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Home My WebLink AboutRES2026-015 Priorities for Planning & Zoning CommissionSponsored by: Planning and Zoning Commission CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2026-015 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, APPROVING 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 City Council provides overall policy direction for planning activities within the City and relies on the Planning and Zoning Commission to carry out planning -related duties consistent with adopted goals and policies; and WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission annually establishes a set of priorities to guide its work program and focus its efforts on key planning issues for the upcoming year; and WHEREAS, establishing annual priorities helps ensure that the Commission's activities remain aligned with the City Council's policy objectives, long-range plans, and the evolving needs of the community; and WHEREAS, on December 16, 2025, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a work session to review current planning initiatives, anticipated development trends, and ongoing and emerging planning issues; and WHEREAS, based on that discussion, the Planning and Zoning Commission identified priority topics to guide its agenda -setting, coordination with City staff, and use of resources during the 2026 calendar year; and WHEREAS, the recommended 2026 Planning and Zoning Commission priorities are intended to promote transparency, accountability, and consistency in the City's planning process; and WHEREAS, on January 6, 2026, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved Resolution No. 2026-001 recommending City Council approval of the proposed priorities; and WHEREAS, formal approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission's priorities by the City Council ensures coordination between the Commission's work program and broader municipal goals, including orderly growth, regulatory updates, and implementation of adopted plans and policies. CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2026-015 Page 2 of 4 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA: Section 1. The Council hereby approves the following list of priorities for the Planning and Zoning Commission from January 2026 to January 2027: 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 • 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. CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2026-015 Page 3 of 4 • 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. • 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. APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, THIS 26Tx DAY OF JANUARY 2026. Sue McClure, Mayor CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2026-015 Page 4 of 4 AYES: Osenga, Warner, Draper, Barnwell, Crites, Calhoon, McClure NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None ATTEST: 7r-A. fjeiCA- Kris Peck, City Clerk City Council Agenda Statement Meeting Date: January 26, 2026 To: City Council Through: Planning and Zoning Commission Subject: Resolution 2026-015: Approving the Planning and Zoning Commission Priorities for January 2026 to January 2027 Background and justification: Under the direction of the City Council, the Planning and Zoning Commission annually establishes a set of priorities to guide its work for the upcoming year. These priorities help ensure that the Commission's efforts remain aligned with the City Council's policy objectives, long-range planning goals, and the community's evolving needs. During a work session held on December 16, 2025, the Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed current planning initiatives, discussed anticipated development trends, and evaluated ongoing and emerging planning issues. Based on that discussion, the Commission identified key focus areas intended to guide its activities throughout calendar year 2026. The attached Resolution reflects the Commission's recommended priorities and is intended to provide clear direction for agenda -setting, allocation of staff resources, and coordination with City Council initiatives. Formal adoption of the Planning and Zoning Commission's annual priorities promotes transparency, accountability, and consistency in the City's planning process. Approval by the City Council ensures that the Commission's work supports broader municipal goals, including orderly growth, regulatory updates, and implementation of adopted plans and policies. Establishing priorities at the beginning of the year also allows staff and the Commission to proactively manage workloads, focus on high -impact planning efforts, and respond more effectively to development and policy issues as they arise. Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information This legislation is consistent with (citation listed): Comprehensive Plan: Vol 1, Chapter 2.2.8 • "Continue to review and update the city code." The priorities of the Commission are based on the goals and objectives established in the Comprehensive Plan. Strategic Plan: N/A Other: Total amount of funds listed in this legislation: This legislation (✓): Creates revenue in the amount of: Creates expenditure in amount of: Creates a savings in the amount of: Has no fiscal impact Funds are (✓): Budgeted Line item(s): Not budgeted Not applicable Affected Fund (✓): General Boat Harbor Motor Pool Available Fund Balance Yes SMIC Parking Other Electric Water Attorney Signature: Not applicable Comments: $ Wastewater Healthcare Note: amounts are unaudited Finance Director Signature: Administration Recommendation Adopt Resolution Other: