WILLOW AREA COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION, INC.

Your local forum for discussion, participation and comment in matters of concern to the community. WACO promotes the social, cultural and economic welfare of the Willow area.

WACO EventsVolunteer

This website is a service for the community of Willow, Alaska. Find WACO meeting minutes and agendas as well as information about committees, the community center and, local groups. Committee and group news or announcements are also posted as received. View the calendar for the schedule of local activities/events.

WACO Community Meeting

The first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM

Willow Community Center

Latest News and Upcoming Events

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

MSB Waterbody Setback - below is a SUMMARY of the draft Resolution and Ordinance that was developed by the Waterbody Setback Advisory Board, which is now open for public review and comment. FULL DOCUMENT can be found at:
matsugov.us/boards/waterbody-setback-advisory-board/resolutions
Please submit all public comments to [email protected] by January 21, 2025.

What is a Waterbody Setback? A set distance from a waterbody for structures

Purpose:
“The intent of the waterbody setback is to preserve the integrity of
the Borough’s lakes, streams, rivers, and wetlands by maintaining
and improving water quality, shore cover, fish and wildlife habitat,
and aesthetic values.”

Specific code change recommendations:
 Homes previously built in violation of the 75-foot waterbody setback of a lake can become legal provided:  The building is at least 45 feet from the lake  The building was constructed between 1987-present  Certain standards are met including a cap on impervious surface, establishment of a riparian buffer, and
capture of runoff associated with the development

 Going forward: mechanized land clearing within 75 feet of a waterbody requires a land use permit
with provisions for a cap on impervious surface, establishment of a riparian buffer, and capture of
runoff associated with the development

New general standards apply within 75 feet of all waterbodies including setbacks for:  Kennels, stables, animal yards and animal waste facilities  Paved vehicle parking areas  Liquid hazardous substances  Removal of vegetation  Application of fertilizers or pesticides  Stockpiling of imported snow

Petroleum storage tanks built within 75 feet of a waterbody will have five years to be either non- gravity fed or have secondary containment in place

Setbacks apply to more than just “habitable"
... See MoreSee Less

1 CommentComment on Facebook

Waste of time. Nobody is enforcing code for this now. Code Compliance won’t enforce the newest setback requirement. People are still going to build where they want on their property so what has the Borough accomplished?

MSB Waterbody Setback - below is a SUMMARY of the draft Resolution and Ordinance that was developed by the Waterbody Setback Advisory Board, which is now open for public review and comment.   FULL DOCUMENT can be found at: 
https://matsugov.us/boards/waterbody-setback-advisory-board/resolutions
Please submit all public comments to msb.planning@matsugov.us by January 21, 2025.

What is a Waterbody Setback? A set distance from a waterbody for structures 

Purpose:
“The intent of the waterbody setback is to preserve the integrity of 
the Borough’s lakes, streams, rivers, and wetlands by maintaining 
and improving water quality, shore cover, fish and wildlife habitat, 
and aesthetic values.”

Specific code change recommendations:
 Homes previously built in violation of the 75-foot waterbody setback of a lake can become legal provided:  The building is at least 45 feet from the lake  The building was constructed between 1987-present  Certain standards are met including a cap on impervious surface, establishment of a riparian buffer, and 
capture of runoff associated with the development

 Going forward: mechanized land clearing within 75 feet of a waterbody requires a land use permit 
with provisions for a cap on impervious surface, establishment of a riparian buffer, and capture of 
runoff associated with the development

New general standards apply within 75 feet of all waterbodies including setbacks for:  Kennels, stables, animal yards and animal waste facilities  Paved vehicle parking areas  Liquid hazardous substances  Removal of vegetation  Application of fertilizers or pesticides  Stockpiling of imported snow

Petroleum storage tanks built within 75 feet of a waterbody will have five years to be either non- gravity fed or have secondary containment in place

Setbacks apply to more than just “habitable

A Healthcare Navigator will be at the Willow Library on Monday 11/25 to help with signing up for Medicaid and health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. Everyone welcome!

Also note that if you need this help but can't make it to the library, you can call 2-1-1 for help with open enrollment.
... See MoreSee Less

A Healthcare Navigator will be at the Willow Library on Monday 11/25 to help with signing up for Medicaid and health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. Everyone welcome!

Also note that if you need this help but cant make it to the library, you can call 2-1-1 for help with open enrollment.
Load more