Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK Building Safety: Carbon Monoxide Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Multifamily developments outside Wasilla, Palmer and Houston
- Requirement
- Hard-wired smoke and CO detectors in every unit
- Building separation
- 20 feet minimum between habitable buildings
- Fire code
- Must comply with current Alaska State Fire Code
- Penalty
- Infraction, fine up to $1,000 (MSB § 1.45.080)
- Governing chapter
- MSB Chapter 17.73, Article II
Summary
Matanuska-Susitna Borough requires hard-wired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in every multifamily dwelling built under the borough's multifamily development design standards, Chapter 17.73. The mandate applies in the borough outside Wasilla, Palmer and Houston, which zone independently. Design standards also require compliance with the current Alaska State Fire Code and at least 20 feet of separation between habitable buildings unless the State Fire Marshal approves less.
All multifamily dwellings: ... Shall comply with current Alaska State Fire Code; ... The following design standards shall be required: ... Hard-wired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors shall be installed in all multifamily dwellings.
Full Breakdown
040 as residential projects exceeding two dwelling units per 40,000 square feet or any development over six units. 030(B), the chapter does not apply inside the cities of Houston, Palmer or Wasilla, which regulate their own multifamily construction. 100(A) requires every multifamily project to comply with the current Alaska State Fire Code and may be subject to a nonstructural fire and life safety plan review before construction begins. 100(F) lists the borough's own design standards: habitable buildings must be separated by at least 20 feet unless the State Fire Marshal or a local fire marshal approves a lesser distance where a state deferment exists, and every multifamily dwelling must have hard-wired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed. The planning and land use department reviews these standards as part of the mandatory land use permit process for qualifying multifamily projects. 080.
Violations & Fines
Under § 17.73.110, violations of Chapter 17.73, including a missing hard-wired CO detector, are borough infractions unless the code specifies otherwise. Remedies and penalties follow MSB Chapter 1.45, whose general penalty section, § 1.45.080(A), caps an infraction fine at $1,000 with no jail time and no right to a public defender. The borough may issue a citation through an administrative official authorized by the manager under § 1.45.090.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the carbon monoxide detector rule apply to single-family homes in Mat-Su?
Are battery-only smoke and CO alarms enough for a Mat-Su multifamily project?
Does this CO detector requirement apply inside Wasilla, Palmer, or Houston?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Matanuska-Susitna Borough
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