with a six-foot maximum height limit and shall not obstruct vehicular visibility.
  8. Landscaping or view obscuring screening may be required for uses along the thorne river road and shoreline drive. (Ord 17-08-15-01)

 

Waterfront Zone

Public Zone

17.04.030 PUBLIC ZONE. 

The Purpose of This Zone Is to Reserve Public Lands for Uses Generally Associated with Government Administration, and That Benefit the Public Health, Safety and Welfare and Local Economy.

Development Plans Are Required for All Development Within the Public Zone Conforming to Applicable Standards of Section 17.04.035.

 

A.  Uses Allowed in Public Zone Without Special Permitting. 

  1. Government Facilities and Complexes;
  2. Libraries, Museum, Visitor Center, Chamber of Commerce Facilities;
  3. Education Facilities;
  4. Police Facilities, Court House, Jail and Detention Facilities;
  5. Public offices, Legislative Affairs office;
  6. Public Works Maintenance Facilities and Shops;
  7. Hospital, Clinics and Other Medical offices and Facilities;
  8. Community Buildings;
  9. Fire and Ambulance Station, EMT or ETT Services;
  10. Public Utilities;
  11. Day Care Centers;
  12. Nursing and Convalescent Homes, Group Residential Facilities, Children’s Homes;
  13. Cemetery;
  14. Community Recreation Including Parks, Beaches, Open Space and Buffer Strips, Indoor and Outdoor Recreation Facilities;
  15. Post office.

 

B.   Uses Considered in Public Zone with Conditional Use Permitting. 

  1. National Guard Facilities;
  2. Public Shooting Range;
  3. V. Park;
  4. Communication Facilities;
  5. Dog/Animal Impoundment Facility;
  6. Heliport or Airport;
  7. Solid Waste Disposal Facility;
  8. Sewer Treatment Facility;
  9. Public Utilities Near Residential Areas;
  10. Other Uses Pertaining to The Public Health, Safety and Welfare.
  11. Structures and Fences Built Above the Maximum Height Limit;
  12. Telecommunication Facilities, towers, and/or Antennas

 

C.   Property Development Standards.

  1. Minimum Lot Size: Five Thousand Square Feet.
  2. Minimum Lot Width: Fifty Feet.
  3. Setbacks: Ten Feet from Road Rights-of-Ways and Five Feet from Side and Rear Property Lines.
  4. Building Heights: A Maximum of Thirty-Five Feet as Defined In The Definitions For “Building Height”. Severe Slopes Maybe Grounds to Seek A Variance from Building Height Limitations.
  5. Parking: All Parking Is Off-Street and Subject to Section 17.04.041.
  6. Signs: No Signs Shall Cause Glare on Any Public Right-of-Way or Surrounding Property. Signs Shall Not Be Illuminated Between the Hours of Eleven P.M. and Seven A.M. Unless the Establishment Is Open During Those Hours.
  7. Fences, Walls and Hedges: Fences, Walls and Hedges May Occupy A Portion of A Yard and Be Built Up to The Property Line With A Six Foot Maximum Height Limit and Shall Not Obstruct Vehicular Visibility. (Ordinance 17-08-15-01; prior Ord. 93-23 § 6(part), 1993) (Ord 17-08-15-01)

 

Public Zone

Low Dens. Residential

17.04.031 LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL.

This zone is to provide aesthetically pleasing residential neighborhoods with large lots, by permitting only single-family residences and duplexes at low population densities.

Development plans are required for all development within the medium density residential zone conforming to applicable standards of section 17.04.035.

A.  Uses allowed in low density residential zone without special permitting.

  1. Single family dwellings;
  2. Mobile homes which meet the following:
    1. Seven hundred fifty square foot minimum (approximately twelve feet by sixty feet);
    2. Skirting required;
  • Permanent foundation required.
  1. Modular construction;
  2. Home occupation or office in home;
  3. Accessory buildings for private, residential uses such as garage, shed, private storage of a recreational vehicle, travel trailer, recreational boat;
  4. Visiting travel trailer or motor home occupied by guests of the residence
  5. Wannigans which meet the following:
    1. Single story;
    2. Square footage of wannigan shall not exceed the square footage of mobile home.
  6. On lots which do not have an established principal use, normal accessory buildings for private residential uses such as a garage, shed, or shop.

 

 

 

B.   Uses considered in low density residential zone with conditional use permitting. 

  1. Duplex;
  2. Electrical utility substations, pump/lift stations;
  3. Bed and breakfast not to exceed two guest rooms;
  4. The keeping of animals for profit or for more than personal use; the keeping of four or more dogs with the exception of puppies; the keeping of roosters and other livestock;
  5. Day care center;
  6. Parking truck or heavy equipment over a two-ton rating;
  7. Buildings and fences built above maximum height limit;
  8. On lots which do not have an established principal use, private storage of a recreational vehicle, travel trailer, or recreational boat;
  9. Wannigans exceeding the size of the mobile home;
  10. Additional residential unit on lot.

 

C.   Uses prohibited in low density residential zone.

  1. Any use or structure not listed under permitted or conditional uses.

           

D.  Property Development Standards.

  1. Minimum lot size: forty thousand square feet;
  2. Minimum average lot width: one hundred feet;
  3. Density: one residential structure per lot unless conditional use is applied for and granted
  4. Parking: all parking must be accommodated off-street and on the premises as required in section 17.04.041 of this chapter;
  5.  
  1. Interior setbacks: ten feet between structures;
  2. Front yard setbacks: twenty-five feet from property line;
  3. Side and rear yard setbacks: ten feet from property lines;
    1. Development on corner lots shall not impede visibility;
    2. Building heights: a maximum of thirty-five feet as defined in the definitions for “building height”. Severe slopes maybe grounds to seek a variance from building height limitations;
    3. Maximum lot coverage: forty percent of the lot area remaining after the setback area is subtracted from the total lot area;
    4. Fences, walls and hedges: fences, walls and hedges may occupy a portion of a yard and be built up to the property line with a six-foot maximum height limit and shall not obstruct vehicular visibility. (Ordinance 17-08-15-01)

 

Low Dens. Residential

Med. Dens. Residential

17.04.032 MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL.

This zone is intended to provide residential neighborhoods with a limited range of multifamily housing mixed with single family residences at moderate population densities.

Development plans are required for all development within the medium density residential zone conforming to applicable standards of section 17.04.035.

A.  Uses Allowed in Medium Density Residential Zone Without Special Permitting. 

  1. Single family dwelling;
  2. Duplex;
  3. Triplex;
  4. Modular construction;
  5. Mobile homes which meet the following:
  6. Minimum size-ten feet by forty feet or minimum four hundred square feet;
  7. Skirting Required;
  8. Foundation Required.
  9. Wannigans which meet the following:
  10. Single Story;
  11. Square Footage Shall Not Exceed the Square Footage of Mobile Home.
  12. Home occupation or office in home;
  13. Accessory buildings for private residential uses such as a garage, shed, or shop;
  14. Visiting travel trailer or motor home occupied by guests of the residence
  15. Bed and breakfast with up to 2 quest rooms.

 

 

 

B.   Uses Considered in Medium Density Residential Zone with Conditional Use Permitting.

  1. Electrical utility substations, pump/lift stations;
  2. Day care center or facility;
  3. Bed and breakfast with up to 4 guest rooms;
  4. Parking a truck or other heavy equipment over a two-ton rating;
  5. Structure or fence built above the maximum height limit;
  6. Organized public or private meeting place;
  7. Wannigans exceeding the size of the mobile home;
  8. Additional residential unit on lot.

 

C.   Uses Prohibited in Medium Density Residential Zone.

  1. Any use or structure not listed under section 17.04.032 section a or section b with special permitting.

 

D.  Property Development Standards.

  1. Minimum lot size: twenty-five thousand square feet;
  2. Minimum average lot width: seventy-five feet;
  3. Density: one residential structure per lot unless conditional use is applied for and granted.
  4. Parking-all parking must be accommodated off street and on the premises as required in section 17.04.041 of this chapter;
  5. Setbacks:
  6. Interior setbacks: ten feet from all structures;
  7. Front yard setbacks: twenty-five feet from property line;
  8. Side and rear yard setbacks: ten feet from property line;
  9. Development on corner lots shall not impede visibility.
  10. Building heights: a maximum of thirty-five feet as defined in the definitions for “building height”. Sever slopes maybe grounds to seek a variance from building height limitations.
  11. Maximum lot coverage: fifty percent of the lot area remaining after the setbacks have been subtracted from the total lot area;
  12. Fences, walls, and hedges: fences, walls, and hedges may occupy a portion of a yard and be built up to the property line with a six-foot maximum height limit and shall not obstruct vehicular visibility. In addition, where multi-family structures abut lower density zones (low density residential, rural residential), a six-foot high fence separating the zones shall be constructed by the property owner.  (Ord. 96-22 § 4(Part), 1996) (Ord 17-08-15-01)

 

Med. Dens Residential

High Dens. Residential

17.04.033 HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL. 

This zone is intended to provide a variety of housing types from single-family residences, multi-family dwellings, and mobile home parks at moderately high population densities.

Development plans are required for all development within the high-density residential zone conforming to applicable standards of section 17.04.035.

 

A.  Uses Allowed in High Density Residential Zone Without Special Permitting.

  1. All uses allowed in low and medium density zones;
  2. Mobile homes or trailers which meet the following:
  3. Minimum Size of Eight Feet by Thirty-Eight Feet;
  4. Skirting Required;
  5. Permanent Foundation Required.
  6. Wannigans which meet the following:
  7. Single Story;
  1. Square Footage Not to Exceed the Square Footage of The Mobile Home or Trailer.

 

B.   Uses Considered in High Density Residential Zone with Special Permitting.

  1. Electrical utility substations, pump/lift station;
  2. Four-plex and apartment buildings up to eight units with state fire marshal review;
  3. Day care center or facility;
  4. Bed and breakfast with 5 or more guest rooms;
  5. Parking a truck or other heavy equipment over a two-ton rating;
  6. Home occupation or office in home;
  7. Structure or fence built over the maximum height limit;
  8. Organized public or private meeting place;
  9. Trailer park;
  10. On lots which do not have an established principal use, private storage of a recreational vehicle, travel trailer, or recreational boat;
  11. Wannigans exceeding the size of the mobile home or trailer;
  12. Additional residential unit on lot.

 

C.   Uses Prohibited in Medium Density Residential Zone.

  1. Any use or structure not listed in section 17.04.033 section a or section b with special permitting

 

D.  Property Development Standards.

  1. Minimum lot size: fifteen thousand square feet;
  2. Minimum average lot width: seventy-five feet;
  3. Density: one residential structure per lot unless conditional use has been applied for and granted. 
  4. Maximum lot coverage-sixty-five percent of the lot area remaining after setbacks are subtracted from the total lot area;
  5. Parking-all parking must be accommodated off-street and on the premises as required in section 17.04.041 of this chapter;
  6. Setbacks:
  7. Ten Feet from All Lot Lines;
  8. Interior Setbacks: Ten Feet from All Structures;
  9. Development of Corner Lots Shall Not Impede Visibility.

 

  1. Building heights: a maximum of thirty-five feet as defined in the definitions for “building height”. Sever slopes maybe grounds to seek a variance from building height limitations.
  2. Fences, walls, and hedges: fences, walls, and hedges may be built on the property line and have a six-foot maximum height limit and shall not obstruct vehicular visibility. In addition, where multi-family structures abut lower density zones (medium density residential, low density residential, rural residential) a six-foot high fence separating the zones shall be constructed by the property owner.  (Ord. 96-22 § 4(part), 1996) (Ord 17-08-15-01)


High Dens Residential

Greentree Heights Residential

17.04.034 GREENTREE HEIGHTS RESIDENTIAL.

The purpose of this zone is to create an aesthetically pleasing Residential subdivision consisting of permanent single-family housing, and modular homes.

 

A.  Permitted Uses.

  1. Stick-built single-family residences and modular homes built on permanent, continuous foundations with a minimum one-foot width or concrete sonatube foundations;
  2. Home occupation or office in home;
  3. Accessory buildings for private Residential uses such as garage, shed, greenhouse, smokehouse, private storage of a recreational vehicle, travel trailer or recreational boat;
  4. Basic services (services and facilities which are necessary for development. They include power lines, water lines, sewer lines, pump/lift stations; power/telephone poles only where power/telephone lines cannot be buried and other low impact facilities of the same character to provide for utilities);
  5. Bed and breakfast: two rental rooms or less;
  6. Visiting travel trailer or motor home occupied by guests up to forty-five days per year;
  7. Guest cabins, lodge, or motel on lot 8
  8. Restaurant/lodge on lot 8

 

B.   Conditional Uses.

  1. Multifamily housing on Lot 8;
  2. Religious assembly;
  3. Moveable construction trailer or travel trailer for Residential use during construction of permanent Residential structure. Conditional use permits may be issued for one year with an annual review if necessary;
  4. Bed and breakfast: over two rental rooms;
  5. Structures and fences built above the maximum height limit;
  6. Convenience store, gas station, motor vehicle sales and repair services on Lot 8.
  7. Mini-Storage units on Lot 8;
  8. Signs over five square feet on Lot 8;

 

C.   Uses Prohibited.

  1. Subdivision;
  2. Private garbage pits;
  3. Storage and or maintenance of heavy equipment;
  4. Storage of derelict vehicles or unsightly accumulation of personal property;
  5. The raising of animals, livestock and poultry except normal household pets of up to four dogs and cats and their litters, provided that they are not kept, bred or maintained for commercial purposes.

 

D.  Property Development Standards.

  1. Minimum lot size: Original plated lot size in square feet.
  2. Parking: all parking shall be off-street and on the premises.
  3. Setbacks: twenty feet from road right-of-way, ten feet from rear and interior lot lines for all lots.
  4. Building heights: thirty-five feet measured from the highest ground level of the permanent foundation.
  5. Density: single-family residences only.
  6. Utilities: all dwellings must be connected to municipal water, sewer and electrical utilities when they come available.
  7.  
  8. Driveway approaches will be built from the driving surface of the main road to the edge of the lot, with a minimum of twelve feet width on to and perpendicular to the centerline of the platted right-of-way. All driveways shall have culverts a minimum of twelve inches in diameter where drainage requires it as determined by the City administrator.
  1. All property must be accessed by platted public right-of-way.
    1. Building requirements: all single-family residences shall contain not less than eight hundred (800) square feet of floor space, excluding garages and open porches.
    2. Signs: signs shall not be displayed to the public view on any lot (Lot 8 is exempt from this prohibition) except one sign of not more than five square feet advertising the property for sale or rent and a sign limited to equal size showing ownership of the property or advertising a home business.
    3. Fences, walls or hedges may be built up to six feet in height up to the property line. Fences shall not obstruct vehicular visibility. (Ord. 94-05 § 3, 1994; 93-23 § 6(part), 1993)
    4. City sewer lines are not currently installed. Approved septic tanks and leach fields will be required on all lots. Prior design approval of the septic system is required before construction of any Residential buildings can proceed. When City sewer lines are installed, all lot owners will be required to connect to the City system.
    5. Potable water supply. City water lines are not currently installed. Lot owners will need to have water wells drilled or a roof collection system with storage tank developed. Storage tanks will be placed so they do not block the view from any other lots and must be no larger than 3000 gallons. Storage tanks can be enclosed in a separate building or incorporated into the Residential building. When and if City water lines are installed, all lot owners will be required to connect to the City system.
    6. Electrical Utilities. Public electricity is not currently installed. Lot owners may develop their own power generation equipment, including solar, wind and gas or diesel generators. Generators cannot be run between the hours of 11pm and 5am and will be properly muffled so to reduce noise pollution. When and if public electric lines are installed, all lot owners will be required to connect to the system.

 

Greentree Heights Residential

Mobile Home+RV Park

17.04.036 MOBILE HOME PARKS.

A.  Purpose.

The purpose of this section is to establish guidelines and standards for the appropriate location of safe and aesthetically pleasing mobile home parks. All mobile home parks require a conditional use permit issued by the city.

B.   Procedure.

  1.  

A conditional use permit application shall be filed with the city clerk no less than twenty-one days prior to the public hearing which shall be the next regularly scheduled meeting of the planning and zoning commission and will include the following:

  1. Name, address and telephone number of the property owner;
  2. Scale, north arrow and date;
  3. Location of the proposed park including U.S. Survey number or Alaska State Land Survey number and lot, block, section, township and range;
  4. Property boundary showing park boundary and dimensions;
  5. Location and dimensions of all park improvements, including but not limited to:
    1. All mobile building spaces,
    2. Sewer and water lines, pump stations and fire hydrants,
  • Electrical systems and power poles,
  1. Existing and proposed buildings,
  2. Garbage dumpsters,
  3. Open spaces play areas, storage areas,
  • Parking spaces,
  • Screening-mobile home park owners shall provide a screen of view obscuring fencing or vegetation completely surrounding the mobile home park except at the entrance to the park or where natural features such as natural tree cover or topography provide view obscuring screening or make other screening ineffective:
  1. Easement and drainage ways;
  2. Hazard and problem areas (muskegs, high water table, steep topography);
  3. Width and grade of park access roads and their connection with other streets; and
  4. General landscape and development plans in such detail as will enable the planning and zoning commission to determine whether or not the proposed park meets the design requirements of this section.
  1. Planning and Zoning Commission Action on the Application.
    1. The planning and zoning commission shall study the application and shall grant or deny the application for a conditional use permit as specified in Section 17.04.043. The commission’s decision shall be based upon the compliance of the request with the development requirements of this section, zoning restrictions and other pertinent sections of this title.
    2. A conditional use permit may be granted for up to three years, and is renewable provided all conditional use permit requirements have been adhered to.
    3. A perpetual permit may be granted for the mobile home park after the expiration of at least two three-year conditional use permits. The Designated Planning official or his designee shall make an inspection of the park to confirm that the park is in compliance with all provisions of this section and all terms of approval and management plan under which the park operates before the perpetual permit may be granted.
    4. Restrictions and conditions-In granting a conditional use permit, the planning commission may, in order to assure compliance with design requirements and other parts of this section:
      1. Require and attach to the conditional use permit conditions which are more restrictive and in excess of the dimensional standards set forth in this title;
      2. Require and attach to the conditional use permit time limits for some or all of the conditions of the conditional use permit to be performed;
  • Require and attach to the conditional use permit conditions which include, among other things, setback requirements in excess of those stated in this section, suitable landscaping, adequate and lawful water and sewage facilities, adequate and lawful parking; adequate and lawful curb cuts and traffic movement, and other conditions which will uphold the intent of the zoning title. The planning commission may also require a performance bond to insure compliance with such restrictions and conditions.
  1. Management Plan. A proposed management plan must be submitted by applicant with the conditional use permit application that contains the following:
    1. Proposed regulations for the park;
    2. Landscape plan for the vegetative screen identifying the type of vegetation, spacing of plants, and maintenance provisions for the screen which shall be view obscuring within two years, or description of type of fencing to be used as view obscuring screen and provisions for maintenance of the fence;
    3. Assurance that water, sewer and electrical hookups conform to adopted health and safety standards and local, state and federal rules and regulations;
    4. Assurance that the mobile home park complies with all state fire codes;
    5. When the management plan has been approved by the planning commission it will be signed by the park owner and filed with the city clerk.
  1.  
  2. the notice of public hearing for a mobile-home park shall contain:
    1. Name of the applicant, date, time and place of public hearing;
    2. A description of the location of the property and legal description, if available;
  • Number and size of spaces;
  1. Type of proposed screening;
  2. Location where further information about the proposal may be examined;
  3. The reference number of the sections of the title which pertain to the application;
  • An explanation of the appeal process.
  1. Notice of the public hearing shall:
    1. Be made by first-class mail to property owners within three hundred feet of the exterior property boundary and shall be posted in no less than three public places ten days prior to the hearing date;
    2. Be sent to the property owners identified above to the most current address on the city’s utility listing or other city records, and if no address can be found, the most current owner of the property listed in the State Recording office. The failure of a property owner to receive notice shall not void a planning commission decision reached at public hearing if a good faith attempt was made to contact the property owner;
  • A copy of the property owner notification list shall be kept in the files of the city clerk together with a notarized affidavit signed by the planning and zoning secretary that the notice was sent;
  1. A copy of the resolution approving or denying the mobile home park shall be sent to the applicant and any other person who provides the city with written request for a copy of the resolution;
  2. A resolution denying an application shall be mailed to applicant within five days of the date of the planning commission decision together with a letter explaining the appeal process.

C.   Mobile home Park Design Requirements.

  1. The minimum area for mobile home spaces shall be four thousand square feet for each mobile home.
  2. Each space shall have a mean width of not less than thirty-five feet.
  3. Mobile home parks shall have a density of not more than eight mobile homes per gross acre.
  4. Two parking spaces shall be provided for each mobile home space and the minimum parking space shall measure no less than nine feet by twenty feet for each mobile home space.
  5. Direct access from any public street or right-of-way to any mobile home space shall be prohibited.
  6. Private roads within the mobile home park shall have a minimum width of twenty feet of stabilized surface and shall be laid out to discourage use by through traffic.
  7. Setbacks from streets and surrounding property lines shall be twenty feet. Within a mobile home park, no mobile home, wannigan or accessory structure shall be located within ten feet of the front and within five feet of the side or rear boundary lines of the mobile home space. Access shall be from the front of the mobile home space.
  8. Mobile home parks shall provide mobile home pads with a crushed rock or hard surface area. Mobile home space corners shall be clearly indicated on the ground. Mobile home parks shall allow only one mobile home per space or pad. Spaces shall be numbered in sequence and clearly marked.
  9. The undercarriage of each mobile home shall be screened from view by skirting.
  10. Water supply and sewage disposal shall be provided by systems common to the entire mobile home park and in compliance with applicable regulations of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and all local, state and federal rules and regulations.
  11. Mobile home parks shall be designed and developed to ensure rapid drainage of surface water.
  12. Mobile home parks shall provide a screen of view obscuring fencing or vegetation completely surrounding the mobile home park except where natural features such as natural tree cover or topography provide view obscuring screening or make other screening ineffective, and at the access road into the mobile home park.
  13. Wannigans shall comply with the National Fire Protection Association Standards.

D.  Required Criteria for Approval.

  1. The required criteria for approval shall be the same as required by Section 17.04.043(B). (Ord. 98-23 § 3(part), 1998)

17.04.037 RECREATIONAL VEHICLE AND TRAVEL TRAILER PARKS.

A.  Purpose.

The purpose of this section is to establish guidelines and standards for the appropriate location of safe and aesthetically pleasing recreational vehicle and travel trailer parks (hereinafter called "trailer parks"). All trailer parks require a conditional use permit issued by the city.

B.   Procedure.

  1. Application. A conditional use permit application shall be filed with the city clerk no less than twenty-one days prior to the public hearing which shall be the next regularly scheduled meeting of the planning and zoning commission and will include the following:

 

  • Name, address and telephone number of the property owner;
  • Scale, north arrow and date;
  • Location of the proposed park including U.S. Survey number or Alaska State Land Survey number and lot, block, section, township and range;
  • Property boundary showing park boundary and dimensions;
  • Location and dimensions of all park improvements, including but not limited to:
    1. All trailer park spaces,
    2. Sewer and water lines, pump stations and fire hydrants,
    3. Electrical systems and power poles,
    4. Existing and proposed buildings,
    5. Garbage dumpsters,
    6. Open spaces play areas, storage areas,
    7. Parking spaces,
    8. Screening-trailer park owners shall provide a screen of view obscuring fencing or vegetation completely surrounding the trailer park except at the entrance to the park or where natural features such as natural tree cover or topography provide view obscuring screening or make other screening ineffective;

F. Easement and drainage ways;

G. Hazard and problem areas (muskegs, high water table, steep topography);

H. Width and grade of park access roads and their connection with other streets;

I. General landscape and development plans in such detail as will enable the planning and zoning commission to determine whether or not the proposed park meets the design requirements of this section.

 

  1. Planning and Zoning Commission Action on the Application.

A. The planning and zoning commission shall study the application and shall grant or deny the application for a conditional use permit as specified in Section 17.04.043. The commission’s decision shall be based upon the compliance of the request with the development requirements of this section, zoning restrictions and other pertinent sections of this title.

B. A conditional use permit may be granted for up to three years and is renewable provided all conditional use permit requirements have been adhered to.

C. A perpetual permit may be granted for the trailer park after the expiration of at least two three-year conditional use permits. The Designated Planning official or his designee shall make an inspection of the park to confirm that the park is in compliance with all provisions of this section and all terms of approval and management plan under which the park operates before the perpetual permit may be granted.

D. Restrictions and conditions-In granting a conditional use permit, the planning commission may, in order to assure compliance with design requirements and other parts of this section:

i. Require and attach to the conditional use permit conditions which are more restrictive and in excess of the dimensional standards set forth in this title;

ii. Require and attach to the conditional use permit time limits for some or all of the conditions of the conditional use permit to be performed;

iii. Require and attach to the conditional use permit conditions which include, among other things, setback requirements in excess of those stated in this section, suitable landscaping, adequate and lawful water and sewage facilities, adequate and lawful parking, adequate and lawful curb cuts and traffic movement, and other conditions which will uphold the intent of the zoning title. The planning commission may also require a performance bond to insure compliance with such restrictions and conditions.

3.  Management Plan. A proposed management plan must be submitted by applicant with the conditional use permit application that contains the following:

a. Proposed regulations for the park;

b. Landscape plan for the vegetative screen identifying the type of vegetation, spacing of plants, and maintenance provisions for the screen which shall be view obscuring within two years, or description of type of fencing to be used as view obscuring screen and provisions for maintenance of the fence;

c. Assurance that water, sewer and electrical hookups conform to adopted health and safety standards and local, state and federal rules and regulations;

d. Assurance that the trailer park complies with all state fire codes;

e. When the management plan has been approved by the planning commission it will be signed by the park owner and filed with the city clerk.

4.  NOTIFICATION

a. The notice of public hearing for a trailer park shall contain:

i.  Name of the applicant, date, time and place of public hearing;

ii.  A description of the location of the property and legal description, if available;

iii.  Number and size of spaces;

iv.  Type of proposed screening;

v.   Location where further information about the proposal may be examined;

vi.   The reference number of the sections of the title which pertain to the application;

vii.   An explanation of the appeal process.

B. Notice of the public hearing shall:

i.   Be made by first-class mail to property owners within three hundred feet of the exterior property boundary and shall be posted in no less than three public places ten days prior to the hearing date;

ii.  Be sent to the property owners identified above to the most current address on the city’s utility listing or other city records, and if no address can be found, the most current owner of the property listed in the State Recording office. The failure of a property owner to receive notice shall not void a planning commission decision reached at public hearing if a good faith attempt was made to contact the property owner;

iii  A copy of the property owner notification list shall be kept in the files of the city clerk together with a notarized affidavit signed by the planning and zoning secretary that the notice was sent;

iv.  A copy of the resolution approving or denying the trailer park shall be sent to the applicant and any other person who provides the city with written request for a copy of the resolution;

v.  A resolution denying an application shall be mailed to applicant within five days of the date of the planning commission decision together with a letter explaining the appeal process.

 

 

C.   Development Standards - Recreational Vehicle and Travel Trailer Park

  1. Drinking Water and Sanitation Facilities. All park spaces shall be provided with potable drinking water and sewer hookups. Water and gray-water disposal shall be provided within three hundred feet of each park space. A toilet facility shall be provided for every ten spaces. Shower facilities shall be provided in parks that provide twenty or more park spaces. Sewage hookups shall be made to the city sewer system or to a state approved system approved by the city. Each park shall provide and maintain animal-proof dumpsters adequate for the size of the park. Electrical hookups shall be in accordance with local, state and federal standards, rules and regulations.
  2. Vehicle Space and Parking. Recreational vehicle spaces shall be a minimum of one thousand five hundred square feet in size. Tent camping and other special use areas may differ from this minimum space size with planning commission approval. All recreational vehicle space pads shall be of crushed rock or a paved surface area. Each park shall provide one off-street parking space per recreational vehicle.
  3. Setbacks from all space lines for all recreational vehicles and travel trailers or structures shall be ten feet. Setbacks from all streets and access roads not within the park shall be twenty feet. Setbacks from adjacent property lines shall be twenty feet.
  4. Park access. All access for park spaces shall be provided from access roads located within the park. Access roads shall be a minimum of twenty-five feet wide and shall be of improved surface approved by the city and the fire chief. If feasible, two access points shall be provided into and out of the park.
  5. The planning commission may require vegetative screening or a sight obscuring fence for the park.

 

 

D.  Requirements for Recreational Vehicles Within the Park.

Recreational vehicles must be licensed to operate on state highways while located within a recreational vehicle/travel trailer park. The removal of wheels from a recreational vehicle, except for temporary repair, is prohibited. Wannigans are prohibited.

 

E.   Enforcement.

When it has been determined that a recreational vehicle/travel trailer park is in violation of this chapter or other applicable codes, the procedures and penalties of Section 17.04.050 shall apply. (Ord. 98-23 § 3(part), 1998)

 


Mobile Home & RV Park

Off-Sreet Parking Requirements

17.04.041 OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS.

 

In all zoning districts, off-street parking shall be provided for all new buildings, existing buildings undergoing a change in use, and commercial buildings that are being enlarged.

 

A.  Location of Parking Spaces.

All off-street parking provided pursuant to this section shall be provided on the same lot as the use that it serves or an adjacent lot. The planning commission may approve a parking lot in a different location depending on the use the parking will serve.

 

 

B.   Parking Design.

A parking space shall be of the dimensions of nine feet by twenty feet to accommodate vehicles of all sizes.

 

 

C.   Interpretation of Space Requirements.

When a use cannot be found in this section, the planning commission will determine the most similar use which is specifically listed in subsection D of this section. The parking space requirements shall be the same as that determined use.

 

 

D.  Required Parking Spaces.

 

RESIDENTIAL USES

MINIMUM NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES REQUIRED

Single-family dwellings, duplex, triplex, apartments, mobile homes, trailers and other places containing dwelling units

One parking space for each dwelling unit.

 

 

COMMERCIAL USES

MINIMUM NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES REQUIRED

Banks and office buildings

One public parking space per each 300 square feet of gross floor area, not less than five spaces.

Grocery stores, shopping centers, markets, small retail sales

One public parking space per each 400 square feet of gross floor area.

Hotel and motels

One public parking space per every two guest rooms

Restaurants, other eating and drinking establishments

One-half parking space for each employee plus one public parking space per every five seats.

 

Laundromat

One public parking space per every two washers.

 

Service station, automobile repair shop

Two parking spaces for each service stall.

 

 

INDUSTRIAL USES

 

MINIMUM NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES REQUIRED

 

Manufacturing industries

One parking space per 400 square feet of gross floor area plus one parking space for each company vehicle.

 

Equipment storage and maintenance

One-half parking space for each employee and one space for each company vehicle.

 

 

 

 

PUBLIC  USES

MINIMUM NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES REQUIRED

 

Churches, theaters and other places of public assembly

One public parking space per five seats.

 

Schools

One parking space per employee.

 

Municipal buildings and health clinics

One parking space per employee plus one space for each municipal vehicle plus two visitor spaces.

 
       

 (Ord. 93-23 § 6(part), 1993)

 


Off Street Parking Requirements

Non-Conforming Uses

17.04.042 NONCONFORMING USES.

 

A.  Purpose.

The purpose of this section is to allow lawfully established uses and structures which do not conform to the currently adopted city zoning title to remain without encouraging their extension or continuance.

 

B.   Nonconforming Lots of Record.

Notwithstanding limitations imposed by other provisions of this chapter, a permitted principal use and accessory buildings may be erected on a lot legally subdivided prior to the effective date of this title.

 

C.   Nonconforming Uses and Structures.

Any use or structure not conforming to this code may be continued if the use or structure was lawfully existing at the time it became nonconforming. Nonconforming uses are subject to the following requirements:

 

  1. Abandonment or Destruction. A nonconforming use which has been abandoned for one year or more shall not be reestablished except in conformance with this title.
  2. No building that shelters a nonconforming use shall be enlarged or added onto. Any structural change that would increase or expand the nonconforming use is strictly prohibited.
  3. If a nonconforming structure or use is changed to a conforming use, the nonconforming use shall not be allowed to exist again in the future.
  4. Three or more mobile homes on one lot shall be considered a mobile home park. Mobile homes and travel trailers that are located on lots prior to the adoption of this title and totaling three or more on one lot will retain grandfather rights until moved off the property. When such trailers are moved off property another will not be allowed to take its place. Two trailers or mobile homes per lot shall be conforming to this section.
  5. Nonconforming structures that burn down or are destroyed by an Act of God shall be allowed to rebuild subject to subdivisions 1, 2, 3 and 4 of this subsection. (Ord. 93-23 § 6(part), 1993)


Non-Conforming Uses

Development Permits

15.04.020 DEVELOPMENT PLANS.

A. Purpose: to make the public aware of setback requirements and eliminate building encroachments into rights-of-ways, easements and other properties.

B. Plan Required. No structure shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, relocated or extended without a development plan permit issued by the city. No existing use of a structure shall be converted to another use without a permit issued by the city. Failure to submit a development plan shall be a violation of this chapter.

C. All applications for development plans shall be completed on city forms and accompanied by a site plan that includes:

  1. Property boundaries and dimensions;
  2. Scale with north arrow;
  3. All existing and proposed structures and their dimensions;
  4. Distance of structures to all lot lines;
  5. Rights-of-way and easements adjacent to the property;
  6. Off-street parking spaces with their dimensions;
  7. Location of utility poles, and water and sewer lines;
  8. Access and driveways;
  9. Any topographical features that may affect the development of the property;
  10. Proposed use of the new structure and current use of any existing buildings.

i.  Applications for development plans and driveway site plans shall be kept on file at City Hall. A record of plans shall also be kept on an annual basis.

D. After a site inspection to confirm the site plan, the city zoning official shall approve or deny the permit within five business days. Decisions of the administrative official may be appealed to the planning commission. See Section 17.04.060.

E. Complaints and Violations. If a violation occurs, any citizen may file a complaint at City Hall. The city zoning official shall record and investigate all complaints.

F. Stop-work Orders. If any construction work is being done contrary to this provision or without a development plan, the city zoning official or the VPSO may issue a stop-work order. This order shall be in writing and shall be posted in a conspicuous location at the building site and shall be sent to the property owner by certified mail. No person may proceed in construction or moving/relocating a building at a site so posted until authorized by the city zoning official or VPSO to proceed. A development plan may be revoked if the permit issued is in error based on incorrect information, r the permit is in violation of other regulations or provisions of Thorne Bay Municipal code.

G. Exemption from the Development Plan Requirement. Providing all setback requirements are met where applicable, the following structures do not require a development plan:

    1. Fences constructed up to the property line;
    2. Retaining walls not over four feet;
    3. Platforms, walls and driveways not more than thirty inches above grade;
    4. Temporary structures such as booths and other similar structures.

H. Plans Required Prior to Utility Hookup. No hookup for sewer, water, or water meter shall be made for any structure, mobile home or trailer within the city until a development plan is issued.

I.  Penalties for Violations. When a violation of the provisions of this title occur, the property owner shall incur a civil penalty not to exceed one hundred dollars for each day of continuing violation. (Ord. 93-23 § 6(part), 1993)

Read More......
Development Permit $0

No structure shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, relocated or extended without a development plan permit issued by the city. No existing use of a structure shall be converted to another use without a permit issued by the city.

$0
Conditional Use Permits $50

The purpose of a conditional use permit is to allow for flexibility in the zoning title by providing for uses that may be suitable in certain locations and not others.

$50
Variance Application $50

A variance is a tool that gives an applicant relief from the strict application of the zoning title. It will permit a justifiable exemption or exception to the development requirements of the title when their imposition would result in unnecessary hardship or practical difficulties.

$50

REMOVAL OF HOMES ENCROACHING INTO

PUBLIC STREETS OR THOROUGHFARE

 

A primary structure encroached on a public street or thoroughfare will be removed by the owner of the improvement by 4:30 p.m. on July 1, 2033.  In the meantime, such structures may be maintained within the confines of this covenant so long as the present structure exists, but may not be structurally altered or rebuild as to that portion involved in the encroachment.  For purposes of this covenant.  A primary structure is defined as a privately-owned residence or place of business exceeding 600 square feet in outside dimensions, which cannot readily, without structural damage or undue economic hardship, be relocated off of the encroachment.  A secondary structure encroached on a public street or thoroughfare will be removed by the owner of the improvement by 4:30 p.m. on July 1, 1986.  Such structures may be maintained within the confines of this covenant but may not be structurally altered or rebuilt as to that portion involved in the encroachment.  For purposes of the covenant, a secondary structure is defined as all other structures not herein defined as primary structure.  

Plat No. 83-42
Alaska State Land Survey 82-139 – 6 pages 
Within un-surveyed sections 27 & 28, Township 71 South, Range 84 East, Copper River Meridian. 

 

Statement of Encroachment is located on Page 6 of this map:

[pdf-embedder url=”http://thornebay-ak.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/PLAT-83-42-Statement-encroachment-of-ROW-pg.-6-102-1983-83-42-4.pdf” title=”PLAT 83-42 – Statement encroachment of ROW pg. 6 – 102-1983-83-42 (4)”]

Community Profile Maps

Quitclaim Deeds – Thorne Bay

Alaska Recorders Office Search Menu

The Alaska Recorders Office provides an online search database for Deeds, Subdivisions, Land Surveys and more.  If you are trying to find out who may own land, or need to record land documents, you can do so by visiting the Recorders Office Search Menu by clicking the link below.

Planning and Zoning Commission

State of Alaska – Planning and Land Management

Zoning Maps

NEW OR EXISTING PROPERTY OWNERS IN THORNE BAY…………..

If you are thinking of buying property or currently own property and planning to expand your development, please be sure to review the Zoning Code for your area.

Thorne Bay Municipal Code Section 15.04.020 stipulates that “Development Plans” are required of all building to make the public aware of setback requirements and eliminate building encroachments into right-of-way, easements and other properties. This applies to all zones in the Thorne Bay City Limits.

Thorne Bay Municipal Code Link:  http://thornebay-ak.gov/municipal-code/

This is Modal Title

Helpful Hints Before You Build or Buy!!

 

Recommended steps prior to buying or building in the City of Thorne Bay

Different rules apply in different parts of the City. Important information: maps, codes, forms, etc. are available on the City website (www.thornebay-ak.gov). Before you buy or build in the City of Thorne Bay  (TBMC), the Code Compliance Department recommends the following:

  • Contact the TBMC Code Compliance Officer at (907) 828-3380, or email administrator@thornebay-ak.gov
  • When constructing or placement of any building within the City Limits, a Development Permit is required. Permits can be obtained here, or at City Hall, 120 Freeman Drive, Thorne Bay, AK  99919.
  • Find out if covenants, deed restrictions, easements, plat notes, or other special rules affect you. You may obtain this information from the City's Platting Division. Contact the Platting Office at 828-3380. Please keep in mind the City does not enforce private covenants. Contact the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Recorders Office for a copy of recorded covenants. http://dnr.alaska.gov/ssd/recoff/search.cfm
  • Determine whether existing uses or development in the area are in compliance with existing rules.
  • Check for existing or planned uses nearby that could impact your site such as noise, heavy traffic, vibration, smoke, lighting/glare, odor, safety, etc. Remember that most residential, commercial, and industrial uses are allowed in many areas of the City.
  • Have the lot surveyed. Monument all corners with permanent, self-identifying markers. Make sure you know where all easements, section lines, and lot lines are located. A “mortgage drawing” is not a lot stake survey.
  • Remember that Setbacks are minimum, plan to allow more separation between structures, lot lines, shore lines, easements, etc. if possible.
  • Make sure the well driller and septic system installers are certified, and ensure that the proper paperwork, such as well log and information about septic system design and installation, are filed with Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) and the City of Thorne Bay Code Compliance Office.
  • For information regarding water and/or waste water disposal systems, please contact the State of Alaska , Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC).
  • Connection to available public sewer and water systems is required if they are available.  Lots that are vacant, not actively receiving water and sewer services, or are on standby service, are required to pay a Services Availability Fee.  Call our Clerks office at (907) 828-3380, for more information pertaining to this.
  • If you are not residing where water or sewer service lines are easily connected to, and you will be using an onsite well, apply for a water use appropriation certificate from Alaska Department of Natural Resources (ADNR) (907) 269-2033. This protects your rights to use the water.
  • Hire a certified building inspector to inspect the construction from design to completion. This verifies that the house is properly constructed and may facilitate refinancing and obtaining insurance.
  • Check with Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) before working along shores and in water, including creeks, rivers, lakes, etc. Permits may be required prior to installing docks on lakes.
Before You Buy - Helpful Hints

Fireworks

Fireworks are Prohibited in the City of Thorne Bay

  1. With the exception of Independence Day twelve noon and twelve midnight and New Year’s between the hours of twelve noon on December 31 and two a.m. on January 1.

 Please refer to TBMC Code 8.04

  • It is ILLEGAL for a person to discharge fireworks on ANY City property with exceptions on New Years and Independence Day.
  • Penalties for illegal use of fireworks include fines of up to $100.00 per violation.

PUBLIC EXHIBITION OR DISPLAYS OF FIREWORKS PROHIBITED WITHOUT PERMIT

An applicant for a permit for a public exhibition or displays of fireworks shall file with the city clerk a written application therefore, duly subscribed and sworn by the applicant.

 

PLEASE READ BEFORE THE DISCHARGE OF ANY FIREWORKS ON NEW YEAR'S EVE & INDEPENDENCE DAY

Fireworks can create fire and safety hazards.

The private use of fireworks is prohibited in all of the city limits of the City of Thorne Bay throughout the year with the exception of NEW YEAR'S EVE & INDEPENDENCE DAY.

The discharge of fireworks shall be allowed annually without a permit with the permission of the property owner and under the direct supervision of a person 21 years or older, during the fourteen-hour period beginning at 12:00 pm on December 31st and ending at 2:00 am on January 1st.

 

EXCEPT IN THESE RESTRICTED AREAS:

  1. Within one thousand two hundred fifty (1,250') feet of any health care facility or assisted living facility, library or school.
  2. Within five hundred (500') feet of any automotive service station or other premises where flammable liquids or gases are stored.
  3. Within or from any structure or vehicles.

REMEMBER TO BE RESPECTFUL AND RESPONSIBLE WHEN USING FIREWORKS ON NEW YEAR'S EVE & INDEPENDENCE DAY

 

Fireworks - Helpful Hints

Land Records Resources for Residents

The Alaska Recorders Office provides an online search database for Deeds, Subdivisions, Land Surveys and more.  If you are trying to find out who may own land, or need to record land documents, you can do so by visiting the Recorders Office Search Menu by clicking the link below.

Property Taxes in Thorne Bay? No Property Taxes are levied in Thorne Bay

Thorne Bay is a Second-Class City within an unorganized borough on Prince of Wales Island.  

Thorne Bay does NOT LEVY PROPERTY TAXES.

Because we have no property tax, we have little record as to who owns property within our municipal boundaries.

Please help us by contacting City Hall if you own land, or know who owns a specific piece of land, so that we can continue to grow our land ownership database.

Contact the City Clerk or City Administrator at (907) 828-3380, or email administrator@thornebay-ak.gov.

Our Location

  • 120 Freeman Drive, Thorne Bay, AK 99919
  • 907-828-3380
  • Contact City Hall

Links

Popular Links

Visitor Resources

View Maps, Browse Options for Lodging, Guided Fishing and Sightseeing.

Local Artists & Photographers

Browse stunning photos and art produced by local residents. Baske in the amazing bueaty of Thorne Bay and our Island

Thumb Gallery