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Home My WebLink About06022026 Planning & Zoning Minutes1 1 1 City of Seward, Alaska Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes June 2, 2026 Volume 8, Page 179 CALL TO ORDER The June 2, 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 Hubbard led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL There were present: Clare Sullivan, presiding, and Brenan Hornseth Vanessa Verhey Rhonda Hubbard Andrew Wilder Tyna Siptrott comprising a quorum of the Commission; and Courtney Bringhurst, City Planner Jamie Crocker, Executive Planning Assistant Jodi Kurtz, Deputy City Clerk Excused — Charbonneau, 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 (Hornseth/Verhey) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda Motion Passed Unanimous The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items: Approve April 7, 2026, Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes. Resolution 2026-006: of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Seward, Alaska, granting a six-month extension of CUP 2025-010 for the construction and operation of a hotel at 313 and 315 Fourth Avenue City of Seward, Alaska Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes June 2, 2026 Volume 8, Page 180 SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATION, AND REPORTS Proclamations and Awards - None City Administration Report Community Development City Planner Courtney Bringhurst provided a report on what she learned at the National Planning Conference, that focused on current and emerging planning issues and sessions on making zoning regulations more accessible to the public. She spoke about the book that featured Donald Elliott, author of An Even Better Way to Zone, which explores zoning regulations can create barriers to sustainable, affordable, and equitable development and that they have added the book to its library and looks forward to discussing its ideas in future work sessions. She also reminded attendees of the tentative joint work session with the City Council on July 27 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss short-term rental regulations and shared that there is still an open seat on the borough Planning Commission for a Seward representative. Other Reports and Announcements - None Presentations - None PUBLIC HEARINGS Resolutions Requiring Public Hearing 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 Motion (Hornseth/Verhey) Approve Resolution 2026-004 Bringhurst explained the updates revise definitions to align with Alaska state statutes, while adding local definitions for light and heavy marijuana manufacturing facilities. She also explained how the legislation establishes where marijuana businesses may operate and allows existing establishments that received full city and state approval before the ordinance's adoption to continue operating as conforming uses. It prohibits marijuana establishments from operating in temporary structures or mobile vehicles, bans marijuana cultivation facilities and heavy manufacturing facilities, and requires conditional use permits for light manufacturing facilities in certain zoning districts. The ordinance also restricts marijuana retail stores and testing facilities from operating in specific zoning districts and requires conditional use permits for testing facilities operating within industrial zones. Notice of the public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public hearing was opened. No one else appeared and the public hearing was closed. 1 1 J City of Seward, Alaska Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes June 2, 2026 Volume 8, Page 181 1 1 1 Resolution 2026-004 motion to amend Section 2 H2 to add "a marijuana establishment with the initial license granted after March 1, 2026, must... or with a transfer of a marijuana license after March 1, 2026, must... failed. Main Motion Passed NEW BUSINESS Resolutions Unanimous Resolution 2026-005, of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Seward, Alaska, Adopting the Planning and Zoning Commission Rules of Procedures 2026 Update Motion (Hornseth/Verhey) Approve Resolution 2026-005 Bringhurst explained that the commission thoroughly reviewed the updated Rules of Procedure during its last work session after using the revised rules for a full year. She highlighted the significant effort put into updating the document, and that the revisions include clearer guidance on procedures such as requesting field trips and understanding reconsideration rules. She noted that the updated document will serve as an important resource for both commissioners and staff when referencing commission procedures in the future. Commissioners appreciated the effort that administration put into this and that it was enlightening and clarifying. Stating that the last ones have stated basic information and now they include definitions, processes. Procedures, etc. Motion Passed Other New Business Discuss work session topic for June 16, 2026 Unanimous • Bringhurst explained that staff will present proposed code amendments at the June work session to gather the commission's feedback. The primary topic of the meeting will be reviewing the conditional use permit process, including current permits, application requirements, and how the city's process compares to other Alaska communities. She said the goal is to make applications more complete and easier for the commission to review. The commission will also discuss whether some uses still need a conditional use permit if existing city code already addresses them. She noted that streamlining the process could reduce unnecessary steps for applicants while maintaining proper oversight. The review will begin on June 16 and may continue into a second work session. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS Reminder of upcoming P&Z Meetings Work Session on Tuesday, June 16, at 6:00 pm Regular meeting on Tuesday, July 7, at 7:00 pm City of Seward, Alaska Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes June 2, 2026 Volume 8, Page 182 FINAL PUBLIC COMMENTS - None ADMINISTRATION AND COMMISSION COMMENTS AND RESPONSES TO PUBLIC COMMENTS Bringhurst thanked everyone for their help and support and stated that, following the ordinance's approval, staff will still have the city attorney review the language before it is brought to the City Council to ensure it has been thoroughly vetted. Hornseth felt good about the completion of the marijuana regulations and commented to the clarifying the difference between Title 15 and 8. Hubbard commented about the port dedication on Thursday and asked public to pay attention to the Utility Town Hall meetings. She stated that it is important and encouraged everyone to look at that. There are pros and cons to it all and will need some changes and that it is important for everyone to weigh in on it. Spoke that she would like the outside city limits residents to get their input. Siptrott — thanked everyone for all the information that had been provided to her as she is stepping into this new role and to look over these things and to get involved. Chair Sullivan thanked everyone for attending and said that the commission is working to do what is best for the community. She noted that most commissioners are volunteers and expressed appreciation for the administration's hard work and for the public's patience and support. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:44 p.m. Jod% urtz S Clare Sulliv De. ty City Clerk Chair