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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04022019 Planning & Zoning Minutes City of Sewar4 Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes April 2, 2019 Volume 7,Page 323 CALL TO ORDER The April 2, 2019 regular meeting of the Seward Planning & Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Cindy Ecklund. OPENING CEREMONY Commissioner Charbonneau led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag ROLL CALL There were present: Cindy Ecklund presiding, and Martha Fleming Gary Seese Craig Ambrosiani Tom Swann Kelli Hatfield Nathanial Charbonneau Comprising a quorum of the Board;and Also Present Brennan Hickok,Assistant City Manager Jackie Wilde, Planner Andy Bacon, Planning Assistant SPECIAL ORDERS,PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS Administration Report Jackie Wilde updated the Commission on the following business items • Community Development staff has been processing many lodging permits and building permit applications,and the building season is picking up. • Agency and permitting information day is coming up on April23`I • There is an upcoming community wide emergency preparedness exercise on April 19t. The tsunami alarm will sound and City staff will be setting up the EOC. Participation is not mandatory,but encouraged. Other Reports, Announcements, and Presentations- None CITIZENS' COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Motion (Swann/Fleming) Approve the agenda and consent agenda Motion Passed Unanimous City of Sewarct Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes April 2019 Volume 7,Page 324 The following item was approved on the Consent Agenda: Approval of March 5,2019 Regular Meeting Minutes New Business Items requiring a Public Hearing Resolution 2019-002 of The Planning And Zoning Commission Of The City Of Seward, Alaska, Granting A Conditional Use Permit To Steven Chang To Operate Four-Plex In The Urban Residential Zoning District At 1103 Second Avenue, Lot 19C, Block 11, Ennis Carlson Bencardino Replat Wilde stated that the subject property was permitted as a tri-plex by a past CUP,and the applicant approached Community Development seeking to permit the structure as a four-plex and change the use from long-term housing to short-term rental. City Code would require a new CUP application regardless of the change in use in this scenario. Wilde stated that there were no staff objections. One citizens' comment was received after publication of the meeting packet, and is presented to the Commission as a laydown. The Building Department stated that there must be a 1 hour rated fire separation between each of the proposed units in the four plex. Notice of public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public hearing was opened. Carol Griswold, inside city, stated that she had sent comments about this item to the Commission and also wished to have them in the record this evening. City code does not allow multi-family dwellings in the UR zoning district outright, they must be approved by CUP. The original CUP issued for this property was based on providing long term housing. As this is a residential zone, the CUP should require conditions that protect the residential nature of the neighborhood. Please consider modifying some conditions to reflect year-round residential use, including providing individual refuse containers instead of dumpsters, requiring that a shed be moved out of the property line setback, and stating that the cabin shown on the site plan shall not be used for sleeping purposes, as required by Code. Griswold further recommends a snow storage plan, and a reduction in the number of parking spaces shown on the parking plan to the minimum required by code. Hearing no one wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed. Motion (Swann/Fleming) Approve Resolution 2019-002 of The Planning And Zoning Commission Of The City Of Seward, Alaska, Granting A Conditional Use Permit To Steven Chang To Operate Four-Plex In The Urban Residential Zoning District At 1103 Second Avenue, Lot 19C, Block 11, Ennis Carlson Bencardino Replat City of Sewcrret Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes April 2, 2019 Volume 7,Page 325 Chair Ecklund made a point of order; based on the proposed use as short term rental in the application, Ecklund asked if any Commissioners who owned short term rentals would like to recuse themselves from the discussion for conflict of interest. Commissioners Hatfield and Ambrosiani elected to recuse themselves from discussion on this item and stepped down from the dais. Commissioner Swann stated that he felt there was no conflict. Ecklund asked Swann if there would be significant financial impact on his business. Swann stated that there was no significant financial impact. Discussion followed regarding the contents of the application. Swann chose to remain at the dais,with no objection from the Chair or Commission. Motion (Fleming/Ecklund) Amend the third `whereas' to strike the word "office" and replace with "urban" Motion Passed Unanimous Fleming stated that she agreed with Ms. Griswold regarding her comments about trash receptacles. Swann stated that he would like to see inclusion of the words 'bear proof.' Ecklund stated a concern over the frequency that a dumpster may be emptied, and cited an example she was aware of where a dumpster was emptied monthly. Commission discussed refuse collection in general. Fleming discussed having personal knowledge of this property in the past and was concerned about whether or not past upgrades were done to fire safe code standards. Motion (Fleming/Charbonneau) Amend condition number four to add the words "bear-proof' Motion Passed Unanimous Commissioner Swann stated that this CUP application review would be a good opportunity to address any known property setback issues that exist. Commission concurred. Motion (Fleming/Charbonneau) Add condition number eight "The applicant shall adhere to all required property setbacks for the Urban Residential zoning district" Motion Passed Unanimous Seese asked about the parking requirement, and whether or not the Commission ought to be concerned about there being too much space available, as indicated on the site plan. Chair Ecklund asked what the minimum requirement was for the property. Staff and Commission discussed parking requirements for the property. It was determined, based on individual apartment unit quantity and size,that nine spaces were required for the proposed four-plex. Motion (Swann/Seese) Amend condition number three to specify that nine (9) parking spaces shall be required,per City Code City of Seward Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes April 2, 2019 Volume 7,Page 326 Motion Passed Unanimous Chair Ecklund stated that review of this permit was made difficult by conflicting code language, and that indicates a need to review our lodging ordinance. Ecklund stated that the inclusion of"house on a nightly basis" in our land uses table did not fit in with any definitions for "Dwelling" and is not referenced in the land uses allowed section of Title 15. Ecklund requests that a work session be held in the future to review the lodging ordinance and resolve the conflicts made apparent by this application. Ecklund further stated that she did not think that a 4 plex used for lodging purposes fit within the definition and intention of the urban residential zoning district. Ecklund also referenced 15.10.135 "conflicts between city codes" provision, which states that in such cases,the most restrictive regulation shall apply. Main Motion Passed as Amended AYES: Swann, Seese, Charbonneau, Fleming NOES: Ecklund ABSTAIN: Hatfield,Ambrosiani Commissioner Hatfield and Commissioner Ambrosiani returned to the Dais Resolution 2019-003 of The Planning And Zoning Commission Of The City Of Seward, Alaska, Granting A Conditional Use Permit To Four Seasons Marine Services To Construct And Operate A Ten (10) Unit Studio Apartment Building On Lots 2 &3 Block 7, Federal Addition, Located At 703 Third Avenue Within The Auto Commercial Zoning District Wilde stated that the applicant is seeking to develop an approximately 10,000 square foot parcel with a two story studio apartment building consisting of ten 500 square foot units. Wilde stated that the project meets development requirements, including those for open area. Wilde stated that city staff reviewed the project and the application was property noticed to the public. One citizen comment was received during the application review. Bacon stated that a citizen who owned property on Second Avenue emailed comments objecting to the project due to increased noise and traffic in the area, and stated that the level of density was inappropriate. Wilde discussed the content of staff comments, and noted that staff comments were reflected in the recommended conditions. Notice of public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public hearing was opened. Cole Petersen, outside city, stated that he supports this application and thinks it will fit in really well. City of Seward, Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes April 2, 2019 Volume 7, Page 327 Carol Griswold, inside city, asked where the location of trash collection would be given that the parking extends the width of the parcel. Griswold stated that most people own more than one vehicle, and possibly boats or RVs, and is concerned about only having one parking space per individual unit. Griswold complemented the appearance of the building and stated she is certain the project would be well executed, but as a general principle would like to see more parking required for residential uses. Chair Ecklund relaxed the rules to allow applicants to address Commissioner and citizen questions Tom Tougas, inside city, discussed the background and motivation for initiating the project. Tougas equated this development to an extended stay hotel, used for longer term stays needed for visiting workers. Tougas stated that his team had already addressed some concerns noted during the staff review, and introduced his project manager, Andy Loertcher to provide additional details. Andy Loertscher, inside city, stated that he had brought a laydown site plan that shows area for snow storage, trash receptacles, and a landscaping plan. Loertscher stated he would be willing to answer any additional questions from the Commission or the public. Chair Ecklund asked what type of trash receptacles were proposed for the apartment. Loertscher replied that they would be single, bear-proof cans, and that they intended to sign up for twice weekly collection service. In response to Fleming, Loertscher stated that the parking lot had been modified from the original plan to provide area and access for snow storage on the property. Hearing no one else wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed. Motion (Swann/Fleming) Approve Resolution 2019-003 of The Planning And Zoning Commission Of The City Of Seward, Alaska, Granting A Conditional Use Permit To Four Seasons Marine Services To Construct And Operate A Ten (10) Unit Studio Apartment Building On Lots 2 & 3 Block 7, Federal Addition, Located At 703 Third Avenue Within The Auto Commercial Zoning District Motion (Fleming/Swann) Amend condition number 6 to include "bear proof' in the description of refuse containers City of Seward,Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes April 2, 2019 Volume 7, Page 328 Motion Passed Unanimous Ecklund asked, for clarification on the record, how many parking spaces were required for the Petersen studio apartment development, and for this development, noting that one space per unit was required and these are one bedroom units. Swann asked what the maximum size for a studio apartment was, and whether or not these me the criteria. Wilde confirmed that the maximum size was 500 square feet, and these apartments were within that limit. Main Motion Passed as amended AYES: Swann, Ambrosiani, Seese, Hatfield, Fleming, Charbonneau, Ecklund NOES: Resolution 2019-004 of The Planning And Zoning Commission Of The City Of Seward, Alaska, Granting A Conditional Use Permit To Exit Glacier Guides to Operate A Parking Lot On Lots 21-23 Block 10 Laubner Addition, Located at 1100 Second Avenue, In The Urban Residential Zoning District Wilde stated that the applicant is requesting the use of this parcel as a parking lot to support the needs of their business, which is located across Van Buren street. Wilde specified that the Urban Residential zoning of this property necessitates a conditional use permit. Wilde stated that this public hearing item was properly noticed and no citizen comments were received. Wild also stated that department staff had opportunity to review the application and discussed the comments received by City staff Notice of public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public hearing was opened. Carol Griswold, inside city, stated that she was she was pleased to see this application to secure additional parking since it was a problem at their original location. Griswold asked why the storage provided on the property was noted as being temporary instead of permanent. Brendan Ryan, outside city, introduced himself as a co-owner of the business, and stated that the intention is to reduce the impact of parking on neighboring streets. Ryan stated that the noted storage structure would be a covered area for guests to get organized out of the rain. Hearing no one else wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed. Motion (Swann/Ambrosiani) Approve Resolution 2019-004 of The Planning And Zoning Commission Of The City Of Seward, Alaska, Granting A Conditional Use Permit To Exit Glacier Guides to Operate A Parking Lot On Lots City of Seward, Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes April 2, 2019 Volume 7, Page 329 21-23 Block 10 Laubner Addition, Located at 1100 Second Avenue, In The Urban Residential Zoning District Fleming stated she supported proving additional parking to reduce the impact on neighbors, and hoped that the applicants will maintain a nice appearance of the property. Swann asked if any on the Commission thought that the permit should require a garbage can. Ecklund stated that she though the proposal fit with the location, and supported the inclusion of the visual/vegetative buffer along Second Avenue. Hatfield thanked the applicants for providing extra parking and helping to reduce the burden on city parking lots in the harbor area. Motion (Swann/Ambrosiani) Amend condition number 6 to include that bear proof containers shall be used for refuse collection Motion Passed Unanimous Main Motion Passed AYES: Hatfield, Swann, Fleming, Ambrosiani, Seese, Charbonneau, Ecklund NOES: UNFINISHED BUSINESS—None NEW BUSINESS Resolution 2019-005 of The Planning And Zoning Commission of The City of Seward, Alaska, Recommending City Council Approval of The Planning and Zoning Commission Priorities From April 2019 to April 2020 Wilde stated that these priorities were derived from the Planning and Zoning joint work session with Council, and are being brought forward tonight for approval before moving to Council for final approval. Motion (Swann/Hatfield) Approve Resolution 2019-005 of The Planning And Zoning Commission of The City of Seward, Alaska, Recommending City Council Approval of The Planning and Zoning Commission Priorities From April 2019 to April 2020 Swann asked about the inclusion of discussion of the historic district, and confirmed its inclusion in the resolution City ofSeward Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes April2, 2019 Motion passed Unanimous Item C. Set topic and location for April 16,2019 Work Session Volume 7, Page 330 Commission discussed and set the work session topic to discuss City Code revisions for lodging. Due to scheduling conflicts this work session would need to be held in the City Hall Annex. Commission Comments Hatfield- Stated that the is happy to see building projects coming forward that address the need for long term housing Charbonneau-Thanked staff for their work Seese- Stated that he agrees with all other commissioners' comments. Seese stated that he is happy to see developers cutting down trees and putting nice buildings up. Ambrosiani- Cites more building projects for increased housing, and local business helping to solve parking problems as positive changes to the community Swann-Apologized for speaking to quickly sometimes,and does not intend to cut anyone short Fleming- Stated that she appreciates the level of detail at which Carol Griswold reviews P&Z packet content Ecklund- Stated that she tries to find a way to say"yes"to items that are brought before her as a commissioner, but finds it very difficult at times when there are conflicts in our City Code. Ecklund further stated that she appreciates a thorough meeting packet, public attendance at meetings, and the act of either fixing up old buildings or constructing new buildings that help address our need for year-round housing. Citizens' Comments John Weisel, outside city, discussed his property on Fifth Avenue, and the need for improving the sidewalk and creating more disabled parking on Fifth Avenue, and offered that a disabled space could be placed in front of his building. Commissions and Administration Response to Citizens' Comments— None ADJOURNMENT(Swann) The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Jacki . Wilde Martha Fleming Planner sot' .,,: Vice Chair (City Seal/0 A:10044A1,' ! • SEAL •• M • 'V.,