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Home My WebLink AboutORD2026-003 Title 15 Mobile Health UnitSponsored by: Planning and Zoning Commission Introduction: February 23, 2026 Public Hearing: March 9, 2026 Enacted: March 9, 2026 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE 2026-003 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 Planning and Zoning Commission approved Resolution 2026-002 on February 3, 2026, recommending the City Council approve the proposed amendments; 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 healthcare provider 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 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE 2026-003 Page 2of3 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 Council 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, THE CITY OF SEWARD ORDAINS: 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 strieken): K. Mobile medical units and mobile health units as defined in section 15.10.140B 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: 0 - Use Permitted Outright CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE 2026-003 Page 3 of 3 H - Home Occupation C - Use Requires Conditional Use Permit P - Use Requires Administrative Permit Blank - Use Prohibited Zoning Districts Principally Residential Principally Commercial Principally Public Uses RR R I 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 days upon enactment. ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA THIS 9th DAY OF MARCH 2026. CCL. K Sue McClure, Mayor AYES: Warner, Barnwell, Calhoon, Osenga, McClure NOES: None ABSENT: Draper, Crites ABSTAIN: None ATTEST: Kris Peck, City Clerk City Council Agenda Statement Meeting Date: February 23, 2026 To: City Council Through: Planning and Zoning Commission Subject: Ordinance 2026-003: Amending 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 Commission then approved Resolution 2026- 002 on February 3, 2026, recommending City Council approval of the proposed amendment. 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. Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information This legislation is consistent with (citation listed): Comprehensive Plan: 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: Other: V Yes Attorney Signature: /s/ Robert Palmer Not applicable Comments: Administration Recommendation Adopt Resolution Other: