Navigating Landscaping Regulations for Commercial Properties in Alaska
Commercial landscaping is often the first thing customers notice when they arrive at your business. Its charm, structure, and visual appeal can reflect the quality and professionalism of your entire operation.
At the same time, your landscape design must follow local regulations, support long-term property value, and function well throughout the seasons. Across Alaska, in communities such as Wasilla, Palmer, Eagle River, Anchorage, and throughout the Mat-Su Valley, commercial properties are subject to planning rules that vary slightly between municipalities. While the goals are often similar, the specific requirements depend on where your project is located.
Alaska Boroughs and Municipalities
Identifying the specific rules for your location early on can prevent costly delays, redesigns, and approval issues down the line.
Understanding Local Landscaping Regulations
Commercial landscaping in Alaska is shaped by a patchwork of local regulations. Each city or borough has its own set of development rules, review processes, and landscaping criteria. Knowing which rules apply to your property is an essential first step in the planning process.
Here’s a quick overview of some of the main governing bodies in our south central region of Alaska:
City of Palmer
Landscapes within city limits must follow the Palmer Municipal Code (PMC), which outlines planting requirements, visibility standards, and other site-specific details.
City of Wasilla
Developments must comply with the Wasilla Municipal Code (WMC), including section 16.33, which directly addresses non-residential landscaping requirements.
Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Properties located outside city limits, including areas like Meadow Lakes, Big Lake, Willow, and parts of Houston, are governed by the borough’s development standards.
Municipality of Anchorage
This includes Anchorage proper, along with Eagle River and Chugiak, all of which are subject to Anchorage’s municipal codes and Title 21 landscaping regulations.
Although the specific codes vary by location, most municipalities follow a structured review process to ensure landscaped areas serve both practical and visual purposes.
Typical Landscaping Standards Within Alaska
Each municipality in Alaska has its own checklist when it comes to landscaping, but several requirements come up again and again. These rules are designed to support safety, preserve visual quality in public spaces, and ensure long-term success for planted areas in Alaska’s challenging climate.
Here’s a closer look at the most common landscaping standards you’ll likely encounter when planning a commercial project in Alaska.
A Landscape Plan is Required
A landscape plan is typically required as part of your development or building permit application. This plan should clearly identify plant species, locations, irrigation strategies, and how the landscape will be maintained over time. In Wasilla, for example, this must be submitted and approved before final use or occupancy is granted.
Minimum Landscaping Area
Most commercial sites must reserve a portion of the lot for landscaping. In the Mat-Su Borough, 15 percent of the property may need to be dedicated to green space, depending on zoning. Anchorage and Wasilla include similar area-based requirements that vary with property type and layout.
Visual Clearance and Safety
All plantings must maintain clear sightlines for vehicles and pedestrians. Trees and shrubs cannot block driveways, intersections, fire hydrants, or access to utility systems. These safety standards are especially strict near corners and property entrances.
Perimeter Buffers and Screening
Properties often need to include visual screening between the business and surrounding streets or neighboring lots. This may involve evergreen trees, dense shrubs, or a mix of fencing and plantings to create a defined border. These buffers help with aesthetics, noise control, and privacy.
Hardy Plant Choices Are Encouraged
Municipal and borough codes often recommend or require plants that are well-suited to Alaska’s climate. Native and cold-hardy species tend to survive longer, require less maintenance, and perform better through freeze-thaw cycles, wind, and snow load. Evergreens, spruce, dwarf birch, and hardy perennials are commonly approved for commercial use.
It’s also important to know which plants to avoid. Some lawn seed mixes include bluegrass species that are classified as noxious in parts of Alaska. Planting these — knowingly or not — can lead to compliance issues or removal orders. Always check that selected species meet local standards and are not listed as invasive or restricted.
Costly Missteps That Delay Commercial Landscaping Projects
Many commercial landscape delays stem from oversights that could have been avoided early in the planning process. These missteps cost you time, and add unexpected expenses and strain relationships with local permitting agencies.
For example, a business in the city of Palmer began construction on a new office building and planned to add landscaping at the very end of the project. However, they hadn’t submitted a detailed landscape plan with their development permit. When the city requested revisions, they discovered that several trees planted near the parking lot were blocking visibility from the street. The site also included a non-native grass mix containing a restricted bluegrass species. The result was a delayed certificate of occupancy and thousands of dollars in replanting costs.
Avoiding these types of problems starts with understanding the most common mistakes:
| Mistake | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| No submitted landscape plan | Delays permit approval and inspection |
| Obstructing traffic sightlines | Violates safety standards and may require rework |
| Planting in utility easements | Leads to removal orders or site conflicts |
| Choosing non-hardy or invasive plants | Can result in plant failure or code violations |
| No irrigation strategy | Causes plant loss and poor long-term results |
Even small oversights can become major setbacks if they conflict with local development codes. Early coordination and clear documentation can prevent costly corrections later on.
Commercial Landscaping Expertise You Can Trust in Alaska
Commercial projects come with enough moving parts already. Permits, inspections, construction schedules, and changing site conditions can complicate even the best-laid plans. Having a knowledgeable team on your side reduces stress, prevents costly mistakes, and keeps your project moving forward. And that’s where Walker Landscapes comes in.
In addition to being landscaping professionals, we’re contractors with over 40 years of combined experience in construction, site work, and landscape installation throughout Southcentral Alaska. We’ve helped clients in Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer, Wasilla, and across the Mat-Su Valley stay compliant with local standards while building outdoor spaces that work and look great.
This is how the Walker Team sets your company up for success:
✔ Code-Compliant Landscape Plans
Our designers produce landscape plans that align with local development codes and help you understand how those regulations apply to your site.
✔ Smart Plant Selection for Alaska Conditions
From hardy evergreens to durable groundcovers, we select plants that thrive in your specific location. This helps reduce maintenance needs and lowers the risk of plant loss over time.
✔ Integrated Site Coordination
We design landscapes that work with your site’s layout, drainage plan, utilities, signage, and traffic flow. Our team coordinates with general contractors, engineers, and project managers to make sure the landscaping fits seamlessly into the larger project.
✔ Complete Installation Services
Our crews manage everything from soil prep to irrigation setup to final planting. We work within your construction timeline and ensure your landscape is ready when final inspections roll around.
Let’s Build a Landscape That Reflects Your Business
We know how much pride goes into your business. You’ve invested in your building, your team, and your reputation. The exterior of your property should reflect that same level of care, and the team at Walker Landscapes takes that responsibility seriously.
From new construction in Palmer to renovations in Anchorage, our team helps commercial property owners navigate every part of the landscape process. We design with intention, install with precision, and build to meet both local codes and long-term performance.
If you're planning a commercial project, we invite you to connect with us. Let’s create a landscape that aligns with your vision, meets local regulations, and elevates the look and function of your property.
Call us today at (907) 357-2555 to book your free consultation. We’re here to help you build with confidence and finish with pride.
About Walker Landscapes
Walker Landscapes is a trusted commercial and residential landscaping contractor serving the Mat-Su Valley and surrounding areas, including Wasilla, Palmer, Eagle River, Big Lake, and Anchorage. We specialize in custom landscape design and installation for commercial properties, with services that include code-compliant landscape plans, lawn installation, retaining walls, and planting zones designed for Alaska’s challenging conditions.
Our team brings over 40 years of combined experience in site work, construction coordination, and landscape execution. Every project is tailored to meet local regulations and the functional needs of each business or organization. We’re proud to help Alaska’s commercial property owners create landscapes that are visually appealing and built to last.
Jeff Walker, Co-owner
Seth Walker, Co-Owner
