HomeMy WebLinkAboutPZ Res2026-001 Planning & Zoning PrioritiesSponsored by: Staff
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION 2026-001
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, RECOMMENDING CITY COUNCIL
APPROVAL OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
PRIORITIES FOR JANUARY 2026 TO JANUARY 2027
WHEREAS, the Seward City Code §2.30.225(B) states that "the Commission shall
act in an advisory capacity to the City Council regarding the Seward Zoning Code,
Seward Comprehensive Plan, Official Zoning Map, Official Land Use Plan Map, and
other duties as requested by the City Council"; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission discussed their priorities during
the December 16, 2025 work session; and
WHEREAS, City Council will address a resolution adopting these
recommendations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Seward Planning and Zoning
Commission, that:
Section 1. The following list of priorities are hereby recommended to the City Council for
approval:
SHORT TERM (2026) SPECIFIC PRIORITIES
• Through the powers of the Commission, contribute and collaborate as needed
to help be part of the solution for the housing issues that Seward is facing,
including recommending changes to the Muni Land Plan and Title 15.
o Evaluate and update zoning regulations to support the development of
missing middle housing types to diversify the housing stock and improve
affordability.
o Review lot size requirements for duplex and multi -family units
• Comprehensive Plan Update: Continue to promote public engagement in the
Comprehensive Plan update process and provide assistance as requested.
• Make parking code update recommendation to City Council.
• Continue joint discussions with the City Council regarding potential revisions
to regulations for marijuana establishments and, at their direction, submit
recommended land use code amendments
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2026-001
Page 2 of 3
• Assess where Title 15 can appropriately shift certain development types from
discretionary review to by -right approval to improve predictability, reduce
processing times, and focus Commission attention on higher -impact decisions.
o Review current Conditional Use Permits in the Land Uses Allowed table to
determine necessity
o Review the CUP application process
• Evaluate contemporary approaches to zoning and development regulation to
determine whether alternative models could better advance community goals.
• Evaluate zoning and development standards to ensure they support the needs
of older residents, promote aging in place, and create safe, accessible, and
inclusive neighborhoods for the community's senior population.
o Review mobile medical unit definition and zoning allowances
• Evaluate and update zoning regulations to ensure the city can accommodate
temporary housing needs for seasonal or project -based employees, while
maintaining community compatibility and safety.
• Review and Update Rezone Application Procedures and Requirements
• Review and update subdivision regulations to ensure public improvement
standards —such as streets, sidewalks, utilities, drainage, and landscaping —
are clear, consistent, and achievable for developers, while meeting the city's
long-term infrastructure goals.
ONGOING PRIORITIES
• Review and make recommendations to update Title .15 and Title 16 as needed.
• Review and update the Municipal Lands Inventory and Management Plan
(MLIMP) to meet the current and future needs of the City of Seward.
• Review the Seward Marine Industrial Center (SMIC) development plan with
the Harbor Master and Port and Commerce Advisory Board. Collaborate on
how to integrate updated maps from the MLIMP and a future zoning overlay into
the plan.
• Work with the Seward Bear Creek Flood Service Area Board on any projects
or plans that pertain to flooding issues within the City of Seward.
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CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2026-001
Page 3 of 3
• Review and update the Planning and Zoning Rules of Procedures document as
needed.
• Planning & Zoning Commissioner education and training (Conduct mini
training sessions during work sessions throughout the year. Attend any trainings
provided by the Alaska Chapter of the American Planning Association)
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission this 6th day
of January, 2026.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT: Wilder
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
lare Sulliv . , hair
Hubbard, Verhey, Charbonneau, Hornseth, Pemberton, Sullivan
Kris Peck
City Clerk
(City Seal)
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