Title 21 Rewrite (main page)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Title 21?
Why does it need to be revised?
How is revision happening?
What are the benefits to the public? What will revision mean to me?
Why do I need to know more about code revision?
What is Title 21?
A section of the Anchorage Municipal Code regulating land use and development to protect and enhance the public health, safety and general welfare of the community, and to implement the Comprehensive Plan.
Why does Title 21 need to be revised?
- It is out of date, last rewritten in 1969, with 35 years of piecemeal changes.
- It is hard to read, to interpret, and to use.
- It is not aligned with the MOA Comprehensive Plans approved by the Assembly.
- It needs to address community and developer complaints and frustration.
How is revision happening?
Code revision is an intensive process of drafting and public reviews over a 4-year period.
- A specialist consultant (Clarion) has been hired to work with MOA Planning to diagnose issues with existing code and write the new code in three modules.
- The third module completed its public comment period at the end of January.
- Input from agency and public review of all three modules will be incorporated in a draft document for public review in June 2005.
- A second and third draft will be issued for more input before going to joint hearings of the Assembly and the Planning and Zoning Commission in Spring 2006.
- Final approvals are anticipated in Fall 2006.
What are the benefits to the public? What will revision mean to me?
- Supports innovative land development.
- Protects neighborhoods and property values.
- Encourages economic development.
- Streamlines review process, fewer hearings.
- Promotes equity and certainty for homeowners, developers, and all citizens.
- Increases user-friendliness.
Why do I need to know more about code revision?
- Maybe you don't, but you want it to work when you need it. And it needs your support to be approved.
Example: Have you read that manual stored in the glove box of your car? Unlikely. Because your car usually works when you turn it on. You just refer to the manual when you need it--to find the jack to change a flat tire, or to reset the dashboard clock.
- You are fed up with the current system and want to help support a change for the better.
- You are an active community member and want to be sure that this city grows and improves for your children and grandchildren