Anchorage Municipal Code: A Comprehensive Guide

The Anchorage Municipal Code (AMC) is a compilation of all ordinances and resolutions enacted by the Anchorage Assembly. It is divided into 20 titles, each of which covers a specific topic, such as zoning, business licensing, and public safety.

The AMC is a valuable resource for Anchorage residents and businesses. It provides information on the laws that govern the city, and can help you to understand your rights and responsibilities.

How to Use the Anchorage Municipal Code

The AMC is available online at the Anchorage Municipal Code website. You can search the code by keyword, title, or section number.

Once you have found the relevant section of the code, you can read it online or print it out. You can also contact the Anchorage Municipal Clerk's Office for assistance.

Anchorage Municipal Code Titles and Highlights

The following are some of the highlights of each title of the AMC:

Title 1: Administration

• Establishes the organization and powers of the Anchorage Assembly and Mayor.
• Creates the various departments and offices of the city government.
• Sets forth the procedures for adopting and amending the AMC.

Title 2: Animals

• Regulates the keeping of animals in the city.
• Prohibits certain animals from being kept as pets.
• Requires pet owners to license their animals.

Title 3: Buildings and Construction

• Establishes building codes and zoning regulations for the city.
• Requires permits for the construction, alteration, or repair of buildings.
• Sets forth standards for building safety and energy efficiency.

Title 4: Business Licenses

• Requires businesses to obtain a license from the city.
• Sets forth the fees and requirements for obtaining a license.
• Regulates certain types of businesses, such as massage parlors and liquor stores.

Title 5: Cemeteries and Burials

• Establishes regulations for the operation of cemeteries in the city.
• Requires permits for the burial of human remains.
• Sets forth the procedures for exhuming human remains.

Title 6: Civil Rights

• Prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or disability.
• Creates the Anchorage Equal Rights Commission.
• Sets forth the procedures for filing a discrimination complaint.

Title 7: Contracts and Purchases

• Establishes procedures for the city to enter into contracts and purchase goods and services.
• Requires competitive bidding for certain contracts.
• Sets forth the requirements for public notice of contracts and purchases.

Title 8: Crimes

• Defines criminal offenses and sets forth the penalties for violating the law.
• Creates the Anchorage Police Department.
• Sets forth the procedures for arrest, prosecution, and sentencing.

Title 9: Elections

• Establishes procedures for the conduct of elections in the city.
• Sets forth the qualifications for candidates and voters.
• Regulates campaign finance and electioneering.

Title 10: Finance

• Establishes the city budget and tax system.
• Requires the city to maintain a balanced budget.
• Sets forth the procedures for issuing bonds and other debt obligations.

Title 11: Fire Protection

• Creates the Anchorage Fire Department.
• Sets forth the duties and responsibilities of the fire department.
• Establishes fire safety codes and regulations.

Title 12: Health and Sanitation

• Creates the Anchorage Health Department.
• Sets forth the duties and responsibilities of the health department.
• Establishes health and sanitation codes and regulations.

Title 13: Housing

• Regulates the construction, maintenance, and occupancy of housing in the city.
• Establishes standards for housing safety and habitability.
• Provides for the enforcement of housing codes and regulations.

Title 14: Land Use

• Establishes the zoning map for the city.
• Sets forth the uses that are permitted in each zoning district.
• Regulates the development of land in the city.

Title 15: Licenses and Permits

• Requires businesses and individuals to obtain licenses and permits for certain activities.
• Sets forth the fees and requirements for obtaining a license or permit.
• Regulates the activities that require a license or permit.

Title 16: Parks and Recreation

• Creates the Anchorage Parks and Recreation Department.
• Sets forth the duties and responsibilities of the parks and recreation department.
• Establishes parks and recreation facilities in the city.

Title 17: Planning and Development

• Creates the Anchorage Planning and Development Department.
• Sets forth the duties and responsibilities of the planning and development department.
• Establishes planning and development regulations for the city.

Title 18: Public Safety

• Creates the Anchorage Police Department and Fire Department.
• Sets forth the duties and responsibilities of the police and fire departments.
• Establishes public safety codes and regulations.

Title 19: Public Utilities

• Creates the Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility.
• Sets forth the duties and responsibilities of the water and wastewater utility.
• Establishes water and wastewater rates and regulations.

Title 20: Transportation

• Creates the Anchorage Department of Transportation.
• Sets forth the duties and responsibilities of the department of transportation.
• Establishes transportation codes and regulations for the city.

Anchorage Municipal Code Enforcement

The Anchorage Municipal Code is enforced by the Anchorage Police Department, the Anchorage Fire Department, and the Anchorage Code Enforcement Office.

The Anchorage Police Department is responsible for enforcing the criminal laws of the city. The Anchorage Fire Department is responsible for enforcing the fire safety codes and regulations of the city. The Anchorage Code Enforcement Office is responsible for enforcing the other provisions of the AMC.

Penalties for Violating the Anchorage Municipal Code

The penalties for violating the AMC vary depending on the offense. Minor violations may result in a fine or citation. More serious violations may result in jail time.

How to Stay Up-to-Date on the Anchorage Municipal Code

The Anchorage Municipal Code is constantly being updated. To stay up-to-date on the latest changes, you can visit the Anchorage Municipal Code website or contact the Anchorage Municipal Clerk's Office.

Resources

• Anchorage Municipal Code website
• Anchorage Municipal Clerk's Office
• Anchorage Police Department
• Anchorage Fire Department
• Anchorage Code Enforcement Office