HomeMy WebLinkAbout03182025 Planning & Zoning Work Session NotesWORK SESSION NOTES
PLANNING & ZONING
Called by: Chair Carol Griswold
Time: 6:00 PM Date: 3/18/2025
Purpose: Discuss code options for allowing building heights up to 48' — Training for Commissioners How to
read a plat
Present: John Wisel, Rissie Casagranda, Linda Jack,
Timothy Ozikoff, Robbie Williams
Council Members Present: Rhonda Hubbard, Nathaniel
Charbonneau, Brenan Hornseth, Clare Sullivan, Carol
Griswold
Absent: Vanessa Verhey, June Pemberton
Work Session was called to order at 6:00 PM by Chair Griswold. Chair Griswold asked if there are any staff
discussions and the Community Development Director said that there were no staff comments.
Chair Griswold stated that they are onto the discussion items that include
a) Discuss code options for allowing building heights up to 48'
i.) Proposal Options
ii.) Option #1
iii.) Option #2
iv.) Option #3
v.) Example from Homer
vi.) Example from Anchorage
b) Training: How to read a plat.
Courtney Bringhurst, City Planner stated that the Comprehensive Plan online surveys now have 150 people that have
taken the surveys. The next stretch is reaching out to several of the different community organizations. The American
Planning Association got rescheduled twice and then they canceled it because the lack of interest. The discussion for
the housing conversation has ways in the land use code that can potentially alleviate some of the development
concerns. The issues about housing, accessory dwelling units and parking ratios and building height are included in the
packet as well. A DADU is a Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit and an ADU is an Accessory Dwelling Unti. The
department has dealt with different applications regarding the topics. Efficiency apartments in code could not be part
of a duplex or multi -family dwelling. Just a single-family home. As in a previous discussion about a variance, the
main issue is that the department sees is that the requirement in code is that it needs to be attached to the structure.
This means that there can be no bedrooms in an efficient apartment. However, the defmition for studio apartments
does not make the stipulation on one habitable room. It requires that studio apartments be 500 feet or less.
There were discussions about housing needs in Seward as well as repurposing buildings to become apartments, for
families that are seeking housing within Seward City limits. A studio apartment is a one habitibal room that is not
constrained and should be defined by square footage. Code does allow accessory efficiency apartments in R2, R2, R3
and UR zones.
There were discussions about Overlay Districts, Incentive Zoning regarding building height. Planner Bringhurst
proposed options, that are in the Work Session packet, that have Options 1, 2 and 3. Each option contains a
combination of incentive zoning and a CUP. As well a "Scenic" overlay district (restriction based).Commissioners
stated that they should be looked over more and needs more work before making fmal decisions on changing what
needs to be changed. To meet specific needs and code changes. The main discussions were about the scenic view
sheds as well as how much building heights may affect certain areas that block sunlight to certain zoning areas.
Option 1, Incentive Zoning and CUP, Harbor Commercial in the development requirements, building height, varies 26
or 34'. As well as the definition of Building height, to be shortened to, the purpose of building height standards is to
help maintain the character of the neighborhoods and to protect the scenic view.
Option 2, CUP, is a little similar to option 1 but does not have the Incentive Zoning.
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Option 3, Scenic Overlay District, from 15.05.025 Land Use Districts — Established, definitions, # 14 Scemomg Pber
District (SO). Areas of high scenic value that need to be preserved and enhanced by ensuring the exclusion
Or
Development Overlay District (DO). Areas where development not otherwise permitted in Seward City Code cam be
incentivized as the location does not detract from the views and character of the community.
From the packet, there are examples from other cities such as the City of Homer and in their definition of Building
Height. As well as from Anchorage Municipality Chapter 21.04: Zoning Districts.
Community members spoke and are more concerned about parking per unit and if any buildings that are taller than the
original maximum height may affect those who live in the view -shed area.
The commissioners spoke of how they just want to keep a certain height within city limits to protect the viewshed.
John Wisel stated that it was difficult for him to get started on building a hotel due to the lack of parking.
The commissioners had a plat training, and the City Planner Courtney Bringhurst gave a tutorial and explained how to
read the plats on printed out plats. A plat map is a guide to a tract of surveyed land created by licenses surveyors. They
are a blueprint containing detailed property information used by a variety of interested parties. Key elements to locate
include lot/tract numbers, property boundaries, streets(right-of-ways), easements, dimensions, legend and scale.
Before the work session was over, Admin mentioned that there are going to be town hall meetings at the ending of
April. April 22, 23 and 24. On the 22nd, will be at the RAE Building, 23rd, will be at the KPB Fire Department, 24th is
TBD. It might be at the Seward High School or the Library.
Work Session was adjourned by chair Griswold at 9:04 PM.
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