Fences 6 feet or shorter in residential zones generally do not need a building permit, but zoning compliance is required. Taller fences and retaining-wall fences require Development Services permits.
Under AMC Title 21 and the Anchorage Building Code, residential fences at or below 6 feet are permit-exempt from a building standpoint, though they must still meet zoning, setback, and vision-triangle rules. Fences over 6 feet, combination retaining-wall fences over 4 feet of exposure, and any fencing in the Turnagain Arm wind zone or hillside slope-stability zone require a building permit. Properties within the Girdwood Valley Service Area or inside a special land use district may have additional design review. Shoreline fencing near Cook Inlet and lake-adjacent properties faces floodplain and wetland review through the Municipality and potentially the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage has no specific ordinance regulating decorative lawn ornaments (statues, garden gnomes, flamingos, seasonal yard decor) at residential properties. ...
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage has no specific ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays (giant Santas, pumpkins, etc.) at single-family or two-family homes. T...
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage has no specific ordinance limiting residential holiday-light displays at single-family or two-family homes. Decorative lights generally fall outsid...
Anchorage, AK
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Anchorage are regulated under Title 23 (Anchorage Building Code, AK-amended 2018 IBC/IRC) and Title 21.05 accessory structure s...
Anchorage, AK
Pellet smokers, offset smokers, kamado-style (Big Green Egg), and any charcoal- or wood-fired smoker are treated as open-flame cooking devices under IFC §308...
Anchorage, AK
The Anchorage Fire Code (AMC Title 15, adopting the 2018 International Fire Code) enforces IFC §308.1.4 prohibiting open-flame cooking devices, charcoal burn...
See how Anchorage's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.