2011-03-16 Regular Meeting KODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH 1J U APR 2 5 2011
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES
ponci FICS 0:F10E
March 16, 2011 6:30 p.m. in the Assembly Chambers
CALL TO ORDER
CHAIR TORRES called to order the March 16, 2011 regular meeting of the Planning and
Zoning Commission at 6:34 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CHAIR TORRES led the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners present were Dave King, Brent Watkins, Casey Janz, Bill Kersch, Alan Torres,
Jay Baldwin, and Alan Schmitt.
A quorum was established.
Community Development Department staff present was Bud Cassidy, Director and Sheila
Smith, Secretary.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COMMISSIONER JANZ MOVED to approve the March 16, 2011 Planning & Zoning Commission
agenda.
VOICE VOTE ON MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
COMMISSIONER JANZ MOVED to approve the February 16, 2011 Planning & Zoning
Commission minutes.
VOICE VOTE ON MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
AUDIENCE COMMENTS AND APPEARANCE REQUESTS
There were no audience comments and appearance requests.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
A) Case 11 -014. Request a Rezone, according to KIBC 17.205.030.B & C (Manner of
Initiation), to consider the rezone of Lots D -2, H -1, H -2, G -2 and G -1, U.S. Survey 3218
from B- Business (Lot G -1), am! RR1 -Rural Residential One (Lots D -2, H -1, H -2 and G -2),
to R3- Multi- family Residential. (The scope of this case was expanded from Lot G -1 by
the commission at the January 19, 2011 meeting to include Lots D -2, H -1, H -2 and G -2.)
The applicants are Bruce & Lila Beehler. The location is 3241, 3265, 3283, 3303 and
3325 Mill Bay Road, and the zoning is B- Business (G -1) and RR1 -Rural Residential One
(D -2, H -1, H -2, and G -2.)
Cassidy reported the commission postponed this case last month and moved to enlarge the
rezone area due to concern about spot zoning. RR1 is a rural residential district and probably
inappropriate on Mill Bay Road. R3- Multifamily Residential zoning makes more sense than
Business because of topography concerns that exists on the backs of those lots. These folks
that live there will be grandfathered in their current nonconforming use so they can exist as is.
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Forty public hearing notices were sent out with 2 returned; one in favor of the rezone and one
opposing.
COMMISSIONER KING MOVED to recommend the rezone of Lots D -2, H -1, H -2 and G -2, U.S.
Survey 3218, from RR1 -Rural Residential One to R3- Multi - family Residential, and the rezone
of Lot G -1, U.S. Survey 3218, from B- Business to R3- Multi- family Residential, and forward this
case to the borough assembly with a recommendation for approval, and; To adopt the findings
contained in the staff memorandum dated March 3, 2011, as "findings of fact" for this case.
Close regular meeting & open public hearing: There was no public testimony.
FINDINGS OF FACT
17.72.020 A. Findin • s as to the Need and ustification for a Chan • e or Amendment.
The four of five lots in the rezone area is currently zoned RR1 -Rural Residential One which is
a large lot low density single - family residential zoning district. This zoning appears to be out
of place in the context of being totally surrounded by B- Business zoned land. In addition, the
lots are located in the urban area along a developed arterial street with excellent access to
utilities, schools and services in the area. The fifth lot is zoned B- Business but developed as
residential that is similar to the other lots in the aforementioned RR1 zoning district. The
petitioners of this lot have requested the rezone initially, but good zoning practice would
discourage the treatment of this one lot to a different set of development standards than any of
the surrounding lots currently enjoy.
Changing the zoning of these five lots to R3 would not have a major impact on the availability
of either the RR1 -Rural Residential One or B- Business zoned land. Generally, multi- family
residential is considered a good fit with commercially zoned land as it is an allowed use in
some form in all urban commercial zones where municipal water and sewer are available.
There may be some concerns about the mixed use nature of the area surrounding the rezone
area (B- Business zoned land). On the whole, however, the rezone has more positive attributes
than negative, hence the recommendation to make the zoning change from RR1 -Rural
Residential One and B- Business to R3- Multi - family Residential.
17.72.020 B. Findin • s as to the Effect a Chan ' e or Amendment would have on the
Objectives of the Comprehensive Plan.
The 2008 Kodiak Island Borough Comprehensive Plan Update recommends this area for Rural
Residential for four of the five affected lots. The fifth lot is recommended to remain
Commercial /Business. While it is appropriate to give the plan due deference in these matters,
it is clear from review that these designations are not fully consistent with the kinds of land
uses currently developed in the area and that the plan designation is largely derived from the
prior zoning map and the fact that no one was specifically concerned with the zoning of this
area at the time the plan was being compiled.
Investigation of the rezone indicates a substantial disconnect between the prevailing
commercial zoning and development context of the rezone area which can only be remedied
by a deviation from the express designations of the comprehensive plan. This, therefore, may
be an exceptional situation whereby the due deference accorded the plan must yield to the
more practical and realistic considerations pertaining to the rezone area and how this area
can be of benefit to the overall community in the light of future development and use potential
represented by these five lots.
ROLL CALL VOTE ON MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
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B) Case 11 -020. Request a Similar Use Determination, according to KIBC 17.15.090.A,
and a Conditional Use Permit, according to KIBC 17.200 (Conditional Use Permit), to
allow the storage of petroleum contaminated soil on Lot 6, Seaview Subdivision, for the
purpose of ADEC approved treatment using a thermal desorption process with a
maximum storage of contaminated soil on the site to be no more than 500 cubic yards
(700 Tons) stored in ADEC approved storage cells at any given time, as a use that is
similar in character and impact to a Petroleum or Flammable Liquid Production,
Refining or Storage use (KIBC 17.105.020.F) which is a conditional use in the [-
Industrial zoning district. The applicant is T.C. Enterprises, Inc. and the agent is Kevin
Arndt. The location is 8400 W. Rezanof Drive and the zoning is 1- Industrial.
Cassidy reported this Similar Use Determination and CUP request will allow the applicant to
burn soil and remediate contaminated soil. The operation will be located above the LASH
dock. This is a technically advanced method of remediation. The commission must determine
if what is occurring is similar to what is listed under a conditional use in the Industrial area.
State agencies will regulate visible emissions, particulate matter, sulfur, and dust.
COMMISSIONER JANZ MOVED to grant a similar use determination in accordance with KIBC
17.15.090, to permit a soil remediation facility on Lot 6, Seaview Subdivision, as a use similar
in terms of character and impact to the conditional use specified in KIBC 17.105.020 F for
petroleum or flammable liquid production, refining or storage, subject to any stipulations and
conditions of approval determined to be appropriate through the conditional use process
provided by KIBC 17.200 Conditional Use Permits, and to adopt the findings in the staff report
dated March 4, 2011 in support of this determination.
Close regular meeting & open public hearing:
Kevin Arndt, TC Enterprises, stated we can only have 500 yards on site and it's considered
dirty until the test comes back saying it's clean. The last time he went through this process a
$300 a ton bond fee was required. The system is more efficient than anything he's seen on the
market. It's been used in Alaska once successfully and is used in the lower 48. It was a former
DEC employee that developed this system and it's very simple. Without an air quality permit
from ADEC we can only do 5 tons an hour but the system can put out 100 tons an hour. Our
intent is to start out with 5 tons an hour and work from there. The system will also be mobile.
Close public hearing & open regular meeting:
In response to COMMISSIONER JANZ' inquiry of will they have to get another permit to allow
them to operate at another location, Cassidy said the zoning has to be compatible with the use.
SIMILAR USE FINDINGS OF FACT
1. The proposed soil remediation use is similar in terms of the character and impact to a
"petroleum production, refining or storage" use as provided in KIBC 17.24.020.F, because
both processes are used to convert petroleum products from one form into another
through the application of high temperatures, both uses involve the storage of petroleum
products onsite, both uses have similar emissions and both uses are generally subject to
ADEC regulations subject to certain variations based upon the scale of the use.
ROLL CALL VOTE ON MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COMMISSIONER SCHMITT MOVED to approve a conditional use permit in accordance with
KIBC 17.200, to permit a soil remediation use to be established on Lot 6, Seaview Subdivision
which is located in the I- Industrial zoning district, subject to the conditions of approval
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contained in the staff report dated March 4, 2011, and to adopt the findings in that staff report
as "Findings of Fact" for this case.
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
1. Prior to operations of this facility, the applicant must contact ADNR to determine whether a
coastal consistency determination is required and satisfy applicable Alaska Coastal
Management (ACMP) review requirements if it is determined that a consistency review is
necessary.
2. To ensure protection of nearby tidelands, strict compliance with the State's Wastewater
Disposal Regulations (18 AAC 72.600) addressing soil storage and treatment cells, and with
the EPA's Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Requirements addressing fuel
storage tanks is required.
3. This CUP approval is granted subject to written approval by ADEC of an operations plan as
specified by 18.AAC.78.273 and 18.AAC.75.365 detailing an engineered facility diagram and
process description, and addressing contaminated soil containment, site monitoring
procedures, confirmation sampling of treated soil, initial assessment of background
contamination, and closure assessment. Failure to process soils according to ADEC's
satisfaction will invalidate this CUP.
4. Any expansion or enlargement in scope of the operation described in the CUP application
narrative dated January 31, 2011, requires prior approval by the Commission at public
hearing.
5. The contaminated soil storage on the site shall not exceed a total of 700 tons, from all
sources, as indicated in the narrative submittal January 31, 2011.
6. Upon final demobilization of the equipment, the site shall be cleaned consistent with the
ADEC Operations Plan within 60 days.
FINDINGS OF FACT
17.200.050 A. That the conditional use will preserve the value, spirit, character and
integrity of the surrounding area.
Strict application of the controls and safeguards required by the conditions of approval will
ensure preservation of the value, spirit, character and integrity of the surrounding area. This
property is well suited for the proposed activity, well away from any residential neighborhood
and with good traffic access. State statues exercise strict control over offsite and portable
contaminated soil treatment facilities, including approval by the State Department of
Environmental Conservation (ADEC) of an operations plan before the facility can be
assembled and placed in operation, and before any contaminated soil can be delivered to a
site.
17.200.050 B. That the conditional use fulfills all other requirements of this chapter
pertaining to the conditional use in question.
Based on the site plan and accompanying narrative description of the use, it appears that, with
the requirement for compliance with an operations plan approved by ADEC, the conditional
use permit will fulfill all other requirements of KIBC 17.200 (Conditional Use Permit) and
KIBC 17.105 (Industrial Zone) of Borough Code. Parking and vehicular circulation
requirements are satisfied and good access and visibility exists for truck ingress and egress to
and from the highway.
17.200.050 C. That Prantin' the conditional use permit will not be harmful to the
public health, safety. convenience and comfort.
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ADEC will approve the operations plan only with a determination that the operations are
protective of human health, safety, and welfare, and of the environment. CUP approval
granted subject to approval of the operations plan by ADEC will provide a measure of
assurance that concerns about human and environmental health and welfare are satisfactorily
addressed. Also required by ADEC are an engineered Surface Water Management Plan and a
quality assurance plan to guarantee only petroleum- contaminated soils containing no toxic
waste are brought to the site for remediation.
17.200.050 D. That sufficient setbacks, lot area. buffers or other safeEuards are being
provided to meet the conditions listed in subsections A through C of this section.
The Commission can require whatever screening or buffering it finds appropriate to preserve
the value, spirit, character and integrity of the surrounding area. In this case, staff has not
found it necessary to recommend buffering or screening since there are essentially no other
non - industrial uses adjacent to the treatment cell operations. In addition, the site will be
setup approximately 100 feet back from the public road and at a different elevation than the
road.
ROLL CALL VOTE ON MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
OLD BUSINESS
A) Case 11 -013. Adopt Findings of Fact in support of the commission's decision to grant
approval for a Variance, according to KIBC 17.195 (Variances) for the grant of a
variance from KIBC 17.75.050.A (Front Yard) which would allow a second -story
addition atop an existing single -story residential structure that encroaches 9.5 feet into
the required 25 foot front yard setback; and,
A Variance for a single -story garage addition to the same nonconforming residence that
would encroach no more than 21.5 feet into the required 25 foot front yard setback;
and,
A Variance from KIBC 17.75.050.B (Side Yard) to allow a residential addition to
encroach no more than 4.15 feet into the required 10 foot street -side setback. The
applicant is Robert Dierich. The location is 111 Bancroft Drive and the zoning is R3-
Multifamily Residential.
Cassidy reported the commission approved 3 Variances at the February meeting and
postponed Findings of Fact until the March meeting. The Findings of Fact are based on
commissioner submittals that staff has put into memo form. Staff recommends approval.
COMMISSIONER WATKINS MOVED to adopt the findings contained in the memorandum
dated March 3, 2011 as "Findings of Fact" in support of the approval of three variances as
requested in Case 11 -013.
FINDINGS OF FACT
17.195.050 A.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.
The lot is conforming in terms of lot width (60 feet) and lot area (8,100 square feet) with a
rectangular shape that is very similar to other lots in the same zoning district. It would be
difficult and against good planning practice to require vehicular access to the rear yard from
Mill Bay Road, an arterial street, and there are topographical constraints that may also make
this exceedingly difficult to achieve. Vehicular access for parking is limited to the Bancroft
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side of the property from a practical standpoint. Driveways for corner lots are typically
required to access on the local street side with the lower functional classification.
The placement of the existing residential structure is not square with the lot boundaries. It is
recognized that this corner lot has much greater separation distance from the developed Mill
Bay Road due to the city having a 100 foot wide right -of -way along this stretch. The city has
granted approval for a fence encroachment substantially in the right -of -way and it is unlikely
that Mill Bay Road will ever be widened beyond the existing three -lane design with sidewalks,
curbs and gutters.
17.195.050 A.2. Strict application of the zoning ordinances would result in practical
difficulties or unnecessary hardships.
Strict application of the zoning ordinance would result in practical difficulties for all the
requested variances.
There is plenty of room in the rear yard for residential additions, however a single -story entry
way addition can only be added to the front of the existing structure. Given the additional
clearance to the street on the Mill Bay Road side of the lot, a single story addition encroaching
no more than 4.15 feet will still maintain a five (5) foot side yard setback which is the typical
standard for interior lots.
17.195.050 A.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.
The granting of the variances, as requested by the petitioner, will not result in material
damages or prejudice to other properties in the area.
17.195.050 A.4. The • rantin • of the variance will not be contrar to the objectives of
the Comprehensive Plan.
Granting of the variance will not increase existing density or alter any permitted land uses on
this lot. The variances would not be contrary to the objectives of the Comprehensive Plan
which designates this area as residential.
17.195.050 A.S. That actions of the applicant did not cause special conditions or
financial hardship from which relief is being sought by the variance.
The actions of the applicant have not caused the conditions for which relief is being sought by
variance.
17.195.050 A.6. That the granting of the variance will not permit a prohibited land
use in the district involved.
The proposed single - family residence will remain consistent with the requirements of the R1-
Single- family residential zoning district.
ROLL CALL VOTE ON MOTION ' CARRIED 6 -1. The ayes were COMMISSIONERS KING,
WATKINS, JANZ, KERSCH, TORRES, and BALDWIN. The no was COMMISSIONER SCHMITT.
NEW BUSINESS
A) Case 11 -022. Request a review of a detailed site plan, according to KIBC 17.130.020
(Permitted Uses), to consider the development of a new State of Alaska office building
and related parking facilities on a portion of Lot B -1A, U.S. Survey 4947, (Plat 2010 -8),
for eventual use by the Alaska Department of Fish & Game. The applicant is the Kodiak
Island Borough and the agent is Bob Scholze, Resource Management Officer. The
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location is generally located at 301 Research Court on Near Island and the zoning is PL-
Public Land Use.
Cassidy reported this parcel is where the new Fish & Game building is to be constructed. You
have reviewed multiple cases associated with this project; a subdivision, a Rezone, and now
that it's zoned to PL one requirement is the commission review a site plan.
COMMISSIONER JANZ MOVED to grant approval of the site plan review for the proposed
ADF &G facility and site development and site improvements to be located on Tract B -1A, U.S.
Survey 4947 and in accordance with KIBC 17.130.0200).
FINDINGS OF FACT
1. A detailed site plan for the proposed ADF &G building as designed by ECI /Hyer Architects
and reviewed and approved by the Kodiak Island Borough Architectural and Engineering
Review Board (ARB) and submitted by the Resource Manager shows that due
consideration for meeting the all requirements for construction in the PL- Public Use Zone
have occurred.
ROLL CALL VOTE ON MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COMMUNICATIONS
A) Appeal to the Hearing Examiner - Case 11 -004
B) Appeal to the Assembly - Case S11 -006
C) Shakmanof Quarry - DNR Permits & Approvals
D) Letter of Courtesy & Advisory re: the accumulation of junk, garbage, and abandoned
vehicles dated February 7, 2011.
E) Letter of Courtesy & Advisory re: the occupancy of two single family dwelling units on a
Rural Residential One zoned lot and tenancy extension dated February 2, 2011.
F) Notice of Continuing Violation re: maintaining a junk yard and the improper construction
of a detached accessory building dated February 7, 2011.
G) Letter of Courtesy & Advisory re: the establishment of a non - permitted use of maintaining
agricultural buildings and activities in the Rural Residential Zoning District dated
February 8, 2011.
Cassidy gave an update on the communications.
COMMISSIONER WATKINS MOVED to accept communications as presented.
VOICE VOTE ON MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
REPORTS
A) Meeting Schedule:
• April 13, 2011 work session at 6:30pm in the KIB Conference Room.
• April 20, 2011 regular meeting at 6:30pm in the Assembly Chambers.
B) Minutes of Other Meetings
• January 11, 2011Parks & Recreation Committee Minutes
• January 25, 2011 Parks & Recreation Committee Minutes
C) Abbreviated and Final Approval - Subdivisions
Cassidy gave a brief report.
COMMISSIONER WATKINS MOVED to accept reports as presented.
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VOICE VOTE ON MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
AUDIENCE COMMENTS
There were no audience comments.
COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS
Alan Schmitt said he understands the manager's decision regarding the wind generator case
but the neighbors should have come to the P &Z meetings and they didn't, and it rubs him the
wrong way. Schmitt also has a trip planned and will be off island for the next regular meeting
but will attend the work session.
Brent Watkins said the high school planning has to 3 concepts to move forward. There's
another meeting Tuesday evening at the Refuge Visitor's Center from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. that is
open to the public.
Casey Janz said the Parks & Rec Trails Plan is continuing to move along. We're going through
page by page reviewing the draft. A lot of good comments have come forward. She also
thought the Code Revision meetings were enlightening and she was impressed with the
different perspectives from the different groups. About 60 people attended the Kodiak
meeting, and Chiniak was well attended also. Chiniak's concerns were different from what the
town's concerns were. She also attended the Koniag Roundtable.
Alan Torres said regarding the appeal -S11 -006; we've had many cases where it's been
neighbor against neighbor and he's glad to see these neighbors got together to worked things
out. He apologized for missing the Code Revision meetings, he was ill. Torres said he was
confronted by 2 different people about an upcoming case and wanted to remind the
commission that if they get calls or someone want to talk about the case to direct them to
come to the meeting or contact Community Development if they have questions.
ADJOURNMENT
COMMISSIONER SCHMITT MOVED to adjourn.
VOICE VOTE ON MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
CHAIR TORRES adjourned the meeting at 7:28 p.m.
KODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH
PLANNIN &ZO . COMMISSION
y.
Alan Torres, Chair
ATTEST
By: ( p ) i}
Sheila Smith
Community Development Dept.
APPROVED: April 20, 2011
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