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Building Safety in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK (2026)

5 rules for unincorporated Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Matanuska-Susitna Borough. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

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.

Matanuska-Susitna Borough Multifamily CO Detector Rule

Some Restrictions

Matanuska-Susitna Borough Code § 17.73.100(A), (F)(3)

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.

Building Permits

The borough does not write its own building code; MSB § 8.45.010 adopts the International Building Code, International Mechanical Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, International Fire Code, and International Fuel and Gas Code by reference for any building or structure constructed, improved, or modified within the borough.

Mat-Su Borough Adopted Building Codes

Some Restrictions

Matanuska-Susitna Borough Code § 8.45.010(A)(1)-(3), (5)-(6)

(A) The borough adopts by reference the following codes for the regulation of buildings and structures which are constructed, improved, or modified within the borough: (1) International Mechanical Code, as adopted by 13 AAC 50.023; (2) International Building Code, as adopted by 13 AAC 50.020; (3) Uniform Plumbing Code, as adopted by 8 AAC 63.010; ... (5) International Fire Code, as adopted by 1...

Electrical Permits

Electrical work in the borough is governed by the National Electrical Code, adopted by reference under MSB § 8.45.010(A)(4) via 8 AAC 70.025. MSB § 8.45.020 further requires that anyone inspecting electrical installations for the borough meet the requirements of state law.

Mat-Su Borough Adopted Electrical Code

Some Restrictions

Matanuska-Susitna Borough Code §§ 8.45.010(A)(4), 8.45.020

(4) National Electrical Code, as adopted by 8 AAC 70.025; ... An inspector making inspections of plumbing or electrical installations for the borough shall meet the requirements of state law.

Plumbing Permits

Any plumbing installed, altered or replaced in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough must follow the Uniform Plumbing Code, adopted by reference in Matanuska-Susitna Borough Code § 8.45.010(A)(3). The borough ties its own code straight to the state's version of the UPC, adopted by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development at 8 AAC 63.010, rather than writing separate borough plumbing standards or running an independent permit desk.

Matanuska-Susitna Borough Adopts the Uniform Plumbing Code

Light Restrictions

Matanuska-Susitna Borough Code § 8.45.010(A)(3)

The borough adopts by reference the following codes for the regulation of buildings and structures which are constructed, improved, or modified within the borough: ... Uniform Plumbing Code, as adopted by 8 AAC 63.010;

Building Inspections

Plumbing and electrical inspectors working for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough must meet whatever qualifications state law sets for that work, under Matanuska-Susitna Borough Code § 8.45.020. Rather than building its own inspector certification program, the borough borrows the state's licensing and competency standard for anyone assigned to inspect plumbing or electrical installations within its jurisdiction.

Matanuska-Susitna Borough Plumbing and Electrical Inspections

Light Restrictions

Matanuska-Susitna Borough Code § 8.45.020

An inspector making inspections of plumbing or electrical installations for the borough shall meet the requirements of state law.

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