A Guide to Alaska Fence Laws
There are no state laws regulating boundary-sharing fences in Alaska—but there are regulations for barbed wire fences and any structures above 7 ft. tall.
Written by Claire Beaney
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
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Table of Contents
- What are the fence laws in Alaska?
- How to legally build a fence in Alaska
- Does homeowners insurance cover fences?
- How to save money on homeowners insurance in Alaska
- FAQs
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In Alaska, thanks to its sparse population density, there are no laws regarding fences that share boundaries. Alaskan landowners will, however, have to keep any barbed-wire fences in good condition and obtain a permit for fences above 7 feet.
Fence laws can get pretty complex and, unlike most other aspects of your property, have the potential to impact other property owners. To prevent infringing the law, you must be informed of the rules in your area, whether you want to build, dispute, or maintain a fence.
And while Alaska doesn’t have any outright laws for fences, there are still some details and regulations that you should be aware of.
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What are the fence laws in Alaska?
There are actually no fence laws regarding shared boundaries in Alaska.
This is most likely due to Alaska having fewer densely populated metropolitan areas compared to other states, making it unnecessary for the government to create laws resolving fence-related issues between neighbors.
The only real regulations for fences in Alaska are for barbed wire fences—landowners who have barbed wire fences have a responsibility to keep their fences in good condition.
Under
Alaska Statutes Title 3, § 03.30.020
, if any wire fences become so dilapidated they are no longer practical or pose a threat to livestock, they can be considered a nuisance and removed by a court.There are also no statewide requirements for fencing around pools in Alaska.
Spite fences
Some states have also established "spite fence" laws, which make it unlawful to purposefully construct a fence in order to annoy or obstruct your neighbor.
Alaska, for much the same reasons that it lacks boundary fence regulations, also doesn’t have any laws regulating spite fences.
How to legally build a fence in Alaska
If you plan on constructing or replacing a fence over 7 feet tall in Alaska, you’ll have to obtain a building permit.
In order to get a permit, you’ll need the items listed below:
- A site plan to-scale with:
- Fence dimensionsProperty line coordinates that are accurate in relation to the proposed fence
- A structural or foundational plan (designed by a structural or civil engineer)
If you happen to live on a corner lot within 20 feet of an intersection, then the maximum height of a sight obstructing fence is 3 feet.
You can
visit this website
for an online building permit application for the city of Juneau. If you live elsewhere in Alaska, you can reach out to your local zoning and permit office for the correct application for your area.MORE: What’s the difference between a builder and general contractor?
Does homeowners insurance cover fences?
Fences are seen as "other structures" under your home's insurance policy, and they are normally insured for up to 10% of your dwelling's coverage maximum. Your fence is protected against the same hazards as your main residence, which usually includes wind, hail, fires, and vandalism.
If a storm, a wildfire, or a tree branch from a neighbor's yard damages your fence, double-check if it's covered under your insurance policy. If this is the case, be sure to document the damage with photos before filing an insurance claim.
MORE: How to Choose the Best Type of Home Insurance for You
How to save money on homeowners insurance in Alaska
Alaska homeowners insurance costs an average of $1,799 per year, which is less expensive than the national average of $2,305. If you’re looking to cut costs even further on home insurance, download the
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FAQs
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Alaska?
In some cases, yes! A building permit is required for new fence construction and fence replacement if the fence is taller than 7 feet.
Can my neighbor make me pay for a fence in Alaska?
No—Alaska is one of the few states in the US that hasn't approved a boundary fence law. This is due, in part, to Alaska having more low-population urban areas compared to other states.
The fence belongs to the neighbor who built it unless there is an agreement to split the costs. You will not be required to contribute to the fence's repair or maintenance.
Can I build an 8-foot fence in Alaska?
Yes! 8 ft is actually the maximum fence height listed by the Alaska municipal code. Any other structure taller than 8 ft is considered a wall and must comply with all yard setback regulations.
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