1990-06-20 Regular MeetingKODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING - JUNE 20, 1990
MINUTES
I. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission was called to
order at 7:35 p.m. by Chairperson Robin Heinrichs on June 20, 1990 in the
Borough Assembly Chambers.
II. ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Others Present:
Robin Heinrichs, Chairperson Duane Dvorak, Acting Director
Jon Aspgren Community Development Department
Bruce Barrett Jan Brenteson, Acting Secretary
Wayne Coleman Community Development Department
Tom Hendel
Commissioners Absent:
Jody Hodgins, Excused
Jon Hartt, Excused
A quorum was established.
III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Staff reported the following deletions to the agenda:
AGENDA DELETIONS
VI PUBLIC HEARINGS
D) Case 90-033. An appeal of an administrative decision in
accordance Section 17.68.020B (Appeals from Administrative
Decisions) of the Borough Code of a decision ordering the
discontinuation of an unlawful use of land (a duplex dwelling in a
R1--Single-family Residential Zoning District) and conversion or
removal of the additional unit within twenty (20) days.
The appellant seeks relief in the form of an exception from
Section 17.18.020 (Permitted Uses) of the Borough Code to
permit an existing duplex dwelling in the R1--Single-family
Residential Zoning District. Lot 21, Sublot 6, U.S. Survey 3099;
2593 Metrokin Way. (John Ryan)
COMMISSIONER HENDEL MOVED TO ACCEPT the agenda with the
deletions reported by staff. The motion was seconded and CARRIED by
unanimous voice vote.
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IV. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
COMMISSIONER HENDEL MOVED TO ACCEPT the minutes of the May 16,
1990 Planning and Zoning Commission regular meeting as presented. The
motion was seconded and CARRIED by unanimous voice vote.
V. AUDIENCE COMMENTS AND APPEARANCE REQUESTS
A) Wayne Stevens appeared before the Commission to request
consideration of an exception for his residence on Selief Lane. The
Commission agreed to meet with Mr. Stevens at the work session
scheduled for June 26, 1990.
There were no further audience comments or appearance requests.
VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A) Case 90-030. Request for a variance from Section 17.20.030E (Lot
Width) and Section 17.36.030 (Nonconforming Lots of Record) of the
Borough Code to permit a single-family dwelling with a five hundred
(500) square foot efficiency apartment (duplex) to locate on a
nonconforming lot of record [due to inadequate lot width of fifty-seven
plus (57+) feet] in a R3-Multifamily Residential Zoning District. Lot 15A,
Block 7, Leite Addition; 1427 Yanovsky Street. (Charles E. Saunders)
DUANE DVORAK indicated 39 public hearing notices were mailed and
3 were returned, 2 without objection and 1 opposing this request. Staff
recommended approval of this request.
CHAIRPERSON HEINRICHS passed the gavel to Commissioner
Hendel and requested a determination as to a potential conflict of
interest. Commissioner Heinrichs stated that he has been working with
Mr. Saunders as a consultant. Determination was made that no conflict
existed since the outcome of the Commission's decision would not
affect whether or not Commissioner Heinrichs received his salary. The
gavel was returned to Commissioner Heinrichs.
Regular Session Closed.
Public Hearing Opened:
CHARLES E. SAUNDERS appeared before the Commission and
expressed support for this request.
Public Hearing Closed.
Regular Session Opened.
COMMISSIONER ASPGREN MOVED TO GRANT a variance from
Sections 17.20.030B and 17.36.030 of the Borough Code to permit a
single-family dwelling with a five hundred (500) square foot efficiency
apartment (duplex) to locate on a nonconforming lot of record [due to
inadequate lot width of fifty-seven plus (57+) feet] in a R3--Multifamily
Residential Zoning District on Lot 15A, Block 7, Leite Addition; and to
adopt the findings contained in the staff report dated June 7, 1990 as
"Findings of Fact" for this case.
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FINDINGS OF FACT
1. Exceptional physical circumstances or conditions applicable to
the property or intended use of development which generally do
not apply to other Properties in the same land use district.
In this case, the unique physical circumstance is the width
[approximately fifty-seven (57) feet] of this nonconforming lot of
record. Although this lot fails to meet the width requirement of
the zoning code, it exceeds the minimum area requirement of
7,200 square feet for a duplex. (Although a portion of this lot is
platted over the tidelands, this situation is not uncommon even
for shoreline lots that have been recently created such as those
in Tona Subdivision.) In addition, this lot is located in an older
area of Kodiak where lot area and widths are commonly smaller
than those required by the current zoning code.
2. Strict application of the zoning ordinances would result in
practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships
The strict application of the zoning code would only allow a
single-family residence to be built on the lot. This is an
unnecessary hardship as the lot was rezoned for multifamily uses
(prior to being vacated and replatted to a larger area and width),
and all other requirements of Title 17 such as height of structure,
setbacks, and off-street parking will be met. In addition, the lot is
less than three (3) feet short of having adequate lot width which
is not a significant reduction considering that all other
requirements of the zoning code will be met.
3. The granting of the variance will not result in material damages
or prejudice to other properties in the vicinity nor be detrimental
to the public's health, safety and welfare.
Granting of the variance will not result in material damage or
prejudice to other properties in the area. The surrounding area is
similarly zoned for multifamily residences. In addition, the
applicant recently replatted the lot to increase the width of the lot
to the maximum possible without creating another nonconforming
lot, fifty-seven plus (57+) feet. All other Code requirements such
as off-street parking, setbacks, and building construction
standards will be met. Therefore, the public health, safety, and
general welfare will not be compromised.
4. The granting of the variance will not be contrary to the objectives
of the Comprehensive Plan.
Granting of the variance will not be contrary to the objectives of
the comprehensive plan which identifies this area for high density
residential development.
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5. That actions of the applicant did not cause special conditions or
financial hardship from which relief is being sought by the
variance.
In this case, actions of the applicant did not cause the conditions
from which relief is being sought by a variance. The lot was
platted in 1952 and purchased by the applicant in 1983.
6. That the granting of the variance will not permit a prohibited land
use in the district involved.
Multifamily residential land uses are permitted in this zoning
district.
The motion was seconded and CARRIED by unanimous roll call vote.
B) Case 90-031. Request for an exception from Section 17.19.020
(Permitted Uses) of the Borough Code to permit a fifty by one hundred
(50 x 100) foot fishing gear storage and shop building with an apartment
(single-family dwelling) to locate in a R2--Two-family Residential Zoning
District. Proposed Lot 4C (existing Lot 4), Block 5, Miller Point Alaska
Subdivision First Addition; 426 Neva Way. (Burton Parker; Robin
Parker)
DUANE DVORAK indicated 39 public hearing notices were mailed for
this case and 2 were returned, stating non -objection to this request.
Staff recommended denial of this request, subject to conditions.
Regular Session Closed.
Public Hearing Opened:
BURTON PARKER appeared before the Commission and expressed
support for this request.
BILL MAGNUSSON appeared before the Commission and expressed
support for this request.
RICHARD THUMMELL appeared before the Commission and
expressed no objection to the request.
SCOTT ARNDT appeared before the Commission and expressed no
objection to the request.
Public Hearing Closed.
Regular Session Opened.
COMMISSIONER HENDEL MOVED TO GRANT the request for and
exception from Section 17.19.020 (Permitted Uses) of the Borough
Code to permit a fifty by one hundred (50 x 100) foot fishing gear
storage and shop building with an apartment (single-family dwelling to
locate in a R2--Two-family Residential Zoning District. Proposed Lot
4C (existing Lot 4), Block 5, Miller Point Alaska Subdivision First
Addition; 426 Neva Way; subject to the condition of approval contained
in the staff report dated June 21, 1990; and to adopt the findings
contained in the staff report dated June 21, 1990 as "Findings of Fact"
for this case.
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FINDINGS OF FACT
1. That the use as proposed in the application, or under appropriate
conditions or restrictions, will not (A) endanger the public's
health, safety or general welfare, (B) be inconsistent with the
general purposes and intent of this title and (C) adversely impact
other properties or uses in the neighborhood.
A. The granting of an exception to allow a fifty by one
hundred (50 x 100) foot fishing gear storage and small
apartment building to locate in a R2--Two-family
Residential Zoning District should not adversely affect the
public's general health, safety, and welfare. The property
has "grandfather rights" to store fishing gear on the lot
proposed as well as on an adjacent lot. If the gear
storage on proposed Lot 4C were to be stored inside, it
would benefit the surrounding area, in terms of health and
safety, to have as much of this fishing gear as possible
inside a structure. It would also marginally improve the
aesthetics of the area. However, this exception would not
necessarily improve the general welfare as it would
perpetuate a nonconforming commercial land use in the
midst of a residential area that has not yet reached the
optimal development density of the zoning district. Once
this level of development is reached, the use of the
property for commercial fishing gear storage may
comprise a land use conflict that more than offsets the
benefits noted above.
B. The proposed use is not consistent with the general
purposes and intent of Title 17 and with the specific
description and intent of the Section 17.19.010 of the
Borough Code as noted below.
17.19.010 Description and intent.
The two-family residential district is established as a land
use district for single-family and two-family residential
dwellings and limited office uses where public water and
sewer services are available. For the two-family
residential district, in promoting the general purposes of
this title, the specific intentions of this chapter are:
A. To encourage the construction of single-family and
two-family dwellings;
B. To prohibit commercial and industrial land uses
and any other use of the land which would interfere
with the development or continuation of single-
family and two-family dwellings in the district;
C. To encourage the discontinuance of existing uses
that are not permitted under the provision of this
chapter;
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D. To discourage any use which would generate other
than normal vehicular traffic on streets serving
residents on those streets; and
E. To prohibit any use which, because of its character
or size, would create requirements and costs for
public services, such as police and fire protection,
.— water supply and sewerage, before such services
can systematically and adequately be provided.
The Code does not allow for commercial fishing gear
storage in the R2--Two-family Residential Zoning District
C. The proposed use, while not fitting with the character of
the R2--Two-family Residential Zoning District, would not
result in any adverse impacts to the surrounding
properties presently developed. This is due to the
potential benefits noted in Section A above. However, as
the area continues to develop and the proposed lot is
continuously used for commercial fishing gear storage,
these perceived benefits may be diminished as the
density of development brings residential land uses much
closer together. In addition, even though the Building
Official can require commercial building standards (by
virtue of the exception), the fire loading potential of a
commercial structure could pose a threat to surrounding
residential uses.
The requirement of screening as a mitigation measure
could be effective in providing a physical barrier between
the proposed gear storage and shop building with
apartment and neighboring land uses; however, since the
lot is below road grade and other properties overlook the
site, this would be only a partial measure. It should be
noted that this area was rezoned to R2--Two-family
Residential in 1985 and has many nonconforming uses as
well as structures still in evidence.
The motion was seconded and CARRIED by unanimous roll call vote.
COMMISSIONER HENDEL MOVED TO AMEND THE MAIN MOTION
to restrict the building size to 40 x 80.
The AMENDMENT was seconded and CARRIED by unanimous roll call
vote.
The question was called and the MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED
CARRIED by unanimous roll call vote.
C) Case 90-032. Request for an exception from Section 17.13.020
(Permitted Uses) of the Borough Code to permit a duplex dwelling (one
unit to house hatchery manager and family and one smaller unit for
additional personnel and office space) in a C--Conservation Zoning
District. Portion of Tract C of BLM Tract D, Section 30, Township 27
South, Range 19 West, Seward Meridian; generally known as the Pillar
Creek Hatchery Site. (Kodiak Island Borough; Alaska Department of
Fish and Game; Kodiak Regional Aquaculture Association)
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DUANE DVORAK indicated 7 public hearing notices were mailed for
this case and 1 was returned, in opposition to this request. Staff
recommended approval of this request, subject to conditions.
Regular Session Closed.
Public Hearing Opened:
LONNIE WHITE appeared before the Commission and expressed
support for this request.
HERMAN BUEKERS appeared before the Commission and spoke in
opposition to this request.
SCOTT ARNDT appeared before the Commission and spoke in
opposition to the request.
Public Hearing Closed.
Regular Session Opened.
COMMISSIONER HENDEL MOVED TO TABLE action on this request
until the July 18, 1990 regular meeting of the Commission. Prior to that
time the request will be discussed at the June, 27, 1990 Work Session.
The motion was seconded and CARRIED by unanimous roll call vote.
D) Case 90-033. An appeal of an administrative decision in accordance
with Section 17.68.020B (Appeals from Administrative Decisions) of the
Borough Code of a decision ordering the discontinuation of an unlawful
use of land (a duplex dwelling in a R1--Single-family Residential Zoning
District) and conversion or removal of the additional unit within twenty
(20) days.
This item was deleted from the agenda.
E) Case 90-034. Request for a conditional use permit in accordance with
Section 17.13.030 (Conditional Uses) of the Borough Code to permit a
solid waste disposal site (for ash dumping only) in a C--Conservation
Zoning District. Portion of Section 12, Township 29 South, Range 23
West, Seward Meridian; generally known as the Terror Lake
Hydroelectric Project. (Kodiak Island Borough; Alaska Energy
Authority)
DUANE DVORAK indicated 9 public hearing notices were mailed and
none were returned. Staff recommended approval of this request.
Regular Session Closed.
Public Hearing Opened:
TOM ARMINSKI appeared before the Commission and expressed
support for this request.
Public Hearing Closed.
Regular Session Opened.
COMMISSIONER BARRETT MOVED TO GRANT a conditional use
permit in accordance with Section 17.13.030 of the Borough Code to
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permit a solid waste disposal site (for ash dumping only) in a
Conservation Zoning District on a Portion of Section 12, Township 29
South, Range 23 West, Seward Meridian (generally known as the
Terror Lake Hydroelectric Project); subject to the condition of approval
contained in the staff report dated June 7, 1990; and to adopt the
findings contained in the staff report dated June 7, 1990 as "Findings of
Fact" for this case.
CONDITION OF APPROVAL
All restrictions and/or stipulations contained in the Alaska
Department of Environmental Conservations permit for the
operation of this sanitary landfill are hereby incorporated as
conditions of approval for this conditional use permit.
FINDINGS OF FACT
1. That the conditional use will preserve the value spirit character
and integrity of the surrounding area.
It appears that the conditional use will preserve the value, spirit,
character, and integrity of the surrounding area. The landfill will
directly support the Terror Lake hydroelectric dam operation
which would not otherwise have a feasible waste disposal
alternative other than to ship the wastes out to an approved
disposal site elsewhere. The proposed landfill site is not located
near any other zoning districts thereby minimizing potential land
use conflicts.
2. That the conditional use fulfills all other requirements of this
chapter pertaining to the conditional use in question
The proposed use will fulfill all other requirements of the C--
Conservation Zoning District such as setbacks and minimum lot
size. This is because the landfill will be located on a large tract
of unsubdivided land that is in single ownership. This activity, if
allowed by the Alaska Department of Environmental
Conservation (ADEC), will be authorized by a specific permit.
3. That aranting the conditional use permit will not be harmful to the
public health, safety, convenience and comfort.
The proposed use should not be harmful to the public's health,
safety, convenience, or comfort. The proposed facility is located
well away from other zoning districts which are potentially
incompatible with this land use. As identified in Section 1 above,
the landfill will provide a nearby waste disposal site for the
existing Terror Lake hydroelectric dam operation which would
eliminate the need to ship the ash to another disposal site.
4. The sufficient setbacks, lot area, buffers or other safeguards are
being provided to meet the conditions listed in subsections A
through C of this section.
The proposed landfill area is remote and located a good distance
away from any nearby land uses. Incineration of wastes prior to
placement in the landfill will remove most potential pollutants
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from the residual ash and reduce the volume of solid waste to
approximately one -tenth (1/10) of its original volume.
Incineration to ash will help reduce the potential for leachates to
seep into the local ground water system. Additional safeguards
will be provided through the applicable regulations of the Alaska
Department of Environmental Conservation.
The motion was seconded and CARRIED by unanimous roll call vote.
F) Case 5-90-024. Subdivision of Lot 26, Russian Creek Alaska
Subdivision and replat to Lots 26A, 26B, and 26C, Russian Creek
Alaska Subdivision. 1086 Panamaroff Creek Drive (Henry F. Morgan;
John N. Marholec)
DUANE DVORAK indicated 18 public hearing notices were mailed for
this case and none were returned. Staff recommended approval of this
request, subject to conditions.
Regular Session Closed.
Public Hearing Opened:
Seeing and hearing none.
Public Hearing Closed.
Regular Session Opened.
COMMISSIONER HENDEL MOVED TO GRANT preliminary approval
of the Subdivision of Lot 26, Russian Creek Alaska Subdivision and
replat to Lots 26A, 26B, and 26C, Russian Creek Alaska Subdivision,
subject to the condition(s) of approval contained in the staff report dated
June 12, 1990 and to adopt the findings contained in the staff report
dated June 12, 1990 as "Findings of Fact' for this case.
CONDITION OF APPROVAL
1. Obtain subdivision approval from the Alaska Department of
Environmental Conservation prior to final plat approval by the
Kodiak Island Borough.
FINDINGS OF FACT
1. This plat meets the minimum standards of survey accuracy and
proper preparation of plats required in Title 16 of Borough Code.
2. This plat meets all the requirements of Title 17 of the Borough
Code.
3. This plat is generally consistent with adopted Borough plans and
provides a subdivision of land that supports those plans.
4. Approval of this plat by the Kodiak Island Borough Planning and
Zoning Commission does not necessarily mean that
development of the property complies with State and Federal
regulations which may also be applicable.
Staff recommends approval of this request subject to condition(s) of
approval.
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The motion was seconded and CARRIED by unanimous roll call vote.
VII. OLD BUSINESS
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business.
IX. COMMUNICATIONS
X. REPORTS
COMMISSIONER HENDEL MOVED TO ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT of items
A and B of reports. The motion was seconded and CARRIED by unanimous
voice vote.
A) Community Development Department Status Report.
B) Community Development Department Plat Activity Report.
There were no further reports.
XI. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
There were no audience comments.
XII. COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS
The Commissioners discussed revised Finding of Fact for Case 90-030.
COMMISSIONER ASPGREN MOVED TO ADOPT revised Findings of Fact.
FINDINGS OF FACT
1. That the use as proposed in the application, or under appropriate
conditions or restrictions, will not (A) endanger the public's health,
safety or general welfare, (B) be inconsistent with the general purposes
and intent of this title and (C) adversely impact other properties or uses
in the neighborhood.
A. The granting of an exception to allow a forty by eighty (40 x 80)
foot gear storage and small apartment building to locate in a R2--
Two-Family Residential Zoning District should not adversely
affect the public's general health, safety and welfare. The
property has "grandfather rights" to store fishing gear on the lot
proposed as well as an adjacent lot. If the gear on Lots 413 and
4C were to be stored inside, it would benefit the surrounding
area, in terms of health and safety, to have as much of this
fishing gear as possible inside a structure. It would also
marginally improve the aesthetics of the area.
B. The approval of a smaller gear storage building [forty by eighty
(40 x 80) feet] on a larger size lot (23,200 square feet) will be
consistent with the general purpose and intent of Title 17. This is
due to the fact that the gear storage building and apartment
would not increase the density of development. In addition, the
exception will improve the existing conditions in the area by
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eliminating a large portion of a non conforming outdoor gear
storage in the R2--Two-Family Residential Zoning District.
C. The proposed use will comply with the character of the R2--Two-
Family Residential Zoning District better than the existing
outdoor gear storage due to the benefits noted in Section A
above.
The motion was seconded and CARRIED by unanimous roll call vote.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
ATTEST
am
CHAIRPERSON HEINRICHS adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m.
Patricia Eads, Secretary
Community Development Department
DATE APPROVED: July 18, 1990
KODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
By: lCl1(Oi A di.��
Robin Heinrichs, Chair
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