About Petersburg Borough
Petersburg Borough, Alaska (commonly referred to as Petersburg Borough-level government) is a unified home rule borough located in the southeastern panhandle of Alaska, approximately 120 miles north of Ketchikan. The borough includes the northern portion of Mitkof Island, Kupreanof Island, and surrounding smaller islands and mainland areas, totaling approximately 3,829 square miles, with 2,257 square miles of land and 1,572 square miles of water.
- The borough economy centers on commercial fishing, seafood processing, and tourism.
The borough seat and primary community is the City of Petersburg Borough, which merged with the former Petersburg Borough Borough to form Petersburg Borough Borough in 2013. As of the 2020 Census, the borough had a population of approximately 3,398 residents. Known as "Little Norway," Petersburg Borough was founded by Norwegian immigrant Peter Buschmann in 1897 and retains strong Scandinavian cultural heritage, evident in its annual Little Norway Festival and distinctive architecture.
The community is accessible only by air or sea, with no road connections to the continental highway system. Major landmarks include the Stikine-LeConte Wilderness, LeConte Glacier (the southernmost tidewater glacier in North America), Petersburg Borough Creek-Duncan Salt Chuck Wilderness, and the historic Sons of Norway Hall. Petersburg Borough Borough government operates from the Municipal Building at 12 South Nordic Drive, Petersburg, AK 99833.
The Borough Clerk maintains public records, the Borough Assessor handles property valuations, and the Borough Manager oversees administrative functions. Petersburg area operates under a unified borough-city government structure, consolidating services that would traditionally be separated in other Alaska jurisdictions.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Petersburg Borough does not have a traditional sheriff's office as seen in other regions. This department is responsible for patrolling the borough, maintaining public safety, and processing arrests. The department also manages criminal records and collaborates with state and federal agencies on larger investigations. Notable programs include community policing initiatives meant to building strong relationships between officers and residents.
Police Departments
The primary law enforcement agency in Petersburg Borough is the Petersburg Police Department, which serves the city of Petersburg and surrounding areas. The department handles all aspects of public safety, including emergency response, investigations, and community outreach. They coordinate with state troopers and federal agencies on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and support across the borough.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement services in Petersburg Borough are provided primarily by Petersburg Police Department, located at 12 South Nordic Drive, Petersburg, AK 99833 (phone: 907-772-3838). The local community Borough does not have a traditional borough sheriff's office due to its unified municipal government structure; instead, the Petersburg area Police Department serves the entire borough jurisdiction.
- Arrest records and police reports can be requested under the Alaska Public Records Act (AS 40.25.110-40.25.220), which requires agencies to respond to public records requests within a reasonable timeframe.
- Requests should be submitted in writing to the Petersburg area Police Department Records Division.
The department operates 24/7 dispatch services and maintains a small detention facility for temporary holding, though long-term inmates are typically transferred to regional facilities such as the Lemon Creek Correctional Center in Juneau. Alaska State Troopers also have jurisdiction throughout the borough and can be reached through their Ketchikan Post (907-225-5118), which covers Petersburg Borough. Booking information and current custody status may be obtained by calling the police department directly during business hours.
Due to the small size of the facility, Petersburg Borough does not maintain an online inmate lookup database; inquiries must be made by phone. Mugshot and booking photo availability is limited and must be specifically requested under public records law, with the department retaining discretion over release based on ongoing investigations and privacy considerations. The Alaska Court System's CourtView online portal may also contain arrest and charging information once cases are filed.
The Organized Village of Kake, a federally recognized tribe with territory in Petersburg Borough, maintains its own public safety officers for tribal lands. Marine enforcement is conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard and Alaska Wildlife Troopers due to the borough's extensive maritime environment and fishing industry.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Petersburg Borough include felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. To conduct a background check, individuals can request records from the police department or through the Alaska Bureau of Investigation, which provides statewide criminal history reports. The bureau offers a full database for residents seeking detailed background information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Petersburg Borough are maintained by Petersburg Police Department. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request access to these records by submitting a formal request to the police department, in compliance with the Alaska Public Records Act. Arrest records typically contain the date of arrest, charges, and any court proceedings related to the case.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Petersburg Police Department operates a short-term holding facility for detainees. This facility handles the booking process, which includes fingerprinting and photographing individuals upon arrest. Inmate lookup services are available through direct contact with the police department, as the facility does not have an online database for public searches. Visitation rules are strict, requiring prior approval and adherence to scheduled times. Bail and bond processes follow Alaska state guidelines, allowing for cash or bond payments to secure release pending court appearances.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Petersburg Borough are taken and retained by the Petersburg Police Department during the booking process. These photographs are part of the arrest record and can be accessed through a formal request to the department. Currently, there is no online database for public mugshot searches. Alaska does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals may petition for removal if charges are dropped or they are acquitted.
Courts & Case Records
Petersburg Borough is served by the Alaska Court System's First Judicial District, with court proceedings held at Petersburg Courthouse located at 103 Fram Street, P.O. Box 1009, Petersburg, AK 99833 (phone: 907-772-3824). The courthouse houses both Superior Court, which handles felony criminal cases, civil cases over $100,000, domestic relations, probate, and appeals from lower courts, and District Court, which handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases up to $100,000, small claims up to $10,000, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
- CourtView provides case summaries, party information, hearing schedules, and disposition information for most cases, though certain records may be sealed or confidential pursuant to court rules.
- Physical records can be accessed at the courthouse during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding state holidays).
- Certified copies of court documents cost $5 for the first page and $2 for each additional page, with additional fees for research time.
- Traffic citations and minor infractions may also be processed through Petersburg Borough court location, with payment options available online through the Alaska Court System payment portal.
Court sessions are held regularly, though some matters may require travel to Juneau or other First Judicial District locations for specialized proceedings. Alaska does not use the "Circuit Court" designation. The Alaska Court System maintains CourtView, a free online public access system available at courts.alaska.gov/courtrecords, where users can search civil, criminal, and domestic violence case records by party name, case number, or attorney.
Remote records access is governed by Alaska Court Rules 37.1 and 37.2, and the Alaska Public Records Act. Probate matters are handled by the Superior Court, including estates, guardianships, and conservatorships.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Petersburg Borough are maintained by the Borough Clerk's Office at Petersburg Borough Municipal Building, 12 South Nordic Drive, P.O. Box 329, Petersburg Borough, AK 99833 (phone: 907-772-4519, website: www.petersburgak.gov). The Clerk's office is the recording district for documents including deeds, mortgages, easements, liens (mechanics liens, judgment liens, UCC financing statements), subdivision plats, rights-of-way, and various real property instruments.
- Recording fees are established by Alaska statute AS 40.17.030 and typically include $20 for the first page and $5 for each additional page, though fees vary by document type.
- Property tax assessment records are maintained by the Petersburg area Borough Assessor's Office at the same Municipal Building address (phone: 907-772-4519).
- Property tax information can be accessed online through the borough's website, which provides parcel search capabilities by owner name, address, or parcel number.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $2 per page.
- All records are public unless specifically exempted under Alaska Statutes, and requests can be made in person, by mail, phone, or through the borough website.
Documents can be recorded in person or by mail, and must meet Alaska recording standards including proper acknowledgment and legal descriptions. The State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources maintains the Alaska Land Records Information System (ALRIS) at dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/landrec, which provides access to recorded land documents, survey plats, and federal land status records. The Assessor maintains current property valuations, ownership records, parcel maps, and tax exemption information.
The borough operates on a fiscal year basis (July 1-June 30) with property taxes due September 15 annually. The Borough also maintains geographic information system (GIS) data and parcel mapping, accessible through the Community Development Department.
Vital Records
Vital records for events occurring in Petersburg Borough are maintained by the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics, Department of Health, 5441 Commercial Boulevard, Juneau, AK 99801 (phone: 907-465-3391, website: dhss.alaska.gov/dph/VitalStats). Alaska operates a centralized vital records system, so birth and death certificates must be requested through the state office rather than at the local level, under Alaska Statutes Title 18, Chapter 50 (AS 18.50). Birth certificates cost $30 for the first certified copy and $25 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates cost $30 for the first copy and $25 for additional copies.
- Processing time is typically 3-5 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- VitalChek, an authorized third-party vendor, offers online and phone ordering at www.vitalchek.com with additional service fees and faster processing (approximately 7-10 business days plus shipping).
- Marriage licenses are issued by Petersburg Borough Borough Clerk's Office at 12 South Nordic Drive, Petersburg, AK 99833 (phone: 907-772-4519).
- The marriage license fee is approximately $60, requires both parties to appear in person with valid identification, and has a three-business-day waiting period after issuance before the ceremony can be performed.
Applicants must be eligible under AS 18.50.310, which restricts access to the registrant (if of legal age), immediate family members, legal representatives, or persons with a direct and tangible interest. Valid government-issued photo identification is required, along with proof of relationship. The license is valid for 90 days.
Divorce decrees and dissolution records are obtained through the Alaska Court System at Petersburg Courthouse (907-772-3824) or through the state vital records office. Historical vital records (over 50 years old) may have different access provisions and some are archived with the Alaska State Archives.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Petersburg Borough are available through multiple jurisdictions depending on the record type. Petersburg Borough Clerk's Office at 12 South Nordic Drive, P.O. Box 329, Petersburg, AK 99833 (phone: 907-772-4519) maintains local business license records and fictitious name (DBA) registrations for businesses operating within borough boundaries. Local business licenses are required for most commercial activities and must be renewed annually.
- Applications and renewals can be processed in person or by mail, with fees varying based on business type and gross receipts.
- The Corporations section provides free online search capabilities for registered business entities, including corporation names, LLC names, registered agents, filing dates, and entity status.
- Business entity filings, annual reports, and name reservations are all processed through the state office at P.O.
- Box 110806, Juneau, AK 99811-0806 (phone: 907-465-2530).
- Building permits, construction permits, zoning variances, and conditional use permits are issued by the Petersburg area Borough Community Development Department (phone: 907-772-4520), located at the Municipal Building.
For formal business entity formation and registration (corporations, LLCs, partnerships), the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing maintains the statewide database accessible online at www.commerce.alaska.gov/cbp/main. Professional and occupational licenses are regulated by the state Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, with searchable databases available online for verification of licenses including contractors, engineers, health professionals, and other regulated occupations. Sales tax does not exist at the state level in Alaska; however, Petersburg area Borough imposes a local sales tax of 7%, administered by the Borough Finance Department at the Municipal Building.
Petersburg Borough Economic Development Council can be contacted for business development resources and economic information (website: www.ptakbiz.com).
Elections & Voter Records
Election administration in Petersburg Borough is managed by the Petersburg area Borough Clerk's Office, serving as the local election authority, located at 12 South Nordic Drive, P.O. Box 329, Petersburg, AK 99833 (phone: 907-772-4519, website: www.petersburgak.gov/departments/clerk). Voter registration in Alaska is administered statewide by the Alaska Division of Elections, with applications and information available at elections.alaska.gov. Alaska residents may register to vote if they are U.S.
- The deadline to request absentee ballots by mail is 10 days before election day, though in-person absentee voting is available until the day before the election.
Citizens, at least 18 years old by election day, and have been Alaska residents for at least 30 days preceding the election. Voter registration can be completed online through the Alaska Online Voter Registration system at voterregistration.alaska.gov, in person at the Borough Clerk's Office, by mail using a paper application, or at the Division of Motor Vehicles during license transactions. The voter registration deadline for regular elections is 30 days before election day, though Alaska offers same-day voter registration for questioned ballots.
To find your polling place in Petersburg Borough, voters can use the Alaska Division of Elections' Voter Information Portal at myvoterinformation.alaska.gov by entering their name and birthdate, or contact the Borough Clerk directly. The local community typically has one or two polling locations serving the community on election day, generally at the Wright Auditorium or Petersburg Borough Borough Assembly Chambers. Election records that are public in Alaska include voter registration lists (available for purchase for political purposes under AS 15.07.195), campaign finance disclosures filed with the Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) at aws.state.ak.us/apoc, candidate declarations and petitions, ballot measures, precinct-level election results, and absentee ballot statistics.
Individual ballot secrecy is protected by law. Petersburg Borough Borough voter turnout in the November 2024 general election was approximately 68-72%, reflecting Alaska's generally high civic engagement in presidential election years, though turnout is lower in municipal and special elections. The next major election is the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026, which will include Alaska's sole U.S.
House seat, one U.S. Senate seat (if scheduled for that cycle), the Alaska Governor's race, State Legislature seats, and various state ballot measures. Alaska uses a ranked-choice voting system for federal and statewide races, implemented following the 2020 ballot measure.
Absentee voting (vote-by-mail) in Petersburg Borough Borough is available to any registered voter who requests it; applications can be submitted online, by mail, by fax, or in person to the Alaska Division of Elections or the Borough Clerk beginning 60 days before an election. Military and overseas voters have special provisions under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). Early voting is available at the Borough Clerk's office beginning 15 days before election day.
The local community Borough demonstrates strong election transparency with public pre-election logic and accuracy testing, observer access to vote counting, publicly posted election results, and compliance with Alaska's open meetings and public records laws under AS 44.62.
Economy & Demographics
Petersburg Borough's economy is heavily centered on commercial fishing and seafood processing, which has been the cornerstone of the community since its founding in 1897. The borough is home to one of Alaska's most productive fishing fleets, with vessels harvesting salmon (all five species), halibut, black cod (sablefish), crab, and other groundfish species. Major seafood processors operating in Petersburg Borough include Ocean Beauty Seafoods, Icicle Seafoods, and Petersburg Borough Fisheries, which collectively employ hundreds of seasonal and year-round workers.
- The fishing industry generates tens of millions of dollars annually in ex-vessel value and provides significant employment during summer processing seasons.
- According to Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development data, the borough's median household income is estimated at approximately $63,000-$68,000, slightly below the Alaska state average.
- The borough faces economic challenges including remoteness, high cost of living, dependence on natural resource fluctuations, and limited year-round employment diversity.
Key economic sectors beyond fishing include tourism (cruise ship visits, sport fishing charters, whale watching, and LeConte Glacier tours), retail trade, healthcare services (Petersburg Borough seat area Medical Center is a major employer), education (Petersburg Borough seat area City Schools), and government employment (borough, state, and federal). The unemployment rate fluctuates seasonally due to fishing and tourism cycles, typically ranging from 5-9% depending on the season. Major employers include Petersburg Borough seat area Borough School District, Petersburg Borough seat area Medical Center, the City and Borough of Petersburg Borough, Alaska Marine Highway System (ferry terminal), and seafood processing companies.
Economic development initiatives focus on diversifying the economy through value-added seafood products, renewable energy projects (including hydroelectric power from local watersheds), and sustainable tourism. The borough benefits from its strategic location along the Alaska Marine Highway System and proximity to the Stikine River, one of North America's largest free-flowing rivers. Forest products and timber historically played a role but have declined significantly.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (CourtView) | Property: Yes: Online Search Available | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Only | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall Score: 7.5/10, Petersburg Borough provides good digital access to most public records, though some services require contacting offices directly due to the community's small size and remote location.
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Cities & Towns in Petersburg Borough
Explore public records for 2 cities and communities in Petersburg Borough, Alaska.