Easement Vacation and Replats

The Survey Section is the initial point of contact for applying to vacate an easement managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Information regarding petitioning to replat existing lot lines in the Unorganized Borough is included here because it is handled under the same process and regulations as easement vacations.

The following types of easements require DNR approval for full or partial vacation:

  • Section-Line Easements of any width
  • RS 2477 Rights-of-Way
  • Easements “To and Along Public Water” created per AS 38.05.127
  • Alaska Division of Lands (ADL) Right-of-Way
  • Any other easements reserved and managed by DNR

In the Unorganized Borough all of the above plus the following require DNR approval:

  • Platted Right-of-Way dedicated to Public Use
  • Public Access Easements
  • Replats
  • Replats plus any combination of the above

The vacation of section-line easements and RS 2477 rights-of-way also requires the approval of the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT/PF). A petition filed with DNR will be automatically forwarded to DOT/PF, along with copies of the required submittals, and applicants are not required to petition DOT/PF directly. The Survey Section will also solicit review comments directly from other state agencies.

The supporting materials required along with the petition and application fee differ according to the location and type of action requested. There are three different situations:

1. Easement Vacations Within a Local Platting Authority

Local platting authority is granted to organized boroughs and incorporated cities and municipalities. If your property lies within a incorporated city or borough, you should contact the appropriate office to determine whether or not they are exercising their platting authority. If you are unsure how to contact the local government, the Division of Community Advocacy maintains an online Community Database that we have found to be helpful.

Instructions for Easement Vacation Petitions Within a Local Platting Authority

Easement Vacation Within a Local Platting Authority - Petition, Instructions and Other Information

Application Fee - $750

2. Easement Vacations in the Unorganized Borough

If there is not a local platting authority, then DNR is the platting authority, in accordance with AS 40.15. Within the Unorganized Borough, the vacation or alteration of any public easement or right-of-way of record is a vacation subject to the requirements of AS 29.40.120-.150 and AS 40.15.300(e).

Instructions for Easement Vacation Petitions Within the Unorganized Borough Platting Authority.

Easement Vacation in the Unorganized Borough - Petition, Instructions and Other Information

Application Fee - $750

3. Replats in the Unorganized Borough

Within the Unorganized Borough, if new subdivision lotting overlaps, or in any way alters platted lot lines, it is a replat subject to the requirements of AS 29.40.120-.150 and AS 40.15.300(e). Protracted lot lines, depicted as dashed lines, on GLO or BLM rectangular survey plats approved by the federal government are lot lines of record and subject to the same regulations if replatted.

DNR Policy (with examples) - When a Replat Petition is Required

Replats in the Unorganized Borough - Petition and Instructions

Application / Survey Instruction Fee - $50

Downloads useful for drafting:

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