Title 9: Zoning and Land Use Code Update

The Northwest Arctic Borough is proposing a comprehensive amendment to its zoning and land use code. The amendment includes changes to zoning districts, the requirements for permits in those districts, and the standards that projects must meet in each zoning district. Click on the highlighted text below to view the proposed changes.

Title 9:

• Proposed new code

• Current code with proposed changes (“track changes format”)

Zoning Maps

• Current zoning districts

• Proposed zoning districts

Public Meetings

• Kotzebue Meeting: A public meeting will be held in the Northwest Arctic Borough Assembly Chambers in Kotzebue March 10, 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. This meeting will provide an opportunity to learn more about the proposed changes to the land use code and to provide comments on the changes.

• Village Meetings: Meetings are planned in each of the Borough’s communities March 11 – 20. Click here for the tentative schedule of the meetings: Schedule

What is the Purpose of the Title 9 Land Use Code?

The Title 9 Zoning and Land Use Code is the Borough’s tool to influence land use within the Northwest Arctic Borough. The code applies to private land, state land and federal land (to the extent allowed by federal law).

• Zoning Districts: the code assigns all lands and waters in the Borough into different zoning districts. The purpose of zoning is to identify appropriate uses and standards for each zoning district.

• Permits: For each district, the code specifies what Borough permits are needed for each kind of use.  Uses include construction of schools, public facilities (roads), utilities, health clinics, as well as development of gravel pits, mines and oil and gas facilities.

• Standards: Developments must conform to specific standards depending on the type of zoning district where the activity occurs.

Why is the Code Being Changed?

Since Title 9 was first created 15 years ago, a number of changes have occurred. For example, mineral exploration has increased substantially in the region, and new mines are expected to proceed to development. Also, residents have expressed concern about the effects to caribou migration from an increase in hunters and transporters In addition, changes to the Alaska Coastal Management Program (ACMP) have reduced the Borough’s ability to protect coastal uses and resources through the ACMP. The proposed code responds to these changes.

What are the Major Changes to Title 9?

For a summary of the major changes, click here: Summary of the Changes

For a detailed section-by-section analysis of the changes, click here: Sectional Analysis

Zoning Districts

Currently, there are 6 zoning districts in the Borough: Village District, Subsistence Conservation District, General Conservation District, Commercial Recreation District, Resource Development District, and Transportation Corridor District.

Three major changes are proposed to the Borough zoning districts:

• Commercial Recreation District: The Commercial Recreation District is proposed to be eliminated. When created, this district was intended to identify areas where commercial recreation would occur. Commercial use by transporters and guides, however, has occurred outside of this zoning district throughout the Borough. Under the proposed change, the Commercial Recreation District would be rezoned as the General Conservation District.

• Subsistence Sub-Districts: Under the former coastal management plan, areas were designated as Important Use Areas. These areas are proposed to be sub-districts of the Subsistence District. In addition to the standards for the Subsistence Conservation District, development projects must meet specific standards tailored for each sub-district. Click here for a summary of the proposed subsistence sub-zones: Subsistence Sub-Zones. 

• Habitat Conservation District: A new district is being proposed for areas that merit special protection for their significant habitat qualities. Four areas, formerly designated as Sensitive Use Areas under the coastal management program, would be designated as Habitat Conservation Districts. Click here for a summary of the proposed Habitat Conservation Districts.

P.O. Box 1110, Kotzebue, Alaska, 99752 - Toll free in Alaska:  1-800-478-1110
Phone:  907-442-2500 - Fax:  907-442-2930