HomeMy WebLinkAbout08022011 Planning & Zoning Packet Seward Planning & Zoning Commission
Regular Meeting Packet
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August 2, 2011
City Council Chambers Beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Seward Planning & Zoning Commission
Regular Meeting
August 2,
2011 7 :30 p.m.ity Council Chambers
Sandie Roach'
Chair 1. Call to Order
Term Expires 02/13
Steven Heinrich 2. Opening Ceremony
Vice Chair
Term Expires 02/14 A. Pledge of Allegiance
Tena Morgan 3. Roll Call
Commissioner
Term Expires 02/13
4. Special Reports & Presentations
Vacant
Commissioner A. City Administration Report
Term Expires 02/12
Cindy Ecklund B. Other Reports, Announcements & Presentations
Commissioner
Term Expires 02/14 5. Citizens' Comments on any subject except those items
scheduled for public hearing. [Those who have signed in
Dale Butts will be given the first opportunity to speak Time is limited
Commissioner to 2 minutes per speaker and 30 minutes total time for this
Term Expires 02/13
agenda item]
Vacant
Commissioner 6. Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda. [Approval of
Term Expires 02/12 Consent Agenda passes all routine items indicated by
asterisk ( *). Consent Agenda items are not considered
separately unless a Commissioner so requests. In the event
of such a request, the item is returned to the Regular
Agenda.]
Phillip Oates
City Manager
Michelle Weston
Community Development
Director
Donna Glenz
Planner
Dwayne Atwood
Planning Assistant
Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting Agenda
August 2, 2011
Sponsored by: Planning and Zoning Commission
Introduction Date: August 22, 2011
Public Hearing Date: September 12, 2011
Enactment Date: September 12, 2011
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2011 -
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, AMENDING PORTIONS OF SEWARD CITY CODE 15.10.140
DEFINITIONS TO CHANGE, UPDATE AND ACCOMMODATE THE
WISHES OF THE PUBLIC
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission held numerous public work sessions
on Title 15 updates, the 2/22/2011, 3/22/2011, 4/26/2011, 5/17/2011, 6/07/2011, 6/21/2011 and
7/19/2011, specifically addressed 15.10.140 Definitions; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission wishes to respond to the concerns
and requests of the public and promote economic growth; and
WHEREAS, it is in the public interest to maintain a city code that reflects community
needs; and
WHEREAS, at its August 2, 2011 meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a
public hearing and recommended City Council approval of the proposed City Code amendments.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF SEWARD ORDAINS that:
Section 1. Seward City Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
Title 15.10.140 is hereby amended as follows:
(Striletlifeughs = deletions and are bold, Underline = additions and are bold Italic)
15.10.140 -- Definitions
A. General interpretation.
1. Words used in the present tense include the future tense.
2. The singular number includes the plural.
3. The word "person" includes a corporation as well as an individual.
4. The word "lot" includes the word "plot" or "parcel."
5. The term "shall" is always mandatory.
6. The word "used" or "occupied" as applied to any land or building shall be
construed to include the words "intended," "arranged," or "designed to be
used or occupied."
B. Specific definitions. (parenthetical references are for cross reference only) In this
chapter, unless otherwise provided or the context otherwise requires:
1. Accessory building. A detached structure that:
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2011 -XXX
Page 2 of 18
Las Is clearly incidental to and customarily found in connection with a
principal building or use;
Lt21 Is subordinate to and serves a principal building or use;
Li Is subordinate in area, extent or purpose to the principal building or use
served;
frll Contributes to the comfort, convenience or necessity of occupants,
business or industry in the principal building or use served; and
Lei Is located on the same or adjacent lot under the same ownership as the
principal building or use served.
An accessory building shall be considered to be a part of the main building
when joined by a common wall or connected by a breezeway to the main
building. Accessory building means any structure regardless of type of
foundation or base support, including skid - mounted or other moveable
structures.
(Accessory or mother -in -law apartment: See dwelling, efficiency apartment)
2. Agriculture. Commercial farming, dairying, pasturage, horticulture,
floriculture, viticulture, or animal and poultry husbandry including buildings used to
shelter farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock or other farm produce in which
there is no human habitation and which is not used by the public.
3. Airport. A place where aircraft can land and take off, usually equipped with
hangars, facilities for refueling and repair, various accommodations for passengers, and
business lease sites.
4. Alley. A dedicated public way which affords a secondary means of access to
abutting property and not intended for general traffic circulation.
S. Alteration. Any change, addition or modification in the construction, location
or use of a building.
6. Amusement and recreation facility. Establishment engaged primarily in
providing entertainment for a fee including such activities as bowling alleys, billiards and
pool, dance hall, pinball machines, video games or other similar player- operated
amusement devices.
7. Antenna. A device used to transmit and/or receive radio or electromagnetic
waves between terrestrially and/or orbitally based structures. Includes satellite dish.
(Apartment. See Dwelling)
8. Auto repair station. A place where a qualified automotive mechanic provides
services such as general motor vehicle and engine repair, reconditioning or rebuilding,
Planning and Zoning
Agenda Statement
Page 3 of 3
trailer or tent. Includes peddlers, solicitors, itinerant merchants and vendors. Does not
include vehicles for hire.
Over the years the City has received numerous inquiries and complaints regarding Transient
merchants / temporary businesses within the City. In the review process the Commission has
recommended strengthening the requirements and shortening the operation time.
99. Vending. The sale of food, services or merchandise.
With the reorganization of the definition it was determined the SCC did not have a specific
"Vending" definition to categorize the examples under; therefore the "Vending" category has been
proposed.
Consistency Checklist:
Yes No NA
1. Comprehensive Plan (2020) X
3.7.3 Continue to improve the quality and efficiency of city governmental services.
• Continue to revise and update the Seward City Code.
2. Strategic Plan (1999) X
Goals and Objectives
* Adjust local development regulations, where appropriate, to encourage development that is
consistent with our economic base vision
The attached ordinance was submitted to the City Attorney for a cursory review and accepted with
two housekeeping corrections.
Seward City Code§ 15.01.035(c)(2) &(3) provides that the Planning and Zoning Commission shall
hold a public hearing and forward written recommendations to the City Council before the City
Council amends or repeals any land use regulations, or changes zoning or land use boundaries.
As per City Code § 15.01.040 Public Hearings; the public notice requirements were met. At the time
of publishing this agenda, no public inquiry had been received.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Commission approve Resolution 2011 -09, recommending the City Council adopt the attached
Ordinance amending the Seward City Code §15.10.140, Definitions to change, update and
accommodate the wishes of the public.
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2011 -XXX
Page 3 of 18
and collision service including body, frame and fender straightening and repair, painting
and undercoating of motor vehicles.
9. Auto service station. A place used primarily for the retail dispensing of motor
fuels and/or installation of tires, batteries and other accessories and services which do not
customarily or usually require the services of a qualified automotive mechanic. Also
known as a gas station.
(Bed and breakfast. See Lodging)
(Boarding or rooming. See Lodging)
10. Brewpub. An establishment that is primarily an eating place which includes
the brewing of beer as an accessory use. Brewine is for on- premise consumption.
11. Building. Any structure built for the support, shelter or enclosure of persons,
animals, chattels or property of any kind.
12. Building area. A total area taken on a horizontal plane at the main grade level
of the principal building and all accessory building, exclusive of external steps.
13. Building, existing. A building erected prior to the adoption of this code or one
for which a legal building permit has been issued.
14. Building height. The vertical distance above a reference datum measured to
the highest point of the coping of a flat roof or to the deck line of a mansard roof or to the
average height of the highest gable of a pitched or hipped roof. The reference datum,
which must be between the building and the property line or in a dedicated public right -
of -way that is accessible to fire suppression personnel and rescue equipment, shall be
selected by either of the following, whichever yields the greater height of building:
.611 The elevation of the highest adjoining sidewalk or ground surface
within a five -foot horizontal distance of the exterior wall of the building
when such a sidewalk or ground surface is not more than ten feet above
the lowest grade; or
1121 An elevation ten feet higher than the lowest grade when the sidewalk
or ground surface described in subsection (1) above is more than ten feet
above the lowest grade. The height of a stepped or terraced building is the
maximum height of any segment of the building.
15. Building, principal or main. A building in which is conducted the principal or
main use of the lot on which the building is situated. Attached garages, porches and
carports shall be considered to be part of the principal building.
(Bunkhouse. See Housing)
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2011 -XXX
Page 4 of 18
16. Business, general sales. A premises where the sale of goods or commodities
to the consumer takes place; i.e., groceries; bakeries; hobby, knot or yarn shops, book,
gift or apparel shops; fishing equipment, hardware or vehicle sales; restaurants; vehicle
rentals or variety stores.
1Z Business, personal service. The conduct of business where personal assistance
is offered for compensation; i.e., dressmaking, tailoring, barbers and beauty, etc.
18. Campground. A plot of ground upon which two or more campsites are
located, established or maintained for occupancy by tents or recreation vehicles as
temporary living quarters for recreational or vacation purposes.
19. Campground, employee. An area operated by an established business with
high seasonal employment of transient workers as a housing alternative and not construed
to be a construction camp.
20. Child care, licensed center. In accordance with Alaska Statutes, a building
where adult care, protection and supervision is provided for children other than the
owner's or operator's. Also called day care, nursery school, pre - school and kindergarten.
21. Child care, licensed home. In accordance with Alaska Statutes, a private
residence where adult care, protection and supervision is provided for children other than
the occupant's. Also called day care, nursery school, pre - school and kindergarten.
22. Church. A building, structure or group of buildings or structures primarily
intended for conducting organized religious services and associated accessory uses. The
definition of a church shall be dependent upon U.S. Internal Revenue Service and the
Kenai Peninsula Borough Assessor's Office interpretation. A standard single family
residence not remodeled for public meetings shall not be considered a church.
23. Clinic. A building or portion thereof containing offices and facilities for
providing out - patient medical, dental or psychiatric services, and which may include a
dispensary to handle medication and other merchandise prescribed by physicians in
connection with their medical practice.
24. Club, private. A building and related facilities owned or operated by a
corporation, association or group of individuals established for the fraternal, social,
educational, recreational or cultural enrichment of its members, but not primarily for
profit, and whose members meet certain prescribed qualifications for membership and
pay dues. Includes lodges.
25. Cluster subdivision. A development design technique that permits a reduction
in lot area provided there is no increase in the number of lots permitted under a
conventional subdivision or increase in overall density of development by concentrating
buildings in specific areas on a site to allow the remaining land to be used for recreation,
common open space and preservation of environmentally sensitive areas.
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2011 -XXX
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(Commercial building apartment. See Dwelling)
26. Commercial use. An occupation, employment or enterprise that is carried on
for profit by the owner, lessee or licensee.
(Condominium. See Dwelling)
(Convalescent or nursing home. See Housing)
27. Convenience store. A small -scale neighborhood grocery establishment
offering for sale prepackaged food products, household items and other goods commonly
associated with the same and having a gross floor area of less than 5,000 square feet.
(Dormitory. See Housing)
28. Drinking establishment. Any premises wherein the principal purpose is the
retail sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises and minors are
excluded therefrom by law. Includes bar, cocktail lounge, tavern and nightclub.
29. Drive - in facility. Any portion of a building or structure which by design
permits customers to receive services, obtain goods or be entertained while remaining in
their motor vehicles.
30. Dwelling. A building designed or used exclusively as living quarters for one
or more families.
fri1 Apartment. Any portion of a building which is designed, built, rented,
leased, let or hired out to be occupied or which is occupied as the home or
residence of an individual for daily living and doing his own cooking
independently of any other individual or family in the same building (see
"dwelling ").
g2A Apartment, owner or manager. An apartment within a building that is
designed to be used exclusively as the living quarters for the owner or
manager family of that building or a commercial business located in the
building.
l'A Condominium. A form of housing ownership by which a person may
purchase and own one dwelling unit in a multi -unit building or
development. Each owner owns a common interest in such things as the
underlying land, common walls, stairwells, elevators, lobbies, laundry
rooms and recreation rooms.
f Commercial building apartment. An apartment located within a
building designed to accommodate a mix of residential and commercial
uses.
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2011 -XXX
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f Efficiency apartment (also called accessory, mother -in -law, or studio).
A single separate dwelling unit consisting of not more than one habitable
room which includes combined kitchen, dining and sleeping areas with
accompanying sanitary facilities, and which is located within or shares a
common wall with a single family dwelling.
fD Guest house. An accessory building occupied on a temporary basis
solely by non - paying guests.
fgg Mobile home. A factory-built home designed to be used as a year -
round residential dwelling and originally designed and mounted on wheels
and/or axle supports for transportation by another vehicle.
Modular home A factory-built residential structure that is
transportable in one or more sections, is built on a permanent chassis, and
is used as a place of human habitation, but which is not constructed with a
permanent hitch or other device allowing transport of the unit other than
for the purpose of delivery to a permanent site, and which does not have
wheels or axles permanently attached to its body or frame. Includes
factory-built and manufactured home.
fl Multiple family. A building designed as a residence for three or more
families, with the number of families in residence not exceeding the
number of dwelling units provided and each living independently of the
other under one roof.
al Single-family, attached. A building containing two or more dwelling
units, each of which has primary ground floor access to the outside and
which are attached to each other by party walls without openings. Also
commonly called townhouse, row house and zero -lot line.
IA Single-family, detached A building designed and/or used exclusively
for occupancy of one family and entirely surrounded by open space on the
same lot.
& Two-family or duplex. A building containing two single - family
dwelling units totally separated from each other by an unpierced wall
extending from ground to roof or unpierced ceiling and floor extending
from exterior wall to exterior wall, except for a common stairwell exterior
to both dwelling units.
finA Unit, dwelling unit. A building or separate portion thereof containing
kitchen, living, sleeping accommodations and at least one bathroom and
designed to be occupied exclusively as a residence by one family (see
"Apartment ").
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2011 -XXX
Page 7 of 18
Watchman or caretaker dwelling. An accessory dwelling associated
with a commercial or industrial building or structure for the purpose of
housing a watchman or caretaker and immediate family.
(Efficiency apartment. See Dwelling)
31. Family. Any number of individuals not necessarily related by blood, marriage,
adoption or guardianship living together in a dwelling unit as a single housekeeping unit
and distinguished from a group occupying a rooming house, club, fraternity house or
hotel.
32. Farm animal. Any cow, horse, mule, goat, sheep, pig, chicken, or other
similar animal commonly kept as livestock.
33. Flea market. An occasional or periodic sales activity held within a building or
open area where groups of individual sellers offer goods, new and used, for sale to the
public, not to include private garage sales.
34. Floor area, useable. That area used for or intended to be used for the sale of
merchandise or services or as leasable office space as measured from the interior surfaces
of the walls enclosing that part of the building. Such floor area which is used or intended
to be used for the storage or processing of merchandise, hallway or for utilities or sanitary
facilities is excluded from this computation of useable floor area.
35. Fractions. In the determination of density, required parking spaces or other
requirements of this code, computations resulting in a fractional number of 0.50 or above
shall be considered the next larger whole number.
36. Garage, private. An accessory building or portion of a main building designed
or used solely for storage of motor vehicles, boats and similar vehicles owned by the
occupants of the building to which it is accessory.
37. Greenhouse, commercial. A light - permeating structure used for cultivating
and growing plants in a controlled temperature and humidity environment where such
plants are offered for sale either on the premises or at another location.
(Group care home. See Housing)
(Guest house. See Dwelling)
38. Guide service. Any premises used for collecting or returning persons from
recreation trips when remuneration is provided for the service.
(Halfway house. See Housing)
7. Public Hearings [Limit comments to 5 minutes. Those who have signed in will be given
the first opportunity to speak]
A. Unfinished Business Items requiring a Public Hearing — None
B. New Business Items requiring a Public Hearing
1. Resolution 2011 -09 of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City
of Seward, Alaska, Recommending City Council Amend Portions of
Seward City Code 15.10.140 Definitions to Change, Update and
Accommodate the Wishes of the Public Page 3
2. Resolution 2011 -10 of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City
of Seward, Alaska, Recommending the City Council Amend Various
Sections of the Seward City Code to Include Portions of 15.10.220
Development Requirements Table; 15.10.225 Land Uses Allowed; and
15.10.225 Land Uses Allowed Table to Change, Update and
Accommodate the Wishes of the Public Page 25
8. Unfinished Business — None
9. New Business —
* A. May 3, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 40
10. Informational Items and Reports (No action required) -
A. National Flood Insurance Program Newsletter, January /April Page 46
B. National Flood Insurance Program Newsletter, May /June Page 53
C. National Flood Insurance Program Newsletter, July /August Page 57
D. Commissioner Seabury Resignation Letter Page 64
E. Cabana Thank You Letter Page 65
11. Commission Comments
12. Citizens' Comments [Limit to 5 minutes per individual — Each individual has one opportunity to speak]
13. Commissions and Administration Response to Citizens' Comments
14. Adjournment
Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting Agenda
August 2, 2011
Sponsored by: Staff
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION 2011 -09
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, RECOMMENDING CITY COUNCIL
AMEND PORTIONS OF SEWARD CITY CODE 15.10.140 DEFINITIONS
TO CHANGE, UPDATE AND ACCOMMODATE THE WISHES OF THE
PUBLIC
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission has held numerous public work
sessions to update the Seward City Code; and
WHEREAS, the public notification process has been complied with.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Seward Planning and Zoning
Commission that:
Section 1. The Commission recommends Council approve the attached Ordinance 2011-
_, amending various portions of Title 15.10.140 Definitions; and.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission this 2
day of August 2011.
THE CITY OF SEWARD
Sandie Roach', Chair
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
VACANT: Two
ATTEST:
Johanna Kenney, CMC
City Clerk (City Seal)
P &Z Agenda Statement
e H of set.
Meeting Date: August 2, 2011 eI
Through: Michelle Weston, Assis t City Manager 't;;,74
From: Donna Glenz, Planner a y q t `
Agenda Item: Amending Portions of S eward City Code
(SSC)15.10.140 Definitions to Change, Update and
Accommodate the Wishes of the Public
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION:
In the past 18 months the Planning and Zoning Commission has held numerous public work sessions
to review and update portions of Title 15 of the City Zoning Code. The Commission held seven (7)
public work sessions specifically reviewing and amending Title 15.10.140 Definitions.
The Commission has reviewed and discussed the definition section of the Seward City Code (SCC)
in depth and found this section to be confusing in the organizational layout. While the Commission
has recommended a complete re- organization, very few additions, deletions or changes were
recommended. Title 15.10.140 is a lengthy portion of the zoning code containing over 100
definitions. With the reorganization of the Definitions, several categories have been established and
the definitions pertaining to those specific categories have been moved into the category. All
definitions have been numbered for easier reference.
Specific additions, deletions or changes are as follows: (Proposed change is indented and the staff
explanation follows)
11. Brewpub. An establishment that is primarily an eating place which includes the
brewing of beer as an accessory use. Brewing is for on- premise consumption.
The public has expressed interest in developing a "brewpub" within the City. Current City code does
not address or allow brewpubs. Through forward thinking the Commission has recommended the
addition of the above definition to define brewpubs within the SCC.
44. Housing. Structures providing housing for groups of people, such as students,
employees or nursing home residents.
With the reorganization of the definition portion of the code, it was determined the SCC did not
contain a specific "housing" definition to categorize the examples under; therefore the "housing"
category has been proposed.
Lai Bunkhouse. A building used as living quarters for people such as cannery workers or
construction laborers where shower and sanitary facilities are shared by scvcral rooms and
Planning and Zoning
Agenda Statement
Page 2 of 3
in which there are no individual cooking facilities.
The public has proposed that new designs in housing and accommodations generally provide for
sanitary facilities in each shared room not a common facility shared by several rooms.
45. Junk. Dismantled or wrecked automobiles, aircraft, motor vehicles or machinery, mobile
homes, trailers, watercraft, used appliances or furniture, scrap building materials, metals,
rubber, paper, plastic or other scrap materials.
Because Seward is a port city and much of the community owns some type of watercraft, it has been
determined that watercraft should be included within the "Junk" definition.
90. Storage. A structure or designated area that provides space for storing.
With the reorganization of the definition portion of the Code, it was determined the SCC did not
have a specific "Storage" definition to categorize the examples under; therefore the "Storage"
category has been proposed.
Lill Container. An accessory storage use consisting of containers such as semi - tractor vans,
shipping containers and conex containers originally designed to transport goods and
materials via highway, rail, air or sea, which are parked or placed on a parcel of land and
used for covered storage provided that all wheel assemblies have been removed; the unit is
placed on an approved foundation; the unit is reefed
skirted-or-sided painted to match the primary building on the property; and the unit is located
outside any setbacks. Railroad box cars are excluded except in the Industrial Zone. There are
no grandfathered uses. (See accessory use/building, building, and structure.) Containers are
considered a structure and must comply with applicable building codes.
94. Temporary structure. A structure without any foundation or footings as allowed by the
adopted Building Code.: • . • • • • • • • • • • • • ,
Through continued discussions and assistance from the Building Department the above changes to
the Container Storage and Temporary Structure definitions have been proposed. The proposed
change to the definitions removes current conflict between the City Zoning Code and the City
Building Code.
96. Transient merchant. Any person, partnership, firm or corporation, whether a resident of
the city or not, who engages in a temporary business, within a period not exceeding -8.
consecutive days in a calendar year, of selling and delivering goods and/or services, wares
and merchandise for profit or non - profit within the city by operating on a door -to -door, street
corner or similar basis; or from no fixed location or office; or from a location out -of -doors or
in quarters that are easily moveable, such as a temporary leased area or space, motor vehicle,
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2011 -XXX
Page 8 of 18
39. Health club. Includes, but is not limited to, gymnasiums (except public),
private clubs (athletic, health or recreational), reducing salons and weight control
establishments.
40. Historic district. An area containing buildings or places in which historic
events occurred or having special public value because of notable architectural or other
features relating to the cultural or artistic heritage of the community of such significance
as to warrant conservation and preservation.
41. Home occupation. Any use customarily conducted entirely within a dwelling,
or its accessory building, and carried on by the occupants thereof, which is clearly
incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling for dwelling purposes and does not
change the character thereof, and in connection with which there is no exterior sign, no
display or stock in trade, no outside storage of materials or equipment, no commodity
sold upon the premises and not more than two persons are engaged in such occupation.
42. Home professional office. A home occupation consisting of the office of a
practitioner of a recognized profession.
(Hostel. See Lodging)
(Hotel. See Lodging)
43. Housing Structures providing housing for groups of people, such as
students, employees or nursin,' home residents.
f� Bunkhouse. A building used as living quarters for people such as
cannery workers or construction laborers where shower and sanitary
facilities are shared bbl - reams and in which there are no individual
cooking facilities.
LI21 Convalescent or nursing home. A structure with sleeping rooms where
persons are housed or lodged and are furnished with meals, nursing and
medical care.
LA Dormitory. A building used as residential group living quarters for a
student body or religious order as an associated use to a school, orphanage
or other similar institutional use, and does not include kitchen facilities
except a group kitchen facility to serve all residents.
Group care home. A dwelling shared by no more than five disabled
persons, plus resident staff, who live together as a single housekeeping
unit and in a long -term, family -like environment in which staff persons
provide care, education and participation in community activities for the
residents with the primary goal of enabling residents to live as
independently as possible in order to reach their maximum potential. The
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2011 -XXX
Page 9 of 18
term "group care home" shall not include alcoholism or drug treatment
center, work release facilities for convicts or ex- convicts or other housing
facilities serving as an alternative to incarceration.
Lel Halfway house. A licensed home for inmates on release from more
restrictive custodial confinement, or initially placed in lieu of more
restrictive custodial confinement, wherein supervision, rehabilitation and
counseling are provided to mainstream residents back into society,
enabling them to live independently. Such placement is pursuant to the
authority of the Alaska Department of Corrections.
44. Junk Dismantled or wrecked automobiles, aircraft, motor vehicles or
machinery, mobile homes, trailers, watercraft, used appliances or furniture, scrap
building materials, metals, rubber, paper, plastic or other scrap materials.
45. Kennel. Any enclosure, building, shelter, area or establishment used for the
purpose of breeding, buying, selling, keeping or boarding five or more dogs over the age
of four months, whether for profit, pleasure, or as pets, by any person, individual,
corporation, group of people or business entity. Does not include an animal shelter.
46. Livestock Generally accepted large (over 250 pounds) and small (under 250
pounds) outdoor farm animals (i.e. cows, goats, horses, pigs, barnyard, fowl, etc.). Does
not include cats, dogs and other common household pets.
47. Loading space. A space located on premises for pickup and delivery at the
premises. Required off - street loading space shall not be included as an off - street parking
space.
48. Lodging. The renting out of a dwelling, or portion thereof, to provide
overnight sleeping accommodations for a period of less than 30 consecutive days. The
use includes the providing of meals to overnight guests only. This use includes bed and
breakfast, but does not include motel, hotel or hostel.
1'l Bed and breakfast. An owner occupied and operated single - family
residential dwelling where lodging with a meal is provided for
compensation on a short-term basis. The term does not include
boardinghouses and separate apartments which are leased on a month -to-
month or longer basis.
LI,/ Boarding or rooming. An owner occupied building which has not more
than five rooms available for rent or lease on other than a day -to -day basis
and not open to transient guests for residential occupancy and in which no
cooking or dining facilities are provided in the individual rooms. Meals
may be regularly prepared and served for compensation at a table, family -
style, without service or ordering of individual portions from a menu. The
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2011 - XXX
Page 10 of 18
term includes lodging house or rooming house but does not include
separate apartments with individual kitchen and bath facilities.
Hostel. A building, or portion thereof, in which temporary or overnight
lodging is provided for hikers, cyclists or other travelers not generally
traveling by car.
L Hotel. A facility with six or more guest rooms and on premises
management offering transient lodging accommodations to the general
public on a daily rate where access to all sleeping rooms is through a main
entrance and which may provide food, entertainment, meeting rooms,
recreational facilities or various personal services. Includes lodges and
inns.
Lei Motel. A building, or group of detached or connected buildings, having
six or more guest rooms, an on premises manager and parking
conveniently located on the premises, which are designed primarily to
offer sleeping accommodations, with or without meals, to the motoring
public on a daily rate. Includes designations such as motor lodges, auto
courts, tourist courts and similar terms.
49. Lot. A parcel of land of at least sufficient size to meet minimum zoning
requirements for use, coverage and area and to provide such yards and other open spaces
as are herein required. Such lot shall have frontage or access on a public street or on an
approved private street and may consist of:
t A. A single lot of record;
25 B. A portion of a lot of record;
3. C. A combination of complete lots of record, or complete lots of record and
portions of lots of record, or portions of lots of record; or
4. D. A parcel of land described by metes and bounds, provided that in no case
of division or combination shall any residual lot or parcel be created which
does not meet the requirements of this chapter and that, in the case of
multiple lots or portions thereof, the property be replatted to eliminate
interior lot lines.
friA Lot area. The total horizontal area within the lot lines of a lot,
exclusive of streets and alleys.
L& Lot, buildable or useable area. That portion of a lot that a
prudent person would use to construct a building and provide
required parking. This excludes lakes and rivers, creeks, cliffs,
marshes and other similar natural obstacles to development with
the property counting toward minimum required size.
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2011 -XXX
Page 11 of 18
Lel Lot, corner. A lot situated at the intersection of two or more
streets having an angle of intersection of not more than 135
degrees.
f� Lot coverage. The area of a site covered by building or roofed
areas, including covered porches, decks and accessory buildings,
but excluding allowed projecting eaves.
Lel Lot depth. The horizontal distance between the front and rear
lot lines measured on the longitudinal centerline.
al Lot, interior. A lot other than a corner lot.
fg1 Lot line, front. In the case of an interior lot, a line separating
the lot from the street. In the case of a corner lot, the owner may
choose which street he shall designate as the front of the lot. Once
the choice of frontage has been made, it cannot be changed unless
all requirements for yard space are met.
gi Lot line, rear. A line opposite and most distant from the front
lot line and, in the case of irregular or triangular shaped lots, a line
not less than ten feet in length within the lot, parallel to and at the
maximum distance from the front lot line.
til Lot line, side. Lot boundary not a front lot line or a rear lot line.
gi Lot line, zero. The mean horizontal line whereby two adjacent
buildings from adjacent lots can be constructed with a common
party wall providing a proper fire wall rating. All other aspects are
the same as in conventional development.
f Lot width. The average horizontal distance separating side lot
lines of a lot and at right angles to its depth.
50. Lumberyard. An establishment that sells sawn timber and other building
materials typically stored on the premises.
51. Manufacturing, heavy. A use engaged in the basic processing and
manufacturing of materials or products predominately from extracted or raw materials; or
a use engaged in storage of or manufacturing processes using flammable or explosive
materials; or storage or manufacturing processes that potentially involve hazardous or
commonly recognized offensive conditions.
52. Manufacturing, light. A use engaged in the manufacture, predominantly from
previously prepared material, of finished products or parts, including processing,
fabrication, assembly, treatment, packaging, incidental storage, sales and distribution of
such products, but excluding basic industrial processing.
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2011 -XXX
Page 12 of 18
53. Marina. A facility for storing, servicing, fueling, berthing and securing and
launching of boats that may include the sale of fuel and incidental supplies for the boat
owners and guests. Also includes harbor.
(Mobile home. See Dwelling)
54. Mobile home park A parcel or adjacent parcels of land in the same ownership
upon which two or more mobile homes are located or for which space is leased or held
out for lease or use on a month -to -month or longer basis. This does not include sale lots
on which unoccupied mobile homes are parked for inspection and sales and shall not be
construed to mean tourist facilities for parking of travel trailers, motor homes or campers.
55. Mobile medical unit. 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.
(Modular home. See Dwelling)
(Motel. See Lodging)
(Multiple family. See Dwelling)
56. Non - conforming building. Any building or portion thereof law =u11y existing at
the effective date of the ordinance affecting it and which does not conform to all of the
use, height and density regulations of the zone in which it is located.
57. Non - conforming use. A use which lawfully occupied a building or land at the
effective date of the ordinance affecting it that does not conform to the use provisions of
the zoning district in which it is located.
58. Noxious use. A use which is injurious or harmful to health, highly
disagreeable or offensive.
59. Office. A building or portion of a building wherein services are performed
involving predominantly administrative, professional or clerical operations; i.e., travel,
insurance, employment, utility, public service or government agencies.
60. Owner. Any individual, firm, association, syndicate, partnership, corporation,
trust or any other legal entity having sufficient proprietary interest in the land, including
the attorney or agent thereof.
6L Park Any public land available for recreational, educational, cultural or
aesthetic use.
62. Parking area. A structure or an open area, other than a street, alley or other
right-of-way, on which vehicle parking spaces are defined, designated or otherwise
identified and available, whether free or for compensation, for use by the public, clients,
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2011 -XXX
Page 13 of 18
tenants, customers, employees or owners of the property for which the parking area is
required by ordinance.
63. Parking requirements as stated in terms of employees. The maximum number
of employees who will be at the site at one time on either a single shift or an overlap of
shifts.
64. Parking space, off - street. A designated area sufficient in size to accommodate
one motor vehicle, exclusive of maneuvering room, designed with adequate independent
access to, but located off, any street, alley or other right -of -way.
65 Parking, valet. Attendant parking provided as a service to patrons of
commercial establishments.
66. Peddler. A person who, with no fixed place of business, goes from house to
house, place to place, or from store to store transporting goods, wares or merchandise for
sale or offering or exposing the same for sale or making sales and delivering articles to
purchasers. (See transient merchant and vending, street.)
67. Planned unit development. A land development under unified control that is
planned and constructed in its entirety as a single development operation or in a series of
programmed stages. The development may include streets, circulation ways, utilities,
residences, commercial buildings, open spaces and other site features and improvements
some of which may not otherwise be individually permitted.
68. Profession. An occupation or calling requiring the practice of a learned art
through specialized knowledge, training, experience or a degree issued by an institute of
higher learning; i.e., doctor of medicine, lawyer, engineer or real estate broker.
69. Professional office. The office of a member of a recognized profession
maintained for the conduct of that profession.
70. Recreational, indoor commercial. A facility accommodating such indoor
recreation activities as skating rinks, bowling lanes or shooting/archery ranges.
71. Recreational, outdoor public. Outdoor recreation facilities such as sports
fields, ice rinks, playing fields or miniature golf.
72. Recreational vehicle. A vehicle used or intended to be used as transient living
or sleeping quarters for humans and which may be driven, towed or propelled from one
location to another without change in structure or design, whether or not the same is
supported by wheels or identified by a model, serial or vehicle registration number.
Includes travel trailers, camping trailers, tent campers, trailer coaches, motor homes,
truck campers and similar vehicles.
73. Recreational vehicle (RV) park Any parcel of land upon which two or more
recreational vehicle sites are located, established or maintained for commercial
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2011 -XXX
Page 14 of 18
occupancy by recreational vehicles of the general public as temporary living quarters for
recreation or vacation purposes. Includes trailer park and camper park.
74. Recycling center. A building in which used material is separated and
processed prior to shipment to others who will use those materials to manufacture new
products.
75 Recycling collection point. An incidental use serving as a neighborhood drop -
off point for temporary storage of recoverable resources. No processing of such items
would be allowed. This facility would generally be located in a shopping center parking
lot or in other public /quasi - public areas such as churches and schools, as opposed to
being allowed on residential or vacant lots.
76. Repair service, household/appliance. A business establishment where repairs
are made to appliances and furniture.
7Z Residence. A home, abode or place where an individual is actually living at a
specific point in time.
78. Resource extraction. Commercial or industrial operations involving the
removal of nonrenewable natural resources such as ore, topsoil, sand, gravel, rock, gas,
oil or any operations having similar characteristics. Said use includes the use of heavy
equipment such as loaders, dozers, backhoes and crushers.
79. Restaurant. An establishment whose principal business is the sale of food
and/or beverages to customers in a ready -to- consume state and whose principal method
of operation includes one or both of the following characteristics:
Lai Customers, normally provided with an individual menu, are served
their foods and beverages by a restaurant employee at the same table or
counter at which the food and beverages are consumed; and/or
.01 A cafeteria -type operation where food and beverages generally are
consumed within the restaurant building.
80. Restaurant, fast An establishment whose principal business is the sale of
quickly prepared ready to eat food and/or beverages for consumption within the
restaurant building, within a motor vehicle parked on the premises, or off the premises as
carry -out orders, and whose principal method of operation includes the following
characteristics: orders are generally taken at a main counter or drive -up window and food
and/or beverages are usually served in disposable wrapping or containers. This includes
drive -in and carry -out restaurants.
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2011 - XXX
Page 15 of 18
81. Right -of -way. An area or strip of public land which incorporates or is intended
to be occupied by, but not limited to, streets, alleys, sidewalks, bike paths, curbs, gutters,
landscaping and/or public utilities.
82. Salvage yard (auto wrecking, scrap, junk). Any area used for the storage,
keeping or abandonment of junk or waste material, including scrap metal or other scrap
materials, or for the dismantling, demolition or abandonment of automobiles, machinery,
other vehicles or parts thereof.
83. School. Any public, religious or non - profit facility providing a general
curriculum of academic or vocational instruction serving any or all grades between
kindergarten and 12th grade.
84. School, commercial. A facility providing commercial instruction in such
activities as music, dance, arts, crafts and sailing.
85. School, adult vocational. A facility providing a general curriculum of adult
academic or vocational instruction.
86. Setback The required minimum distance from right -of -way or lot line that
establishes the area within which only fencing, landscaping, driveways, parking and
similar uses are permitted. Any structure including, but not limited to, decks, stairways,
porches or other attachments to a building are specifically prohibited in the setback.
Building eaves are permitted to extend into the setback a maximum of two feet.
8Z Shopping center. A single complex which provides a combination of retail
establishments designed in such a manner as to provide convenience for shoppers with
common parking facilities. Includes mall.
(Single-family, attached. See Dwelling)
(Single-family, detached. See Dwelling)
88. Solid waste facility. A disposal site employing an engineering method for
disposing of solid wastes in a manner that minimizes environmental hazards. Includes
landfill, compactor, transfer, etc.
89. Storage. A structure or desivnated area that provides space for storing.
Lit Container. An accessory storage use consisting of containers such as
semi - tractor vans, shipping containers and conex containers originally
designed to transport goods and materials via highway, rail, air or sea,
which are parked or placed on a parcel of land and used for covered
storage provided that all wheel assemblies have been removed; the unit is
placed on an approved foundation; the
unit is roof feefe€1 painted to match the primary building on
the property; and the unit is located outside any setbacks. Railroad box
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2011 -XXX
Page 16 of 18
cars are excluded except in the Industrial Zone. There are no
grandfathered uses. (See accessory use/building, building, and structure.)
Containers are considered a structure and must comply with current
adopted building codes.
Outdoor. The commercial keeping, in an unroofed area and usually
enclosed by a fence, of any goods, junk, material, merchandise or vehicles
in the same place for an extended period of time. In the harbor commercial
area, the use is limited to the storage of boats only.
CcA Self- service. A building or group of buildings consisting of individual,
small, self - contained units that are leased or owned for storage of business
and household goods or contractors' supplies. Includes mini warehouses.
f4 Warehouse and distribution. A building used primarily for the storage
and distribution of goods, products, materials, supplies and equipment, but
excluding bulk storage of materials that are flammable or explosive or that
create hazardous or commonly recognized offensive conditions.
90. Street. A dedicated public way which affords the principal means of access to
abutting property, such as an avenue, place, drive, boulevard, highway or other similar
public thoroughfare, except an alley as defined herein.
91. Structure. Anything constructed or erected on the ground or attached to
something having location on the ground, including, but not limited to, buildings, towers,
and sheds. Fences, retraining walls less than three feet in height signs and similar
improvements of a minor character are excluded.
92. Surface, durable. Means brick, flag -type stone, gravel, cement, or asphalt.
93. Temporary structure. A structure without any foundation or footings as
allowed by the adopted Building Code.... ... • . • . . • . .. •
94. Trailer. A structure standing on wheels, towed or hauled by another vehicle
and used for carrying materials, goods or objects or as a temporary office or business.
9i Transient merchant. Any person, partnership, firm or corporation, whether a
resident of the city or not, who engages in a temporary business, within a period not
exceeding 1 100 consecutive days in a calendar year, of selling and delivering goods
and /or services, wares and merchandise for profit or non - profit within the city by
operating on a door -to -door, street corner or similar basis; or from no fixed location or
office; or from a location out -of -doors or in quarters that are easily moveable, such as a
temporary leased area or space, motor vehicle, trailer or tent. Includes peddlers,
solicitors, itinerant merchants and vendors. Does not include vehicles for hire.
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2011 -XXX
Page 17 of 18
(Two-family or duplex. See Dwelling)
(Unit, dwelling unit. See Dwelling)
96. Utility, public facility. An installation owned by an agency under public
franchise or ownership, or under certificate of convenience and necessity, providing the
public with electricity, gas, heat, steam, communication, water, sewage collection or
other similar service.
97 Vehicle, motor. A self - propelled device used for transportation of people or
goods over land surfaces and licensed as a motor vehicle.
98 Vending. The sale of food, services or merchandise.
Lai Mobile unit. Any type of vehicle or wagon which is designed to be
readily movable and from which services are provided or any food or
beverage is prepared for immediate consumption and sold or offered for
sale to the public at any location, whether on private or public property.
f� Street. The sale of food, services or merchandise from a cart, stall or
vehicle located in any public right -of -way.
99. Veterinary hospital. A facility, which may include animal runs, in which
veterinary services are rendered to animals and domestic pets and which may include
clipping, bathing, boarding and other services. Includes veterinary clinic.
(Watchman or caretaker dwelling. See Dwelling)
100. Water - dependent. A use or activity which can be carried out only on, in or
adjacent to water areas because the use requires access to the water body for water -borne
transportation, recreation, energy, production or source of water.
101. Water - related. Uses which are not directly dependent upon access to a water
body but which provide goods or services that are directly associated with water -
dependent land or waterway use and which, if not located adjacent to water, would result
in a public loss of the quality of goods or services offered.
102. Yard. A required open space on the same lot with a main building,
unoccupied or unobstructed from the ground upward, except as otherwise provided in this
chapter.
.611 Front. The area extending across the full width of a lot, measured
between the front lot line and the nearest exterior wall of the building,
front of a bay window or the front of a covered porch or other similar
projection, whichever is the nearest to the front lot line.
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2011 -XXX
Page 18 of 18
f Rear. A yard extending across the full width of the lot between the
most rear extension of the main building and the rear lot line. The depth of
the required rear yard shall be measured horizontally from the point of the
rear lot line nearest to the main building. In cases of double frontages and
corner lots, there are no rear yards, only front and side yards.
Lc), Side. A yard between a main building and side lot line, extending from
the front yard to the rear yard. The width of the required side yard shall be
measured horizontally from the nearest point of the side lot line toward the
nearest part of the main building.
103. Zero -lot line. The location of a building on a lot in such a manner that one or
more of the building's sides rests directly on a lot line.
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect ten (10) days following enactment.
ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, this 12
day of September 2011.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
Willard Dunham, Mayor
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
Johanna Kinney, CMC
City Clerk (City Seal)
SPONSORED by: Staff
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION 2011 -10
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, RECOMMENDING THE CITY
COUNCIL AMEND VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE SEWARD CITY
CODE TO INCLUDE PORTIONS OF 15.10.220 DEVELOPMENT
REQUIREMENTS TABLE; 15.10.225 LAND USES ALLOWED; and
15.10.225 LAND USES ALLOWED TABLE TO CHANGE, UPDATE AND
ACCOMMODATE THE WISHES OF THE PUBLIC
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission has held numerous public work
sessions to update the Seward City Code; and
WHEREAS, the public notification process has been complied with.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Seward Planning and Zoning
Commission that:
Section 1. The Commission recommends Ordinance 2011 -_, attached and incorporated
herein by reference, be forwarded to City Council for approval.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission this 2nd day of
August 2011.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
Sandie Roach', Chair
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
VACANT: Two
ATTEST:
Johanna Kenney, CMC
City Clerk (City Seal)
P &Z Agenda Statement
�4Of sek.
Meeting Date: August 2, 2011 n1n�� "'�VI �.
\ ) .y9 ,
6
Through: Michelle Weston, Assistant City Manager ' ai P
From: Donna Glenz, Planner aJ
Agenda Item: Amending Portions of Seward City Code (SSC) 15.10.220 Development
Requirements Table; 15.10.225 Land Uses Allowed and 15.10.225 Land Uses
Allowed Table to Change, Update and Accommodate the Wishes of the
Public
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION:
In the past 18 months the Planning and Zoning Commission has held numerous public work session
to review and update portions of Title 15 of the City Zoning Code. The Commission held six (6)
public work sessions specifically reviewing and amending Sections 15.10.225 Land Uses Allowed
and 15.10.225 Land Uses Allowed Table and one (1) work session specifically addressed the
Development Requirements Table 15.10.220.
The Commission has reviewed and discussed the Land Uses Allowed and the Land Uses Allowed
Table sections of the Seward City Code (SCC) in depth. Members of the public were present and
expressed comments and concerns during several of the work sessions. The Commission has
addressed and accommodated all public concerns and input through the proposed changes.
While no public requests were submitted for the Development Requirements Table, the Commission
reviewed and recommended an increase in the Maximum Lot Coverage for the Office Residential
Zoning District. (As depicted below)
Zoning Districts Principally Residential Principally Commercial Principally
Public
RR R1 R2 R3 UR OR AC HC CB I RM INS P
Maximum Lot 30 35 35 40 40 45 50 100* 100* 100* 30 50 10
Coverage ( %) 40
The Commission has recommended several minor changes and updates to SCC §15.10.225 Land
Uses Allowed. Specific additions, deletions or changes are as follows:
(Proposed changes are indented and the staff explanation follows and the margin)
Planning and Zoning
Agenda Statement
Page 2 of 4
(b) Lodging as defined in section 15.10.140 (b) is allowed in accordance with table 15.10.225 of
this chapter and subject to the following conditions:
(1) Regardless of the date such use began, an annual administrative permit is required. Prior
to issuing the permit, the city shall conduct an annual life safety inspection of each guest
room to assure compliance with the current Uniform adopted Building Code
door /window egress standards, the presence of an operable and inspected fire
extinguisher and adequate smoke detection systems, a posted evacuation plan, and visible
signs showing exit locations.
The State of Alaska adopts a revised Building Code approximately every three (3) years. Once the
State has adopted the code the City then follows by local adoption. At the time the current Zoning
Code was adopted the building code title in place was the Uniform Building Code. Since then the
title of the building code has changed to the International Building Code. To eliminate current and
future title changes it has been recommended to remove the specific title and use the verbiage of
"adopted" Building Code.
(c) Transient merchants as defined in section 15.10.140(b) of this chapter and which are allowed
in accordance with table 15.10.225 are subject to the following development requirements:
(1) For purposes of this chapter, such use and storage of equipment shall be limited to a
period not exceeding 4 - 50 100 consecutive days in a calendar year.
(2) Transient merchant facilities shall be and remain legally licensed and road ready and
shall be removed completely from the property at the end of 100 days.
(3) Transient merchants shall provide for the concealed storage of all inventory, supplies,
equipment and other materials brought to the site in connection with the business
conducted there.
(4) Transient merchants using vehicles and trailers in the operation of transient business
activities authorized by this chapter shall ensure that the area of operation meets the
required setbacks as provided by section 15.10.220. In no case shall the allowed area of
operation be less than five feet from any property line, permanent structure or other
transient merchant.
(5) Prior to operation, vehicles and trailers utilized for transient merchant purposes shall have
blocked tires and be fully skirted to match the vehicle or trailer.
(6) Any additions, including but not limited to porches, platforms and decks, shall be sided
or painted to match or compliment the vehicle or trailer prior to
operation.
(7) Every transient merchant shall provide sufficient trash receptacles on -site and ensure the
proper disposal of all garbage collected on the site.
(8) The use of generators is prohibited.
(9) No transient merchant shall conduct business on property owned or operated by the city
except in accordance with chapter 8.10 of this Code.
(10) Transient merchants shall conform to all federal, state and local laws.
Planning and Zoning
Agenda Statement
Page 3 of 4
The City has received many comments and complaints regarding the conditions and visual clutter of
the Transient Merchants facilities, especially during the non -use months of the year. The intent of a
transient merchant is that the facilities needed are mobile and in place for a very short time. The
proposed changes to the transient merchant requirements are to insure that the Transient Merchant
remains transient and the vehicle(s) used for the business are removed at the end of the season or the
100 day period.
(e) Livestock as defined in section 15.10.140(B). Are allowed in accordance with Table
15.10.225 of this chapter subject to the following:
(1) Lot size may not be less than 20,000 square feet per large animal, or not less than 20,000
square feet for ever, two small animals (excluding chickens & rabbits);
(2) Livestock fencing shall be no closer than five feet from a property line;
(3) A city approved drainage plan showing that runoff from the livestock corral or pen will
not adversely impact neighboring property or stream;
(4) A city approved manure storage and disposal plan. The manure storage pile shall not be
closer than 25 feet from any property line.
(5) Up to five chickens (hens) or rabbits are allowed in accordance withTable 15.10.225.
(6) Chicken or rabbit coops and enclosures are required and must meet a minimum
setback of 25 feet from neighboring hones.
(7) Chickens or rabbits are not allowed on lots with more than two dwelling units.
The addition of chickens and rabbits to the Livestock code is in response to requests from the public
to allow chickens on the smaller parcels within the residential zoning districts of Seward. The
current code does not allow for any livestock animals on lots less than 20,000 square feet. This
essentially limits livestock to the Forest Acres area of Seward. Through research and discussion the
proposed addition to the SCC would follow what other communities, including Anchorage, have
adopted for the keeping and rearing of chickens and rabbits. Allowing no more than 5 chickens
(hens) or rabbits by permit will meet the requests of the public.
Table 15.10.225. - Land Uses Allowed Table
The Land Uses Allowed Table has not been review or updated in many years. The Commission held
many work sessions and listened to the comments from the public. The proposed changes reflect the
many hours of review and discussion by the Commission.
Consistency Checklist:
Yes No NA
1. Comprehensive Plan (2020) X
3.7.3 Continue to improve the quality and efficiency of city governmental services.
• Continue to revise and update the Seward City Code.
Planning and Zoning
Agenda Statement
Page 4 of 4
2. Strategic Plan (1999) X
Goals and Objectives
* Adjust local development regulations, where appropriate, to encourage development that is
consistent with our economic base vision
The attached City Council Ordinance has been given a courtesy review by the City attorney. Several
housekeeping changes were recommended and followed.
Seward City Code §15.01.035(c)(2) &(3) provides that the Planning and Zoning Commission shall
hold a public hearing and forward written recommendations to the City Council before the City
Council amends or repeals any land use regulations, or changes zoning or land use boundaries. SCC.
As per City Code § 15.01.040 Public Hearings; the public notice requirements were met. At the time
of publishing this agenda, no public inquiry had been received.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Commission approve Resolution 2011 -10, recommending the City Council adopt the attached
Ordinance amending the Seward City Code 15.10.220 Development Requirements Table; 15.10.225
Land Uses Allowed and 15.10.225 Land Uses Allowed Table to Change, Update and Accommodate
the Wishes of the Public
Sponsored by: Planning and Zoning Commission
Introduction Date: August 22, 2011
Public Hearing Date: September 12, 2011
Enactment Date: September 12, 2011
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2011 -
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, AMENDING PORTIONS OF SEWARD CITY CODE 15.10.220
DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS TABLE; 15.10.225 LAND USES
ALLOWED AND 15.10.225 LAND USES ALLOWED TABLE TO
CHANGE, UPDATE AND ACCOMMODATE THE WISHES OF THE
PUBLIC
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission has held numerous public work
sessions on Title 15 updates; and
WHEREAS, the 6/21/2011 public work session specifically addressed the Developments
Requirements and Development Requirements Table; and
WHEREAS, the 9/21/2010, 10/07/2010, 10/19/2010, 11/16/2010, 12/07/2010 and the
1/25/2011 public work sessions specifically addressed 15.10.225 Land Uses Allowed and the
Land Uses Allowed Table; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission wishes to respond to the concerns
and requests of the public and promote economic growth; and
WHEREAS, it is in the public interest to maintain a city code that reflects community
needs; and
WHEREAS, at its August 2, 2011 meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a
public hearing and recommended City Council approval of the proposed City Code amendments.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF SEWARD ORDAINS that:
Section 1. Seward City Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
Table15.10.220 — Development Requirements Table is hereby amended as follows:
(Str'ileethr-etighs = deletions and are bold; Underline = additions and are bold Italic)
Zoning Districts Principally Residential Principally Commercial Principally
Public
RR R1 R2 R3 UR OR AC HC CB 1 RM INS P
Maximum Lot 30 35 35 40 40 35 50 100* 100 100* 30 50 10
Coverage ( %) *(See 40
Note 6, next page)
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2011 -XXX
Page 2 of 10
Section 15.10.225. - Land uses allowed is hereby amended as follows:
(Sti4leughs = deletions and are bold; Underline = additions and are bold Italic)
(a) Table 15.10.225, land uses allowed, is incorporated herein by reference and the restrictions
contained therein are mandatory unless otherwise modified by this chapter. (See Tables at the
end of this Title.)
(b) Lodging as defined in section 15.10.140 (b) is allowed in accordance with table 15.10.225 of
this chapter and subject to the following conditions:
(1) Regardless of the date such use began, an annual administrative permit is required.
Prior to issuing the permit, the city shall conduct an annual life safety inspection of
each guest room to assure compliance with the current Uniform adopted Building
Code door /window egress standards, the presence of an operable and inspected fire
extinguisher and adequate smoke detection systems, a posted evacuation plan, and
visible signs showing exit locations.
(2) Parking will be provided in accordance with section 15.10.215 of this chapter.
(3) No cooking or cooking facilities are permitted in individual guest bedrooms.
(4) Within single and two - family residential districts, lodging is limited to a home
occupation within an owner- occupied dwelling which is the owner's principal place of
residence and to the rental of not more than 50 percent of the bedrooms to a
maximum of five.
(5) In all other residential districts, lodging within single - family residences and duplexes
is limited to a home occupation within the business owner's principal place of
residence and to the rental of not more than 50 percent of the bedrooms to a
maximum of five.
(6) Within commercial districts, lodging is limited to the rental of not more than five
guest bedrooms regardless of building or business ownership.
(7) Multi - family dwellings used for lodging purposes are not required to be the business
or property owner's residence. The use shall be limited to not more than five
apartment units.
(8) The rental of individual rooms for lodging purposes is not extended to apartment unit
tenants.
(9) Regardless of business name, the use of more than five guest bedrooms or apartments
is considered a motel or hotel for building and other code interpretation purposes.
(c) Transient merchants as defined in section 15.10.140 (b) of this chapter and which are allowed
in accordance with table 15.10.225 are subject to the following development requirements:
(1) For purposes of this chapter, such use and storage of equipment shall be limited to a
period not exceeding I--50 100 consecutive days in a calendar year.
(2) Transient merchant facilities stall be and remain legally licensed and road ready
and shall be removed completely from the property at the end of 100 days.
(3) Transient merchants shall provide for the concealed storage of all inventory, supplies,
equipment and other materials brought to the site in connection with the business
conducted there.
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2011 -XXX
Page 3 of 10
(4) Transient merchants using vehicles and trailers in the operation of transient business
activities authorized by this chapter shall ensure that the area of operation meets the
required setbacks as provided by section 15.10.220. In no case shall the allowed area
of operation be less than five feet from any property line, permanent structure or other
transient merchant.
(5) Prior to operation, vehicles and trailers utilized for transient merchant purposes shall
have blocked tires and be fully skirted to match the vehicle or
trailer.
(6) Any additions, including but not limited to porches, platforms and decks, shall be
sided or painted to match or complement the - .. - vehicle or trailer
prior to operation.
(7) Every transient merchant shall provide sufficient trash receptacles on -site and ensure
the proper disposal of all garbage collected on the site.
(8) The use of generators is prohibited.
(9) No transient merchant shall conduct business on property owned or operated by the
city except in accordance with chapter 8.10 of this Code.
(10) Transient merchants shall conform to all federal, state and local laws.
(d) Commercial electronic towers, satellite dishes and antennas are allowed in accordance with
Table 15.10.225 of this chapter subject to the site being fenced.
(e) Livestock as defined in section 15.10.140(B). Are allowed in accordance with Table
15.10.225 of this chapter subject to the following:
(1) Lot size may not be less than 20,000 square feet per large animal, or not less than
20,000 square feet for every two small animals (excluding chickens and rabbits);
(2) Livestock fencing shall be no closer than five feet from a property line;
(3) A city approved drainage plan showing that runoff from the livestock corral or pen
will not adversely impact neighboring property or stream;
(4) A city approved manure storage and disposal plan. The manure storage pile shall not
be closer than 25 feet from any property line.
(5) Up to five chickens (hens) or rabbits are allowed in accordance with Table
15.10.225.
(6) Chicken or rabbit coops and enclosures are required and must meet a minimum
setback of 25 feet from neighboring homes.
(7) Chickens or rabbits are not allowed on lots with more than two dwelling units.
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2011 -XXX
Page 4 of 10
Table 15.10.225. - Land Uses Allowed Table is hereby amended as follows:
(Stfilkethfeughs = deletions and are bold; Underline = additions and are bold Italic)
Districts: Principally Residential Principally Commercial Principally
Public
Uses (RR RI R2 R3 UR OR AC F HC CB I RM INS P
Accessory Building 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Adult entertainment INTENTIONALLY
LEFT BLANK
Agency, i.e., travel, insurance, 0 0 0 Q 0
title, real estate, etc. —
Agriculture 0
Airport and related services 0 C
Amusement or recreation 0 0 0
facility
Animal shelter 0 C
Antenna, personal TV, satellite 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
dish
Art gallery Q 0 0 Q 0
Assemblages, temporary large, Pp PP P P P
i.e., circus, fair
Attraction, permanent major C C C C C
visitor
Auditorium 0 0 0
Auto repair, i.e., mechanic, C 0
glass body, upholstery
Auto service /gas station 0 0 0
Auto /RV sales and rentals 0 0 0
Boat sales 0 0 0 Q
Boat, commercial 0 0
building /fabrication
Boat, harbor /marina C C C C C
Boat, repair and maintenance 0 0 0 C
Boat, storage commercial 0 0 0 Q
C
Brewpub C C
Bulk material, i.e., concrete, C C
gravel, sand, asphalt
Business, marine retail sales and 0 0 0 0 Q
service
C
Business, package liquor 0 0 0
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2011 -XXX
Page 5 of 10
Districts: Principally Residential Principally Commercial Principally
Public
Uses RR R1 R2 R3 IUR OR IAC HC CB 1 RM INS I P
Business, retail sales and service 0 0 0 0
Business, retail sales and 0
service, industrial
Campground, camper park, RV C/P C/P C/P C/P C/P C/P
park
Campground, employee C/P
Car /boat wash 0 0 0
Cemetery 0 C 0
Center, community /civic 0 C C
0
Center, mariners 0 0 0 0
Center, senior or teen C C C 0 0 C C
Child care, licensed center C C 0 0 0 C
Child care, licensed home Q Q Q c 0 0 0 0 0
H H H O
Church C C C C C C 0 Q 0 Q
Clinic, medical 0 0 0 0 0
Clubs, C 0 0 C
fraternal /lodges /social /veterans
Cluster subdivision C C C
Communications, commercial 0 0 0 0 0 0
satellite dishes, towers, poles, —
and antennas less than 3 meter
(4-5 9.8 feet) diameter or 75
feet in height
Communications, commercial Q C C
satellite dishes, towers, poles, C
and antennas 3 meter (4-5 9.8 —
feet) diameter or greater than
75 feet in height
Correctional /prison facility CC CC
Crematory 6 0
Docks /wharves, industrial cargo 0 0 C C
Dock, passenger 0 0 0 8 0
C
Drinking establishment, i.e., C C C
bar, nightclub, lounge
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2011 -XXX
Page 6 of 10
Districts: Principally Residential Principally Commercial Principally
Public
Uses RR IR1 R2 R3 UR OR AC INC CB 1 RM IINS 1 P
Drive -hi facility —fast food, C O C C C
banking, etc. C —
Dwelling, apartment in a 0 0 0 0 0 Q
commercial building (limited to C
one unit) —
Dwelling, apartment in a 0 0 C C
commercial building (two or
more units)
Dwelling, apartment, mother -in- 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
law or accessory
Dwelling, attached single- CC CC C C C
family, i.e., townhouse, row —
Dwelling, condominium CC CC C C C
Dwelling, detached single- family 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 _C A
Dwelling, group home 0 0 0 0 0 0 A
Dwelling, guest house 0 0 A
Dwelling, multi - family (3 or CC CC C C C
more units) —
Dwelling, two - family or duplex 0 0 0 0 0 C 8
Dwelling, watchman or 0 C
caretaker —
Emergency services, pub /vol; C CC CC C 0 C 0 0 C 0
i.e., fire, ambulance, rescue —
Financial institution, i.e., bank, C 0 0
S&L
Flea market, open air retail C C C
other than occasional —
Fuels, bulk storage and sales C
Golf course 0 0 C
Golf driving range 0 0 0 0 C
Greenhouse /nursery— 0 0 0
commercial
Grocery, convenience store CC C 0 0 0 p
Grocery, supermarket, foodmart 0 0
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2011 -XXX
Page 7of10
Districts: Principally Residential Principally Commercial Principally
Public
Uses RR RI R2 R3 UR OR AC HC ICB I RM INS P
Health club C C 0 0 0
Home occupation 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Hospital C C
House rental on a nightly basis PP P P P P
Housing, bunkhouse C C C
Housing, dormitory 0 0
Housing, nursing, retirement, C C C
convalescent
Kennel, commercial, musher or INTENTIONALLY
fancier LEFT BLANK
Laundry, dry cleaning 0 C 0 0
Library 0 0 0 0
Livestock, Excluding P P
Chickens & Rabbits
Livestock, Chickens & P P P P P PP P P
Rabbits
Lodging, B&B, rooms, duplex H/P H/P H/P H/P H/P 0/P 0/P Q/p 0/P
and accessory apartment
Lodging, hostel Pp P P p P
Lodging, hotel, motel, lodge, C 0 C C
inn
Lodging, multifamily dwelling P P P P P C P
apartment
Lumber yard /building supply C 0 C
Manufacturing— noxious, heavy C
Manufacturing, light fabrication, C 0
assembly
Merchant, transient 0 0 0 0
Mobile home park C/P
Mobile home, residential, not in INTENTIONALLY
park LEFT BLANK
Mobile home sales 0 0
Mobile medical unit 0 Q 0
Mortuary/funeral home 0 0 0
Museum C 0 0 0 0 0
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2011 -XXX
Page 8 of 10
Districts: Principally Residential Principally Commercial Principally
Public
Uses RR R1 'R2 R3 UR OR AC HC CB I RM'INS P
Office, boat charter, guide 0 0 0 0 0 Q
C
Office, business or professional 0 0 0 0 0
Office, government /quasi- 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
government administration
Office, mobile /temporary on P P P P P PP P PP P P P
construction site
Office, home, professional 0 0 0 0 0
Parking lot Q Q 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
C C
Personal services, i.e., beauty, 0 0 0 0
shoe, tailor
Planned unit development C C C C C C
Playground, public tot lot 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Railroad C C C C
Recreation, commercial indoor, 0 0 0 C
i.e., bowling, skating
Recreation, outdoor, i.e., 0 C C C
miniature golf
Recreation, shooting range C C C
Recycling center C C 0 c
Recycling, self - service drop -off 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
point
Repair service, i.e., large C C 0
appliance
Resource extraction, C C C
commercial subsurface, i.e.,
mining
Resource extraction, C C C
commercial surface, i.e., gravel
Resource extraction, C C C C C C C C CC C
commercial timber harvesting
Restaurant, food service, 0 0 0 0 0 C
catering
Rooming or boarding house 0/P C 0/P 0/P
O/P
Salvage —auto, wrecking, scrap, C
junkyard
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2011 -XXX
Page 9 of 10
Districts: Principally Residential Principally Commercial Principally
Public
Uses RR R1 R2 R3 IUR OR AC HC CB 1 RM INS P
Sawmill or lumbermill C C
School, college C C 0
C
School, public /private C C C C C CC C C
elementary/secondary
School, vocational C 0 0 C 0
C
Seafood processing, i.e., C C C C
canning, rendering
Shop, i.e., welding, sheetmetal, C C 0
machine, steel fab.
Shop, i.e., wood, signs, cabinet, C C 0 C 0
upholstery
Shopping center (mall) C C
Solid waste disposal, i.e., baler, C C C
transfer, landfill
Storage, container 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 C
C C C C C C C C C C
Storage, explosives P
Storage, outdoor, yard, C 0 0 C
material /equipment
Storage, self service 0 0 0 0
Storage, warehouse and 0 0 0 0 C
distribution
Studio, radio /television C 0 0 0 0 C
Tanks, aboveground associated C C C 0
with service station
Taxidermy 0 0 0 0 0
Terminal, i.e., bus, truck, 0 C 0 C
freight
Terminal, marine /boat 0 C 0 0 C
passenger
Theater, concert, movie 0 0
Tool /equipment rental 0 0
C C CC C C C C C c
Temporary Structure
Utility facility, public electric, C C C C C C 0 0 0 0 0 0
water, sewer, etc.
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2011 -XXX
Page 10 of 10
Districts: Principally Residential Principally Commercial Principally
Public
Uses jRR R1 R2 R3 UR OR AC `HC CB 1 RM INS P
Vehicle impound lot 0 0
Vending machine repair, storage C C C
O O
Veterinary hospital C C C
Wind Energy Conversion Systems 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
(WECS)
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect ten (10) days following enactment.
ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, this 12
day of September 2011.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
Willard Dunham, Mayor
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
Johanna Kinney, CMC
City Clerk (City Seal)
City of Seward, Alaska Planning Commission Minutes
May 3, 2011 Volume 6, Page 4 3 4
Call to Order
The May, 2011 Regular Meeting of the Seward Planning & Zoning Commission was called
to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chair Roach'.
Opening Ceremony
Commissioner Seabury led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
Roll Call
There were present:
Sandie Roach' presiding, and
Steven Heinrich Dale Butts
Cindy Ecklund Scott Seabury
comprising a quorum of the Commission; and
Michelle Weston, Assistant City Manager
Donna Glenz, City Planner
Dwayne Atwood, Planning Assistant
Excused was: Tena Morgan
City Administration Report
City Planner Donna Glenz updated the Commission on the following business items:
• The National Park Service had begun working on plans to remodel the "Old Solly's"
building at Washington Street and Fifth Avenue. The preliminary plans included adding
office space.
• City- sponsored bus service was scheduled to begin for the season starting May 20.
• Harbor Opening Weekend festivities were planned for May 20 through May 22.
• Federal flood maps were scheduled to complete and presented to the City by September 2,
2011, Glenz stated. The completion date had been revised previously by FEMA.
• Seward Police Officer Doreen Valadez had been working with the local bear safety
program coordinators to provide public information, via mailing or online.
• Seward placed second in the Pacific Region as a contestant in the World Fishing
Network.Com, Ultimate Fishing Town USA contest. Winners were to be determined by
online voting. Voting was scheduled to begin again on May 10, 2011. City staff was
assisting to inform the public.
Other Reports, Announcements & Presentations
City of Seward, Alaska Planning Commission Minutes
May 3, 2011 Volume 6, Page 4 3 5
Assistant City Manager Michelle Weston reported to Commissioners a vacancy on the
Seward / Bear Creek Flood Service Area board. A representative from within the city is needed.
Weston also said the board would be posting some signs in locations outside of the city that
indicate the base flood elevations, as determined by FEMA.
Citizens' Comments on any subject except those items scheduled for Public Hearing - None
Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
Motion (Heinrich/Ecklund) Approve the Agenda and the Consent
Agenda
Motion Passed Unanimous Consent
The following items were approved on the Consent Agenda:
April 5, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes
April 12, 2011 Special Meeting Minutes
Unfinished Business Items requiring a Public Hearing — None
New Business Items requiring a Public Hearing
Resolution 2011 -07 of the Seward Planning & Zoning Commission of the
City of Seward, Alaska, granting the Seward Mariners Memorial
Organization a floodplain variance from Seward City Code Chapter 15.25
Floodplain Management, to construct the Mariners Memorial site on the fill
of the South Harbor Uplands within a mapped high hazard velocity zone,
located on the south side of the South Harbor Uplands, within the Park
Zoning District
Glenz described the project area and Zoning District. The Mariners Memorial
Organization has worked with the City for several years to advance the proposed project. City
Council adopted conceptual plans for the proposed monument, which included the location, Glenz
said. Glenz described how the applicant would receive a variance from the restriction that
construction not be conducted on fill in a velocity zone.
Glenz reported that the FEMA flood maps were scheduled to be replaced and adopted in
early 2012. The new maps would remove the South Harbor Uplands from the velocity zone. Glenz
outlined the conditions and findings for the floodplain variance. There were not comments during
the public notice process, other than clarification regarding the proposed project location, Glenz
said.
Commissioner Butts asked about the proposed location has some kind of marker indicating
where the monument would be built.
City of Seward, Alaska Planning Commission Minutes
May 3, 2011 Volume 6, Page 4 3 6
Glenz said a public notice sign was posted near the location.
Roach' asked how long ago the aerial photo of the proposed memorial site, provided in the
agenda packet, was taken.
Glenz said the aerial image was from 2008.
Roach' asked if any erosion had occurred at the location since the aerial image was taken.
Glenz said she was not aware of any erosion at the location.
Ecklund asked about Neil A. Armstrong Avenue, the former name for Railway Avenue that
is still listed on 1981 FEMA flood maps.
Glenz explained the former name was accepted for a short time and is listed on out -of -date
maps.
Notice of public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted
and the public hearing was opened.
Christy Terry, inside City Limits, represented the board for the Mariners Memorial
organization, and told Commissioners that the group had been working on the proposed project
since 2003. The group had received some amount of funding and a City of Seward building
permit, Terry said. The site had been marked. Terry also provided the Commission with a
conceptual design and explained the planned phases of the project.
Terry thanked City staff for supporting the request for a variance. Terry further explained
some of the structural details and National Flood Insurance Program requirements.
Roach' suspended the rules and Commissioners asked Terry for more details about the
proposed project.
Heinrich asked Terry if any utilities, including electricity, would be utilized for the
memorial.
Terry said there was no plan for electricity. If electricity was desired in the future, the
Mariners Memorial organization would go through the building permit process.
Butts asked whether flags or masts would be positioned at the memorial site.
No banners or flags were being considered, Terry said.
Roach' asked if the Mariners Memorial organization would have liability insurance for the
site.
City of Seward, Alaska Planning Commission Minutes
May 3, 2011 Volume 6, Page 4 3 7
The City of Seward was taking over the project, Terry said.
Heinrich asked if the funding and construction was being done entirely with donations.
Terry said the project would be undertaken with private donations. Terry further explained
that the Mariners Memorial organization would be responsible for the structure, but the land would
remain under City ownership. The conditions would be outlined in a Parks and Recreations
Department agreement, Terry said.
There were no additional requests to be heard and the public hearing was closed.
Motion (Ecklund/Heinrich) Approve Resolution 2011 -07
Ecklund noted that other memorials and public improvements had been donated to the City
and in some cases had fallen into disrepair. Ecklund said she hoped the Mariners Memorial
organization would continue to function and help maintain the memorial structure. Ecklund voiced
her support for the project.
Motion Passed Unanimous
Unfinished Business – None
New Business —
Resolution 2011 -08 of the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission
recommending the Planning and Zoning Commission priorities from April,
2011 to April 2012
Glenz explained that the priorities had been updated, with Commission and Council
comments.
Motion (Ecklund/Butts) Approve Resolution 2011 - 08
Ecklund suggested that a listed funding priority for Commissioner training be revised.
Glenz explained the intention of the funding priority and how funding would be sought.
Weston addressed the Commission, further explaining the various training opportunities
that would be available.
Motion (Ecklund/Heinrich) Continuing Priority No. 5 should read,
"Work with City Council to appropriate
sufficient funding for Planning and Zoning
Commissioner training."
City of Seward, Alaska Planning Commission Minutes
May 3, 2011 Volume 6, Page 4 3 8
Commission discussed options surrounding amending the resolution.
Seabury asked Administration why more funding was not currently dedicated to
Commissioner training.
Glenz explained that budget shortfalls led to the training budget cuts. Planning and Zoning
does have a line item in the annual budget for training and the Commission can work bring a
budget figure forward to Council.
Motion Passed Unanimous
Heinrich said he was pleased that Council approved of his proposal to pursue a Resource
Management Development Impact Study, as funding allowed. Heinrich said he planned to work
with a photographer to produce images of the surrounding hillsides and could possibly provide a
Resource Management Zoning District report.
Commissioners suggested further planning could be done in a work session.
Main Motion Passed Unanimous
Informational Items and Reports (No action required)
2011 Planning and Zoning Meeting and Agenda Cut -Off Dates
Commission Comments
Seabury thanked Terry for making a presentation regarding the Mariners Memorial project.
Ecklund asked Administration if any members of the public had made inquiries regarding
the continued revisions the Commission has made to Title 15 of the City Code.
Glenz said there had been no public comments, other than questions regarding changes to
the Sign Code.
Roach' thanked Commissioners and Administration for recent efforts. Roach' also thanked
the participants in the Super Saturday Cleanup that took place on April 30, 2011. Roach' also
mentioned a community member's suggestion that a right turn lane be added to Sea Lion Drive at
the Seward Highway to ease morning commuter traffic congestion.
Butts said a lot at that intersection was designated for a satellite fire station and would
support the turn lane addition if it did not impact the potential station.
Citizens' Comments — None
City of Seward, Alaska Planning Commission Minutes
May 3, 2011 Volume 6, Page 4 3 9
Commission and Administration Response to Citizens' Comments
Glenz explained the history of Sea Lion Drive and nearby school development and how the
current traffic pattern emerged. Several years ago the public voiced opposition to routing traffic
past Seward High School, Glenz stated. As a result, there is now added traffic congestion during
morning work commutes when children are dropped off at school.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m.
Dwayne Atwood, Sandie Roach'
Community Development Assistant Chair
(City Seal)
NFIP
NFIRCRS
January —April 2011
Communities make good use of
CRS Users Groups
A CRS users group is an informal organization of people interested in and working with the
Community Rating System. The group usually consists of people from the same metropolitan
area, but it could be a multi- county or state -wide entity. Getting together periodically and
sharing information and experience through a users group makes participating in the CRS
easier and more fun [see the article about Florida's users groups on the front page of the
February 2010 issue of this newsletter].
What do users groups do?
They meet and talk and share good ideas. Every CRS users group has its own personality —
reflecting the needs, interests, schedules, and experiences of its members. Meeting sites can
be rotated among the member communities — brown -bag lunches are popular formats.
Sometimes the groups arrange a presentation through their ISO /CRS Specialist. Sometimes
one or more members talks about how their community has carried out a CRS - credited
activity. When possible, the area's ISO /CRS Specialist attends and sometimes he or she can
bring in a national expert on a CRS activity —a CRS technical reviewer or someone else.
Some users groups help develop and coordinate activities that result in CRS credit for their
communities, such as a county -wide public information strategy [see box on next page].
Sometimes staff or officials from non -CRS communities come to the users group meetings,
to learn more about the CRS and hear about the benefits of joining.
Who starts users groups?
Anybody who is interested. Some have been started by state offices and some by state
floodplain management associations. Several are the handiwork of local CRS Coordinators
who wanted to learn how their neighbors implemented an activity or who wanted to share
some lessons that they have learned themselves.
continued on next page
In this Issue
Hopfensberger Honored 3 State Profiles & UMC Data 6
Endangered Species Act 4 Training Opportunities 7
Driving through Flood Waters 5
NFIP /CRS Update - 1 - January — April 2011
CRS Users Groups — continued from previous page
Can consultants join a users group?
Why not? Often consultants work for several communities and can disseminate the
information learned at a meeting to their clients.
How are CRS users groups
organized? CRS Communities come together
There is no required organization. CRS on the Gulf Coast
committees of state floodplain
management associations are organized Al W. Goodman, Jr, CFM
according to their association by -laws. ASFPM Liaison to the
Community Rating System Task Force
Other users groups have volunteer
leaders who organize the meetings and All too often communities find themselves seemingly alone
in that land of bewilderments commonly known as the
volunteer secretaries who take notes. Community Rating System. But take solace! A relatively new
There's no requirement that minutes be initiative is being embraced by CRS communities throughout
maintained, but some groups have the United States. It is the CRS "users group" and is supported
found them helpful in informing by FEMA Headquarters, Regional Offices, the CRS Task
members who could not make it to a Force, and Insurance Services Office.
meeting. As one example, in March 2008, a regional CRS outreach
team was created by 11 communities along the Mississippi
What users groups are there now? Gulf Coast that participate in the CRS. They called themselves
the "Coastal Hazard Outreach Strategy Team" or C -HOST. The
There are county - wide users groups in C- HOST's goal was to "bring together local government
Palm Beach, Broward, Miami - Dade, officials, community stakeholders from the general public,
private businesses and major employers in order to capitalize
and Pinellas counties, Florida. There is on what is being done, coordinate messages, and develop new
a three - county group along the projects to fill any identified gaps left by existing programs"
Mississippi coast called the Coastal http: / /chost.stormsmart.org. C -HOST has both accomplished
Hazards Outreach Strategy Team this goal AND received 100 CRS credit points for each member
(C -HOST) [see box], and a group for community under Activity 330's OPS element— outreach
projects pursuant to a public information program strategy.
the Houston - Galveston area called the
Flood Awareness Strategy Team The rest of Mississippi's CRS communities have taken
(FAST). A Dallas metropolitan area notice and the North Mississippi EMERGE (Educating
Mississippians in Emergency Readiness through Group Effort)
group has just formed. The state is currently forming, while the formation of a third group
floodplain management associations for consisting of central Mississippi communities is pending.
Illinois, Colorado, and California have As noted in the cover article, several other states also have
created CRS Committees that act as user groups. In addition, several Chapters of the Association of
state - wide users groups. State Floodplain Managers have CRS Committees, which
assist in some of the functions of the user group, but provide
If your community is interested in other venues and training as well.
starting a CRS users group, or you When you consider the inequity between the time and
would like to talk to someone who resources expended on fire prevention (codes, insurance,
already has one, contact your ISO /CRS education, equipment, employees) and that spent on flood
Specialist. mitigation, you have to scratch your head. After all, a structural
fire has a 9% chance of occurring and a flood has a 26%
• • chance of occurring over a 30 -year period. Any opportunity to
bring that focus into a suitable balance should be embraced.
CRS user groups give us a big push towards that shift.
NF/P /CRS Update - 2 - January —April 2011
Palm Beach County, Florida
Honors Sue Hopfensberger
In recognition of her extraordinary service to and support of the County's floodplain
management efforts, Sue Hopfensperger, CFM, ISO /CRS Specialist, was awarded a
Certificate of Appreciation at the December meeting of the Palm Beach Countywide Local
Mitigation Strategy. She was honored for being an "enthusiastic and effective proponent of
sound floodplain management and the Community Rating System." The County praised
Hopfensperger for her work as a program reviewer, saying that she has "steadfastly defended,
supported and administered the principles and challenging requirements of the CRS and the
National Flood Insurance Program." She was thanked for applying these requirements in a
fair and equitable manner so that reasonable CRS class ratings and insurance rates could be
determined and established.
The Certificate further recognized
Hopfensperger as a friend to the
County's CRS program and its _ 3
multijurisdictional Users Group. She ` " "'
frequently has attended meetings and
expositions, made and arranged for
presentations, provided opportunities
err'
for training and certification, kept x
communities aware of significant
developments in the CRS and in.r `
floodplain management; and offered
useful, personalized information and guidance to enhance local programs.
She is well known for responding to
questions and inquiries promptly— _ "
and often on her own time ��
Palm Beach County is currently a
CRS Class 6. Sue Hopfensperger, CFM, ISO /CRS Specialist (at left) with
Jesse Spearo, Special Projects Coordinator - Mitigation of
Palm Beach County in West Palm Beach, Florida.
• •
Statement of Purpose
The NFIP /CRS Update is a publication of the National Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System. It
provides local officials and others interested in the CRS with news they can use.
The NFIP /CRS Update is produced in alternate months. It is distributed electronically, at no cost, to local and state
officials, consultants, and others who want to be on the mailing list. Communities are encouraged to copy and /or
circulate the NFIP/CRS Update and to reprint its articles in their own local, state, or regional newsletters. No special
permission is needed.
To become a subscriber or to suggest a topic that you would like addressed, contact
NFIP /CRS Update, P.Q. Box 501016, Indianapolis, IN 46250 - 1016
(317) 848 -2898 fax: (201) 748 -1936 NFIPCRS Iso;corn
NFIPICRS Update - 3 - January —April 2011
Endangered Species and Map Revisions
New Procedures help ensure Protection of Species and Habitat
Effective October 1, 2010, FEMA began requiring that all applications for CLOMRs and
CLOMR -Fs (Conditional Letters of Map Revision and Conditional Letters of Map Revision
based on Fill) include documentation that the provisions of the Endangered Species Act have
been observed for the parcel of land in question. A guidance memo issued by FEMA in
August (Procedure Memorandum No. 64, dated August 18, 2010, available at
http ; /fwww.fema . gov/ plan /prevent /fhm /gs_memos.shtm) provides details about the new rules for
processing CLOMRs and CLOMR -Fs.
When requested, FEMA can issue a CLOMR or CLOMR -F as the agency's comments on
whether a proposed action in a floodplain (such as construction or landscape disturbance)
would meet the minimum National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements and
also on how the proposed change would affect What does the ESA Mean?
the NFIP maps. Including documentation of The purpose of the Endangered Species Act is
the ESA compliance within the CLOMR to conserve threatened and endangered plants and
procedure ensures that FEMA is meeting its animals and the ecosystems upon which they
responsibility under the ESA. It also provides depend. Congress passed the ESA in 1973 with
a "double check" for communities — be sure recognition that the natural heritage of the United
that they have in fact checked for endangered States was of "esthetic, ecological, educational,
recreational, and scientific value to our Nation and
species or habitat on the site of the proposed its people." Congress understood that, without
action. Local flood damage reduction protection, many of our nation's living resources
ordinances passed to meet the NFIP standards would become extinct. Species at risk of extinction
at 44 CFR 60.3(a)2 already require that all are considered "endangered," whereas species
necessary authorizations have been received that are likely to become endangered in the
before a floodplain development permit can be foreseeable future are considered "threatened."
issued, and this includes having cleared the Today, about 1,900 species are listed as
threatened or endangered under the ESA. The
ESA review [see box]. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National
Marine Fisheries Service share responsibility for
In the next CRS Coordinator's Manual, more implementing the ESA.
attention is likely to be given to natural
floodplain functions and resources, including Section 9 of the ESA prohibits anyone from
"taking" or "harming" endangered wildlife, and
habitat for threatened and endangered species. similar protection is extended to threatened wildlife.
Therefore, even if your community doesn't That means that the Act applies to ALL individuals,
anticipate requesting any CLOMRs soon, it groups, businesses, property owners, and others.
would be still be a good idea to get in touch If an intended action might harm a threatened or
with the appropriate Fish & Wildlife Service endangered species, authorization must be
or Marine Fisheries Service office to see what obtained from one of the Services.
species, if any, inhabit your locale. FEMA's Further, Section 7 of the ESA requires that
guidance memo gives links to several each federal agency insure that any action it
resources on the ESA, including websites of authorizes, funds, or carries out is not likely to
both Services. jeopardize the continued existence of any listed
species or destroy or adversely modify critical
• • habitat.
See http: / /www.epa.gov /lawsregs /laws /esa.html.
NFIPICRS Update - 4 - January —April 2011
Why do People Drive through Flooded Crossings?
It's well known among floodplain managers —and confirmed by the National Weather
Service— that a significant portion of annual flood deaths occur when people are trapped in
vehicles [see statistics at http:// www. weather.gov /om /hazstats.shtmlJ. All too often people in
cars or trucks drive through a flooded crossing or wash even though signs caution them
against it, and even in the face of public service announcements, news stories about the
consequences of such actions, and laws like the one in Arizona that holds people financially
liable for some emergency response costs if they must be rescued from flood waters after
crossing a barricade.
Why do people take such risky action? Research by a geography graduate student at the
University of Arizona sheds some light on this nagging question. The findings of her study
contradict the popular notion held by many flood risk managers that the people who drive
through flooded areas are being irrational or impulsive, or are not fully aware of the nature
and consequences of the flood risk.
On the contrary, according to Ashley R. Coles, people make calculated decisions about
whether to drive through a flooded area, and base those calculations on many factors. In a
survey of about 170 people in the Tucson area, Coles found that
— About 90% of the people interviewed trusted the warning signs
and believed that the barricades had been placed for a good
� reason.
— About 78% of respondents said that they relied on the advice of
WATER friends, neighbors, and others about whether to drive
through a flooded wash or crossing— sometimes they even made
a phone call right at the flooded roadway.
— People tended TO cross if they believed that weather conditions
............. . .
were worsening, if they could not find another route to their
wHEN
destination, and if they saw that other vehicles had made it
FLOODED through the water.
TURN AROUND -- People tended NOT to cross if children or other family members
DON'T were in the vehicle, it seemed too dangerous, or they thought that
DROWN ' driving through the flood water might damage their vehicle.
g g g g
In sum, Cole said in an interview with the UANews, "It's not that
people don't trust the signs or the information," but that the signs
do not indicate whether it's dangerous to drive through the water
RIGHT NOW Therefore, "people feel they have to use some other
IMPASSABLE ' Y_ information" to make a decision about what to do.
DURING
MGR WATER Excerpted from UANews, University of Arizona
http: / /uanews.org /node /37950
NFIP /CRS Update - 5 - January —April 2011
State -by -State CRS Information now Available
Updated CRS State Profiles and Uniform Minimum Credit Reports are now available.
State Profiles —The CRS publishes State Profiles that provide a narrative and graphic summary of
each state's communities' scores, by activity. Readers can get a quick view of which communities
in the state are participating in the CRS, what scores they get for each activity, and how much their
residents are saving on flood insurance premiums. You can also compare communities' scores to
national averages. The bar chart below is an example: it shows average scores for Kansas's CRS
communities juxtaposed against the average nationwide score for that activity. This is one way to
identify what topics may warrant attention in the form of workshops or training.
350
300
250
200
P. 150
g III
we pig 1 4 1 5 1. 0
ir '11 111 •i!II!
C310
r
1 C330 C340C350 C360 C410 C420 C430 C440 C450 C510 C520 C530 C540 C610 C620 C630
Kansas average credit 60 140 37 306 157 115 50 60 0 0
III National average 1:1111111 38 50 203 108 130 120 90 207 EEC
CRS ACTIVITIES
Uniform Minimum Credit —When a state takes steps to ensure that its communities surpass
minimum NFIP standards —for example, by requiring that all construction be elevated to at least
a foot above the base flood elevation —the CRS rewards all the CRS communities within that
state with the points that they would have been awarded had they taken the action individually.
In this example, each community in the state would qualify for credit for elevating structures.
Now, all the CRS - creditable activities undertaken by each state have been reviewed and
collected in individual state reports, so that communities can get the proper CRS credit more
easily. Some states generate a substantial number of uniform points. Michigan, for example,
may provide communities with enough uniform points to move up one or two classes. The
UMC reports will decrease the documentation needed from CRS communities and also give
communities entering the program "a leg up" towards their first class.
To get copies of the reports, contact your state NFIP Coordinator or your FEMA Regional
Office, or email NIPCRS @iso.com.
• •
NFIP/CRS Update - 6 - January —April 2011
Training Opportunities
Emergency Management Institute Courses
FEMA's Emergency Management Institute (EMI) conducts courses on floodplain
management and other CRS - related topics. These are oriented to local building, zoning,
planning, and engineering officials. Tuition is free for state and local government officials
and travel stipends are available. Call the training office of your state emergency manage-
ment agency, see http: / /training.fema.gov /, call EMI at 1- 800 - 238 -3358 or (301) 447 -1035, or
see http : / /www. training. fema .gov /EMICourses /EMICourse.asp.
— The Community Rating System (E278) September 26-29, 2011;
February 27 —March 1, 2012; August 6-9, 2012; September 17 -20, 2012
Prerequisite: To enroll in the CRS course, you must be a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) or
have completed the National Flood Insurance Program course listed below (E273) or be a full -
time floodplain manager with more than 3 years of experience specifically related to floodplain
management.
The CRS course is also offered at other sites upon request. Scheduled so far are:
Colorado (FEMA Region VIII), October 11 - 14, 2011 (site and contact to be determined).
Two "short" (2 %2 days) CRS classes will be held later this year:
North Carolina (sites to be determined) (FEMA Region IV), July 13 -15, 2011 and
October 26-28, 2011; contact John Gerber, (919) 715 -5711 x106 or jgerber @ncem.org.
-- Managing Floodplain Development through the NFIP (E273) May 16-19, 2011;
August 29— September 1, 2011
E273 is also field deployed periodically. Contact your State NFIP Coordinator for more informa-
tion. Find your State Coordinator at http:// www.floods.org /index.asp ?menulD =274.
— Advanced Floodplain Management Concepts II (E282) May 9 -12, 2011
— Basic HAZUS Multi- Hazards (E313) September 19 -22, 2011
— Advanced HAZUS Multi- Hazards for Flood (E172) (prereq: E313) July 1 -14, 2011
-- HAZUS Multi- Hazards for Risk Assessment (E296) July 11 -14, 2011
— Residential Coastal Construction (E386) August 15 -18, 2011
-- Retrofitting Floodprone Residential Buildings (E279) June 27 -30, 2011
Under Section 431.n, Staffing (STF) of the CRS Coordinator's Manual, five points are
provided for each member of a community's floodplain permit staff who graduates from
courses E194, E273, E278, E282, or E386 (up to 25 points). Graduating from E279 is worth
five points in Activity 360 -Flood Protection Assistance.
CRS Training
Don't forget that the CRS offers "remote" workshops to help communities with their elevation
certificate requirements. If you are interested in hosting a "webinar" on the FEMA Elevation
Certificate, contact your ISO /CRS Specialist.
NFIP /CRS Update - 7 - January — April 2011
.a N FIP /CRS
DAT E
NFIPMRS
May —June 2011
An Improved CRS is on the Way
A careful process of examining the various activities, requirements, credits, documentation,
and procedures of the Community Rating System is reaching fruition this summer and fall.
This evaluation, which began in 2008 pursuant to A Strategic Plan for the Community Rating
System, 2008 -2013, has involved numerous committees established by the CRS Task Force
and consultations, conference calls, and webinars, along with expert input from local officials
and staff and from many professionals in floodplain management fields. Feedback from CRS
community representatives has been obtained at each step along the way, and some pilot
testing has been done. The 2012 edition of the CRS Coordinator's Manual, which will be
released early in 2012, will incorporate all the improvements. [Some of these changes were
previewed on the first page of the December CRS Update newsletter.]
CRS Element Weighting Webinars
The latest steps began at the CRS Task Force meeting in April, at which the Task Force
approved the proposed changes in the credit criteria for many of the CRS activities and
elements. During the month of May, over 15 webinars were held to consider the relative
importance of each of the elements within a given CRS activity. The webinars involved
representatives from FEMA headquarters and
regional offices, members of the topical committees GOALS OF THE CRS
that had been guiding the evaluation and proposed
changes, and local CRS coordinators. Invited experts 1. Reduce flood damage to insurable
on the topics of insurance, planning, mapping, public property.
information, and resource protection also were 2. Strengthen and support the
included. insurance aspects of the NFIP.
3. Encourage a comprehensive
2011 CRS Weighting Review Forum approach to floodplain management.
After initially establishing the recommended
proportion of credit within each CRS activity, the
next step involved assigning a relative value to each of the activities within each series (see
box on next page). To do this, a group of 50 experts was invited to a "weighting forum" held
in Philadelphia June 6 -9, 2011. This was the first time that the entire CRS credit structure
had been reviewed since the program's inception in 1989.
continued on next page
Also in this Issue
CRS Award for Excellence 4 Training Opportunities 5
NFIP /CRS Update - 1 - May — June 2011
An Improved CRS — continued from previous page
Over the course of four days, these experts
weighed the effectiveness of each of the CRS LOCAL ACTIVITIES CREDITED
activities, as proposed for 2012, in helping
achieve the goals of the CRS. After that, the UNDER THE
effectiveness of each series was weighted. COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM
By the end of the week, recommended Se 300 Public Information Activities
Activity 310 Elevation Certificates
percentages had been agreed upon for each of Element EC— Keeping elevation certificates
the activities and series of the CRS. These are since the date of applying to the CRS
being coupled with the weightings for each of El ECPO— Keeping elevation
certificates for all post -FIRM buildings
the elements arrived at during the May Element ECPR— Keeping elevation
webinars. During June all of these data will be certificates for all pre -FIRM buildings
converted to proposed CRS credit points. The Activity 320 Map Information
credit points, in turn, will be assigned to each Activity 330 Outreach Projects
Activity 340 Hazard Disclosure
element, activity, and series in the designated Activity 350 Flood Protection Information
proportions. Activity 360 Flood Protection Assistance
Activity 370 Promotion of Flood Insurance (new)
Getting the Word Out Series 400 Mapping & Regulatory Activities
Activity 410 Additional Flood Data
As soon as the proposed numerical credit points Activity 420 Open Space Preservation
have been calculated, the Task Force will work Activity 430 F rata Maintenance
a ncards
Activity 440 Flood Data Maintenance e
to spread the word about the proposed CRS Activity 450 Stormwater Management
Credit adjustments. Series 500 Flood Damage Reduction Activities
Activity 510 Floodplain Management Planning
Webinars— During July and August, a series Activity 520 Acquisition and Relocation
of two -hour webinars will be hosted to help Activity 530 Flood Protection
familiarize CRS communities and other Activity 540 Drainage System Maintenance
interested persons with the anticipated Series 600 Flood Preparedness Activities
changes to the CRS and to the Coordinator 's Activity 610 Flood Warning Program
Manual. The webinars will involve a toll- Activity 620 Dam Safety
Activity 630 Dam Safety fety
free call -in number and internet access to
GoToWebinar's site. Participants will be *Note: every activity has one or more elements.
able to view the screen and ask questions. In this box, only the elements for Activity 310 are
shown, for illustration purposes.
Some CRS users groups are sponsoring
continued on next page
Statement of Purpose
The NFIP/CRS Update is a publication of the National Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System. It provides
local officials and others interested in the CRS with news they can use.
The NFIP /CRS Update is produced in alternate months. It is distributed electronically, at no cost, to local and state officials,
consultants, and others who want to be on the mailing list. Communities are encouraged to copy and /or circulate the Update
and to reprint its articles in their own local, state, or regional newsletters. No special permission is needed.
To become a subscriber or to suggest a topic that you would like addressed, contact
NFIP/CRS Update, P.Q. Box 501016, Indianapolis, IN 46250 -1016
(317) 848 -2898 fax: (201) 748-1936 NFIPCRS@iso.cam
NFIP /CRS Update - 2 - May—June 2011
An Improved CRS — continued from previous page
webinars for their own members. This will allow more time to be spent on the
particular concerns of that area of the country.
Website —A website will highlight the proposed changes and have a place for
transmitting comments.
Newsletter —The next (July) issue of the Update will have the schedule of the
webinars, more information about them and the website, and more details about the
proposed changes to the Coordinator's Manual.
Feedback — Comments and other feedback are being sought through the above
avenues, and need to be received by August 31. The website will have a comment
submittal feature.
Final Steps
This summer FEMA will review the recommended credit point structure and analyze its
impact on communities already participating in the CRS. It is anticipated that few
communities will be adversely affected. ISO /CRS Specialists will work with
communities to help them offset loss of points by working on other activities.
Everyone must keep in mind that the proposed changes are not arbitrary —they are the
culmination of research, discussion, and evaluation of what works in floodplain
management and in flood insurance and therefore deserving of CRS credit. Some
techniques that have been credited in the past have been found to be less effective than
anticipated, while others, it has been discovered, have been undervalued or need more
attention under the new CRS goals. FEMA understands that this can alter communities'
credits, but those alterations will mean a better program.
In September, the CRS Task Force will review all the comments and finalize the changes
to be included in the 2012 Coordinator's Manual.
During October, November, and December, the Coordinator's Manual will be revised,
with the 2012 edition expected to be released in January 2012. FEMA plans to have
newsletter articles and workshops to explain the new credits.
Our Mistake
In the article on page 3 of the April issue of the NFIP /CRS Update,
Sue Hopfensperger's name was misspelled. Some copies of the newsletter were
released before we caught the error. Needless to say, we regret the mistake.
NFIP/CRS Update - 3 - May 2011
CRS Award for Excellence goes to Beverly Collings
Beverly Collings, Floodplain Manager and Building and Zoning Inspector for Grand Forks,
North Dakota, received the 2011 CRS Award for Excellence at the National Flood
Conference in New Orleans last month. Since assuming responsibility for the city's CRS
program in 1995, Collings has instituted a range of standardized procedures by which the city
thoroughly reviews permit applications for all types of activity —from dry floodproofing a
historic structure to making substantial improvements. After the 1997 Red River floods,
which damaged tens of thousands of buildings, a new Flood Insurance Rate Map was in store
for the city but in the interim Collings and her staff anticipated what that map would show
and worked accordingly to ensure that new development was regulated.
Marketing and other public awareness efforts have been a large part of Grand Forks's CRS
program. Through outreach projects, public meetings, training, and being accessible ' to
respond wisely to inquiries, ,, , <,:, ,,,, 0 , A .,,, 7 , ,,,,, , ,....,„,, ,,,
Collings has been instrumental
in developing a pool of "some sj
and /
M £ ✓ � 1 P u 3� R
edof ucated the group most knowledge of real estate , ' � � E
agents, insurance agents, '. E �'�
mortgage personnel and ' a e ' : .. , - 1
citizens" in the nation, e= fr ` "'
according to Kevin Dean, Grand `
Forks Public Information �' k
Officer.
Collings also lends her $ g .
expertise with the CRS to other
floodplain managers and
communities. She makes
presentations at national and �"
regional meetings, coordinate
moo
continuously with the state and `��`
FEMA, and maintains a special
file of reproducible materials on Ed Connor, Acting Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administrator
floodplain regulation and the (at left) with Beverly Collings of Grand Forks, North Dakota, after
CRS that she shares with other Collings accepted the CRS Award for Excellence
professionals.
Grand Forks is a CRS Class 5 community, but Collings "just will not give up" in her
determination that the city continue to improve so that it will rise to class 1 status, Dean said.
The CRS Award for Excellence recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding
accomplishments in promoting flood insurance and advancing floodplain management and
mitigation in CRS communities. The award was presented for the first time in 2010, and is
intended to raise awareness and mutual support for flood insurance and mitigation between
local government and community -based agents. Nomination forms for next year's award will
be available late this year.
•
•
NFIPJCRS Update - 4 - May —June 2011
NFIP /CRS
NFIPMRS
Ju /y— August 2011
Webinars and Website will Explain CRS Changes
The 2012 edition of the CRS Coordinator's Manual, to be released early in 2012, will
incorporate many improvements to the Community Rating System. Changes —some large and
some small —are being made to certain elements, activities, prerequisites, procedures,
documentation, and credit points. They are the product of several years of effort by the CRS
Task Force, FEMA, and many CRS stakeholders, who collaborated to review and evaluate the
current program, pursuant to A Strategic Plan for the Community Rating System, 2008 -2013.
Two new vehicles are being used to help orient communities and others to the revised
Coordinator's Manual before it becomes effective. This will give everyone a chance to get
answers to specific questions, submit comments on the proposals, anticipate the impacts of
certain revisions, and plan for a smooth transition.
First, a series of two -hour "webinars" are being offered in July and August during which the
anticipated new aspects of the Coordinator's Manual will be explained and webinar
participants can ask questions. (A participant in a webinar logs onto a specified internet
website at the same time he or she phones in to a specified toll -free conference call line.
PowerPoints or other visual aids are displayed on the participant's computer screen while the
presenter or moderator speaks over the phone line. Discussion among the participants or
between the presenter and the participants can take place just as on a regular conference call.)
Second, a special website for the 2012 Coordinator's Manual has been set up as a central
point for distributing the latest information on the proposed changes to the CRS, the
background work that went into the revisions, the schedule of webinars, and other information.
The website can be found at http: / /www.crs2012.org.
Details about the webinars and the website are given on the next two pages.
Also in this Issue
Webinars on the Coordinator's Manual 2 Top Ten changes to the CRS 5
Website for the Coordinator's Manual 3 Training Opportunities 6
NFIP /CRS Update - 1 - July— August 2011
Learn about the 2012 Coordinator's Manual
Sign up for a Webinar and get Answers to your Questions
A series of two -hour webinars will be held in July and early August to explain the anticipated
changes that will take effect with the 2012 edition of the CRS Coordinator 's Manual. The
webinars are free and are open to everyone. Some webinars — particularly those being
sponsored by CRS users groups (see list below) —will also focus on CRS changes appropriate
to that locale. For example, the webinar sponsored by the Pinellas County Users Group will
devote more time to coastal credits and programs specific to Florida.
SCHEDULE FOR WEBINARS on the 2012 CRS COORDINATOR'S MANUAL
Date Sponsor Subject Start Time
(2011) EDT CDT MDT PDT
July 11 Miami -Dade County CRS Users Group General overview with 1:30 12:30 11:30 10:30
attention to local issues
July 14 New Orleans area CRS Users Group General overview with 12:00 11:00 10:00 9:00
attention to local issues
July 15 Natural and Beneficial Functions Committee Credit for natural 10:30 9:30 8:30 7:30
of the ASFPM floodplain functions
July 15 Pinellas County, Florida, CRS Users Group General overview with 1:30 12:30 11:30 10:30
attention to local issues
July 19 CRS Committee of the Colorado Association General overview with 3:00 2:00 1:00 12:00
for Stormwater and Floodplain Management attention to local issues
July 20 Palm Beach County, Florida, CRS Users General overview with 10:00 9:00 8:00 7:00
Group attention to local issues
July 21 CHOST - Coastal Hazards Outreach Strategy General overview with 10:45 9:45 8:45 7:45
Team (Coastal Mississippi CRS Users Group) attention to local issues
July 25 FEMA and the Insurance Services Office General overview 12:30 11:30 10:30 9:30
August 1 CRS Committee of the Illinois Association for General overview with 2:30 1:30 12:30 11:30
Floodplain and Stormwater Management attention to local issues
August 2 FEMA and the Insurance Services Office General overview 3:00 2:00 1:00 12:00
FAST - Floodplain Awareness Success in General overview with
August 4 Texas (Houston - Galveston Area CRS Users attention to local issues 2:30 1:30 12:30 11:30
Group)
All webinars are two hours long. More webinars may be scheduled, depending on demand.
To Register
You may register for any webinar, but you must do it at least two days before the webinar.
There is no fee, and the conference call is a toll -free number. Register online at
http: / /www.CRS2012.org (click on "Webinar Info ").
continued on next page
NFIP /CRS Update - 2 - July— August 2011
Webinars — continued from previous page
Within 24 hours of registering, you will receive an email with the webinar URL, the toll -free
call in number, and the conference code. The first 20 registrants will have a conference code
that will allow them to ask questions during the webinar (all other registrants can listen and
view the presentation, but the call -in system has only 20 lines that allow participants to speak
during the call). Anyone with questions that are not answered during the webinar can submit
them separately by using the "Outreach and Feedback" tab on the website
(http: / /www.crs2012.org /outreach - and - feedback).
At least five minutes before the webinar start time, you will need to go to the webinar URL to
download the necessary software. You will then be given another URL to get to the webinar.
See the webinar information on the website at http: / /www.crs2012.org. If you still have
questions, e-mail NFIPCRS@Iso.com. If you want to talk to someone, say so in the e-mail and
give a phone number and convenient time to receive a return call.
A Website for the 2012 CRS Coordinator's Manual
A website has been dedicated to the proposed changes to the National Flood Insurance
Program's Community Rating System that will be incorporated into the 2012 edition of the
CRS Coordinator 's Manual.
The site, located at http: / /www.crs2012.org, has information organized under five main tabs.
Under Activity Information can be found a range of information about each of the
19 activities that are credited under the CRS. For each activity, there is (1) a short
summary of what is covered and credited; (2) notes on the relative weighting of the
elements and activities that were taken during May committee meetings and at the
Weighting Forum held in June, and (3) reports made to the CRS Task Force by the
committee that undertook to review and revise that activity over the last few years. In
addition, there is an overview description of the four CRS Series (Public Information,
Mapping and Regulations, Flood Damage Reduction, and Flood Preparedness.
continued on next page
Statement of Purpose
The NFIP /CRS Update is a publication of the National Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System. It provides
local officials and others interested in the CRS with news they can use.
The NFIP/CRS Update is produced in alternate months. It is distributed' electronically, at no cost, to local and state officials,
consultants, and others who want to be on the mailing list. Communities are encouraged to copy and /or circulate the Update
and to reprint its articles in their own local, state, or regional newsletters. No special permission i s needed.
To become a subscriber or to suggest a topic that you would like addressed, contact
NFIP/CRS Update, P.O. Box 501016, Indianapolis, IN 46250-1016
(317) 848 -2898 fax: (201) 748 -1936 NFIPCRS iso.com
NFIP/CRS Update - 3 - July—August 2011
Website — continued from previous page
The Outreach and Feedback tab contains a place where visitors can submit questions or
make comments about the proposed 2012 changes.
Posted under Other Materials are several documents that pertain to more than one
activity or to the CRS as a whole. These include reports on natural floodplain functions,
climate change, prerequisites, special hazards, and repetitive flood losses, as well as the
report of the 1998 evaluation of the NFIP, and the background papers prepared for the
2011 Weighting Forum
The General CRS Documents tab contains the CRS Strategic Plan, the CRS
Coordinator's Manual, and the current CRS Application.
Finally, Community Self- Assessment explains the new process under the CRS
designed to help a community summarize its flooding problem and the natural resources
and functions of its floodplain and /or coastal area. This information will help a
community identify appropriate CRS activities to pursue. A link here leads to the pilot
self assessment. Note that the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) will
provide 3.0 hours of Continuing Education Credit (CEC) for Certified Floodplain
Managers who complete the demonstration self - assessment and provide feedback on
their experience.
The website is continuously updated as more information becomes available and as the
proposed changes to the CRS are finalized. Comments and questions are welcome.
The 2012 CRS Manual what's new in sole in
the CRS Coordinator's Manual
4 110 11 1 ° ,
Home Activity Information Outreach & Feedback Other Materials General CRS Documents Community Self Assessment
NF/P /CRS Update - 4 - July— August 2011
Top Ten Changes proposed for the
2012 CRS Coordinator's Manual
Here is a short preview of some of the changes to the 2012 Coordinator 's Manual that will be
explained during the webinars planned for July and August (see http: / /www.CRS2012.org and
click on "Webinar Info "). By the time the first webinar takes place, more detailed information
will be posted on the special website (http: / /www.crs2012.org).
Note that these ten are listed in CRS Activity order, not in order of importance.
1. The 50 -page CRS Application will be replaced with a shorter "Quick Check," which will
appear in Section 212 — Application Documents.
2. More items will need to be submitted with each annual recertification, including all Elevation
Certificates collected during the previous year. (Section 214, Recertification, and Activity
310— Elevation Certificates)
3. A new web -based self - assessment can help communities identify the CRS activities that will
help them the most. Instructions will appear as a new Section 240, Self - Assessment.
4. A new approach to public information programs is being taken, which will result in a
reduction in credit for old, routine, annual outreach projects. (Activity 330 — Outreach
Projects)
5. The first new activity in 20 years is being added to the CRS. Activity 370 — Promotion of Flood
Insurance, will provide credit for communities that take an active role in encouraging people
to obtain and maintain their flood insurance coverage.
6. More credit will be provided for preserving open space. New credit points are going to be
available to communities that encourage developers to set aside their floodplain areas as open
space. (Activity 420 —Open Space Preservation)
7. There will be more points available for protecting the natural functions of floodplains and
coastal areas. This will include a new credit for implementing regulations that encourage low -
impact development. (Activity 420 —Open Space Preservation and Activity 450 — Stormwater
Management)
8. More emphasis will be placed on prohibiting fill in the floodplain, including NOT approving
LOMR -Fs (Letters of Map Revision based on Fill). (Activity 430 — Higher Regulatory
Standards)
9. New credit will be provided for exemplary administration of local regulations, including
points for conducting field inspections and reinspections. (Activity 430 — Higher Regulatory
Standards)
10. A new approach will be taken to the provision of credit to programs that prepare people and
emergency management offices for the potential failure of a levee or dam. (Activity
620 —Levee Safety and Activity 630 —Dam Safety)
•
NFIP /CRS Update - 5 - July— August 2011
Training Opportunities
CRS Training
As noted on the first page of this issue, webinars are being offered this summer to help
familiarize local staff and officials with the upcoming changes in the CRS Coordinator 's
Manual. Find out more about the webinars at http: / /www.CRS2012.org (click on "Webinar Info ").
Don't forget that the CRS offers "remote" workshops to help communities with their elevation
certificate requirements. If you are interested in hosting a "webinar" on the FEMA Elevation
Certificate, contact your ISO /CRS Specialist.
Courses in Advanced Floodplain Management at EMI
CRS Coordinators are reminded about the EMI courses that (like the CRS itself) go "above
and beyond" basic techniques for the management of floodplains. EMI offers three courses in
Advanced Floodplain Management Concepts. Each course has four or more modules and
some can directly help with a CRS element or activity.
Advanced Floodplain Management Concepts I (E194) covers, among other topics
— NFIP floodplain rules and regulations in depth;
NFIP: LOMC procedures for applying and floodplain management implications (Activity
410 - Additional Flood Data);
— Roles and responsibilities of the local floodplain manager; and
— Preparing for post- disaster responsibilities (Activity 610 -Flood Warning Program).
Advanced Floodplain Management Concepts II (E282) covers, among other topics
— Considerations for placing manufactured homes and recreational vehicles in the floodplain
(MHP- manufactured home park credit under Activity 430 - Higher Regulatory Standards);
— NFIP flood insurance principles for the floodplain manager;
— Higher standards in floodplain management (Activity 430 - Higher Regulatory Standards); and
— Hydrology and hydraulics for the floodplain manager (Activity 410 - Additional Flood Data).
Advanced Floodplain Management Concepts III (E284) covers, among other topics
— Floodway Standards (1 day) (Activity 410 - Additional Flood Data);
— Disconnects between NFIP regulations and insurance (1 day);
— Common noncompliance issues (Y2 day);
— Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) (Y2 day) (Activity 410 - Additional Flood Data
and Activity 440 -Flood Data Maintenance); and
— Substantial Improvement/ Substantial Damage (1 day) (CSI - Cumulative Substantial
Improvements and LSI -Lower Substantial Improvements under Activity 430 - Higher
Regulatory Standards).
As noted below, each member of a community's floodplain permit staff can earn five CRS points
for graduating from one of the advanced courses (up to 25 points) (see Section 431.n, Staffing
(STF) of the CRS Coordinator 's Manual)
continued on next page
NFIP /CRS Update - 6 - July— August 2011
Training Opportunities — continued from previous page
Emergency Management Institute Courses
FEMA's Emergency Management Institute (EMI) conducts courses on floodplain
management and other CRS - related topics. These are oriented to local building, zoning,
planning, and engineering officials. Tuition is free for state and local government officials
and travel stipends are available. Call the training office of your state emergency manage-
ment agency, see http: / /training.fema.gov /, call EMI at 1- 800 - 238 -3358 or (301) 447 -1035, or
see http: / /www. training. fema .gov /EMICourses /EMICourse.asp.
— The Community Rating System (E278) September 26-29, 2011;
February 27 —March 1, 2012; August 6-9, 2012; September 17 -20, 2012
Note that, beginning in February 2012, the CRS course will use the 2012 edition of the
CRS Coordinator's Manual. The September course will work from the 2011
Coordinator's Manual but also will cover the changes that are in the works.
Prerequisite: To enroll in the CRS course, you must be a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) or
have completed the National Flood Insurance Program course listed below (E273) or be a full -
time floodplain manager with more than 3 years of experience specifically related to floodplain
management.
The CRS course is also offered at other sites upon request. Scheduled so far are
Colorado (FEMA Region VIII), October 11 -14, 2011, Longmont, Colorado; contact
Cristina Martinez at cristina.martinez @iso.com.
Two "short" (2 %2 days) CRS classes will be held later this year:
North Carolina (sites to be determined) (FEMA Region IV), October 26-28, 2011;
contact John Gerber, (919) 715 -5711 x106 or jgerber @ncem.org.
— Advanced Floodplain Management Concepts I (E194) February 13 -16, 2012
-- Advanced Floodplain Management Concepts II (E282) December 12 -15, 2011
— Advanced HAZUS Multi- Hazards for Flood (E172) (prereq: E313) July 11 -14, 2011
— Basic HAZUS Multi - Hazards (E313) September 19 -22, 2011
— HAZUS Multi- Hazards for Risk Assessment (E296) July 11 -14, 2011
— Managing Floodplain Development through the NFIP (E273) August 29—
September 1, 2011; October 31 November 3, 2011; March 19 -22, 2012
E273 is also field deployed periodically. Contact your State NFIP Coordinator for more informa-
tion. Find your State Coordinator at http: /lwww.floods.org /index.asp ?menulD =274.
— Residential Coastal Construction (E386) August 15 -18, 2011
Under Section 431.n, Staffing (STF) of the CRS Coordinator 's Manual, five points are provided
for each member of a community's floodplain permit staff who graduates from courses E194,
E273, E278, E282, E284, or E386 (up to 25 points). Graduating from E279 is worth five points
under Activity 360 –Flood Protection Assistance.
NFIP /CRS Update - 7 - July — August 2011
Scott W. Seabury
13580 Bruno Road
P.O. Box 2465
Seward, Alaska 99664
Mayor Willard E. Dunham
and City Councilors
City of Seward
P.O. Box 167
Seward, AK 99664
June 24, 2011
Dear Mayor Dunham and Members of the City Council,
My wife and I recently purchased and have moved to a house in the Questa
Woods subdivision so I must submit my resignation from the Seward
Planning and Zoning Commission.
I want to thank you all for the opportunity to serve our community even for
so short a time.
Sincerely,
(signed)
Scott W. Seabury
CITY OF SEWARD Community Development
P. O. Box 167 or se
2ti 907.221. 907.221.108,i fax
1.10 Ad Street ctetTyvkitvotseward.net
Seward, Alaska 99661 t om' p
May 24, 2011
Alfred & Judith Cabana
P 0 Box 957
Seward AK 99664
Regarding: Vehicles previously parked, stored or abandoned within the public right -of -way
adjacent to, or upon private property located at 509 Third Avenue, Lots 15 -18,
Block 28, Original Townsite of Seward.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Cabana,
Please accept this sincere "thank you" letter from the City of Seward on behalf of the
citizens of Seward for removing the numerous derelict, neglected or abandoned vehicles that were
located within the public right of way abutting your property and those Located upon your private
property.
The Community Development office has received several thank you calls from the
community already this week regarding the cleanup efforts at your property. Your cooperation
in complying with the Seward City Code is greatly appreciated.
Again, thank you for your cooperation and community spirit in the cleanup efforts of
your property.
If you have any questions regarding this letter, or the Seward City Code please contact
me at (907)224 -4048 or email dglenz(&,,cityofseward.net.
Sincerely,
City of Seward, Al •
Donna Glenz,
Planner
CC: Phillip Oates, City Manager
Johanna Kenney, City Clerk
Dave Squires, Fire Chief
Seward Planning and Zoning Commission
August August 2011 September 2011
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