The River Center administers the Borough’s Habitat Protection District (HPD) regulations, a 50-foot development setback from 793 anadromous (salmon-bearing) streams, lakes, and other waterbodies. These regulations are designed to proactively protect the riparian habitat that is vital to supporting our salmon. The River Center regulates this setback in five districts throughout the Borough, which can be found in the KPB 21.18 Waterbody Appendix:
- Kenai River District (May 15, 1996)
- Major Waters District (May 16, 2000)
- West Cook Inlet District (January 1, 2012)
- North Kenai Peninsula District (January 1, 2014)
- South Kenai Peninsula District (January 1, 2014)
Is your property subject to the 50-foot setback? Visit the interactive GIS River Center Viewer to look up your property & see if an anadromous stream is near you.
Call us and we will come measure the 50-foot setback! We are also available to assist landowners in identifying potential problems and solutions along their waterfront properties.
Permitting & Projects
Allowable projects that require permit(s):
- Cutting trees
- Vegetation and overburden removal
- Utilities (wells, septics, electric)
- Bank restoration
- Fishing platforms
- Bridges
- Culverts
What projects are not allowable?
- Impervious surfaces (lawns, gravel, wood decking, etc.)
- Buildings (homes, sheds, gazebos)
- Covered fish cleaning stations
- Rip-rap (aka boulders and large angular rock)
- Fire pits
- Oversized platforms
What is allowable that doesn't require a permit?
- Routine maintenance of landscaping and landscape features developed prior to regulation by KPB 21.18
- Pruning no more than 25% of trees and woody shrubs
- The removal of trees downed by force of nature
- Planting of native vegetation
- A single flagpole with a surface area footprint not to exceed 4 square feet and above ground height not to exceed 30 feet
KPB Habitat Protection Tax Programs
The Kenai Peninsula Borough also has a tax credit program available. This program provides landowners a tax credit for habitat protection and restoration projects within 150 feet of many salmon streams and lakes. Borough planners will assist you in applying and qualifying for the credit. Learn more about the KPB Habitat Protection Tax Credit & Exemption Programs!
Cost-Share Program
A similar program provides tax exemptions when habitat improvement projects result in an increase to a property's assessed value. We can help you determine whether your project qualifies for a tax exemption. Learn more about the Cost-Share Program
Applicable Ordinances:
KPB 21.18 Anadromous Waters Habitat Protection
KPB 5.14 Habitat Protection Tax Credit
KPB 5.12.112 Habitat Protection Tax Exemption
Anadromous Waterbodies List (Appendix)
