Last Updated 06/17/2026
The City of North Pole 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 North Pole 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 North Pole will only provide construction permits to projects that establish a plan to manage stormwater runoff occurring during the construction process. The City of North Pole, 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 North Pole has the authority to inspect stormwater facilities and practices in order to ascertain that they are properly maintained and functioning.
North Pole Stormwater Laws & Regulations
Within the Fairbanks Urbanized Area, The City of North Pole operates their portion of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) under North Pole Municipal Code 15.74 and APDES Permit no. AKS-053406. The City of North Pole has jurisdiction over privately and some publicly funded projects within the urbanized area of the North Pole city limits. The city’s MS4 permit requires North Pole to administer and enforce compliance with stormwater discharge permits in an effort to decrease stormwater pollutants and increase overall water quality.
The City of North Pole submittal requirements for privately funded projects encompassing 1 or more acres of land include a Permanent Storm Water Control Plan (PSWCP), Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), and a copy of the Alaska Notice of Intent (NOI). The City of North Pole submittal requirements for publicly funded projects encompassing 1 or more acres of land includes a copy of the NOI.
2.3 City of North Pole
A detailed map of the urbanized area of North Pole is included as Figure 3 on Page 18. Similar to the City of Fairbanks, the project submittals listed above are included as line items on the City of North Pole Building Department Residential and Commercial Building Permit Applications, and shall be submitted through the Building Department. The City of North Pole will review each PSWCP and SWPPP submittal to determine their conformance with the provisions of the ordinances. Within ten business days after receiving the project submittal(s), the City of North Pole will, in writing: a. Issue a Letter of Non-objection to the PSWCP and/or SWPPP; b. Issue a Letter of Non-objection to the PSWCP 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 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 North Pole will inspect each construction site at least once per year. A copy of the latest plan review and inspection fee schedule is available through the Building Department.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is stormwater compliance in North Pole handled by the city or the state?
The city administers its own portion of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System within the Fairbanks Urbanized Area, under North Pole Municipal Code 15.74 and APDES Permit number AKS-053406. That permit requires North Pole to administer and enforce compliance directly, rather than defaulting to the state’s broader APDES program.
Is stormwater compliance in North Pole handled by the city or the state?
Only some. The city has jurisdiction over privately funded projects and some publicly funded projects within the urbanized area of North Pole city limits, but not every publicly funded project falls under the same requirements as private ones, as reflected in the differing submittal requirements below.
What do I need to submit for a private construction project in North Pole?
For a privately funded project disturbing one acre or more, the city requires a Permanent Storm Water Control Plan, a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, and a copy of the Alaska Notice of Intent. That’s a more extensive submittal than what’s required for public projects of the same size.
Do publicly funded projects need the same paperwork as private ones in North Pole?
No. A publicly funded project of one acre or more only requires a copy of the Alaska Notice of Intent, without the Permanent Storm Water Control Plan or Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan that private projects need. That’s a notable difference from the City of Fairbanks, where public projects actually face additional requirements beyond what private ones need.
How long does North Pole take to review my stormwater submittals?
Ten business days, longer than the seven-business-day window used by the City of Fairbanks. Within that time, the city responds in writing with a letter of non-objection, a conditional letter of non-objection, or a disapproval that explains the reasoning and the process for resubmitting.
How often does North Pole inspect construction sites?
At least once a year for any project resulting in ground disturbance of one acre or more, matching the same annual minimum used across the Fairbanks Urbanized Area.
Where do I submit my North Pole stormwater plans?
Through the City of North Pole Building Department, where PSWCP and SWPPP submittals are included as line items on the residential and commercial building permit applications. A current plan review and inspection fee schedule is also available through the Building Department.
How can AQUALIS help my property navigate North Pole's stormwater review process?
AQUALIS helps North Pole property owners prepare the Permanent Storm Water Control Plan and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan documentation required for private projects, and supports properties in meeting the annual inspection requirement for construction 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.
