Bed & Breakfast

Bed and Breakfasts are allowed in all residential districts, but only in single-family dwellings or one unit of duplexes. The owner or manager of the B&B must live in the same dwelling unit as the patrons. A B&B is "intended to be a minor and incidental commercial activity," so there are restrictions on the number of rooms that can be offered for rent and the size and type of sign that can be used.

B&Bs are governed by AMC 21.05.070D.. A biennial operating permit from the Municipality is required. Application Form: Bed and Breakfast / Roominghouse Permit

B&Bs with four or five guest rooms require an administrative site plan review from the Planning Department in addition to the required operating permit. This review ensures that the B&B operation is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood and that adequate public services are available. Application Form: Site Plan Review Form

You are welcome to contact Land Use Review to see if a particular B&B has a current operating permit. Of course, we cannot recommend any commercial enterprise to the public - but you may wish to contact the following organizations for more information:

Anchorage Alaska Bed and Breakfast Association

Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau (dba Visit Anchorage)

Alaska Travel Industry Association

If you use the online version of the code, try searching "21.05.070" for more information. Please note that recent amendments may not have been published yet.