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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPZ Res2025-037 CUP 3207 Morris AveSponsored by: Applicant Public Hearing: December 2, 2025 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 2025-037 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO PACIFIC SEAFOOD — SEWARD LLC TO CONSTRUCT AND OPERATE AN EMPLOYEE CAMPGROUND AT 3207 MORRIS AVENUE WITHIN AN INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICT WHEREAS, Pacific Seafood — Seward LLC has applied for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) from the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission to construct and operate an employee campground at 3207 Morris Avenue; and WHEREAS, the property is in an Industrial (I) zoning district; and WHEREAS, an employee campground is allowed with an approved CUP in the Industrial zoning district; and WHEREAS, Seward City Code § 15.10.226(J)(2) describes a camping unit as "a modified camping connex, providing living facilities for one or more persons"; and WHEREAS, the applicant plans to install 4 camping connex units installed as two back- to-back units on a permanent foundation; and WHEREAS, the surrounding area is zoned industrial, with adjacent properties used for storage, maritime operations, and U.S. Coast Guard facilities; and WHEREAS, on September 8, 2025, the City Council approved Resolution 2025-085 authorizing a lease with Pacific Seafood — Seward, LLC for seafood processing operations at 3201 Sorrel Road, 3207 Morris Avenue, and 209 Nash Road; and WHEREAS, Seward City Code §15.10.320 recognizes that there are some uses that may be compatible with designated principal uses in specific zoning districts provided certain conditions are met; 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: Section 1. The Commission finds that the proposed use satisfies the following conditions as specified in SCC §15.10.320.D. CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2025-037 A. The use is consistent with the purpose of this chapter (the Seward Zoning Code) and the purposes of the zoning district. a. Finding: This condition has been met. An employee campground is allowed in the Industrial zoning district with an approved CUP. The proposed employee campground also directly supports the business and industrial operations that the district is intended to accommodate. Providing on -site seasonal employee housing is an accessory use that facilitates the efficient functioning of nearby manufacturing, processing, and commercial activities without introducing traditional residential uses that may be incompatible with industrial operations. The campground is designed to include appropriate life - safety measures and site standards that protect the health and welfare of occupants and visitors, aligning with the district's intent to provide environmental safeguards for those working in or accessing the area. B. The value of the adjoining property will not be significantly impaired. a. Finding: This condition has been met. The property and surrounding parcels have historically been used for employee campgrounds, and the area is zoned Industrial with existing uses such as storage and maritime operations. These industrial activities are compatible with the proposed campground, which serves as an accessory support use for the local workforce rather than introducing a conflicting land use. The proposal will not interfere with neighboring industrial operations or diminish the economic utility or value of adjoining properties. C. The proposed use is in harmony with the Seward Comprehensive Plan. a. Finding: This condition has been met. The proposed use is supported by the Comprehensive Plan. Seward Comprehensive Plan (approved by Council, May 30, 2017) Plan statements that are in harmony with this application: Vol 1 Ch 3.3 - Housing • "Encourage development of new housing in Seward." • "Support a range of housing choices that meet the needs of people in various income and age groups." • "Encourage the development of seasonal employee housing." D. Public services and facilities are adequate to serve the proposed use. a. Finding: This condition has been met. The property is currently served by municipal water, sewer, and electrical utilities. It has direct access to both Sorrel Road, which is a private road, and Morris Avenue. These existing public services and facilities are adequate to accommodate the proposed use. 1 1 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2025-037 E. The proposed use will not be harmful to the public safety, health, or welfare. a. Finding: This condition has been met. These modified camping connex units cannot be regulated and inspected per building and fire codes and thus do not meet the standard requirements for life safety that other dwelling units are required to meet. Ensuring the safety of the dwelling units, such as installing fire and carbon monoxide alarms, ensuring there is adequate egress, installing fire extinguishers, etc., will be the responsibility of the applicant. Section 2. Any and all specific conditions deemed necessary by the Commission to fulfill the above -mentioned conditions shall be met by the applicant. Approval of the CUP shall be subject to the following conditions: 1. The convex units shall be secured to foundations constructed in accordance with applicable standards and approved by the Building Official to ensure proper support and safe installation. 2. Fire and carbon monoxide alarms shall be installed in each dwelling unit within the modified camping connex containers. 3. Each dwelling unit shall be equipped with a fire extinguisher that is professionally inspected and tagged annually. 4. The operator shall ensure that no electrical hazards are present in or around the units, including open junction boxes, the use of extension cords as permanent wiring, or multi- use plug adapters. 5. The operator shall assign an identification number or "address" to each dwelling unit and ensure it is clearly visible for emergency response purposes. 6. Exits and exit doors shall remain unobstructed at all times, and doors must be able to swing freely. 7. All water, sewer, and electrical utility connections shall be completed prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. The applicant shall coordinate with the appropriate City departments. 8. The operator shall comply with the sanitary facility requirements outlined in SCC §8.15.425(b). 9. The maximum occupancy for the four units shall be limited to 24 people. 10. Functioning bear -resistant refuse carts, designed to prevent tipping or spillage from weather, animals, or accidents, shall be provided for the duration of the use. 11. A three -walled, roofed structure shall be provided on site to house the bear -resistant refuse carts. 12. The operator shall comply with the garbage and refuse requirements outlined in SCC §8.15.340. 13. 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. CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2025-037 14. Modification of final approval of a conditional use permit may, upon application by the permittee, 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 3. The Planning and Zoning Commission finds that the prtZposed use, subject to the above conditions satisfies the criteria for granting a conditional use permit provided the conditions listed on Section 2 are met by the applicant, and authorizes4dmistration to issue a conditional use permit to Pacific Seafood — Seward LLC to construct and operate an employee campground on Lot 2, Block 7, Fourth of July Creek Subdivision Seward Marine Industrial Center, located at 3207 Morris Avenue. Section 4. 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. A Conditional Use Permit may be transferred to a new owner per §15.10.320(G), in which case the new owner will be required to maintain conformance to the conditions of the permit. Section 5. Administration shall periodically confirm the approved conditional use conforms to the standards of its approval. Nonconformance to these above stated conditions shall be grounds for revoking the Conditional Use Permit. Section 6. This resolution shall take effect 10 days following its adoption. PASSED AND APPROVED by the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission this 2nd day of December, 2025. THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA 137-0""44%/ ✓ate Brenan Hornseth, Vice Chair AYES: Charbonneau, Hubbard, Sullivan, Pemberton, Verhey, Hornseth NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 1 1 1 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2025-037 ATTEST: Kris Peck City Clerk (City Seal) Planning and Zoning Agenda Statement Meeting Date: December 2, 2025 To: Planning and Zoning Commission Through: Daniel Meuninck, Community Development Director From: Applicant Agenda Item: Resolution 2025-037, of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Seward, Alaska, granting a conditional use permit to Pacific Seafood — Seward, LLC to construct and operate an employee campground at 3207 Morris Avenue within an Industrial zoning district Background and justification: Pacific Seafood — Seward LLC has submitted an application for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to construct and operate an employee campground at 3207 Morris Avenue. The subject property is located within the Industrial (I) zoning district, where employee campgrounds are permitted only with approval of a CUP. Under Seward City Code, an employee campground is defined as "an area operated by an established business with high seasonal employment of transient workers as a housing alternative and not construed to be a construction camp." Employee campgrounds may operate for no more than 180 days per calendar year and may not open earlier than April 15 or remain active later than September 30 unless the City Council grants an extension by Resolution. While camping units —defined broadly elsewhere in code as tents or recreational vehicles —are not allowed in an employee campground, SCC §15.10.226(J)(2) clarifies that for this section, "a camping unit is described as a modified camping connex, providing living facilities for one or more persons." Consistent with this provision, the applicant proposes to install four modified camping connex units arranged as two back-to-back pairs. Sanitary and shower facilities, as well as eating facilities, which will provide three meals a day for the employees, will be provided within the adjacent seafood processing plant, which the campground is intended to directly support by providing seasonal housing for its employees. The property is currently used for storage and as a loading dock; however, this area and nearby properties have historically been used as employee campgrounds. The proposed development would continue this established pattern by introducing four units to meet ongoing seasonal workforce housing needs. Although the connex units will be placed on foundations approved by the Building Official, they are considered "camping units" under the zoning code and therefore will not be subject to conventional life -safety inspections or plan review by the Fire or Building Departments. As a result, the applicant will be responsible for implementing all required life -safety measures as conditions of approval, including installation of fire and carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, adequate egress, and mitigation of electrical hazards. On September 8, 2025, the City Council approved Resolution 2025-085 authorizing a lease with Pacific Seafood — Seward, LLC for seafood processing operations at 3201 Sorrel Road, 3207 Morris Avenue, and 209 Nash Road 66 The applicant has complied with all the public hearing requirements of Seward City Code § 15.01.040. Regarding conditional uses, Seward City Code § 15.10.320 states, "It is recognized that there are some uses which may be compatible with designated principal uses in specific zoning districts provided certain conditions are met. The conditional use permit procedure is intended to allow flexibility in the consideration of the impact of the proposed use on surrounding property, and the application of controls and safeguards to assure that the proposed use will be compatible with the surroundings. The commission shall permit this type of use if the conditions and requirements listed in this chapter (Title 15) are met." Prior to granting a conditional use permit, the Commission shall establish that the use satisfies the following conditions as listed in SCC §15.10.320(D): 1. The use is consistent with the purpose of this chapter and the purposes of the zoning district; 2. The value of the adjoining property will not be significantly impaired; 3. The proposed use is in harmony with the Comprehensive Plan; 4. Public services and facilities are adequate to serve the proposed use; 5. The proposed use will not be harmful to the public safety, health or welfare; 6. 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. Surrounding Land Use and Zoning: Development Requirements: The development requirements have been met. The placement of the modified camping connex units complies with the Industrial zoning district standards, including the maximum building height of 38 feet, front setback of 20 feet, side yard setback of 10 feet, and rear yard setback of 10 feet. The district allows 100% lot coverage, excluding required setback areas. A minimum 10 feet of clear space is maintained between all camping units. Sanitary facilities will be provided within the adjacent seafood processing plant. Surrounding Land Use: The surrounding properties are all zoned Industrial and are utilized for industrial storage, maritime industry uses, and United States Coast Guard operations. Floodplain status: According to the Kenai Peninsula Borough Floodplain Map, the property is not located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Utilities: The property is connected to City water, sewer, and electrical service. Parking: There are no specific parking minimums for an employee campground. City Code § 15.10.215(C) provides that uses not expressly listed must meet the parking requirements of the most similar use, as determined by the administrative official. In this case, the most comparable use is a bunkhouse, which requires one parking space per four residents at maximum capacity, with one of those spaces being ADA compliant for parking lots with 1-25 spaces. With a 67 maximum occupancy of 24 residents, the employee campground would require six parking spaces. The site plan submitted with the application demonstrates that sufficient space is available to accommodate these six spaces. Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information This legislation is consistent with (citation listed): Comprehensive Vol 1 Ch 3.3 - Housing Plan: • "Encourage development of new housing in Seward." • "Support a range of housing choices that meet the needs of people in various income and age groups • "Encourage the development of seasonal employee housing." Strategic Plan: N/A Department Comments No Comment N/A Building Department X Fire Department Per city code, these are not classified as temporary structures nor permanent buildings, so no code review or inspections will be performed. The fire and building department suggests an annual self - inspection and attestation to community development, verifying that the following conditions are met. 1. Each sleeping area has a working smoke detector and is less than 10 years old. 2. Fire Extinguishers are professionally inspected and tagged annually, are easily accessible and labeled, and are within 75' of all occupants. 3. No electrical hazards exist to include open junction boxes, extension cords used for permanent wiring, or multi -use plug adaptors. 4. Each mod has an identification numbering system, "Address" for emergency response. 5. Exits and Exit doors are free of obstruction, and doors swing freely. Public Works Department X Harbor Department X Police Department X Electric Department X Property owners within three hundred (300) feet of the location of the proposed Conditional Use Permit action were notified of this public hearing. Public notice signs were posted on the property 68 and all other public hearing requirements of Seward City Code § 15.01.040 were complied with. At the time of this publication, the Community Development Department has not received public inquiries regarding the proposed Conditional Use Permit. If any correspondence is received after publication of this agenda statement, it will be submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commissioners for their review. 1. The connex units shall be secured to foundations constructed in accordance with applicable standards and approved by the Building Official to ensure proper support and safe installation. 2. Fire and carbon monoxide alarms shall be installed in each dwelling unit within the modified camping connex containers. 3. Each dwelling unit shall be equipped with a fire extinguisher that is professionally inspected and tagged annually. 4. The operator shall ensure that no electrical hazards are present in or around the units, including open junction boxes, the use of extension cords as permanent wiring, or multi- use plug adapters. 5. The operator shall assign an identification number or "address" to each dwelling unit and ensure it is clearly visible for emergency response purposes. 6. Exits and exit doors shall remain unobstructed at all times, and doors must be able to swing freely. 7. All water, sewer, and electrical utility connections shall be completed prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. The applicant shall coordinate with the appropriate City departments. 8. The operator shall comply with the sanitary facility requirements outlined in SCC §8.15.425(b). 9. The maximum occupancy for the four units shall be limited to 24 people. 10. Functioning bear -resistant refuse carts, designed to prevent tipping or spillage from weather, animals, or accidents, shall be provided for the duration of the use. 11. A three -walled, roofed structure shall be provided on site to house the bear -resistant refuse carts. 12. The operator shall comply with the garbage and refuse requirements outlined in SCC §8.15.340. 13. 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. 14. Modification of final approval of a conditional use permit may, upon application by the permittee, 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. 69 Recommendation The proposed use is permittable through the Conditional Use Permit process, which allows the Commission the opportunity to ensure that the use is consistent with the purpose of the zoning district and surrounding land uses, is in harmony with the Comprehensive Plan, and will not be harmful to the public safety, health, or welfare. 70 Context Map Conditional Use Permit Application Property Map RES 2025-037 - Granting a conditional use permit to construct and operate an employee campground Location: 3207 Morris Avenue Parcel #: 14534032 76 RES 2025-037: CUP to construct and operate an employee campground at 3207 Morris Avenue 80 Images of 3207 Morris Avenue and proposed employee housing units RES 2025-037: CUP to construct and operate an employee campground at 3207 Morris Avenue 3 3 0 3 0 rri s SO r Ave 1 b rel Ro to c k a 4 d ( p r i va NEEN IEEE INME INCIS INWN INNS MEN IEEE IEEE 3 Vd 2 07 n Bay fe s et to M 0 ) r 3 2 0 1 Sorrel Roa INNEN IEEE ISMS INNS MEN IEEE IEEE n s ve Loading Dock d 3 0 1 F (D N -s 201 Na Na s h s h Ro a Ro d a d 82 r in o) co z Basis of Bearing (NO°34'13"W 3357.12') 3356.99' found 1 1/2" Alum. cap monument 0.13 ft. west of true position NO1'07'37"W rn 00 z 34.93' 0) 0, rri raj 34.93' S01'07'37"E Detail C Scale 1' = 50' to 60 00' 0 3 Lot 2 0 c N 0 ifi O S210 N O kV 0 a ki N N O CO N 10 Lot 1 ii V" Si"o ON Detail B Scale 1' = 50' 0 0 u'i N No. Bearing Distance L1 S69°07'56"E 2.48' L2 N21°17'27"E 24.00' L3 N89°48'41"E 21.43' Tract A NO°09'01 "E 47.86' 92.69' n 20' Utility Ease. cb u) 0 c0 N In N 91.66' SOO°03'03"W Detail A Scale 1' = 60' LL: N N. N N N89°55'09"W 0 w 0 N OD z N 0 M a) N u7 co r 30 _J8 i 10, sew nt 25' Drainage Easement Unsubdivided Remainder 154.77' 7.790 Ac. (150.00') 149.98 • Loy, o (S00°34'13"E) 0) 0 w 0 0) co z O w N In N a) co z Lot 2 29995 S.F. 30' 0 O O 0 0 cv 0) tri In N 0 c0 30' N 150.05' (150.00') • O N00°34'13"W 304.82' 0 0 co N Lot 1 2.026 AC 304.80' O co N 0 SO°36'07"E 334.80' 364.80' in • Nash 364.80' u7 N 0 r M 255.00' 2.001 Ac. 25' Drainage Easement NO°34'13"W 255.00' h N) N89°25'47"E O O 0 NO°34'13"W 255.00' O 127.50' 0 N 60.00' 1896.42' Delphin NO°34'13"W 150' ROW Street M N89°25'47"E 545.06' 4.276 Ac. 25' Drainage Easement 0 N N 89°25' 47"E SO°34'13"E 545.06' (Olga Street) 127.50' 0 0 o Lot 4 14 'Lot 5 18 o 13,521 S.F. o 613,521 S.F. o o) 127.50' o 127.50' O SO°34'13"E 255.00' 0 0 M 0 Lot 3 2.002 Ac. 255.00' 0 0 N M 0 O N ♦ NO°34'13"W Lot 2 2.500 Ac. 255.00' O 0 N 30' 30' 0 0 Road M 00 N O°34' 13"W Lot 1 37,823 S.F. 255.00' N co 0 M N 0 N89°25'47"E • 0 0 0 0 SO°36'07"E SO°36'07"E 0 60' 0 N N N 0 w in N a) CO z SO°34'13"E 545.06' Unsubdivided Remainder 12.343 Ac. SO0'36'07"E O 200.00' 3 o Lot 1 0� in 0 20000 SF. o co c 160.27' °°J)) 200.00' O v) 184.80' SO°36'07"E 545.07' Tract A 10.554 Ac. 0 619.79' / - / // �e // / / ref, / A. o l / / // v �a / �/ o / // See Detail 'C' 50' Public Access and Lot 1 Block 10 1886 S.F. N in N co S89°25'47"W O (Nash Road) 0) N 0 N89°25'47"E 60.00' 0 O O found 0.2 ft. south of true position \coNO°32'47"W O 1997.72' M N89°25'47"E 917.69' Unsubdivided Remainder 7.527 Ac. SO°34'13"E 1018.44' Tr & (NO°34'13"W 466.08') 465.93' 0 100.00' 0 0 00 0 0 °0) o 0 z O 100.00' 0 Lot NO°34'13"W 10000 SF. h N Tract A 030' 30 co 00 0 O O cv o 0) 0 3 Lo O c0 0n 'a) co z N89°25'47"E 0 N89°25'47"E SO°34'13"E 1018.57' Unsubdivided Remainder 17.376 Ac. 595.59' 0 O N 50' Utility Easement SO°34'13"E Lot 1 5.811 Ac. NO°34'13"W I 516.00' SOO°36'07"E 545.06' Lot 1 3.509 Ac. N N 2. 0 N 00 N z 060.00'O SO°34'28"E 20' Utilily Easement 0 60' , • S01°02'17"E 592.29' See Detail 'A' I c° Ln ---- 383.13' 50' Utility Easement 271.92' NO'09'01 "E (Sorrel Road) NO.09'01 "E - - 280.83' 0 c 4E) N a w D 'r) N J G11 -2 f.0sement W LL N 89'48' 45"E 0 N89'48'45"E 0 0) co N 103.19' 0 0 0 N S89°25'47"W Unsubdivided Remainder 2.637 Ac. See Detail 'B' Lot 1/Lot 2 1320 S.F. 3359 S.F. 0 S42'37'12"W 82.47' G°) 0 c0 0 30' 30 c ocrih 11117 N O 3 rn c 0 U No. Delta Radius Arc Length Chord Length Chord Bearing Cl 27°38'16" 170.00 82.00 81.21 N76°52'38"W C2 62°29'17" 170.00 185.41 176.35 N31°48'52"W C3 90°20'16" 198.49 312.96 281.51 N45°01'11 "W C4 89°16'46" 50.00 77.91 70.26 N44°47'24"E C5 62°29'17" 200.00 218.12 207.47 N31°48'52"W C6 08°32'54" 258.50 38.57 38.53 S85°54'52"E C7 12°53'03" 258.49 58.13 58.00 575°11'54"E C8 90°20'16" 258.49 407.57 366.64 S45°01'11 "E C9 62°29'17" 230.00 250.84 238.59 S31°48'52"E C10 68°54'20" 258.49 310.87 292.47 N34°18'12"W W M 00 co z to N 0 co rn 0 -co • IT3 0 a) � Oa v.) ao 2-1/2" Alum. Cap O 0 orn ATS 1222 RP2 COR 12 4609S 1982 en\n s u/o WC MC 60 ▪ /s18 fi10-S 9 19 3-1/4" Alum. Cap I H 12( 0 z LEGEND: Monument (found this survey) 1 1/2" Alum. Cap Monument (found this survey) • 5/8" Rebar (found this survey) A PK Nail (found this survey) 0 5/8" Rebar (set this survey) o PK Nail (set this survey) Block Number KPB FILE No. 97-108 r Fourth of Jul�y Creek Subdivision Seward Mar2ne Industrail Center Record Datum - Fourth of July Creek Tracts - Plat No. 84-6. R ECORDED REC. DIST. DATE: : l / 19 TIME: 3M REQUESTED BY: INTEGRITY SURVEYS HC2 BOX 385 SOLDOTNA, AK 99669 Sheet 3-11 Signature Pages only A replat of Tract 'A' Fourth of July Creek Tracts, A.T.S. 1222, U.S.S. 4827 and VACATION of Public Easements within subdivision boundaries. Located within SE1/4 and NE1/4 Sec. 13 R1W and SW1/4 and SE1/4 Sec. 18 R1E, T1S, S.M., City of Seward, Seward Recording District, Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska. Sheet 2 of 11 INTEGRITY SURVEYS 605 Swires Drive Kenai, Alaska 99611-8363 PHONE - (907) 283-9047 FAX --- (907) 283-9071 SURVEYORS PLANNERS JOB NO. 97103 PLATTED: 20 December, 1997 CB SURVEYED: Nov, 1992-May, 1997 SCALE: 1" = 100' FIELD BK: 92-11 DISK: Seward Marine i 83