HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2022-013 Sponsored by: Applicant
Public Hearing: June 7,2022
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION 2022-013
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT TO SALTWATER SAFARI PROPERTIES, LLC TO
CONSTRUCT A 9-PLEX STUDIO APARTMENT AND CREW HOUSING,
ON LOTS 5 & 6, BLOCK 14, ORIGINAL TOWNSITE OF SEWARD
FEDERAL ADDITION; LOCATED AT 809 THIRD AVE; WITHIN AN
AUTO COMMERCIAL(AC)ZONING DISTRICT
WHEREAS, Saltwater Safari Properties, LLC has applied for a Conditional Use Permit
(CUP)from the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission to construct a 9-Plex studio apartment
and crew housing at 809 Third Avenue,Lots 5&6,Block 14,Original Townsite of Seward Federal
Addition; and
WHEREAS,the property is in an Auto Commercial (AC)Zoning District; and
WHEREAS, the construction of a new building on this property will remove a non-
conforming structure,bringing the lot into compliance with Seward City code; and
WHEREAS,Seward City Code, 15.10.140 Definitions states that a"Dwelling,apartment,
studio is a small apartment less than 500 square feet with a fully functional kitchen and bathroom;
and
WHEREAS, the nine (9) proposed apartment units are less than 500 square feet with a
fully functional kitchen and bathroom; and
WHEREAS, Seward City Code, 15.10.140 Definitions states that a "Bunkhouse is a
building used as living quarters for workers where shower and sanitary facilities are shared and in
which there are no individual cooking facilities; and
WHEREAS, the proposed crew housing is to be used as living quarters for employees,
and the shower, sanitary, and cooking facilities are shared; and
WHEREAS, according to the Seward City Code, Land Uses Allowed Table 15.10.226
studio apartments and bunkhouses are allowed in the Auto Commercial Zoning District as a
conditionally permitted use; and
WHEREAS, the applicant has complied with all of the public hearing requirements of
Seward City Code §15.01.040;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Seward Planning and Zoning
Commission that:
Seward Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 2022-013
Page 2 of 4
Section 1. According to SCC 15.10.320.D., the Commission shall establish a finding that
the use satisfies the following conditions prior to granting a conditional use permit:
A. The use is consistent with the purpose of this chapter (the Seward Zoning Code) and
the purposes of the zoning district.
Finding: The Land Use Table in City Code §15.10.226 allows studio apartments and
bunkhouses in an Auto Commercial Zoning District with an approved Conditional Use
Permit.
B. The value of adjoining property will not be significantly impaired.
Finding: The newer, well maintained development on the property will improve
adjoining property values. The additional tenants will also provide value as they
patronize local businesses around the property.
C. The proposed use is in harmony with the Seward Comprehensive Plan.
Finding: This condition has been met. The proposal is in harmony with the Seward
2030 Comprehensive Plan(2017) and Strategic Plan(1999)
Seward Comprehensive Plan (approved by Council,May 30,2017)
Vol 1, Chapter 3.2.1 — "Promote residential and commercial development within
the City of Seward and its vicinity in accordance with community values."
Vol 1, Chapter 3.2.1.2 — "Support apartments and other high-density residential
development, including seasonal worker housing."
Vol 1, Chapter 3.3.1 —"Encourage development of new housing in Seward."
Vol 1, Chapter 3.3.1.1 — "Support a range of housing choices that meet the needs
of people in various income and age groups."
Strategic Plan (1999)
Promote Residential and Commercial Development Inside the City(Page 9-10)
• Encourage construction of residential and seasonal housing at all market
levels
Expand availability of affordable, diverse, year-round housing(Page 18)
D. Public Services and facilities are adequate to serve the proposed use.
Finding: This condition has been met. The property is served by existing public
utilities. Adequate fire,police,and trash services are available.
E. The proposed use will not be harmful to the public safety, health or welfare.
Finding: The building will be constructed to meet the appropriate fire and safety code.
The rooflines will extend over entries and stairways to protect individuals walking to
Seward Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 2022-013
Page 3 of 4
and from the building.Concrete walking surfaces will be constructed for level and easy
pedestrian access on the property that can be easily cleared of snow and ice.
F. Any and all specific conditions deemed necessary by the commission to fulfill the
above-mentioned conditions shall be met by the applicant. These may include but
are not limited to measures relative to access, screening, site development, building
design, operation of the use, and other similar aspects related to the proposed use.
Based on the above findings and conclusions, approval of the CUP shall be subject to the
following conditions:
1. Occupancy shall meet all locally adopted fire and Life Safety Codes prior to use.
2. Any changes to the building shall be approved by the Fire and Building Department
utilizing a building permit as needed.
3. Stamped engineered, architectural, alarm,and sprinkler plans must be provided to the Fire
and Building Department prior to construction.
4. The applicant shall work with City Public Works and Electric Departments for any possible
upgrades or connections to the water, sewer and/or electric utilities.
5. All parking and maneuverability requirements as determined by the Planning and Zoning
Commission shall remain on site for the life of the use.
6. Bear-proof/ bird resistant containers shall be provided for all garbage and refuse for the
life of the use.
7. Per Seward City Code §15.10.325(f). an approved CUP shall lapse six months from the
date of approval if the use for which the permit was issued has not been implemented or a
building permit obtained. The Commission may grant a six-month extension upon finding
that circumstances have not changed sufficiently since the date of initial permit approval.
8. Modification of final approval of a conditional use permit may, upon application by the
permitee,be modified by the Planning and Zoning Commission:
a. When changed conditions cause the conditional use to no longer conform to the
standards for its approval.
b. To implement a different development plan conforming to the standards for its
approval.
c. The modification plan shall be subject to a public hearing and a filing fee set by
City Council Resolution.
Section 2. The Planning and Zoning Commission finds that the proposed use, subject to
the above conditions satisfies the criteria for granting a conditional use permit provided the
conditions listed on Section 1, Subsections A through F are met by the applicant, and authorizes
the administration to issue a conditional use permit to Saltwater Safari Properties,LLC to construct
a 9-plex studio apartment and crew housing at 809 Third Ave, Original Townsite of Seward
Federal Addition, Lots 5 &6, Block 14.
Seward Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 2022-013
Page 4 of 4
Section 3. The Planning and Zoning Commission finds that adherence to the conditions
of this permit is paramount in maintaining the intent of Seward City Code Section 15.10.320:
Conditional Use Permits, and authorizes the administration to issue a conditional use permit.
Additionally,the administration shall periodically confirm the use conforms to the standards of its
approval.
Section 4. This resolution shall take effect 10 days following its adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission this 7th
day of June,2022.
THE CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
Cl re Sullivan, Ch it
AYES: Staggs, Monaco, Verhey, Sullivan
NOES: None
ABSENT: Charbonneau,Hornseth
ABSTAIN: None
VACANT: One
ATTEST:
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City Clerk
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