The Denali Borough Planning Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to forward Draft 4 of the boroughroad construction standards to the Denali Borough Assembly as a recommended guidance document.

The commissionapproved the draft as a reference tool rather than adopting the specifications into code immediately. Commissioners said the document will serve as a benchmark for subdivision review, borough grant programs and for staff when property owners seek permission to build or alter access within borough rights of way.

Borough land planner Trina Haugen, who presented the draft material, said the standards are meant to help property owners and staff decide whatis practicable and to support grant-award decisions. "We'll use it as a tool in our grant programs, our new road maintenance and road improvement grant programs," Haugen said.

Commissioners and staff discussed three main use cases for the guidance: (1) large subdivisions where the borough would expect constructed roads as part of platting; (2) private landowners seeking to improve long private driveways or build new access; and (3) borough approval of easements across borough property. Several commissioners emphasized that the document should be framed as a strong recommendation rather than an immediate, enforceable code.

Commissioners raised operational questions that the assembly will need to address if the guidelines are referenced in code: whether the borough will require a formal letter of nonobjectionfrom the land planner before private construction, who issues that letter (the mayor or designee), review timelines, and what enforcement mechanisms will exist if a constructed access later causes disputes. Haugen noted the draft was originally prepared with the intent it would become code and that language will need adjusting if the assembly treats it as guidance.

Planning commissioners also discussed inspection and engineering capacity: the borough currently lacks in-house staff to review stamped engineered road plans or to inspect constructed roadways. The draft therefore keeps an alternate pathan engineered design approved by the borough prior to constructionand recommends that developers or applicants retain professional engineers when appropriate.

After discussion the commission member who moved the motion asked that the draft be forwarded to the assembly "as recommended guidelines." The commission voted to forward the document unanimously.

The assembly will now receive the draft for review; staff said the assembly would consider the appropriate referral language in code and could add a procedural section covering letters of nonobjection, review timelines and how the standards tie to borough grants or easement approvals.