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Home My WebLink AboutPZ RES2026-004 Land Uses AmendingSponsored by: Staff Public Hearing: June 2, 2026 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 2026-004 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, RECOMMENDING CITY COUNCIL AMEND SEWARD CITY CODE §15.10.226 LAND USES ALLOWED FOR MARIJUANA ESTABLISHMENTS 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, at its March 23, 2026 meeting, the Seward City Council adopted Ordinance 2026- 004 amending Titles 8 and 15 of the Seward City Code to update regulations related to marijuana establishments within the City of Seward; and WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission has been directed to revisit and advance its previously developed recommendations regarding marijuana establishments within Title 15 of the Seward City Code; and WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission originally developed draft recommendations in 2024 following a series of public discussions concerning the compatibility of marijuana -related land uses within various zoning districts; and WHEREAS, since that time, the Planning and Zoning Commission has continued to review and refine the proposed regulations through multiple public work sessions, with the most recent discussion occurring on April 21, 2026; and WHEREAS, the proposed amendments are intended to clarify allowable uses, establish clearer zoning standards, reduce potential land use conflicts, and ensure marijuana -related land uses remain compatible with surrounding properties and the long-term goals of the community. 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 2ND DAY OF JUNE, 2026. CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2026-004 AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Charboruleau, Wilder ABSTAIN: VACANT: ATTEST: Cla e Sullivan, 1 hair Hornseth, Verhey, Hubbard, Siptrott, Sullivan Kris Peck City Clerk (City Seal) Planning and Zoning Agenda Statement Meeting Date: June 2, 2026 To: Planning and Zoning Commission Through: Daniel Meuninck, Community Development Director From: Courtney Bringhurst, Planner Agenda Item: Resolution 2026-004 of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Seward, Alaska, recommending City Council amend Seward City Code § 15.10.226 Land Uses Allowed for Marijuana Establishments Background and justification: At its March 23 meeting, the City Council adopted Ordinance 2026-004, which amended Titles 8 and 15 of City Code to update regulations related to marijuana establishments. With the updates to Title 8 now in place, the Planning and Zoning Commission has been directed to revisit and advance its previously developed recommendations for marijuana establishments in Title 15. The Planning and Zoning Commission originally developed draft recommendations in 2024 following a series of public discussions regarding the compatibility of marijuana -related land uses within various zoning districts. Since that time, the Commission has continued to review and refine the proposed regulations through multiple work sessions, with the most recent discussion occurring on April 21, 2026. The proposed amendments are intended to clarify allowable uses, establish clearer zoning standards, and ensure marijuana -related land uses remain compatible with surrounding properties and the long-term goals of the community. The effect of the proposed legislation would be to: • Update definitions regarding marijuana establishments • Add regulations for where a marijuana establishment can operate • Include a provision establishing an effective date for the new restrictions, allowing marijuana establishments that have already received both City and State approval prior to adoption of the ordinance to continue operating as conforming uses. • Restrict marijuana establishments from operating in a temporary structure or mobile vehicle • Prohibit marijuana cultivation facilities (standard and limited) • Prohibit marijuana heavy manufacturing facilities • Require a conditional use permit (CUP) for marijuana light manufacturing facilities in the Industrial zoning district. A CUP was previously required in the Auto Commercial and Central Business zoning districts. • Prohibit marijuana retail stores from operating within the Office Residential zoning district. • Prohibit marijuana testing facilities from operating in the Office Residential, Auto Commercial, Harbor Commercial, and Central Business zoning districts, and require a CUP to operate within the Industrial zoning district. 15 Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information This legislation is consistent with (citation listed): Comprehensive Vol 1, Chapter 2.2 — Community Values Plan: • 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." 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. 16