HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES2026-081 Replat Waterfront ParkSponsored by: Planning & Zoning Commission
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2026-081
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA,
RECOMMENDING KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH APPROVAL OF THE
PRELIMINARY PLAT OF TRACT H, SEWARD ORIGINAL TOWNSITE,
WATERFRONT PARK REPLAT; CREATING TRACT H1, WATERFRONT PARK
REPLAT WITH ASSOCIATED VACATIONS AND DEDICATIONS
WHEREAS, R&M Consultants, Inc. has prepared a preliminary plat on behalf of the City of
Seward for Tract H, Seward Original Townsite Waterfront Park Replat, for review and
recommendation to the Kenai Peninsula Borough; and
WHEREAS, the proposed plat will replat Tract H as Tract H 1 while leaving the parcel boundary
unchanged, and will vacate and replace existing easements with new easements that reflect current
and planned utility locations and preserve public access to the boat launch; and
WHEREAS, existing easements on the property were established through previous plats and do
not fully correspond with current and planned utility locations; and
WHEREAS, this platting action is intended to prepare the property for future development of the
South Harbor Uplands, including improvements to parking and on -site circulation, a new
Harbormaster's Office, extension of the existing boardwalk, and creation of lease lots; and
WHEREAS, Tract H is located east of Fourth Avenue, north of Van Buren Street, and south of
South Harbor Street; and
WHEREAS, the northern portion is zoned Harbor Commercial, the southern portion is zoned
Park, and the property is currently used for parking and access to the south launch boat ramp and
transient floats M, N, 0, and P, as well as public restrooms and the Seward Mariner's Memorial;
and
WHEREAS, the property currently has access to City utilities, the proposed plat does not create
a new public right-of-way, and no new subdivision improvements are proposed as part of this
platting action; and
WHEREAS, all conditions required by Seward City Code § 16.01.015, Conditions to plat
approval, were met; the property owners within 300 feet of the requested replat were notified of
the proposed subdivision, and the property was posted with public notice signage; and
WHEREAS, the Seward Planning & Zoning Commission held a public hearing and approved the
replat at their September 1, 2026 regular meeting; and
WHEREAS, the City Council must review and recommend approval to the Kenai Peninsula
Borough regarding subdivision plat proposals for land owned by the City of Seward.
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2026-081
Page 2 of 2
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SEWARD, ALASKA:
Section 1. The Council hereby recommends that, in accordance with Seward City Code Section
16.01.015(B), the Kenai Peninsula Borough approve the preliminary plat of Tract H, Seward
Original Townsite Waterfront Park Replat, creating Tract H 1, Waterfront Park Replat, with the
associated easement vacations and dedications.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA THIS 28T"
DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2026.
Sue McClure, Mayor
AYES: Osenga, Warner, Draper, Calhoon, McClure
NOES: None
ABSENT: Barnwell, Crites
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
Kris Peck
City Clerk
City Council Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: September 28, 2026
To: City Council
Through: Planning & Zoning Commission
Subject: Resolution 2026-081: Recommending Kenai Peninsula Borough Approval
of the Preliminary Plat of Tract H, Seward Original Townsite, Waterfront
Park Replat; Creating Tract H1, Waterfront Park Replat with Associated
Vacations and Dedications
Background and justification:
Attached for the Council's review and recommendation to the Kenai Peninsula Borough Planning
Commission is a preliminary plat prepared by R&M Consultants, Inc. on behalf of the City of
Seward for Tract H, Seward Original Townsite Waterfront Park Replat (Plat 2012-4).
The proposed plat will replat Tract H as Tract H 1; the parcel boundary will remain unchanged.
The plat proposes to vacate existing easements and replace them with new easements that reflect
current and planned utility locations while preserving public access to the boat launch.
Tract H is located east of Fourth Avenue, north of Van Buren Street, and south of South Harbor
Street. The property is split -zoned, with the northern portion zoned Harbor Commercial and the
southern portion zoned Park. The property is currently used for parking and access to the south
launch boat ramp and transient floats M, N, 0, and P, as well as public restrooms and the Seward
Mariner's Memorial.
The City initiated a design process for improvements to the South Harbor Uplands in accordance
with the Municipal Land Management Plan. The proposed improvements include formalized
parking and on -site circulation, a new Harbormaster's Office, extension of the existing boardwalk
concept into the South Uplands, and creation of lease lots to encourage economic development.
This platting action is intended to prepare the property for future development of those
improvements.
Existing easements on the property were established through previous plats and do not fully
correspond with current and planned utility locations. The proposed plat would vacate those
easements and dedicate new easements for utilities and continued public access to the boat launch.
No public right-of-way is proposed for vacation, and the proposed changes would maintain access
to adjacent properties and the waterfront.
Seward City Code §16.01.015(A) states that "No preliminary or final plat for the subdivision or
resubdivision of land located within the city limits shall be approved by the city unless all of the
required improvements set forth in section 16.05.010 are provided for by the subdivider, owner,
proprietor or developer in the manner described in sections 16.05.015."
The property currently has access to City utilities, and the proposed plat does not create a new
public right-of-way. Therefore, no new subdivision improvements are proposed as part of this
platting action.
All conditions required by Seward City Code § 16.01.015(C), Conditions to plat approval, were
met. The property owners within 300 feet of the requested preliminary plat were notified of the
proposed subdivision, and the property was posted with public notice signage.
In accordance with City and Borough requirements, the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission
and City Council must review and comment on preliminary plats for land located within and
owned by the City of Seward before they are submitted to the Borough for approval. The Planning
and Zoning Commission reviewed the preliminary plat and recommended approval through
Resolution 2020-012 on September 1, 2026.
Subdivision Review:
Zoning: The property is split -zoned, with the north portion zoned Harbor Commercial and the
south portion zoned Park.
Size: The property is approximately 8.7 acres.
Utilities: Public water and sewer service are provided to the parcel. Existing utility easements are
proposed for vacation and replacement with newly dedicated easements corresponding to current
and planned utility locations.
Existinjr Use: Parking and access to the south launch boat ramp and transient floats M, N, 0, and
P. The location of public restrooms and the Seward Mariner's Memorial.
Access: The property fronts Fourth Avenue and provides access to the public boat launch. The
proposed vacation does not include right-of-way; the application states that adjacent properties
retain legal and physical access through constructed rights -of -way and that public boat -launch
access will be preserved through a rededicated easement.
Flood Zone: The southern edge of the property is located within a FEMA-mapped VE flood zone,
and portions along the west side and northern edge are located within the AE flood zone. The
primary area proposed for development is outside these FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard
Areas.
Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information
This legislation is consistent with (citation listed):
Comprehensive Plan: Vol 1, Chapter 2.2.12.4
• "Extend boardwalk to the South harbor uplands."
Vol 1, Chapter 3.1.1.2
• "Update and expand infrastructure for commercial and industrial
properties that are currently underdeveloped."
• "Improve and expand maritime facilities."
Vol 1, Chapter 3.5.1
Strategic Plan:
Other:
• "Maintain a thriving port of Seward through harbor
improvements, infrastructure expansion, and implementation of
management plans."
Vol 1, 3.5.1.1
"Encourage the growth and development of an efficient, functional boat
harbor that meets Seward's commercial and recreational needs."
Total amount of funds listed in this legislation:
This legislation (✓):
Creates revenue in the amount of:
Creates expenditure in the amount of:
Creates a savings in the amount of:
Has no fiscal impact
X
Funds are (✓):
Budgeted Line item(s):
Not budgeted
Not applicable
X
$ 0
Fund Balance Information
Affected Fund (V):
General
Boat Harbor
Motor Pool
Available Fund Balance
SMIC
Parking
Other
Electric
Water
Wastewater
Healthcare
Note: amounts are unaudited
N/A
Acting Finance Director Signature: Paw./ Sekteiermrt
Attorne Review
X
Yes
Attorney Signature:
Not applicable Comments:
Administration Recommendation
X
Adopt Resolution
Other:
Context Map
AE: Areas with a 1/0 annual chance of
Flooding and specific base flood
elevations
VE: Coastal areas with 1% or greater
chance of flooding and and additional
hazard associated with storm waves
X: Areas of minimal flood hazard
Preliminary Plat Application Property Map
RES 2026-0XX - Preliminary plat of Tract H, Seward Original Townsite, Waterfront
Park Replat; creating Tract H1, Waterfront Park Replat with associated vacations
and dedications
Location: 1130 Fourth Avenue
Parcel #: 14734008
PeA&
I
R&M CONSULTANTS, INC.
ANCHORAGE I FAIRBANKS I JUNEAU
August 7, 2026
City of Seward
Community Development
410 Adams Street
Seward, AK 99664
REQUEST:
R&M No. 2734.38
The City of Seward owns existing Tract H, Seward Original Townsite Waterfront Park Replat (Plat 2012-4) and proposes
vacation of all existing easements dedicated by plats 2000-19 and 2009-17 and rededication of easements in defined
locations that make development of this parcel possible. The boundary of the parcel will remain unchanged. Please refer to
Easement Vacation Exhibit for additional information on easements proposed for vacation. The preliminary plat identifies
and dimensions the easements proposed for dedication.
PROPOSED LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS:
Tract H1, Seward Original Townsite Waterfront Park Replat
PHYSICAL ADDRESS:
1200, 1128,1130, and 1206 Fourth Avenue
PARCEL ID NUMBER:
14734008
SITE:
Area: +8.7 Acres
Utilities: Public Water and Sewer service is
provided to this parcel.
CURRENT LAND USE:
Parking and access to the south launch
boat ramp and transient floats M, N, 0,
and P.
ZONING:
Split -zoned, Harbor Commercial and Park
Seward Zoning Map
RMCONSULT.COM 19101 VANGUARD DRIVE, ANCHORAGE, AK 995071 907.522.1707
Page 2 of 4
PROPERTY INFORMATION:
The subject property is located east of Fourth Avenue, north of Van Buren Street and south of South Harbor Street. The
property is split -zoned with the north portion being zoned Harbor Commercial and the south portion zoned Park.
Tract H was created by Plat No. 2012-4 (Seward Original Townsite Waterfront Park Replat) which included the creation of
eight large tracts (A-H), dedication of right-of-way, and the vacation of right-of-way.
PROJECT BACKGROUND:
The existing Harbormaster's Office, located at 1300 Fourth Avenue, was constructed in 1968 as part of the Harbor
Reconstruction Plan after the 1964 Good Friday earthquake and has undergone numerous remodels and major repairs over
the years. The building is beyond its useful life and no longer effectively meets the operational needs of the community.
The Harbormaster's Office is currently a single -story structure that houses public restrooms and showers. Its location is no
longer ideal, as views of the harbor are obstructed entirely by developed waterfront lease lots and a primary bus stop
which services significant volumes of tourism traffic situated directly outside the building.
As such, the City of Seward initiated a design process in accordance with the Municipal Land Management Plan to consider
improvements to the South Harbor Uplands that would:
i. formalize parking and on -site circulation through paving, signing striping, and other site improvements;
2. host a new Harbormaster's Office;
3. extend the boardwalk concept present between B and D float accesses to the South Uplands; and
4. create lease lots and encourage economic development in the area.
This platting action will prepare the property for future development of this project.
EASEMENT VACATION:
This platting action proposes the vacation of all existing easements within the subject property and the rededication of
new easements to correspond with the current and planned locations of utility infrastructure and public access to the boat
launch. The action is intended to eliminate obsolete easements, ensure accurate easement placement, and maintain
continued public and utility access. Easements requested for vacation depicted in Exhibit 1 include:
• An undimensioned public boat launch and utility easement dedicated by Plat 2000-19.
• An undimensioned utility easement located on the west side of Tract H dedicated by Plat 2009-17.
• A 20-foot-wide utility easement running generally north/south dedicated by Plat 2000-19.
• A 30-foot-wide utility easement running east/west through the center of Tract H dedicated by Plat 2009-17.
• A 20-foot-wide utility easement running east/west on the south side of Tract H dedicated by Plat 2009-17.
• A 20-foot-wide utility easement running east/west on the north side of Tract H dedicated by Plat 2009-17.
• An undimensioned portion of a utility easement on the east side of Tract H dedicated by Plat 2009-17.
The City of Seward does not currently have criteria for evaluating requests for easement vacation. Because the Kenai
Peninsula Borough (KPB) has final decision -making authority, it's appropriate to address its criteria. KPB 20.65.050 states
that the planning commission shall consider the following:
�. The right-of-way or public easement to be vacated is being used;
Response: With redevelopment of the property, utilities will be relocated. To ensure that all utilities are protected
and public access retained, newly dedicated easements will be defined and centered on the newly installed
utilities.
Page 3 of 4
2 A road is impossible or impractical to construct, and alternative access has been provided;
Response: The proposed vacation does not include right-of-way. All adjacent property is provided legal and
physical access to dedicated and constructed rights -of -way.
3. The surrounding area is fully developed and all planned or needed rights -of -way and utilities are
constructed;
Response: As stated in standard #2, the proposed vacation does not include right-of-way. The surrounding area is
developed, and all adjacent property is provided legal and physical access via constructed rights -of -way.
4. The vacation of a public right-of-way provides access to a lake, river, or other area with public interest or
value, and if so, whether equal or superior access is provided;
Response: The proposed easement vacations will not adversely affect the public's ability to access a lake, river, or
other area of public interest. The proposed vacation and rededication will maintain public access to the
waterbody. The action is intended to clarify and formalize easement locations and dimensions rather than
eliminate public access opportunities. The rededicated boat launch easement will continue to provide public
access and will establish a defined and legally described access corridor.
5. The proposed vacation would limit opportunities for interconnectivity with adjacent parcels, whether
developed or undeveloped;
Response: The proposed vacations will not limit opportunities for interconnectivity with adjacent parcels. This
action is intended to relocate and better define easements while retaining access to the public boat launch and
making development of the remainder of the parcel possible.
6. Other public access, other than general road use, exist or are feasible for the right-of-way;
Response: The proposed vacation and rededication will preserve public access to the waterbody through the
rededicated boat launch easement. The action replaces the existing undimensioned easement with a clearly
defined and legally described easement.
7. All existing and future utility requirements are met. Rights -of -way which are utilized by a utility, or which
logically would be required by a utility, shall not be vacated, unless it can be demonstrated that equal or
superior access is or will be available. Where an easement would satisfactorily serve the utility interests, and
no other public need for the right-of-way exists, the commission may approve the vacation and require
that a utility easement be granted in place of the right-of-way.
Response: All existing and future utility requirements will continue to be met through the rededication of
easements. No utility services will be adversely affected, and the proposed easement configuration more
accurately reflects the utility layout while preserving the rights and access necessary to serve the property and
surrounding area. Because the utility functions can be adequately accommodated within dedicated utility
easements, it appears no additional public need exists for the existing easements.
8. Any other factors that are relevant to the vacation application or the area proposed to be vacated.
Response: This vacation request is intended to eliminate obsolete easements, ensure accurate easement
placement, and maintain continued public and utility access. It appears that no other factors are relevant to this
vacation request.
Page 4 of 4
CONCLUSION:
The plat proposes to vacate all existing easements and rededicate them to cover relocated utilities, ensure continued
public access to the boat launch, and to better define the easement's location. This platting action complies with Title 15,
Planning and Land Use Regulations, Title 16, Subdivisions, and all applicable land use plans.
Thank you for considering this request and please contact me directly with any questions or requests for additional
information.
Sincerely,
Taryn Oleson-Yelle, AICP
R&M Consultants, Inc.
CERTIFICATE OF OWNERSHIP AND DEDICATION
I PROPERTY
HEREBY CERTIFY THAT I (00) HOLD THE HEREIN SPECIFIED
DEDICATE TO THEST IN THE MUNICIPAUTYALL AREASOCDEPICTED FOR USE AS HEREBY
PUBLIC
UTILITY EASEMENTS. STREETS. ALLEYS. THOROUGHFARES. PARKS. AND
OTHER PUBLIC AREAS SHOWN HEREON. THERE SHALL BE RESERVED
ADJACENT TO THE DEDICATED STREETS SHOWN HEREON A SLOPE
RESERVATION EASEMENT SUFFICIENT TO CONTAIN CUT AND FILL SLOPES OF
1.5 FEET HORIZONTAL FOR EACH ONE FOOT VERTICAL (1.5 TO 1) OF CUT
OR FILL FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING AND MAINTAINING THE LATERAL
SUPPORT OF THE CONSTRUCTED STREETS. THERE IS RESERVED TO THE
GRANTORS, THEIR HEIRS, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. THE RIGHT TO USE
SUCH AREAS AT ANY TIME UPON PROVIDING AND MAINTAINING OTHER
ADEQUATE LATERAL SUPPORT, AS APPROVED BY THE MUNICIPALITY.
I O(WE) APPEARINGVENANT HEREON HRESTRICTION
HEREBY AGREE TO THIS PLAT, AND TO ANY RESTRICTION OR COR
OVENANT
SHALL BE BINDING AND ENFORCEABLE AGAINST PRESENT AND SUCCESSIVE
OWNERS OF THIS SUBDIVIDED PROPERTY
CITY MANAGER
CITY OF SEWARD
OWNERS, TRACT H,WATERFRONT PARK REPLAT
STREET, 99664
NOTARY ACKNOWLEDGMENT
SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN BEFORE ME THIS DAY OF 2026,
FOR:
NOTARY PUBLIC
PLAT APPROVAL
MY COMMISSION EXPIRES
THIS PLAT WAS APPROVED BY THE KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH PLANNING
COMMISSION AT THE MEETING OF AUGUST XX, 2022.
KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH
AUTHORIZED OFFICIAL
CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE
THE UNDERSIGNED OFFICIAL IDENTIFIED BY NAME AND TIRE IS AUTHORIZED
TO ACCEPT AND HACCEPTS ON BEHALF of TH
E CITY of SEWARD
AND F
FOR PUBLIC USES AND FOR PUBLIC PURPOSED THE REAL PROPERTY TO BE
DEDICAlEO BY THIS PLAT INCLUDING EASEMENTS. RIGHTS —OF —WAY. ALLEYS.
AND OTHER PUBLIC AREAS SHOWN ON THIS PLAT IDENTIFIED AS FOLLOWS:
THE ACCEPTANCE OF LANDS FOR PUBLIC USE OR PUBLIC PURPOSE DOES
NOT OBLIGATE THE PUBLIC OR ANY GOVERNING BODY TO CONSTRUCT,
OPERATE, OR MAINTAIN IMPROVEMENTS.
PRINTED NAME/TITLE SIGNATURE/DATE
CITY OF SEWARD
NOTES
1. THE PURPOSE OF THIS REPEAT IS TO VACATE ALL EXISTING EASEMENTS
WITHIN TRACT H AND DEDICATE NEW EASEMENTS BASED ON THE NEW
ACTUAL LOCATIONS OF UTILITIES IN THE GROUND.
2. CONTOUR INTERVAL IS ONE FOOT.
3. THE PROPERTY UNE SHOWN ALONG THE MEAN HIGH WATER UNE IS
BASED ON A VERTICAL TIE TO TIDAL DATUM 9455090, SEWARD,
RESURRECTION BAY, ALASKA, HAVING A MEAN HIGH WATER ELEVATION
OF 9.7 FEET. THE BOUNDARY SHOWN ALONG THE MEANDER LINE
APPROXIMATES THIS ELEVATION AND IS USED FOR ACREAGE ONLY. THE
LEGAL BOUNDARY FOR THE TIDALLY INFLUENCED PORTION OF THE
SUBDIVISION IS THE ACTUAL MEAN HIGH WATER LINE.
GRAPHIC SCALE
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SOUTHSIDE HARBOR ST.
SEWARD SHALL
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VICINITY MAP
Scale: 1'-1 Mile SEWARD MERIDIAN. AK.
0 SURVEYOR'S CERTIFICATE
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UNSUBDPHDED REMAINDER
I, DAVID C. HALE, PROFESSIONAL LAND SURVEYOR, DO HEREBY CERTIFY
THAT THE PLAT OF WATERFRONT PARK REPEAT IS A TRUE AND CORRECT
REPRESENTATION OF LANDS ACTUALLY SURVEYED AND THAT THE DISTANCES
AND BEARINGS ARE
SHOWN CORRECTLY AND THAT ALL AN EXTERIORCONTROLMONUMENTS, ALL OTHER MONUMENTS, PERMANENT
DLOT
CORNERS HAVE BEEN SET AND STAKED. OR IF FINAL COMPLETION IS
ASSURED BY SUBDIVISION AGREEMENT, THEY WILL BE SET AS SPECIFIED IN
SAID SUBDIVISION AGREEMENT. LOT CORNERS TO BE SET BY Ea
MONUMENTS TO BE SET BY ISLE
DAVID C. HALE. L.S. 10395 DATE
PRELIMINARY PLAT OF
WATER FRONT PARK REPLAT
WITH VACATIONS & DEDICATIONS
PROPOSED TRACT HI
AN 9609 ACRE REPT, OF TRACT H. SEWARD ORIGINAL TOWNSITE
WATERFRONT PARK REPLAT, ACCORDING TO PLAT ..2012-4, SEWARD
RECORDING DISTRICT, THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT. STATE OF ALASKA
LOCATED WITHIN
E9 SEWARD SECTION 3
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0 SURVEYOR: 9101 Vanguard Drive, Anchorage, Alaska, 99507
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RANGE 1 WEST, SEWARD MERIDIAN, ALASK,
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9101 Vanguard Drive, Anchorage, Alaska, 99507
PH (907) 522-1707 FAX (907) 522-3403
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