Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about street naming or addressing? Find the information you're looking for below.
What is an E911 address?
An E911 address (Enhanced 911 address) is a physical address used to accurately identify the location of a caller during an emergency. It ensures emergency services, such as police, fire departments, and medical responders can locate and respond quickly to calls made to 911.
E911 is linked to the phone system. When a 911 call is made, the address is automatically transmitted to the emergency dispatchers, allowing dispatching of the appropriate fire, medical, and/or law enforcement personnel, even if the caller is unable to communicate.
What is my Zip Code?
ZIP Codes are determined by the United States Postal Service. You can use the USPS online “Look Up a ZIP Code” tool at: https://tools.usps.com/go/ZipLookupAction_input
How are E911 addresses determined?
The KPB addressing system is based upon distance. Each 1/1000th of a mile (5.28 feet) is a potential new address. Odd addresses are always on the west or south side and even addresses are always on the east or north side of the street. This method of addressing is invaluable for Emergency Responders.
Can I pick my own address number?
No. There is a system in place to allow the driveway location to have a specific address. The specific address is unique and provides information on how far down the street address is located.
Will this E911 street address and number be permanent?
The system was created to avoid the need for future changes but if driveway access is incorrect or changes, if a street name changes, or if a subdivision is completed, this could instigate a change of address.
I think the address assigned to my property is incorrect or out of sequence with my neighbors, who do I contact?
Please submit an address change request via our website, or contact
Why are websites (like Google, etc.) unable to locate my address?
After an address is issued, a letter is mailed to the owner of record. This letter will need to be taken to your local USPS to register your address. You can verify that the new address is in the United States Postal Service database by entering it into the following web location: https://tools.usps.com/go/ZipLookupAction_input
Who can I call to report missing, damaged, or incorrect street signs?
If you live on or adjacent to a Borough maintained road: Contact the Kenai Peninsula Borough Roads Department at (907) 262-4427.
If you live on a state, private, or unmaintained road: Contact KPB Planning Department, E911 Addressing Officer at (907) 714-2200.
What is a private road?
A private road is any road, path, or driveway which serves 3 or more addressable structures and is not maintained by the Kenai Peninsula Borough through the use of public funds.
What do I need to do to get a new street named?
Prior approval is required for all new street names with the Kenai Peninsula Borough. A new street name must not duplicate are closely resemble the name of an existing street. A Street Naming Petition Form must be completed and mailed or faxed to the Addressing Officer.
How can I change the street name for the street I live on?
You must complete a Street Naming Petition Form. This petition must be unanimous among at least 75% of the landowners who own property fronting the street as verified by Kenai Peninsula Borough Property Owner of Record. The new street name suggestion also must be approved by the Addressing Officer as complying with all street naming code requirements. Once the petition is completed it will be voted on by the KPB Planning Commission. If approved, letters will be sent to notify property owners of the new address.
What if I receive mail at a different address than my E911 address?
You need to contact your local postal carrier to update your mailing address to match the E911 address issued by the KPB. Even if you use a Post Office Box it is recommended to update the associated physical address to the Post Office Box. The Postal Service will continue to deliver to the old address for a period of up to one year. It will be your responsibility to contact everyone you correspond with to notify them of the new mailing address. This includes the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assessing Department, DMV, banks, magazine subscriptions, utility companies, mortgage lenders, insurance companies, and all others that send you any mail. The US Postal Service has address change forms that may be used for this purpose.
When is the date to begin using this address?
The address is effective immediately upon issuance for emergency response. For postal service purposes you must register the address for mail service and then will be able to use it immediately after registration. PLEASE NOTE: It can take up to a month for the new address to filter up to the United States Postal Service national database which is used by many internet sites to verify addresses. You can verify that the new address is in the United States Postal Service database by entering it into the following web location: https://tools.usps.com/go/ZipLookupAction_input
The Postal Service will continue to deliver to an old address for a period of up to one year if an address change was issued by the Kenai Peninsula Borough.
Do I need to post my E911 address on my home?
To assist emergency services, you are required to post your E911 numbers at the entrance of your driveway. Numbers need to be visible from the road and should be 3” to 6” high with contrasting background, preferably reflective. People living on shared access driveways should post multiple signs and/or display address identifiers on buildings. Uniform Address Signs are available to purchase from the KPB Planning Department.
Why do I have to notify the phone company if the address changes?
Although we maintain a database of all landline phones and their associated E911 address, it is still a good idea to contact your telephone provider and verify that the address associated with your phone and cell phone has been properly updated.