Last Updated 07/17/2026
The Borough of Fairbanks North Star has enacted a Stormwater Ordinance in order to establish minimum stormwater management requirements and controls to protect and safeguard the general health, safety, and welfare of the public residing in watersheds within this jurisdiction. The Borough of Fairbanks North Star is the permitting authority for all land disturbing activities and requires the land owner to maintain all on-site stormwater control facilities and all open space areas (e.g. parks or “green” areas) required by the approved stormwater control plan. The Borough of Fairbanks North Star will only provide construction permits to projects that establish a plan to manage stormwater runoff occurring during the construction process. The Borough of Fairbanks North Star, under the NPDES program, also has the authority to inspect properties for noncompliance and can issue a notice of violation (NOV) for any deficiency or infraction onsite. Property owners are responsible for the maintenance of any stormwater facilities or practices located on the property. The Borough of Fairbanks North Star has the authority to inspect stormwater facilities and practices in order to ascertain that they are properly maintained and functioning.
FNSB Stormwater Laws & Regulations
Within the Fairbanks Urbanized Area, Fairbanks North Star Borough (FNSB) operates their portion of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) under FNS Borough Code 13.20 and APDES Permit no. AKS-053414. FNSB has jurisdiction over both private and public projects within Borough road service areas within the urbanized area. The MS4 permit requires FNSB to administer and enforce compliance with stormwater discharge permits in an effort to decrease stormwater pollutants and increase overall water quality.
FNSB submittal requirements for privately funded projects encompassing 1 or more acres of land include a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and a copy of the Alaska Notice of Intent (NOI). FNSB submittal requirements for publicly funded projects encompassing 1 or more acres of land includes a SWPPP, a Permanent Storm Water Control Plan (PSWCP), and a copy of the NOI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Fairbanks North Star Borough regulate stormwater differently than the State of Alaska?
Yes, within its own boundaries. The borough administers its portion of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System under Borough Code 13.20 and its own APDES permit, number AKS-053414. That means properties inside the borough’s road service areas within the Fairbanks Urbanized Area answer to the borough’s requirements directly, rather than falling back to the state’s default APDES program.
Where does the Fairbanks North Star Borough's stormwater authority apply?
Within borough road service areas that fall inside the Fairbanks Urbanized Area, covering both private and public projects. That’s narrower than borough-wide, so a property’s exact location relative to those road service area boundaries matters for determining which set of requirements applies.
What do I need to submit for a private construction project in the Fairbanks North Star Borough?
For a privately funded project disturbing one acre or more, the borough requires a stormwater pollution prevention plan along with a copy of the Alaska Notice of Intent. Both have to be submitted before the borough will move forward with review.
Does a publicly funded project need anything beyond what a private project needs?
Yes. A publicly funded project of one acre or more requires everything a private project does, the stormwater pollution prevention plan and Notice of Intent, plus a permanent stormwater control plan. That additional requirement reflects the ongoing, long-term nature of public infrastructure compared to private development.
Who enforces stormwater compliance in the Fairbanks North Star Borough?
The borough itself, as the permitting authority for land-disturbing activity in its jurisdiction. It has the authority to inspect properties for noncompliance and issue a notice of violation for any deficiency found on-site, and property owners remain responsible for maintaining any stormwater facilities or practices on their land regardless of who caused the runoff.
Is there a design standard for stormwater BMPs specific to the Fairbanks North Star Borough?
Yes. The borough publishes its own Storm Water BMP Design Guide, which lays out design expectations for best management practices beyond the general Alaska Storm Water Guide that applies statewide. Property owners designing or retrofitting a BMP in the borough should reference that guide directly rather than assuming statewide guidance covers every requirement.
How can AQUALIS help my property stay compliant with the Fairbanks North Star Borough's stormwater ordinance?
AQUALIS helps borough property owners determine whether their project falls under FNSB’s road service area jurisdiction, prepare the stormwater pollution prevention plans and Notices of Intent required for one-acre-or-more projects, and design BMPs to the borough’s own design guide standards.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Regulations change frequently — AQUALIS makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of this content, and any reliance on it is at your own risk. Consult a qualified professional or your local regulatory authority to confirm requirements applicable to your specific property.
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