Anchorage policy lets builders use Alaska-graded lumber from local sawmills in homes

The Municipality of Anchorage issued a policy letting builders use lumber certified under the Alaska Lumber Grading program in residential construction, the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection announced Wednesday.

The policy gives small and medium Alaska sawmills a path to sell structural lumber to Anchorage builders. Certified lumber may be used in place of grade-stamped lumber for structural uses under residential building codes. According to the governor's office, many Alaska sawmills do not produce enough lumber to justify the cost of joining an accredited lumber grading agency, so most framing lumber used in Alaska is imported from the Pacific Northwest and Canada.

The division runs the program with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service. Sawmill operators who finish a free one-day course and pass a proficiency test can grade framing lumber from local spruce, hemlock and yellow cedar, but only lumber they mill themselves. Certification lasts five years and can be renewed by retaking the course.

The sawmill certifies the lumber on a state form and, where a locality requires it, marks each piece with its grade and species, according to an April 2026 program presentation. As of April 7, the program had awarded 184 certificates and had engaged building departments in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Wrangell, Valdez, Sitka and Ketchikan.

State law requires certified load-bearing lumber to meet or exceed the residential building code. It limits use to homes for one to three families, only when the sawmill sells directly to the builder or homeowner, and lets local inspectors approve, reject or set conditions on its use.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy signed the bill creating the program Aug. 30, 2023. In announcing the signing, the governor's office said it would help local sawmills reach market and reduce Alaska's reliance on lumber shipped from Canada and the Lower 48.