Cruise Dock Code Revision

What Residents Need to Know

Official Communication | September 2026

Here is where things stand: Right now, the Sitka General Code does not differentiate between types or sizes of commercial use docks. Commercial use docks—including cruise ship docks—are allowed outright in general commercial zones, the waterfront district, and the industrial district. This means that anyone owning property zoned as such may develop private cruise docking infrastructure without public input or process, even though this kind of development can have community-wide impacts.

The city recognizes the impacts the development of cruise docks can have: the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan prioritizes balancing tourism’s economic impacts with preservation of Sitkan’s quality of life. In 2024, the Tourism Task Force recommended to the Assembly that a change to the general code be adopted. Such a change would distinguish large docks capable of berthing cruise ships from commercial docks. It would also require permitting for such facilities. At the direction of the Assembly, the Planning & Community Development Department began drafting this code change in 2025.

Draft Ordinance 09/25/26(PDF, 295KB)

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s proposed?

The draft ordinance aims to provide a means for local and comprehensive review of proposed cruise dock facilities. It defines cruise ship docks, implements a permit requirement for new cruise ship docks and the expansion of existing docks, and outlines permitting procedures. Permit procedures will include requirements for application submissions, public meetings, and authorization levels.

What’s the process for changing the code?

Changes to the Sitka General Code require the passage of an ordinance, which must pass two readings from the Assembly to be adopted. This particular code change will also receive recommendations from the Tourism and Planning commissions.

What’s in the code, now?

The zoning code does not differentiate between types or sizes of commercial use docks. Commercial use docks—including cruise ship docks—are allowed outright in general commercial zones, the waterfront district, and the industrial district.

To look at a zoning map of Sitka, click here and select the “Zoning Map” option under the “Layers” tab at the left of the screen. The zoning code's use tables are available by clicking here.

How can I take part in the code change process?

You can provide public comment at any point during this process. Public comment may be provided in person at public meetings and engagement opportunities, or in writing via email to planning@cityofsitka.org. Comments can also be dropped off at the Planning Office, located on the second floor of city hall. If you have additional questions about how to participate, please call (907) 747-1814.

What about a moratorium or ban?

The city recognizes that cruise tourism is a divisive topic, and that the prospect of new or expanded cruise ship dock facilities in our community is a polarizing conversation. The Tourism Task Force recommendation on cruise ship docks was to ensure that, at a minimum, any proposal for a new or expanded cruise ship dock would have a public permitting process in place. Additional regulation of the cruise industry—including a moratorium—may be considered by the Assembly or at its direction.

How does this impact the comprehensive plan?

Sitka’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan, which was passed in 2018, encourages general support of tourism in Sitka. The plan was passed prior to the 2022 influx in cruise visitation and does not speak much to tourism beyond expressing general support. Given it was adopted in a different climate, the 2030 Comprehensive Plan does not provide an accurate reflection of present priorities regarding cruise tourism. Such priorities are better documented in the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan, which emphasizes balancing the positive economic impacts of tourism with the maintenance of a high quality of life for year-round residents.

As part of the code update, an amendment to the 2030 Comprehensive Plan is also proposed. Further information on this amendment will be available at a later date.