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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02032026 Planning & Zoning PacketPlanning & Zoning Commission Meeting Packet Regular Meeting Tuesday, February 3, 2026 Council Chambers, City Hall 7: 00 p.m. 1963 1965 2005 kintual All-Amenca City 1 I I.. The City of Seward, Alaska PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA City Council Chambers, 410 Adams Street Please silence all cell phones and devices during the meeting Chair Clare Sullivan Vice Chair Brenan Hornseth Commissioner Nathaniel Charbonneau Commissioner Vanessa Verhey Commissioner Rhonda Hubbard Commissioner June Pemberton Commissioner Andrew Wilder Community Development Director Daniel Meuninck City Planner Courtney Bringhurst Executive Assistant Jamie Crocker Deputy City Clerk Jodi Kurtz February 3, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING (Those who have signed in will be given the first opportunity to speak. Time is limited to 3 minutes per speaker and 36 minutes total time for this agenda item.) 5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA (Approval of Consent Agenda passes all routine items listed under Item 6. Consent Agenda items are not considered separately unless a commissioner requests. No second or vote is needed. In the event of such a request, the item is returned to the Regular Agenda. Marked with *) 6. CONSENT AGENDA A. Minutes of Preceding Meeting 1)* Approve January 6, 2026 Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes 4 7. SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS, AND REPORTS A. Proclamations and Awards - None B. City Administration Report C. Other Reports and Announcements - None D. Presentations (Presentations are limited to ten minutes each, excluding Q&A, and are limited to two per meeting unless increased by the commission.) - None 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Chair shall ask if any commissioner needs to declare a conflict of interest at this time. Public hearing comments are limited to five (5) minutes per person. After all speakers have spoken, a person may speak for a second time for no more than one (1) minute.) A. Resolutions Requiring Public Hearing Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Agenda February 3, 2026 2 1) Resolution 2026-002 of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Seward Alaska, recommending City Council amend Seward City Code § 15.10.140 Definitions and § 15.10.226 Land Uses Allowed to incorporate regulations for a mobile health unit .8 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Resolutions - None 10. NEW BUSINESS A. Resolutions - None B. Other New Business 1) Discuss work session topic for February 17, 2026. 11. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS (No action required.) A. Reminder of upcoming P&Z Meetings 1) Work session on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 6:00 pm in Council Chambers at City Hall. 2) Regular meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 7:00 pm in Council Chambers at City Hall. B. Other Items 1) KPB Planning Commissioner Report 15 12. FINAL PUBLIC COMMENTS (There is no sign -in for this comment period. Time is limited to five (5) minutes per speaker.) 13. ADMINISTRATION AND COMMISSION COMMENTS AND RESPONSES TO PUBLIC COMMENTS 14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None 15. ADJOURNMENT Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Agenda February 3, 2026 3 City of Seward, Alaska Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes January 6, 2026 Volume 8, Page CALL TO ORDER The Tuesday, January 6, 2026, regular meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Clare Sullivan. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Charbonneau led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL There were present: Clare Sullivan, presiding, and Brenan Hornseth Nathaniel Charbonneau Vanessa Verhey Rhonda Hubbard June Pemberton Andrew Wilder 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 — Wilder Absent — None Vacant — None PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - None APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Motion (Charbonneau/Hornseth) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda Motion Passed Unanimous The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items: Approve December 2, 2025, Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes Approve December 16, 2025, Planning & Zoning Commission Special Meeting Minutes 4 City of Seward, Alaska Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes January 6, 2026 Volume 8, Page SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATION, AND REPORTS City Administration Report Community Development Director Daniel Meuninck wished everyone Happy New Year and welcomed 2026. He spoke to the appeal hearing for the drive-thru and that the City Council plans to reconvene on January 26, 2026 to make a final decision. He also reminded commissioners that they remain in a quasi-judicial role until the final decision. On another topic, the Mayor called for another Joint Work Session to discuss the legislative side of the cannabis code. Lastly, he mentioned a few new book resources, including The Color of Law and Abundance and invited anyone interested to check them out. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Resolutions Resolution 2025-033 of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Seward Alaska, recommending City Council amend Seward City Code § 15.10.215 Parking [This resolution received a public hearing on November 4, 2025, and was postponed to a future meeting with Hornseth 's substitute version of Resolution 2025-033 currently on the floor] The commission resumed their discussion on the substitute version of the resolution. Substitute Resolution 2025-033 was further amended to add a letter "C" that states: "Single-family homes on lots greater than 3,000 square feet are required to provide 2 parking spaces per dwelling unit" Substitute Resolution 2025-033 was further amended to add a letter "D" that states: "Duplexes and multi -family dwellings are required to provide 1 parking space per dwelling unit." Substitute Resolution 2025-033 was further amended to add a letter "C" and "D" that states: "with the exemption from Harbor District and Central District" Motion As Amended Passed 5-1 Yes: Verhey, Hubbard, Charbonneau, Hornseth, Sullivan No: Pemberton 5 City of Seward, Alaska Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes January 6, 2026 Volume 8, Page NEW BUSINESS Resolutions Resolution 2026-001 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 Motion (Hornseth/Verhey) Approve Resolution 2026-001 City Planner Courtney Bringhurst summarized the priorities that were discussed at the Work Session in December. She also noted that one additional priority was added to hold a Joint Work Session with City Council regarding potential revisions to regulations for marijuana establishments and to submit recommended land use amendments. The Commission discussed the priorities and marijuana regulations. Motion Passed Unanimous Other New Business Discussion for work session topic for January 20, 2026 Meuninck explained that the Commission would still hold their regular work session in addition to the Joint Work Session with City Council. The regular work session is scheduled for Tuesday, January 20th at 6:00 p.m. He said the plan is to include a short training, possibly using mock resolutions to help commissioners better understand processes. He also noted two topics that would be discussed are mobile medical units in the land use code and new draft on cannabis code. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS Reminder of upcoming P&Z Meetings: Work session on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers Regular meeting on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers Other Items KPB Planning Commissioner Report The Commission discussed the written report in the packet. FINAL PUBLIC COMMENTS John Wisel, outside city limits, raised several issues for consideration this year, based on both his own building and what he observes downtown. He suggested clarifying and standardizing awning 6 City of Seward, Alaska Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes January 6, 2026 Volume 8, Page permits so applicants do not have to navigate between city departments and asked whether there is clear guidance on where motor coaches should park, especially in the historic downtown. He recommended reviewing ADA parking spaces given recent development, and reexamining rules for boats, RVs, trailers, sheds, and storage containers, and what is allowed. He also commented on parking standards, and property owners having the most use for their property. Finally, he urged the Commission to address rules around derelict buildings and safety issues with them. ADMINISTRATION AND COMMISSION COMMENTS AND RESPONSES TO PUBLIC COMMENTS Meuninck confirmed that at least four commissioners were available for the Joint Work Session. He thanked the group for the significant effort put into the parking work, acknowledging the extensive research, time, and dedication involved and saying they should be applauded for their work. Bringhurst thanked John Wisel for raising all the questions and said that some of them can be answered now, while others will require more time. Hornseth thanked everyone for working on the parking issues with him and noted that government moves slowly, explaining that the work has been ongoing for about a year. He reassured the public that the commission has not forgotten about its priorities, including marijuana, and emphasized that it remains on the list. Hubbard thanked the Commission for seconding her motions for the amendments. She thanked Hornseth for his work on the parking ordinance and the encouragement of bringing in the public to make comments. In response to John Wisel's comments, she said they highlight the need for a code enforcement officer, explaining that while she values personal freedom on private property, a great deal of work has gone into developing the code and much of it is often ignored. She emphasized that better enforcement would benefit the city and ensure the Commission's work is meaningful. She concluded by thanking City Administration and all the Commissioners. Chair Sullivan thanked everyone for coming and emphasized how important public input. She stated that while they often have their own ideas, feedback like John Wisel's raises issues they might not even realize fall within their responsibility. She also expressed appreciation for the Clerk's Office, City Administration and the Commissioners. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:59 p.m. Jodi Kurtz Deputy City Clerk Clare Sullivan Chair Planning and Zoning Agenda Statement Meeting Date: February 3, 2026 To: Planning and Zoning Commission Through: Daniel Meuninck, Community Development Director From: Courtney Bringhurst, Planner Agenda Item: Resolution 2026-002 of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Seward Alaska, recommending City Council amend Seward City Code § 15.10.140 Definitions and § 15.10.226 Land Uses Allowed to incorporate regulations for a mobile health unit Background and justification: Seward Community Health Center has proposed a new use in Seward involving a motorized van that would provide routine, non -emergency health screenings and preventive care, without advanced diagnostic imaging or specialized equipment. During staff's review of the Land Uses Allowed Table, it was determined that this specific use is not currently defined in the code. The code does include a definition for a "mobile medical unit," which is described as "a trailer, motorized coach, or van capable of being transported from place to place, containing medical equipment such as a CT scanner, MRI, or similarly complex medical diagnostic device or decontamination equipment." This definition does not accurately reflect the proposed use, which is limited to routine, non -emergency health screenings and preventive care. Typically, when a use is not listed in either the definitions or the Land Uses Allowed Table, a Conditional Use Permit is required. However, because the proposed use is mobile and Seward Community Health Center's intent is for the van to operate in multiple locations to serve a broad range of individuals, staff determined it would be more appropriate to add this use to the definitions in Title 15 and include it in the Land Uses Allowed Table. According to Seward City Code § 15.01.035, the Planning and Zoning Commission may initiate and recommend amendments to Title 15 of the Seward City Code to the City Council. As part of its responsibility to review and update zoning regulations to reflect evolving community needs, the Commission held a work session on January 20, 2026, to discuss how mobile health units should be addressed within the zoning code. The proposed amendment would allow mobile health units in appropriate commercial and institutional zoning districts, consistent with the intent and character of those districts and the goals and values of the Comprehensive Plan. The effect of the proposed legislation would be to: • Define mobile health unit • Add land use regulations for mobile medical units and mobile health units • Allow mobile health units outright in Office Residential, Auto Commercial, Harbor Commercial, Central Business, Industrial, and Institutional zoning districts. 8 Plan: Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information This legislation is consistent with (citation listed): Comprehensive Vol 1, Chapter 2.2 — Community Values • 2.2.8 — City Government: "Continue to review and update the city code." • 2.2.10 — Land Development: "Ensure all adopted codes reflect community values." Vol 1, Chapter 3.7 — Public Facilities and Services • Support expansion and modernization of health care facilities • Support and develop opportunities for individual and community health improvement Strategic Plan: N/A Other: N/A The public hearing posting requirements of Seward City Code §15.01.040(A)(1) were complied with. At the time of this publication, the Community Development Department has not received public inquiries that have been forwarded to the Commission. If any correspondence is received after publication of this agenda statement, it will be submitted to the Commissioners for their review. Recommendation The proposed amendments to Title 15 have been reviewed thoroughly by staff, the Commission, and the public in various work sessions. If the Commission is in favor of the amendments, § 15.01.035 gives the Commission power to provide a recommendation to City Council to amend Seward City Code as outlined in the attached Ordinance 2026-XXX. 9 Sponsored by: Staff Public Hearing: February 3, 2026 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 2026-002 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, RECOMMENDING CITY COUNCIL AMEND SEWARD CITY CODE 15.10.140 DEFINITIONS AND 15.10.226 LAND USES ALLOWED TO INCORPORATE REGULATIONS FOR A MOBILE HEALTH UNIT WHEREAS, according to Seward City Code 15.01.035, the Planning and Zoning Commission by its own motion may recommend amendments to Title 15 to the City Council; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the community to periodically review and update the Seward zoning code to reflect community changes and needs; and WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a work session on January 20, 2026, to discuss how mobile health units should be incorporated into Seward City Code and recommend changes; and WHEREAS, the Seward City Code currently defines a "Mobile medical unit" as a trailer, motorized coach, or van containing advanced medical equipment such as a CT scanner, MRI, or similarly complex medical diagnostic or decontamination equipment; and WHEREAS, the City has identified a proposed use involving a motorized van operated by a local hospital to provide routine, non -emergency health screenings and check-ups that does not include advanced diagnostic imaging or decontamination equipment; and WHEREAS, the existing definition of "Mobile medical unit" does not accurately reflect or encompass lower -intensity mobile medical services such as routine health screenings and preventive care; and WHEREAS, the City finds that mobile health unit services differ in intensity, infrastructure needs, and land -use impacts from mobile medical units containing advanced diagnostic equipment; and WHEREAS, the City desires to support access to routine and preventive healthcare services while maintaining clarity and consistency within the zoning code; and WHEREAS, the creation of a distinct land -use definition for mobile health units will improve regulatory clarity, administrative efficiency, and enforcement consistency; and WHEREAS, allowing mobile health units in commercial and institutional zoning districts is consistent with the intent of the zoning code and the character of those zoning districts; and 10 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2026-002 WHEREAS, the Commission finds that this amendment promotes the public health, safety, and general welfare of the community; and WHEREAS, the proposed code change is consistent with values and goals expressed in the Comprehensive Plan. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA: Section 1. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends Ordinance 2026-XXX attached and incorporated herein by reference, be forwarded to City Council for approval. Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption. APPROVED BY THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION THIS 3" DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2026. Clare Sullivan, Chair AYES: NOES: AB SENT: ABSTAIN: VACANT: ATTEST: Kris Peck City Clerk (City Seal) 11 Sponsored: Sorensen Introduction: Month XX, 2026 Public Hearing: Month XX, 2026 Enactment: Month XX, 2026 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE 2026-XXX AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, AMENDING SEWARD CITY CODE 15.10.140 DEFINITIONS AND 15.10.226 LAND USES ALLOWED TO INCORPORATE REGULATIONS FOR A MOBILE HEALTH UNIT WHEREAS, according to Seward City Code 15.01.035, the Planning and Zoning Commission by its own motion may recommend amendments to Title 15 to the City Council; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the community to periodically review and update the Seward zoning code to reflect community changes and needs; and WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a work session on January 20, 2026, to discuss how mobile health units should be incorporated into Seward City Code and recommend changes; and WHEREAS, the Seward City Code currently defines a "Mobile medical unit" as a trailer, motorized coach, or van containing advanced medical equipment such as a CT scanner, MRI, or similarly complex medical diagnostic or decontamination equipment; and WHEREAS, the City has identified a proposed use involving a motorized van operated by a local hospital to provide routine, non -emergency health screenings and check-ups that does not include advanced diagnostic imaging or decontamination equipment; and WHEREAS, the existing definition of "Mobile medical unit" does not accurately reflect or encompass lower -intensity mobile medical services such as routine health screenings and preventive care; and WHEREAS, the City finds that mobile health unit services differ in intensity, infrastructure needs, and land -use impacts from mobile medical units containing advanced diagnostic equipment; and WHEREAS, the City desires to support access to routine and preventive healthcare services while maintaining clarity and consistency within the zoning code; and WHEREAS, the creation of a distinct land -use definition for mobile health units will improve regulatory clarity, administrative efficiency, and enforcement consistency; and WHEREAS, allowing mobile health units in commercial and institutional zoning districts is consistent with the intent of the zoning code and the character of those zoning districts; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that this amendment promotes the public health, safety, and general welfare of the community; and 12 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE 2026-XXX WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved Resolution 2026-002 on February 3, 2026, recommending the City Council approve the proposed parking amendments; and WHEREAS, the proposed code change is consistent with values and goals expressed in the Comprehensive Plan. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA: Section 1. Seward City Code Title 15.10.140 Definitions is hereby amended to read as follows (new language is in bolded italics and deleted language is stricken): 58. Mobile health unit. A motorized vehicle, trailer, or van used for the provision of routine, non -emergency medical services such as health screenings, examinations, vaccinations, preventive care, or similar outpatient services. A mobile health unit does not include vehicles containing advanced diagnostic imaging equipment such as CT scanners or MRI machines, nor does it include decontamination equipment. Section 2. Seward City Code Title 15.10.226 Land Uses Allowed is hereby amended to read as follows (new language is in bolded italics, and deleted language is stricken): K. Mobile medical units and mobile health units as defined in section 15.10.140E are allowed in accordance with table 15.10.226 of this chapter and subject to the following: 1. The unit shall not provide services within any public right-of-way. 2. The unit may operate in a single location for a maximum of 150 consecutive days in a calendar year 3. The unit shall be and remain legally licensed and road -ready. Table 15.10.226. Land Uses Allowed KEY: O - Use Permitted Outright H - Home Occupation C - Use Requires Conditional Use Permit P - Use Requires Administrative Permit 13 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE 2026-XXX Blank - Use Prohibited Zoning Districts Principally Residential Principally Commercial Principally Public Uses RR R1 R2 R3 UR OR AC HC CB I RM INS P Mobile, health unit O O O O O O Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect ten (10) days upon adoption. APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL THIS XX DAY OF MONTH, 2026. Sue McClure, Mayor AYES: NOES: AB SENT: ABSTAIN: VACANT: ATTEST: Kris Peck City Clerk (City Seal) 14 Resolution Description Approved by Seward P&Z Needs City Council Approval (Y/N) City Council Resolution Number Approved by City Council Initial Approval by KPB Planning Commission 2024-022 313 & 315 Fourth Avenue, Wisel Replat 10/8/2024 N NA NA 10/13/2025 2025-001 Spring Creek Park Replat 1/7/2025 Y 2025-007 2/10/2025 Sent back for revisions (see P&Z Res 2025-024) 2025-002 Fourth of July Park Replat 1/7/2025 Y 2025-008 1/27/2025 Pending 2025-003 Kawabe Park Replat 1/7/2025 Y 2025-012 1/27/2025 4/14/2025 2025-014 Marathon Addn Replat 3/20/2025 Y 2025-039 4/28/2025 Pending 2025-015 Cliff Addition Replat/vacating First Ave 3/20/2025 Y 2025-040 4/28/2025 7/14/2025 2025-016 606 First Ave Replat 5/6/2025 N NA NA 7/14/2025 2025-017 Land Swap Replat 5/6/2025 Y 2025-101 10/27/2025 1/26/2026 2025-019 303 Second Ave Replat 6/3/2025 N NA NA Pending 2025-024 Spring Creek Replat (Revised) 8/5/2025 Y 2025-099 10/13/2025 Pending 2025-025 Olympia Road Replat 8/5/2005 N NA NA 11/17/2025 2025-026 Seward Hwy Replat 8/5/2005 N NA NA Pending 2025-034 Budd Replat 12/2/2025 N NA NA 1/26/2026 15