To minimize confusion and expedite emergency response, the following street naming standards have been established:
No Duplicate Street Names – Each street name must be unique within the service area to avoid delays caused by address confusion.
Pronounceable Names Only – Street names must be easy to pronounce to ensure clear communication over radio and phone.
No Directional Connotations – Names should not imply directions (e.g., "Northview" or "Eastwood") to prevent misinterpretation.
No Numbered or Lettered Names – Names consisting solely of numbers or letters (e.g., "1st Street" or "A Street") are prohibited.
Character Limit – Street names, including spaces and the abbreviated suffix (e.g., "Rd", "St"), must not exceed 17 characters in total.
These standards are consistent with general practices adopted in rural areas across the United States and are recommended by the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) to support effective 9-1-1 operations.
WHY DID THE SUFFIX OF MY STREET CHANGE?
As part of the initial rollout of the borough’s new addressing system, all road names will be brought into compliance with established code standards. This initiative is intended to reduce confusion, enhance navigability, and improve the effectiveness of emergency response services.
A key component of this effort is the appropriate use of road name suffixes (e.g., Street, Avenue, Road, Lane, Drive). These suffixes not only align with national standards but also serve an important educational purpose: they help residents and emergency personnel quickly understand the general type and directional orientation of a roadway.
Over time, consistent and logical use of suffixes will aid in building public familiarity and assist first responders in locating addresses more efficiently.
HOW DO I NAME OR RENAME MY STREET?
If a property owner wishes to name or rename a street that adjoins their land, they must initiate a petition process. To proceed, a majority of the landowners whose properties directly adjoin the street must agree to the proposed name change. The Street Name Change form can be found on this page.
DO I HAVE TO USE A BOROUGH ASSIGNED ADDRESS?
No. Residents and property owners are not required to apply for an address assigned by the borough. Those wishing to obtain an address must submit an application to the borough. While the borough will not enforce the use of assigned addresses, any address not issued through the official process will not be recognized as an official address.
WHY CAN'T I USE THE ADDRESS I ALREADY HAVE?
Physical addresses must be uniform according to the Denali Borough system of addressing to be considered "official". To confirm uniformity, an address needs to be reviewed by borough staff and verified through the Denali Borough address database.
WHY DO I HAVE TO APPLY FOR AN ADDRESS?
Obtaining an address within the Denali Borough is optional and the address application serves multiple important purposes:
It functions as the official request for a physical address.
It collects the necessary information required to assign an address in accordance with the Denali Borough Uniform Addressing System.
It establishes the preferred method of communication for conveying the assigned address to the applicant.
Submitting a complete and accurate application is essential to receiving an address that is recognized as official within the borough.
I HAVE APPLIED FOR AN ADDRESS, NOW WHAT?
Once your address has been assigned, the Denali Borough will provide you with an official address letter. This letter will serve as formal documentation of your new address. You will need to present this letter to any relevant agencies, service providers, or institutions where you wish to update your physical address.
The application will ask if you want a street number sign. If you select "yes", it will be important to post your address number at the end of your driveway in a place that is easy to see from the street, day or night. Addresses are assigned based on distance and with odd numbers on the opposite side of the road from even numbers. These standards, and your clearly posted address number, will help emergency responders find your location in the event of an emergency.
PHYSICAL ADDRESS VS. MAILING ADDRESS - DO I NEED BOTH?
Yes. A mailing address will continue to be how you receive your mail. Your official physical address is the address assigned by the borough which is associated with the physical location of your driveway and/or house. Your official physical address will be used by emergency services to find your location, by utility providers or for agencies that require a physical address.
