Last Updated 07/17/2026
Fairbanks Stormwater Laws & Regulations
The City of Fairbanks 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 City of Fairbanks 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 City of Fairbanks will only provide construction permits to projects that establish a plan to manage stormwater runoff occurring during the construction process. The City of Fairbanks, 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 City of Fairbanks has the authority to inspect stormwater facilities and practices in order to ascertain that they are properly maintained and functioning.
2.2 City of Fairbanks
A detailed map of the urbanized area of Fairbanks is included as Figure 2 on Page 17. The project submittals listed above are included as line items on the City of Fairbanks Building Department Residential and Commercial Building Permit Applications, and shall be submitted through the Building Department. The City of Fairbanks will review each PSWCP, ESCP, and SWPPP submittal to determine their conformance with the provisions of the ordinances. Within seven business days after receiving the project submittal(s), the City of Fairbanks will, in writing: a. Issue a Letter of Non-objection to the PSWCP, ESCP, and/or SWPPP; b. Issue a Letter of Non-objection to the PSWCP, ESCP, and/or SWPPP subject to such reasonable conditions as may be necessary to secure substantially the objectives of the ordinances, and issue the permit subject to these conditions; or c. Disapprove the PSWCP, ESCP, and/or SWPPP, indicating the reason(s) and procedure for submitting a revised application and/or submission. For construction activity that will result in a ground disturbance of greater than or equal to one acre, the City of Fairbanks will inspect each construction site at least once per year. A copy of the Program Guide April 2017, 3rd Edition 15 latest plan review and inspection fee schedule is available through the Building Department
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Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need to submit for a construction project in the City of Fairbanks?
Depending on your project, you may need a Permanent Storm Water Control Plan, an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan, or a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. These are submitted as line items directly on the City of Fairbanks Building Department’s residential and commercial building permit applications, so they go through the same permitting process as your building permit rather than a separate track.
How long does the City of Fairbanks take to review my stormwater submittals?
Seven business days. Within that window, the city responds in writing with one of three outcomes: a letter of non-objection approving your plans as submitted, a letter of non-objection with conditions attached to secure the ordinance’s objectives, or a disapproval that explains the reasons and the process for submitting a revised application.
What happens if the city disapproves my Permanent Storm Water Control Plan or SWPPP?
You’ll get a written explanation of the reasons for disapproval along with the procedure for submitting a revised application. That’s built into the same seven-business-day review window, so there’s a clear path forward rather than an open-ended rejection.
How often does Fairbanks inspect construction sites for stormwater compliance?
At least once a year for any project resulting in ground disturbance of one acre or more. Smaller projects aren’t automatically exempt from inspection, but the annual minimum specifically applies once a project crosses that one-acre threshold.
Are there fees associated with plan review and inspections in Fairbanks?
Yes. The city maintains a plan review and inspection fee schedule, available through the Building Department, that applies to the review of PSWCPs, ESCPs, and SWPPPs along with related inspections. Since the schedule is subject to updates, it’s worth confirming current fees with the Building Department directly rather than assuming a fixed cost.
Are there fees associated with plan review and inspections in Fairbanks?
The city’s Storm Water Management Program Guide includes a detailed map of the Fairbanks urbanized area. Since submittal requirements are tied to whether a property falls inside that boundary, checking the map, or contacting the Building Department directly, is worth doing before assuming your project’s requirements.
How can AQUALIS help my property navigate Fairbanks' stormwater review process?
AQUALIS helps Fairbanks property owners and developers prepare the PSWCP, ESCP, and SWPPP submittals required through the Building Department, and supports properties in meeting the annual inspection requirement for projects disturbing an acre or more.
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.
