About Yakutat City and Borough
Yakutat City and Borough, Alaska is a unique unified home rule municipality located on the Gulf of Alaska in southeastern Alaska. Important distinction: Alaska has no counties; Yakutat is a consolidated city-borough covering approximately 7,650 square miles of land and water. The borough seat is the City of Yakutat County, with a population of approximately 660 residents as of recent census estimates. Yakutat is situated between the traditional Inside Passage and southcentral Alaska, bordered by Glacier Bay National Park to the south and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park to the north. Yakutat County is renowned for the massive Malaspina Glacier, North America's largest piedmont glacier, and Hubbard Glacier, the continent's largest tidewater glacier. The Tlingit people have inhabited Yakutat County for thousands of years, and Yakutat County was a Russian fur trading post before the Alaska Purchase in 1867. Yakutat became a unified city-borough in 1992. The borough operates as a unified government, so there is no separate County Recorder or County Clerk; instead, Yakutat City and Borough Administration handles all recording functions. The Borough Clerk's office is located at 100 Max Italio Drive, Yakutat County, AK 99689, phone. The Assessor functions are handled through the borough administration. What makes Yakutat County unique is its position as one of Alaska's smallest boroughs by population, its world-class surfing at Cannon Beach, its proximity to massive glaciers, and its status as a premier fishing destination. The community is accessible primarily by air and sea, with limited road infrastructure, creating a remote but tightly-knit community. The economy centers on commercial fishing, sport fishing tourism, and subsistence activities traditional to Alaska Native culture.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Yakutat City and City and Borough does not have a traditional sheriff's office due to its unique status as a city-city and borough. Instead, law enforcement duties are managed by the Yakutat area Police Department, which provides policing services for the entire city and borough. The department is responsible for patrolling Yakutat City and City and Borough, handling arrests, and maintaining public safety.
Police Departments
The Yakutat Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency serving Yakutat City and City and Borough, Alaska. It provides full policing services, including crime prevention, investigation, and community safety programs. There are no separate city or municipal police departments within the city and borough due to its unified city-city and borough structure. The Yakutat Police Department coordinates with state and federal agencies for major investigations and emergency response, making sure of full law enforcement coverage across the city and borough's vast area.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Yakutat City and City and Borough is provided by the Alaska State Troopers, as Yakutat area does not maintain its own police department or sheriff's office. The nearest Alaska State Trooper post is located in Juneau, approximately 225 air miles southeast, though troopers make regular patrols to Yakutat. The Alaska State Troopers can be contacted through the office’s website. general information or for dispatch. For emergencies, residents dial 911.
- Citizens may request arrest records by contacting the Alaska State Troopers or the Alaska Department of Public Safety, Records and Identification Section, 5700 East Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99507.
- Processing fees apply for criminal history reports.
- Inmate lookup for Alaska Department of Corrections facilities is available online at https://www.correct.state.ak.us/offender-search/.
- Court security and civil process service are also handled by state troopers assigned to Yakutat City and City and Borough.
Arrest records in Yakutat City and City and Borough fall under Alaska's public records law, specifically Alaska Statute 40.25.110-40.25.220, which governs access to public records. The local community does not operate a local jail or detention facility. Individuals arrested in Yakutat City and City and Borough are typically transported to facilities in larger communities such as the Lemon Creek Correctional Center in Juneau.
Mugshot and booking photos are included in this database for inmates in state custody. No municipal police departments exist within Yakutat City and City and Borough City and City and Borough due to its small population. Yakutat City and City and Borough also falls within traditional Tlingit territory, though no separate tribal police force operates in Yakutat area.
The small community size means most law enforcement matters are handled directly by Alaska State Troopers when they are present or via coordination with local emergency services. For non-emergency matters, residents contact the Alaska State Trooper Dispatch.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Yakutat City and City and Borough include felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as sex offender registry information. Residents can request background checks through the Alaska Bureau of Investigation, which provides statewide criminal history reports. The bureau's services include access to fingerprint-based checks, which are often required for employment and licensing purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Yakutat City and City and Borough are maintained by Yakutat City and City and Borough Police Department. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the individual. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the police department directly. The process is governed by the Alaska Public Records Act, which ensures transparency and public access to government records. Arrest records typically include the date of arrest, charges filed, and any court proceedings related to the arrest.
Jail & Inmate Records
Yakutat City and City and Borough does not have a dedicated jail facility due to its small population and remote location. The booking process involves standard procedures such as fingerprinting and photographing. Inmate information and visitation rules are managed by the police department, and inquiries about recently arrested individuals can be directed to their office.
- Bail and bond processes follow Alaska state guidelines, allowing for release pending court appearances.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Yakutat City and City and Borough are taken and retained by the Yakutat Police Department during the booking process. These photographs are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through requests made to the police department. While there is no dedicated online portal for mugshot searches, individuals can inquire directly with the department for information. Alaska does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can petition for removal if charges are dropped or if they are found not guilty.
Courts & Case Records
Yakutat City and City and Borough is served by the Alaska Court System, which is a unified, centrally administered court system. Yakutat Magistrate Court, part of the First Judicial District, has limited jurisdiction and handles misdemeanors, violations, small claims up to $10,000, and preliminary hearings for felonies. The magistrate judge travels to Yakutat area on a scheduled basis, as there is no permanent courthouse facility.
- Certified copies of court documents can be requested through the Clerk of Court in Juneau for a fee of $2.50 per document plus a $5 certification fee.
- Probate matters are handled through the Superior Court, and guardianship/conservatorship cases follow the same filing process.
- The Alaska Court System provides self-help resources at https://courts.alaska.gov/shc/.
For felony cases and civil matters exceeding magistrate jurisdiction, cases are handled by the Superior Court in Juneau, located at 123 Fourth Street, Juneau, AK 99801 The Superior Court has general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal matters, probate, and appeals from lower courts. Alaska's court records are governed by Alaska Court Rule 37, which establishes public access to court records with certain privacy exceptions.
The Alaska Court System maintains CourtView, a statewide online case search portal available at https://records.courts.alaska.gov/eaccess/. This free public service allows users to search civil, criminal, domestic violence, probate, and traffic cases by party name or case number. For records from magistrate proceedings in Yakutat specifically, contact the First Judicial District Clerk's Office in Juneau.
Some records, including sealed files, adoption records, and certain juvenile matters, are restricted from public access. Marriage dissolutions (divorces) are Superior Court matters requiring filing in Juneau unless special magistrate jurisdiction applies.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Yakutat City and City and Borough are maintained by the City and Borough Clerk at Yakutat City and City and Borough City and City and Borough Administration building, 100 Max Italio Drive, Yakutat, AK 99689 The Clerk functions as the Recorder for all real property documents including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, liens, easements, and plat maps. Recording fees vary by document type, typically $20 for the first page and $5 for each additional page.
- Researchers must contact the City and Borough Clerk's office directly by phone, mail, or in-person visit to request document searches and copies.
- Certified copies are available for an additional fee.
All recordings must conform to Alaska Statute Title 40, Chapter 17, which governs the recording of documents. Due to the city and borough's small size and limited digital infrastructure, there is currently no online property record search system available for Yakutat. Property tax records and assessment information are maintained by the Yakutat area City and City and Borough Assessor's office, also located at 100 Max Italio Drive.
Property tax assessment rolls are public records and can be inspected during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The city and borough does not maintain an online GIS parcel viewer due to resource limitations. For complex title searches, many researchers work with title companies in Anchorage or Juneau that can help with remote searches.
Alaska Department of Natural Resources also maintains records for state lands, which comprise significant acreage in Yakutat City and City and Borough area; these can be searched at https://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/. Federal lands managed by the National Park Service and US Forest Service have separate record systems. Tlingit tribal lands may have separate recording requirements through Alaska Native corporations.
Vital Records
Vital records for Yakutat City and City and Borough, Alaska are primarily maintained by the Alaska Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 5441 Commercial Boulevard, Juneau, AK 99801 Birth certificates for births occurring in Yakutat area can be requested through the state bureau. Applicants must be the registrant (if 18+), parent listed on the certificate, legal guardian, or legal representative. The fee is $30 for a certified copy of a birth certificate, with $30 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks by mail.
- Expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- Death certificates are also maintained by the Bureau of Vital Statistics at the same location, with the same fee structure of $30 per certified copy.
- Eligible requestors include immediate family members, legal representatives, or anyone with a documented legal interest.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $60.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through VitalChek at https://www.alaska.gov/dph/vitalstats/ with additional service fees.
Marriage licenses in Alaska must be obtained at least three business days before the ceremony and are valid for 90 days. Couples can apply for a marriage license at the Yakutat area City and City and Borough Clerk's office at 100 Max Italio Drive, Yakutat City and City and Borough, AK 99689, or through any Alaska court location. After the ceremony, the completed license is returned to the state for registration.
Marriage certificates are then available through the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Divorce decrees are court records obtained through the Alaska Court System, specifically the Superior Court that issued the decree (typically Juneau for Yakutat area residents). Alaska vital records are governed by Alaska Statute 18.50, which establishes confidentiality protections and access requirements.
Acceptable identification includes driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Yakutat City and City and Borough operates through multiple levels of government. Yakutat City and City and Borough Clerk, located at 100 Max Italio Drive, Yakutat, AK 99689, handles local business license applications. Most businesses operating in Yakutat City and City and Borough are required to obtain a local business license annually. The fee structure varies by business type and gross receipts. Applications are available at the City and Borough Clerk's office.
- The Alaska Business Entity Search is available online at https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/cbp/main/search/entities, providing free access to corporation records, registered agents, filing status, and business addresses.
- Federal business licenses may be required for certain activities; the Small Business Administration Alaska District Office in Anchorage provides guidance at https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/ak/.
For business entity registration such as corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and DBAs (Doing Business As names), the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing handles all filings. Professional licenses (contractors, fishing guides, real estate agents, etc.) are also issued through the state Division of Corporations at https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/cbp/main/. Alaska does not have a state sales tax, though Yakutat City and City and Borough may impose local sales taxes; businesses should check with the City and Borough Clerk regarding sales tax registration requirements.
Building permits and zoning matters in Yakutat area are handled by the City and Borough Planning Department, also at 100 Max Italio Drive. The Yakutat area area does not have a traditional Chamber of Commerce due to its small size, though business networking occurs through community organizations. Commercial fishing permits are issued by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission.