Anchorage Assembly resolution would ask mayor to form permitting task force

Assembly Vice Chair Daniel Volland of North Anchorage is asking Mayor Suzanne LaFrance to create a time-limited task force to streamline permitting under Title 21, Anchorage's zoning code. The Assembly reads the resolution Wednesday, Nov. 4, and its agenda sets a public hearing for Tuesday, Dec. 1.

The resolution says the complexity, length and administrative burden of city permitting "have been repeatedly identified as a barrier to the creation of new residential properties in Anchorage." It says streamlining can cut unnecessary burdens while keeping health, safety and land use standards.

The resolution is a request. The mayor would decide whether to form the task force and whom to appoint. It asks her to consider up to three Assembly members and representatives from the Planning Department, the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Anchorage Community Development Authority, the Anchorage Home Builders Association and community groups. Meetings would be public, with prior notice.

The group would suggest changes to the Assembly and the administration, including Title 21 amendments, internal systems and processes, administrative guidance and department policies and procedures. The resolution asks that it convene within 90 days of passage and report its findings to the Assembly within six months of first meeting.

Volland's memo ties the measure to an Aug. 28 Assembly work session on housing, where builders Shaun Debenham of Debenham LLC and Bill Taylor of Colony Builders gave input, along with Tyler Robinson of Cook Inlet Housing Authority. Debenham's presentation to that work session suggested outsourcing review and inspections.

At a Commonwealth North housing panel the day before, Debenham said: "Took me 9 months to go through and get a permit. 9 Months!"

The city has been working on permit times. A July municipal release said commercial zoning reviews dropped from more than 30 business days to 20, crediting policy directives, staff cross-training, more plan reviewers and temporary contractors. The Assembly's 2026 housing progress report says a new permitting system is slated for 2027.

The municipality says Anchorage needs about 2,500 additional homes over five years to support the military community at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Alaska News reported Aug. 9 that family housing on the base was already 98% full.

The resolution would take effect on passage. Residents can testify Dec. 1 or submit written comments through the Assembly's testimony page.