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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09022025 Planning & Zoning Minutes136 City ofSeward, Alaska September 2, 2025 Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes Volume 8, Page 136 CALL TO ORDER The September 2, 2025 regular meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Carol Griswold. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Pemberton led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. ROLL CALL There were present: Carol Griswold, presiding, and Brenan Hornseth Nathaniel C—harbenneatt Vanessa Verhey Clare Sullivan Rhonda Hubbard June Pemberton comprising a quorum of the Commission; and Daniel Meuninck, Community Development Director Courtney Bringhurst, City Planner Jamie Crocker, Executive Planning Assistant Jodi Kurtz, Deputy City Clerk Excused — Charbonneau Absent None PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING Becky Dunn, inside city limits, reminded everyone that the Planning & Zoning members are volunteers who put in many hours and deserve respect. Dunn wanted to open up conversations about low-income housing requirements and how it affects Seward. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Motion (Pemberton/Sullivan) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda Motion Passed Unanimous 137 City ofSeward, Alaska September 2, 2025 Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes Volume 8, Page 137 The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items: Approve August 5, 2025, Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATION, AND REPORTS Proclamations and Awards — None City Administration Report Community Development Director Daniel Meuninck said the City's GIS technician is creating a new public map viewer that combines many map layers such as zoning, subdivisions, city -owned property, short-term rentals, and building height overlays. The map is currently in the testing phase and staff and commissioners were encouraged to test it out and provide feedback. The public will also get a chance to test it before the final version is released. Other Reports and Announcements KPB Planning Commissioner Report City Planner Courtney Bringhurst stated that Karina England did not plan on coming tonight as she had no extra updates beyond the spreadsheet provided in the packet. PUBLIC HEARINGS Resolutions Requiring Public Hearing Resolution 2025-027, of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Seward, Alaska, recommending City Council approval of the land use amendment to rezone 2400 Dimond Blvd, 2400 Birch Street, 2404 Birch Street, 2406 Birch Street, 2411 Spruce Street, 2500 Birch Street, and 2501 Spruce Street, from a Rural Residential (RR) zoning district to a Multi -family (R3) zoning district. City Planner Courtney Bringhurst explained that an application was submitted to rezone seven properties between Spruce Street, Birch Street, and Dimond Boulevard from Rural Residential to Multifamily Residential. She also explained that if the resolution is failed by the commission, it could still be brought forward to council if sponsored by a council member and it would go through the same process at a council level. Casie Warner spoke as the applicant for the rezone. She emphasized the need for affordable housing, noting that two lots are currently out of compliance with Rural Residential zones and would be brought into compliance under R3. She addressed concerns about short-term rentals, the traffic concerns and community safety. She stressed that the rezone aligns with Seward's comprehensive and strategic plans, supports workforce housing, and respects the neighborhood's character. Her goal is to provide stable housing and strengthen the community. 138 City of Seward, Alaska September 2, 2025 Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes Volume 8, Page 138 Notice of the public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public hearing was opened. Public hearing comments are limited to,ftve minutes per person. After all speakers have spoken, a person may speak for a second time for no more than one minute. Ann Wright, inside city limits, has lived in Seward for 56 years and currently resides on Birch Street. She spoke in opposition to the proposed rezoning, saying many residents prefer single- family homes over multifamily dwellings. Sam Kazuba, inside city limits, shared that he is a new resident of the neighborhood and expressed opposition to rezoning the area for multifamily housing. Sarah Tougas, inside city limits, spoke in opposition to rezone. She explained her petition against the rezone and emphasized that the neighborhood should be considered. Steve Fink, inside city limits, has lived in Seward for 25 years, including 17 years near the proposed rezoning area. He strongly opposed the rezone, arguing it would set a precedent for high - density development, increase traffic, reduced privacy, and more noise. This was profiteering at the expense of the quality of life of the neighbors. Jenn Appel, inside city limits. strongly opposed to the rezone. She emphasized that Forest Acres is a quiet, family -oriented neighborhood where children play outside, and the rezoning could gradually changing the integrity of the area. Randall Johnson, inside city limits, owns property bordering two of the parcels proposed for rezoning. He was strongly opposed to the rezone. He believes P&Z has been misled and that the rezoning does not address Seward's housing shortage. Tim McDonald, inside city limits, owns two properties in this area and supported the rezoning. He explained that the area is mostly small and rural, with only a few houses on Spruce Street, and allowing duplexes would have minimal impact on traffic, the neighborhood's character, or Forest Acres. Leighton Radner, inside city limits, does not live in the immediate rezoning area but wanted to comment from an economic and community perspective. He expressed concern about recent property buyers whose investments may be affected by sudden changes and emphasized that long- term residents could feel displaced. Steven Severn, inside city limits, moved from the lower 48 because he didn't want to live in a crowded area again and now enjoys the privacy of his large lot in Seward. He explained that he values space, peace, and not being surrounded by constant activity. He shared his concerns and stressed that he is against the rezoning, saying the neighborhood doesn't need to change and that there are other areas better suited for higher -density housing. I39 City ofSeward, Alaska September 2, 2025 Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes Volume 8, Page 139 Becky Dunn, inside city limits, said she moved to Forest Acres for peace, space, and a quiet neighborhood. She was concerned that rezoning would allow large apartment buildings that would bring congestion and change the neighborhood character. She hoped to protect the neighborhood's quiet character while still addressing housing needs in other ways. Diana Kazuba, inside city limits, was against the rezone proposal because it jumps too many zoning levels too quickly without considering smaller steps, such as two-family zoning. Randall Johnson, inside city limits, addressed the reason for R3 instead of R2, and said the applicant doesn't meet the R2 rezoning requirements. Steven Severn, inside city limits, noted the public notice signs on the road and would like to be informed on these notices by mail. Tim McDonald, inside city limits, clarified that he does live in Forest Acres, and has no plans on building anything on his empty lot. Casie Warner, inside city limits, explained that she operates a nightly rental in her attached dwelling unit [ADU], but emphasized that the rules for short-term rentals apply equally across all zoning types. She explained why she had applied for this application and the reasoning behind it. She rejected claims that her support for rezoning is a money grab and invited anyone to speak with her directly. She said that multifamily units fill an important gap and questioned why the community opposed her while remaining silent during earlier R3 rezonings. No one else appeared and the public hearing was closed. Motion (Pemberton/Sullivan) Approve Resolution 2025-027 The commission discussed their views on the rezoning of RR to R3 for this location. Griswold referenced the Title 15 code and she said that planning rules are meant to protect health, safety, and the community. The roads and utilities in the area are not adequate for R3 zoning. She spoke about road width, sidewalks, and emergency access, high density, tourists, short term rentals, traffic and character of this subdivision. She explained what R3 zoning would allow how and the rezoning would lower property values and go against the purpose of the RR zone. She concluded that new housing should focus on vacant sites and be done in ways that match the community plan. Motion Failed 2-4 Yes: Verhey, Hornseth No: Sullivan, Pemberton, Hubbard, G riswold 140 City of Seward, Alaska September 2, 2025 Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes Volume 8, Page 140 Resolution 2025-028, of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Seward, Alaska, recommending City Council amend Seward City Code § 15.10.140 Definitions for animal shelter and veterinary hospital and § 15.10.226 Land Uses Allowed Table for veterinary hospital. Motion (Sullivan/Pemberton) Approve Resolution 2025-028 Bringhurst explained that a veterinary hospital has been offering services at the local animal shelter, but the zoning rules did not allow it in that district. The commission had discussed updating the zoning code to address this by including a definition for animal shelter and changing "veterinary hospital" to "veterinary services". The amendment would also change the zoning rules, so veterinary services would be allowed outright in Auto Commercial, Industrial, Resource Management, and Institutional zoning districts. Notice of the public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public hearing was opened. Becky Dunn, inside city limits, spoke in favor of the change and thanked the City of Seward for allowing the animal shelter to hold low-cost spay and neuter clinics. She noted that a local veterinarian is available for some services. No one else appeared and the public hearing was closed The Commissioners discussed the resolution. Pemberton had concerns about the noise from barking dogs at an animal shelter. She wanted more community input before she could support this resolution. Motion Passed 5-1 Yes: Hornseth, Hubbard, Verhey, Sullivan, Griswold No: Pemberton Resolution 2025-029, of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Seward, Alaska, recommending City Council amend Seward City Code §15.10.140 Definitions for dwelling, apartment, commercial building and mixed -use development and Table 15.10.226 Land Uses Allowed for dwelling, apartment in a commercial building. Motion (Sullivan/Hornseth) Approve Resolution 2025-029 Bringhurst discussed the lack of clarity in the city code about mixed -use buildings in housing and parking, especially apartments in commercial buildings. She said the commission proposed updating the code by defining "mixed -use development" as a project that combines two or more permitted uses. She said the proposed code update would allow apartments in mixed -use buildings and be allowed in several different zones. These amendments would also clear up confusion about parking rules. Notice of the public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public hearing was opened. 141 City ofSeward, Alaska Se er 2, 2125 Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes Volume 8, Page 141 Kelli Hatfield, outside city limits, thanked the commission for their work. She appreciated the easier definitions, the new outright allowed uses, and supported the decision that gives her flexibility to manage parking. She noted it makes sense to not require parking for a restaurant with apartments above when other nearby uses bring in more traffic. No one else appeared and the public hearing was closed. Sullivan supported the changes because they would give people more opportunities to develop housing above businesses. The flexibility would support new development and provide more options for the community. Hornseth said the changes encouraged building housing by setting clear rules, instead of leaving future decisions up to the ever -changing lineup of P&Z commissioners. He felt this legislation would level the playing field and support more housing development. Pemberton wanted to hear more from what the majority of the community wanted, which is not necessarily what the commission wants. Motion Passed 5-1 Yes: Verhey, Hubbard, Hornseth, Sullivan, Griswold No: Pemberton Resolution 2025-030, of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Seward, Alaska, recommending City Council amend Seward City Code § 15.20 Signs Motion (Hornseth/Verhey) Approve Resolution 2025-030 Bringhurst explained that the sign code amendment was about temporary signs as well as addressing concerns about unclear rules for awnings. She explained sign sizes in residential and commercial areas, content -based rules for political signs, and feather signs for vendors at approved community events. Hubbard brought up political signs, electric signs, animated signs, and illuminated signs. Griswold questioned if temporary signs could include a timestamp. Hubbard about if a parked vehicle with a sign on it would be considered a sign. Notice of the public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public hearing was opened. No one appeared and the public hearing was closed. Hornseth said this sign code update was the result of a lot of work and discussion. He stated the sign code is complicated and this amendment brings the city into compliance. He felt it was a good step forward and fully supported it. 142 City ofSeward, Alaska September 2, 2025 Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes Volume 8, Page 142 Verhey also fully sported this update to the sign code. Sullivan said the city code is a living document that needs updating as new issues arise. While not everything can be anticipated, this amendment is solid, and the result of a lot of hard work. She felt it was a very good product overall. Motion Passed Unanimous UNFINISHED BUSINESS —None NEW BUSINESS Other New Business Review absence notification requirements for meetings Meuninck explained that the commission discussed the need for a code enforcement officer and recently submitted a memorandum of support to the city council. He noted that commissioners have not been following the code when it comes to absence rules. He also explained the code requirements for a commissioner to have an excused absence. This discussion item was to make sure the commission was aware of the current rules, start following them, and consider any recommended changes. Griswold had taken a close look at city code and presented the changes she would like to see as a laydown item. The commission discussed current city code and proposed changes to streamline the process. Discuss work session topic for September 16, 2025 The Work Session topic for September 16, 2025 will be to review a draft ordinance for parking and to review the Municipal Land Inventory and Management Plan for 2025. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS Reminder of upcoming P&Z Meetings Work session on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 6:00 pm in Council Chambers. Regular meeting on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 7:00 pm in Council Chambers. FINAL PUBLIC COMMENTS Sarah Tougas, inside city limits, thanked the commission for their work and for listening to community concerns. She questioned the impact that new subdivision homes and duplexes would have on the rental market. 143 City ofSeward, Alaska Se ter 2, 2025 Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes Volume 8, Page 143 ADMINISTRATION AND COMMISSION COMMENTS AND RESPONSES TO PUBLIC COMMENTS Meuninck thanked the public for attending and noted it was the biggest turnout he had experienced. He reminded everyone of the deadline code and that the meeting must adjourn by 10:30 p.m. and expressed appreciation for their time. Kurtz apologized for the earlier issues with the timer, explaining she was getting back into the groove after missing the past two meetings. Sullivan expressed gratitude that the public attended, noting their input brings new perspectives and strengthens the decision -making process. She also thanked the administration for organizing everything and acknowledged that all the commissioners are learning and adapting. Pemberton expressed gratitude to the public, saying that part of her role is understanding what the community wants. She emphasized that rules and big ideas only matter if they reflect the needs of the community. She appreciated the public's participation and input. Hubbard expressed appreciation for the applicant's effort on the rezone resolution. She acknowledged that R3 zoning is a big change and not everyone wants to share walls or floors. However, there are ways to allow more density while keeping it comfortable for R1 residents. She also thanked city staff for answering questions, providing clarity. Lastly, Hubbard emphasized the value of respectful discussion even when opinions differed. Griswold summarized the events and actions that took place during the meeting. She thanked the public for their strong turnout and participation, praised city staff for handling complex issues and last-minute tasks, and acknowledged the Commission and Clerk's Office for their support and contributions. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:56 p.m. Jod' urtz Carol Griswol De ty City Clerk Chair