Anchorage encourages sub-arctic native plantings. No ordinance mandates native landscaping, but MOA Parks publishes recommended lists. Fireweed, mountain ash, and red-osier dogwood are common.
The boreal and coastal forest transition around Anchorage supports a limited but beautiful palette of cold-hardy natives. Recommended species: paper birch, Sitka spruce, mountain ash, red-osier dogwood, highbush cranberry, Labrador tea, fireweed, Arctic lupine, and native sedges. Non-native ornamentals that escape cultivation — bird vetch, orange hawkweed, white sweetclover — are regulated as invasives under AMC 15.20 and state law 11 AAC 34. MOA Parks recommends USDA Zone 3-4 plants rather than Zone 5+ nursery stock that often fails in Anchorage winters. Natives also support pollinators, survive short growing seasons, and need little supplemental water. Registered naturalized yards are exempt from the 12-inch grass-height rule under AMC 15.20.
No penalty for planting natives. Penalty applies only if plantings include listed invasives or exceed height limits without a registered natural-landscape plan.
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 native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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