| Environmental Planning
The Division's environmental planning includes the administration of the Wetlands Management Plan and the Anchorage Coastal Management Plan.
We also provide staff support to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Urban Design Commission, and the Geotechnical Advisory Commission.
Anchorage Wetlands Management Plan
In 1996 the Comprehensive Planning Division updated the Anchorage Wetlands Management Plan which had been approved in 1982. This plan describes the diverse system of freshwater wetlands within the Municipality, lists the functions they provide in local environmental quality and presents management policies and guidelines.
Anchorage's wetlands are invaluable components in local water quality and flood control issues and provide fish and wildlife migratory, breeding and winter habitats. For local management and permitting purposes, wetlands are designated "A", "B", or "C" in the wetlands plan. Each wetland area has its own site-specific management strategy. "A" wetlands are considered of highest value of which Potter Marsh is the best example.
Anchorage Coastal Management Plan
The Physical Planning Division developed Anchorage's Coastal Management Plan (1979) which address development and planning activities in areas within Anchorage's coastal boundary. The coastal boundary roughly covers the immediate coastal areas landward to the areas at the top of the coastal bluff line and inland, within the floodplains, up all of the creeks to the 1,000' contour. Klatt and Turnagain Bogs are also included.
Projects planned for sites within the coastal boundary must go through a Coastal Zone Consistency Review, which is usually triggered by the appropriate permit requirements. Issues addressed include wetlands, stream crossings, and flood hazard reviews. The Physical Planning Division works with the permitting agency and the State Office of Project Management and Permitting (OPMP) in making local coastal zone consistency determinations.
Corps of Engineers Section 404 Permitting
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has issued five General Permits that regulate placement of fill into wetlands designated "C" within the Municipality. The Comprehensive Planning Division verifies and administers these General Permits. Placement of fill into wetlands designated "A" or "B" requires an Individual Section 404 Permit from the Corps.
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