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Airport Parking

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1. How do I pay at the Parking Pay Station?

Pay By Space:

Note your space number before leaving your vehicle

At the closest pay station enter space number and follow the prompts on the screen 

Please note that the exact coin is required (no bills accepted) or you may pay with credit card, keep your receipt. 

2. How do I pay for additional parking time if I paid at the pay station?

There are two options: someone may go to a pay station and add more time to extend your original purchase or you can use Passport Parking which will give you the option to pay via a Smartphone App or the Internet. If using Passport Parking in this situation, you are purchasing -- not extending from the pay station -- a new time period. Be sure to extend enough time to cover your parking from the time of purchase with Passport Parking.

3. How do I sign up for Passport Parking if I don't want to use the pay stations?

There are a couple of ways. 1) Search your smartphone’s app store for Passport Parking. Download the free app and follow the directions. 2) Using the internet, go to ppprk.com and follow the directions. Both Revillagigedo and Gravina parking lots are identified by Zone 557.

4. How do I extend my time if I paid for parking with Passport Parking?

Using Passport Parking's free phone app, or create an account online at www.ppprk.com to set up payment.

5. Do I need to put my parking receipt on my vehicle's dashboard?

No. Keep your receipt with you. You may need to refer to the parking space number later should you need to purchase additional parking time.

6. Are there time limits for parking on either the Gravina or Revillagigado Airport Parking Lots?

No. When parking in either the Revillagigedo or Gravina Parking Lot, you will prepay at the pay stations located near the ferry loading entrance, the pay stations located on the first floor of the terminal, or through Passport Parking.

7. How many pay stations are there and where are they located?

There are four pay stations located in the pay station shelter near the ferry entrance on Revillagigedo, two pay stations on the first floor of the airport terminal on Gravina, and one pay station on the second floor of the terminal in the sterile area.

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Animal Protection

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1. Where can I find information about the Borough leash law?

You can find in-depth information on the Borough leash law in the Borough's Code of Ordinance Title 6, Chapter 6.35. Code 6.35.010 explains the leash and restraint areas. There is a shortcut to the Animal Protection Code on the homepage of Animal Protection's website .

2. What should I do if my pet is missing?

If you are missing your pet, contact the Animal Shelter at 907-228-6660 as soon as possible to file a Lost Report.

By calling, you will be able to find out if your pet may have been brought to the shelter by a third party, impounded by an animal protection officer, or if the shelter has received a report of a found animal matching your pet's description.

The shelter maintains a list of animals that are reported as lost and found, and staff attempt to identify potential matches based on the callers' descriptions. You may also consider putting flyers in your neighborhood, placing an ad in the newspaper, posting on sites like SitNews, calling the radio station, etc., about your lost pet.

We also ask that you contact the shelter when you find a pet you have reported as lost, so that we know to stop looking for him/her.

3. What should I do if I find a lost pet?

If you find a pet that you believe is lost, contact the Animal Shelter at 907-228-6660 as soon as possible to file a Found Report. We will attempt to identify potential matches with missing reports received by the shelter. You may also have other legal obligations to attempt to locate the owner before keeping the animal.

Found pets may be brought to the Animal Shelter, or an animal protection officer can pick up a found pet during regular business hours. There is no charge for turning in a found pet to the shelter.

4. I'm going on vacation and am leaving my pet(s) with a pet-sitter or family member. Is there anything I should know?

Here are a few helpful tips when leaving your pets with a pet sitter or family member:

• Make sure your pets are wearing a form of identification (dogs should be wearing their borough dog license).
• Leave a copy of your pets' vaccination records with your pet sitter or family member.
• Ask your pet sitter or family member to always walk your dog on a leash.
• Remind your pet sitter or family member to call the Animal Shelter if your pet is missing or if they bite someone.
• Before leaving town, contact the Animal Shelter and leave your sitter's and pet’s information with the staff, so that if your pet is brought into the shelter or impounded, they can easily be identified and your pet sitter or family member notified. You can also download our Pet Sitter Form online.
  
  Be aware that some pets can become depressed or confused when you leave and may run away or become lost when trying to find you.
  
  Licensing your pet and having your pet sitter walk your dogs on a leash can help ensure that they are safe and sound when you return home.

5. What should I do if I or my child has been bitten by an animal?

If the animal belongs to you:

1. Seek medical care if needed.
2. Call the Animal Shelter and report when you were bitten and which animal bit you.
3. By state law, the animal will need to be quarantined to observe for signs of rabies for ten days.

If the dog, cat or ferret belongs to someone else:

1. Seek medical care if needed.
2. If possible, get the owner's name, phone number, and address, as well as the animal's name and description.
3. Call the Animal Shelter and report when you were bitten and (if known) the owner's and animal's information.

It is important to report bites as soon as possible. Instructions for reporting emergencies (including all bites) after hours are available on the shelter's voice mail.

6. What should I do if my pet bites a person (myself, a family member, a friend, or a stranger)?

1. Call the Animal Shelter and report when the bite occurred, which animal did the biting, and who was bitten. All animal bites are required by law to be reported to Animal Protection.
2. By state law, the animal will need to be quarantined to observe for signs of rabies.
   
   It is important to report bites as soon as possible. Instructions for reporting emergencies (including all bites) after hours are available on the shelter's voicemail.

7. How do I borrow a Live Trap to catch a cat (or dog) on my property?

Live traps for cats and dogs are available at the Animal Shelter and are loaned out on a first-come, first-served basis. Traps may be set only between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. and must be monitored by the user at all times. Traps may generally be used to trap up to one animal per day. Borrowers of traps are required to follow these and all other guidelines for use (available at the shelter) and assume full liability for the use of the traps. A trap may be borrowed for up to 3 days, but we ask that users return the trap as soon as they are finished with it so the trap can be made available to others.

8. I am interested in adopting a pet from the Animal Shelter. What do I need to do?

We are happy to hear that you are considering adopting one of our special pets! Please call the Animal Shelter at 907-228-6660 for more information about adoption!

9. Can I adopt a pet from the Animal Shelter if I do not live in Ketchikan?

Yes! For more information about our adoption policies, please contact the shelter at 907-228-6660.

10. Why am I required to wash my hands between each animal when petting them?

Washing your hands protects the animals against the spread of disease. Please wash your hands in the restroom upstairs or the restroom downstairs, or in the washroom downstairs. Make sure you wash your hands every time you touch an animal in a different kennel or cage. The best way to clean your hands between handling animals is to use soap and water.

11. I had a notice left on my door. What do I do now?

The notice will explain why the Animal Protection Officer called on your residence; such as a report was given to the department about a barking dog, animal bite, animal welfare, dog running at large, etc. At the bottom of the notice you will find the officer's number who left the notice. Call the shelter at 907-228-6660 and ask to be transferred to that officer for more information regarding your notice.

12. When does my dog license expire?

All Borough dog licenses expire one, two or three years from the date that they were purchased (see fee list below).
Out of area licenses are not valid.
All dogs over the age of 4 months need a current license.
License fees:
UNALTERED DOG: $50
SPAYED/NEUTERED: $15 (1 YEAR)
SPAYED/NEUTERED: $27 (2 YEARS)
SPAYED/NEUTERED: $39 (3 YEARS)
POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS LICENSE: $100
ADA SERVICE DOG, SENIOR OWNER: ONE FREE PER PERSON PER YEAR
KETCHIKAN POLICE DEPARTMENT, ALASKA STATE TROOPERS, SEARCH & RESCUE DOG: FREE
DUPLICATE LICENSE: $5
CAT LICENSE, LIFETIME: $25
30 DAY TRANSFER OF LICENSE: $5

13. Does my pet need a rabies vaccination?

Please contact a vet for more information about your animal's rabies vaccination protocol.

14. What is the definition of "animal restraint" of dogs in the Ketchikan Gateway Borough?

"Restraint" means under the immediate and constant physical control of a responsible person by leash or under the immediate and constant verbal control of a responsible person and obedient to that person's commands, or on the premises of the owner or responsible person.

This definition; along with other information on animal regulations in the Borough, can be found in Title 6 of the Borough Code. This code is linked on the left hand side of the screen on the Animal Protection Department section of the Ketchikan Gateway Borough web page.

15. Where are the leash your dog areas in the Ketchikan Gateway Borough?

The areas in the Ketchikan Gateway Borough that require residents and visitors to leash their dog(s) can be found on the Animal Protection Department section of the Borough website. The information is listed in Title 6 of the Borough Code. This link can be found on the front page of the Animal Protection section on the left hand side of the page.

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Assessment

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1. What exemption programs are available?

Senior Citizens 65 years of age or older and Disabled Veterans with a 50% or more disability may qualify for a property tax exemption up to $150,000 of assessed value. Non-profit exemptions on property used exclusively for religious, charitable, cemetery, hospital, educational, or community purpose as defined by State Statute and Borough Code.

2. What is personal property?

Personal property is tangible property other than real property, such as machinery, equipment, furniture and fixtures, vehicles, vessels, and aircraft.

3. What is real property?

Real property means land and improvements, all possessor rights and privileges appurtenant to the property, and including personal property affixed to the land or improvements (Statute 29.71.800).

4. What is an appraisal?

The appraised value of a property is an appraiser’s opinion, or estimate, typically, of the full market value. What the property would sell for on the open market between two individuals, both knowledgeable with the uses to which the property may be put, given sufficient time for marketing and there being no undue influence to sell or buy by either party.

A fee appraisal is an estimate of market value typically on only one property. An appraisal for assessment purposes is typically approached through mass appraisal incorporating the valuation of a universe of property.

Mass Appraisal is the systematic appraisal of groups of properties as of a given date using standardized procedures and statistical testing to provide equitable and efficient appraisal of all property within a taxing jurisdiction for tax purposes. The appraisal process by both methods is a systematic, logical method of processing data into intelligent, well-reasoned value estimates.

5. What is an assessment?

An assessment is the dollar amount at which a property is placed upon the assessment roll for tax purposes. The assessment originates from an appraised value. The assessment may differ from the appraised value (or market value) for one or more reasons such as: fractional assessment laws (not applicable at this time in Alaska), value in use rather than value in exchange, partial exemptions, or a lack of the full bundle of rights of property ownership.

6. What gives the appraiser the right to photograph or enter my property uninvited?

The laws of the State of Alaska require the assessor or his authorized employees to periodically inspect all real property to determine its true and fair market value. (Statute 29.45.130b) The assessor or agent of the assessor may enter the property grounds to conduct a physical exterior inspection of the structures during reasonable hours. An interior inspection may take place if the structure is under construction, or if the person in actual possession of the structures gives permission or under court orders.

7. Are all individual real property assessments accessible?

Yes, individual assessment records and certified assessment rolls are considered public records and are available to anyone wishing to view them.

8. Why do assessed values change from year to year?

When market value changes, naturally so does assessed value. The assessor has not created the value. People create value through their transactions in the marketplace. State law requires your property to be assessed at its full and true value each and every year. The assessor has the legal responsibility to study those transactions and appraise your property accordingly. Values change in the marketplace, whether improvements are made to property or not.

9. What is an assessment notice and when can you expect to receive one?

A real property assessment notice is a statement of value assessed to a particular parcel. When you receive a Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assessment Notice you will note that the notice states the current year valuation of land and improvements. Real property assessment notices are typically mailed in mid to late January of each year.

10. What if you receive your assessment notice and think your assessed value should be different?

Call the assessor’s office at 907-228-6640 immediately. There may have been an error on your notice or the assessor may not have been aware of a loss or an addition to your property. Changes or adjustments can be made, for a limited time only, if you have documentation to prove that a correction should be made in the value of your property. State law allows 30 days from the mailing of the notice to file an appeal with the assessor.

11. What if you didn’t receive an assessment notice?

Call the Borough Assessing Department at 907-228-6640 immediately.

12. What if you and the assessor cannot agree on the valuation?

Then you may appeal to the Board of Equalization. Appeal forms are available at the borough Assessment Department.

13. What is the Board of Equalization?

The Board of Equalization is made up of the members of the Borough Assembly or can be an independent board appointed by the assembly.

The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Board of Equalization is made up of the current elected assembly members, but does not include the mayor. It is the duty of the board to hear appeals, determine equalization, and adjust assessments when applicable.

14. What is your responsibility when appealing to the Board of Equalization?

If you choose to appeal you will bear the burden of proof, meaning it will be up to you to provide proof that the value set by the assessor is erroneous. By law, the board must support the assessors valuation, unless otherwise proven by you. To appeal your valuation you will need to:

1. Obtain an appeal form from the borough assessor
2. Complete the form and attach all documents to substantiate the claim
3. Return to the assessor no later than 30 days from the mailing date of your assessment notice, failure to do so will eliminate your right to appeal.

An attorney or a field expert may represent you if you wish, but is not required.

15. What if you do not agree with the board findings?

If you do not agree with the Board of Equalization decision you can appeal to the Superior Court. The Superior Court trial will be based on information presented to the Board of Equalization. Therefore, it is important to follow due process and, at the time of the Board of Equalization hearing, present all relevant evidence for consideration.

16. How is the value of the tax base found?

The value of the tax base is found by adding up the assessed value of all taxable real property within the borough boundaries.

17. How is the property tax determined?

Real property tax is determined by multiplying the assessed value of the property by the mill rate. In other words, taxes = assessed value x mill rate.

18. What is a mill?

A mill is a monetary unit equal to 1/1000 (one thousandth) of a U.S. dollar, or 1/10 (one-tenth) of one cent.

19. What is a mill rate?

A mill rate is just the number of mills each individual property is to be assessed, or charged, per dollar value of the property. For example, if your mill rate were 20 mills, you would pay two cents for every dollar of assessed value or $20 for each $1,000 of assessed value.

20. Who decides what the mill rate will be?

The Borough Assembly decides what the borough mill rate will be. The City Council determines the city levy within the corporate boundaries of the city.

21. How is the mill rate decided?

First, the taxing authority such as the borough decides how much money (revenues) will be needed to run the borough, by proposing a balanced budget. Second, the assembly decides how much other revenues will be received from other sources like sales taxes, grants, user fees, interest and etc. Third, the assembly does the math: step #1 minus step #2 equals property tax revenue needed. That revenue needed is raised by levying and collecting a property tax.

So, to figure the mill rate, the additional amount of money needed for the budget will be divided by the total assessed value of the tax roll.

22. When can you expect to receive a property tax bill?

Real property tax bills are prepared and mailed by the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Finance Department on or before July 1 of each year.

23. What if you refuse to pay the tax levied?

The borough places a lien against your property for the amount of tax owed. The lien includes any interest, penalties, and administrative costs charged because of lack of payment.

24. When are taxes due?

Taxes are due September 30 of every year, unless the 30 falls on a weekend, then the taxes would be due the following Monday.

25. What is a lien?

A lien is a judgment against the property that can be collected by foreclosure and sale of the property.

26. How long is the redemption period?

Duration of the redemption period is one year. During that time the borough holds title to the property. The taxpayer has redemptive rights during this period and can reclaim the property by paying the original tax, all penalties, interest and costs that the borough has incurred due to nonpayment.

27. What if the taxpayer hasn’t redeemed the property by the end of the redemption period?

At the end of the redemption period the borough will take legal action to secure a tax deed for all properties subject to foreclosure. The borough may hold or use the property for public use. If the borough retains the land, the taxpayer forfeits all rights of ownership.

28. How do I add or remove and owner from a parcel?

A document such as a Warranty Deed or a Quitclaim Deed would need to be recorded at the State of Alaska, Division of Natural Resources, District Recorder’s Office in order to change the records with our office. If you need assistance to complete a deed we are unable to give you legal advice. Please call a title company or an attorney for more information.

29. I was recently married, how do I change my name?

A document such as a Warranty Deed or a Quitclaim Deed would need to be recorded at the State of Alaska, Division of Natural Resources, District Recorder’s Office in order to change the records with our office. If you need assistance to complete a deed we are unable to give you legal advice. Please call a title company or an attorney for more information.

30. I was recently divorced, how do I change my name?

You could supply our office with a copy of the Certificate of Name Change signed by the Judge or Clerk of Courts or a document such as a Warranty Deed or a Quitclaim Deed could be recorded at the State of Alaska, Division of Natural Resources, District Recorder’s Office in order to change the records with our office. If you need assistance to complete a deed we are unable to give you legal advice. Please call a title company or an attorney for more information.

31. My parent died, how does it change ownership?

A document such as a Representative’s Deed is typically recorded to convey interest from the Estate of the deceased to another party. If you need assistance to complete a deed we are unable to give you legal advice. Please call a title company or an attorney for more information.

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Elections - Running for Office

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1. What is Filing for Office?

Simply put, filing for Borough office means gathering signatures and completing and submitting the forms to place your name on the ballot for a Borough Assembly or School Board member seat.

2. Who May File?

To qualify as a candidate for Borough Mayor or Assembly Member, a citizen must have resided in the Borough for one year prior to the election date, and must be Borough registered voter 30 days prior to the election. To qualify as a candidate for School Board, a citizen must be a Borough registered voter 30 days prior to the election.

3. What to File?

Candidates for Mayor, Assembly and School Board must submit the completed declaration of candidacy along with the signatures of at least 10 qualified Borough voters. All candidates must also complete and submit the APOC Public Official Financial Disclosure Statement. These forms must be submitted together to the Borough Clerk's office between August 1 and August 25.

4. What are we filing for?

The seats up for election on the October 3, 2023 Borough ballot are: 

Borough Assembly - 3 seats for 3-year terms 

Borough School Board - 2 seats for 3-year terms

5. When to file?

Filing for Borough offices is available from August 1 through noon on August 25 in the Borough Clerk’s office. Filing forms will be available at the Borough Clerk’s Office and on the Election page of the Borough website beginning July 1.

Borough Elections

6. Are there rules for campaigning?

The State of Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) has established rules for campaign disclosure.  Those forms must be filed directly to APOC by the candidate. Campaign forms are available at http://doa.alaska.gov/apoc/ 

 

Alaska law prohibits the placement of outdoor advertising along state highways unless certain exceptions are met.  See Alaska Statutes 19.25.105 at:  http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/folio.asp 

 

In addition, there are rules regarding placement of political and campaign signs on buildings within the Borough. See KGB Code 18.20.050 at: http://www.codepublishing.com/AK/ketchikangatewayborough

7. What to expect in office?

Be willing to make the time and effort commitment to keep informed of the issues facing the Borough. Learn more of what is expected by looking through the Candidate Information Handbook on the Elections Page of the Borough website.

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Elections - Voter Information

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1. Who may vote in a Borough election?

A qualified Borough voter is a person registered to vote in state elections at residence address within the Borough at least 30 days before the election at which the person seeks to vote. KGBC 5.10.010

2. How do I get ready to vote?

1. Register to vote no later than 30 days prior to the Regular election 2. Decide how you want to vote: in person, by fax, or by mail 3. Get educated! Pick up sample ballots as early as 15 days prior to the election from the Clerk’s Office.

Voter Registration Forms and Instructions

3. How can I register to vote?

Voter registration forms are available at the Borough Clerk's Office, City Clerk's Office, Ketchikan Public Library, and Alaska Elections Homepage .

4. Can I plan ahead and request a ballot ahead of time?

Yes. Voters may apply for absentee ballots at the Clerk's office as early as January 1, as follows: A by-mail ballot as early as January 1 of the calendar year in which the election was held; A by-fax ballot no sooner than 30 days prior to the election; An in-person absentee ballot no sooner than 15 days prior to the election.

5. How do I vote in person for a Borough Election?

• Show up - polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on election day, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Clerk's offices for absentee in person.
  
• Have ID ready - election workers will have precinct register.
  
• Not your precinct - you can vote using a questioned envelope.
  
• Follow the voting instructions provided by the poll workers.
  
• Do not take campaign materials with you. Campaign signs and materials are not allowed within 200 feet of an active polling place, including the absentee voting locations at the Clerk's office.
  Borough Polling Places

6. What if I am housebound or need help voting?

Provisional voting is available for you. Another adult may serve as a personal representative and may pick up a ballot for you, bring it to you for you to vote, sign the witness acknowledgment on the outside of the personal representative envelope, and return the ballot in the personal representative envelope to the absentee voting facility or any voting precinct on election day.

7. Where do I vote?

There are seven Borough election precincts. Your designated polling place is based on your residential address. On election day, your name will be listed on the precinct register in the precinct where you reside. You may vote in another polling place, but you will be asked to fill out a questioned voter envelope. Questioned voter ballots will be reviewed and counted separately by the canvass board.

Borough Polling Places

8. How do I vote for a Write-In Candidate?

In order to vote for a write-in candidate the voter must, in the space provided, write in the candidate’s name as the candidate’s name appears on the declaration of write-in candidacy filed with the Borough Clerk and fill in the oval opposite the candidate’s name. The use of stickers on the ballots is prohibited. Voters may request assistance from the poll workers.

9. Which Write-In Votes are Tallied?

According to KGBC 5.30.040 (a), Write-in votes are only tallied if:

(1)    If the person running as a write-in candidate has, at least before 5:00 p.m. of the day before the election, filed a declaration of write-in candidacy on a form provided by the clerk stating that they are willing to assume the office if elected and have also filed a completed public officials financial disclosure statement with the borough clerk; or

(2)    If the total number of write-in votes for an office exceeds the smallest number of votes cast for a candidate for that office whose name is printed on the ballot.

10. More questions?

Give the Borough Clerk's office a call at 228-6605, or stop by at 1900 First Avenue, Suite 115 (White Cliff building). Borough Election Web Page

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Finance

Show All Answers

1. Can I receive my invoices and statements electronically?

Yes - simply email your customer number (located next to your name on your invoice/statement), and the name on the account to finance@kgbak.us

You will begin receiving your bills electronically with the next billing cycle.

2. Can I pay my bill with a credit card?

Yes - credit card payments are offered to customers over the counter or on our website.

3. Does the Borough have a payment drop box I can use to pay my bill?

No - payments should either be mailed, hand delivered or paid by credit card on our website.

4. Can I set up my account to pay automatically?

Yes - with the exception of property tax, auto payments are available as an option to pay your account. We can set up payments using your checking account, savings account, or credit card.

5. When are property tax bills mailed?

Property taxes are mailed every year on July 1st.

6. When are property taxes due?

Property taxes are due on July 1st of each year and become delinquent on October 1st.

7. What if I didn't receive my property tax bill?

According to Borough Code 4.45.370, failure to receive a billing shall not relieve the owner of the property from the obligation to timely pay their taxes. If you did not receive your bill, please call to get a copy of your bill or the total amount due.

8. How do I appeal a penalty or interest charge on my account?

Staff does not have the authority to waive interest or penalties except when it is determined that staff made a clerical error.

9. When are property tax overpayments refunded?

Periodically, two or more people will pay property taxes on a piece of property. If this occurs, refunds are processed during the month of October.

10. How old do I have to be in order to obtain a senior sales tax exemption card?

A person must be at least 65 years of age and a permanent resident of the Borough in order to qualify for a senior sales tax exemption card.

11. Does a senior sales tax exemption card automatically activate my senior property tax exemption?

No - Real property exemptions are completely separate from sales tax exemptions and have deadlines in order to qualify.

Senior Citizen Exemption - March 31

Disabled Veteran Exemption - July 1

Low Income Housing Tax Credit - May 15

Economic Development - January 31

You will need to speak with someone in the Assessment department for more information on these types of exemptions.

12. What type of property would receive the annual North Tongass Fire & EMS fee?

Properties located within the North Tongass Service Area and have an improvement that equals 120 square feet of roof area or greater are subject to this annual fee.

13. Does the North Tongass Fire & EMS fee apply to more than one structure on a property?

No - only one structure fee is billed regardless of the number of improvements on the property.

14. Can someone pick up my paycheck if I'm not able to?

It depends - we require the request to have someone pick up your paycheck in writing. Either faxing, emailing or physically bringing in an authorization is sufficient. If we don't have the authorization in your file, your check will be given to your supervisor.

15. How do I get a copy of my W-2 or paystub?

Provide a request in writing, either by email or in person to payroll@kgbak.us and provide a detailed request of what you need a copy of and where to send it.

16. My company does business with the Borough. Can I get paid with an electronic draft rather than a check?

Yes - EFT payments are available for our vendors. A detail of the items paid will be mailed so you will still receive the backup for each payment. The form to enroll in EFT payments is available on our website.

17. If I have an address change, which departments do I contact?

We suggest filling out the Address Change form available on our website in order to notify the appropriate departments. Otherwise, there are three departments that should be notified in writing of any address changes: Finance, Public Works and Assessment.

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North Tongass Fire Department

Show All Answers

1. Who are the Board of Directors?

Discover the Board of Directors by visiting the Service Areas Page.

2. How much is this all costing?

Learn why this is costing so much by viewing the Ketchikan Gateway Borough FY 2010 Budget.

3. What is the ISO and how does it affect me?

Learn about the Insurance Services Office (ISO), what it does, and how it affects you.

4. I have never had to get a burn permit before, why do I have to now?

Discover the requirements and reasons it is suggested to acquire a burn permit.

5. So, what kind of burn barrel should I use?

Discover the burn barrel guidelines and learn the basic burn barrel design by viewing the burn barrel specifications.

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Parks & Recreation

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1. Where are you located and how do I get there?

We are located at:
601 Schoenbar Rd
Ketchikan AK 99901

Map

2. What are your hours?

The Gateway Recreation Center is open:
Monday - Friday 5am-9pm
Saturday 7am-9pm
Sunday 11am-6pm

The Gateway Aquatic Center is open:
Monday - Friday 5am-8:15pm
Saturday 7am-5pm
Sunday 11am-5pm

Parks & Recreation is always closed on the following holidays:
New Years Day (January 1)
Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
Independence Day (July 4)
Labor Day (First Monday in September)
Thanksgiving (Fourth Thursday in November)
Christmas Day (December 25)

3. What time is open swim and lap swim?

We have various swims through out the day. Check our schedule here

4. How do I register for a class?

There are two ways to register for a class, online or in person. To register in person you can come to the Gateway Recreation Center, 601 Schoenbar Rd, Ketchikan, AK 99901.

5. What is the age requirement for children to swim alone in the pool?

Patrons using the competition pool must be at least 48 inches tall, 7 years of age or be able to swim one width of the pool using over arm crawl stroke. Patrons using the recreation pool must be at least 6 years of age or be able to swim one width of the pool.

Patrons not meeting these requirements MUST be accompanied at all times and in the direct supervision (within arms length) of another person 14 years of age or older.

6. What are the requirements to use the slide?

To use the slide you must be 48" tall. Maximum rider weight is 300 lbs. To use the drop slide you must have passed the deep water swim test before you use the slide.

Pregnant women and any person with a heart condition or back trouble should not ride the slides. Rider assumes all risk of injury due to misuse of this slide or failure to follow these rules.

Only one rider allowed on the slide at a time. Absolutely no trains or chains of riders permitted. Children may not ride in the laps of adults.

There is no masks, goggles, clothing with metal elements, floatation devices, water wings, water socks or shoes allowed on the slides.

Foreign object are not allowed in pockets and no jewelry may be worn while riding the slides.

Click here for a complete list of pool and slide rules.

7. How many laps is a mile in the pool or on the track?

Competition Pool - 72 lengths (or 36 laps)
Indoor Track - 12 1/2 times around

8. What kind of memberships do you have?

We currently have 10 punch passes, 1 month, 3 month, 6 month and annual passes. Please visit the Parks & Recreation Prices Page for more information.

9. When does the next brochure come out?

Brochures are on a quarterly basis. Spring (March, April, May), Summer (June, July, August), Fall (September, October, November) and Winter (December, January, February). The brochures typically come out online a week and a half before the new quarter begins along with registration beginning the following Friday.

10. Can I use water wings or other floatation devices?

Yes, water wings and coast guard approved devices are allowed. Children wearing floatation devices or water wings must be accompanied and in the direct supervision of an adult at all times. We require at least one adult per two children wearing life jackets or water wings in the pool. Floatation devices are only allowed in the shallow end of the pool.

11. What is the age requirement for children to use the appropriate locker room?

Children 6 years old and older are required to use the appropriate locker room. If a parent of the opposite sex must assist a child, they are welcome to use the family dressing rooms. We have 2 family dressing rooms available. They are on a first come, first serve basis. It is recommended you take your things out of the family locker rooms as you could have to wait to get back into them.

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Planning and Community Development

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1. When do I need a zoning permit?

(1) A zoning permit must be obtained:

a. Prior to the commencement of new construction, the erection, assemblage, or placement of a structure and/or appurtenances on a property except as specified in subsection (b)(4) of this section.

b. Prior to the commencement of an enlargement of enclosed space or the alteration, movement, or conversion of any existing structure and/or appurtenance, except as specified in subsection (b)(4) of this section.

c. Prior to the initiation of a new use or addition of a new activity that may be subject to different development requirements or lot development standards.

d. In order to utilize a variance in accordance with KGBC 18.150.020(f)(5) and 18.150.030(f)(6) and/or a conditional use permit in accordance with KGBC 18.155.110, that have been granted by the planning commission.

2) Exception:

a. Structures 120 square feet or less

b. Decks under 30 inches in height

2. How long is a zoning permit valid?

A zoning permit is valid for two years.

3. What do I need to apply for a sign permit?

The following are needed to apply for a sign permit:

1. An application for a sign permit.
2. A drawing or illustration of the sign with dimensions provided as well as the sign material.
3. A simple site plan showing the location of the sign on the property.
4. If the sign is freestanding, an elevation of the sign must be provided showing the height of the sign from the adjacent grade.

4. What is a variance?

An application to the Planning Commission to vary all quantifiable standards contained within Title 18 Zoning. Variances follow the process outlined within Chapter 18.150 KGBC.

5. What is a conditional use permit?

A conditional use permit is a device which gives flexibility to the zoning ordinance in a uniform and controlled manner. It permits inclusion, in zones where it is permitted by the zoning ordinance (of which this chapter is part), of uses which are basically desirable to the community, but where the nature of the use will not permit its location at every location in the said zones without restrictions and conditions designed to fit the special problems which the use presents. A conditional use permit allows a landowner to put his property to a use which the zoning ordinance expressly permits: It does not allow a landowner to use his property in a manner forbidden by the zoning ordinance. Conditional Use Permits (CUP) follow the process outlined within Chapter 18.155 KGBC.

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South Tongass Fire Department

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1. How do I apply to become a member of the South Tongass Volunteer Fire Department?

Applications are available on the Volunteer section of the South Tongass Volunteer Fire Department's website. Simply click on the membership application link for a printable version. Complete the application and submit it with the required documents to the Fire Chief.

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Transit

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1. What types of transportation service does Ketchikan Gateway Borough provide?

The Ketchikan Gateway Borough provides two types of service: 1) Accessible fixed-route bus service, known as The BUS; and; 2) ADA Paratransit service, provided by the Senior Van and operated by Southeast Senior Services.

2. How is Ketchikan Gateway Borough involved with Southeast Senior Services?

The paratransit and Senior Van transportation service is operated by Southeast Senior Services, and is cooperatively funded by the Ketchikan Gateway Borough, the Alaska Division of Senior and Disabilities Services, and the City of Ketchikan. The service is designed for persons with disabilities and senior citizens as a means of providing access to the community and supporting independent living.

3. Who can ride the Senior Van/Paratransit?

The Senior Van/Paratransit is designed to provide transportation for seniors and persons whose disabilities prevent them from riding Ketchikan Gateway Borough fixed-route bus service (The BUS).

4. How do I qualify for Senior Van/Paratransit service?

You must meet at least one of the following conditions: 1) You are 60 years of age or older OR; 2) You hold an ADA Paratransit card issued by the Ketchikan Gateway Borough.

5. How do I get an ADA Paratransit card?

You must first complete an ADA Paratransit Eligibility Application. An application is available from the Paratransit section of the Transit website. You may also contact the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Transit Department at 225-8726 or transit@kgbak.us to request an ADA Paratransit Eligibility Application. Your application will be reviewed by the Transit Department and they will contact you for a phone interview.

6. What is the purpose of the ADA Paratransit Eligibility Application and phone interview?

The application and phone interview gives you an opportunity to describe barriers in the environment or other personal barriers that prevent you from using the Ketchikan Gateway Borough fixed-route bus service (The BUS). The more information you provide, the better Ketchikan Gateway Borough Transit Department will understand your transportation needs and travel challenges.

7. What does it cost to ride the paratransit van?

The fare for paratransit passengers under the age of 60 is $1.00 per ride. There is no fare required for persons over 60 to ride the Senior Van; however, operations depend on passenger donations and donations are encouraged. The suggested donation for seniors is $1.00 for a one-way trip.