HomeMy WebLinkAbout08192025 Planning & Zoning Work Session NotesPlanning & Zoning Work Session — Meeting Summary
City of Seward — Planning & Zoning Commission
August 19, 2025
Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Attendees
Daniel Meuninck (Staff), Courtney Bringhurst (Staff), Jamie Crocker (Staff) Carol Griswold,
Brenan Hornseth, Rhonda Hubbard, Vanessa Verhey, Claire Sullivan, June Pemberton arrived at
6:55, and members of the public
Absent: Nathaniel Charbonneau
Key Topics Discussed
Overview and Outcome Goals
• Reviewed current parking requirements in commercial zoning districts and their impact on
businesses and property owners.
• Discussed potential amendments to parking requirements to support business growth and
new development.
• Reviewed public feedback, survey results, and data on short-term and long-term rentals.
• Examined two draft ordinances for parking amendments: one eliminating parking minimums
in commercial zones, and one reducing them.
Public and Commission Input
• Concerns raised about paid parking, congestion, and impacts on employees, residents, and
businesses.
• Suggestions included resident parking passes, improved signage, and stronger enforcement.
• Acknowledged Seward's unique context: seasonal tourism, limited land supply, and
mixed -use zoning.
• Considered how parking minimums affect housing development and business operations.
Draft Ordinance Review
• Debated eliminating vs. reducing parking minimums in commercial zones.
• Focused specifically on hotels, multi -family dwellings, and mixed -use buildings.
• Considered conditional use permits as a tool for managing parking in special cases.
• Agreed to refine parking requirements by land use (e.g., hotels/lodging, eating and drinking
establishments).
Action Items
Staff: Compile and present edits discussed on June 17 and August 19 for Commission review.
Next Steps
1. Staff will compile all edits discussed to date for Commission review.
2. Staff will contact Seward Parks & Rec to pass on feedback relevant to their department.
Meeting adjourned at 8:27