HomeMy WebLinkAbout04022019 Planning & Zoning Minutes City of Sewar4 Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes
April 2, 2019 Volume 7,Page 323
CALL TO ORDER
The April 2, 2019 regular meeting of the Seward Planning & Zoning Commission was
called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Cindy Ecklund.
OPENING CEREMONY
Commissioner Charbonneau led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Cindy Ecklund presiding, and
Martha Fleming Gary Seese Craig Ambrosiani
Tom Swann Kelli Hatfield Nathanial Charbonneau
Comprising a quorum of the Board;and
Also Present
Brennan Hickok,Assistant City Manager
Jackie Wilde, Planner
Andy Bacon, Planning Assistant
SPECIAL ORDERS,PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS
Administration Report
Jackie Wilde updated the Commission on the following business items
• Community Development staff has been processing many lodging permits and
building permit applications,and the building season is picking up.
• Agency and permitting information day is coming up on April23`I
• There is an upcoming community wide emergency preparedness exercise on April
19t. The tsunami alarm will sound and City staff will be setting up the EOC.
Participation is not mandatory,but encouraged.
Other Reports, Announcements, and Presentations- None
CITIZENS' COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED
FOR PUBLIC HEARING
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Swann/Fleming) Approve the agenda and consent agenda
Motion Passed Unanimous
City of Sewarct Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes
April 2019 Volume 7,Page 324
The following item was approved on the Consent Agenda:
Approval of March 5,2019 Regular Meeting Minutes
New Business Items requiring a Public Hearing
Resolution 2019-002 of The Planning And Zoning Commission Of The City Of Seward,
Alaska, Granting A Conditional Use Permit To Steven Chang To Operate Four-Plex In
The Urban Residential Zoning District At 1103 Second Avenue, Lot 19C, Block 11, Ennis
Carlson Bencardino Replat
Wilde stated that the subject property was permitted as a tri-plex by a past CUP,and the
applicant approached Community Development seeking to permit the structure as a four-plex
and change the use from long-term housing to short-term rental. City Code would require a new
CUP application regardless of the change in use in this scenario. Wilde stated that there were no
staff objections. One citizens' comment was received after publication of the meeting packet,
and is presented to the Commission as a laydown. The Building Department stated that there
must be a 1 hour rated fire separation between each of the proposed units in the four plex.
Notice of public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the
public hearing was opened.
Carol Griswold, inside city, stated that she had sent comments about this item to the
Commission and also wished to have them in the record this evening. City code does not allow
multi-family dwellings in the UR zoning district outright, they must be approved by CUP. The
original CUP issued for this property was based on providing long term housing. As this is a
residential zone, the CUP should require conditions that protect the residential nature of the
neighborhood. Please consider modifying some conditions to reflect year-round residential use,
including providing individual refuse containers instead of dumpsters, requiring that a shed be
moved out of the property line setback, and stating that the cabin shown on the site plan shall not
be used for sleeping purposes, as required by Code. Griswold further recommends a snow
storage plan, and a reduction in the number of parking spaces shown on the parking plan to the
minimum required by code.
Hearing no one wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed.
Motion (Swann/Fleming) Approve Resolution 2019-002 of The
Planning And Zoning Commission Of
The City Of Seward, Alaska, Granting A
Conditional Use Permit To Steven Chang
To Operate Four-Plex In The Urban
Residential Zoning District At 1103
Second Avenue, Lot 19C, Block 11, Ennis
Carlson Bencardino Replat
City of Sewcrret Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes
April 2, 2019 Volume 7,Page 325
Chair Ecklund made a point of order; based on the proposed use as short term rental in the
application, Ecklund asked if any Commissioners who owned short term rentals would like to
recuse themselves from the discussion for conflict of interest. Commissioners Hatfield and
Ambrosiani elected to recuse themselves from discussion on this item and stepped down from
the dais. Commissioner Swann stated that he felt there was no conflict. Ecklund asked Swann if
there would be significant financial impact on his business. Swann stated that there was no
significant financial impact. Discussion followed regarding the contents of the application.
Swann chose to remain at the dais,with no objection from the Chair or Commission.
Motion (Fleming/Ecklund) Amend the third `whereas' to strike the
word "office" and replace with "urban"
Motion Passed Unanimous
Fleming stated that she agreed with Ms. Griswold regarding her comments about trash
receptacles. Swann stated that he would like to see inclusion of the words 'bear proof.' Ecklund
stated a concern over the frequency that a dumpster may be emptied, and cited an example she
was aware of where a dumpster was emptied monthly. Commission discussed refuse collection
in general. Fleming discussed having personal knowledge of this property in the past and was
concerned about whether or not past upgrades were done to fire safe code standards.
Motion (Fleming/Charbonneau) Amend condition number four to add the
words "bear-proof'
Motion Passed Unanimous
Commissioner Swann stated that this CUP application review would be a good opportunity to
address any known property setback issues that exist. Commission concurred.
Motion (Fleming/Charbonneau) Add condition number eight "The
applicant shall adhere to all required
property setbacks for the Urban
Residential zoning district"
Motion Passed Unanimous
Seese asked about the parking requirement, and whether or not the Commission ought to be
concerned about there being too much space available, as indicated on the site plan. Chair
Ecklund asked what the minimum requirement was for the property. Staff and Commission
discussed parking requirements for the property. It was determined, based on individual
apartment unit quantity and size,that nine spaces were required for the proposed four-plex.
Motion (Swann/Seese) Amend condition number three to specify
that nine (9) parking spaces shall be
required,per City Code
City of Seward Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes
April 2, 2019 Volume 7,Page 326
Motion Passed Unanimous
Chair Ecklund stated that review of this permit was made difficult by conflicting code
language, and that indicates a need to review our lodging ordinance. Ecklund stated that the
inclusion of"house on a nightly basis" in our land uses table did not fit in with any definitions
for "Dwelling" and is not referenced in the land uses allowed section of Title 15. Ecklund
requests that a work session be held in the future to review the lodging ordinance and resolve the
conflicts made apparent by this application. Ecklund further stated that she did not think that a 4
plex used for lodging purposes fit within the definition and intention of the urban residential
zoning district. Ecklund also referenced 15.10.135 "conflicts between city codes" provision,
which states that in such cases,the most restrictive regulation shall apply.
Main Motion Passed as Amended AYES: Swann, Seese, Charbonneau,
Fleming
NOES: Ecklund
ABSTAIN: Hatfield,Ambrosiani
Commissioner Hatfield and Commissioner Ambrosiani returned to the Dais
Resolution 2019-003 of The Planning And Zoning Commission Of The City Of Seward,
Alaska, Granting A Conditional Use Permit To Four Seasons Marine Services To
Construct And Operate A Ten (10) Unit Studio Apartment Building On Lots 2 &3 Block 7,
Federal Addition, Located At 703 Third Avenue Within The Auto Commercial Zoning
District
Wilde stated that the applicant is seeking to develop an approximately 10,000 square foot parcel
with a two story studio apartment building consisting of ten 500 square foot units. Wilde stated
that the project meets development requirements, including those for open area. Wilde stated that
city staff reviewed the project and the application was property noticed to the public. One citizen
comment was received during the application review. Bacon stated that a citizen who owned
property on Second Avenue emailed comments objecting to the project due to increased noise
and traffic in the area, and stated that the level of density was inappropriate. Wilde discussed the
content of staff comments, and noted that staff comments were reflected in the recommended
conditions.
Notice of public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the
public hearing was opened.
Cole Petersen, outside city, stated that he supports this application and thinks it will fit in really
well.
City of Seward, Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes
April 2, 2019 Volume 7, Page 327
Carol Griswold, inside city, asked where the location of trash collection would be given that the
parking extends the width of the parcel. Griswold stated that most people own more than one
vehicle, and possibly boats or RVs, and is concerned about only having one parking space per
individual unit. Griswold complemented the appearance of the building and stated she is certain
the project would be well executed, but as a general principle would like to see more parking
required for residential uses.
Chair Ecklund relaxed the rules to allow applicants to address Commissioner and citizen
questions
Tom Tougas, inside city, discussed the background and motivation for initiating the project.
Tougas equated this development to an extended stay hotel, used for longer term stays needed for
visiting workers. Tougas stated that his team had already addressed some concerns noted during
the staff review, and introduced his project manager, Andy Loertcher to provide additional
details.
Andy Loertscher, inside city, stated that he had brought a laydown site plan that shows area for
snow storage, trash receptacles, and a landscaping plan. Loertscher stated he would be willing to
answer any additional questions from the Commission or the public.
Chair Ecklund asked what type of trash receptacles were proposed for the apartment. Loertscher
replied that they would be single, bear-proof cans, and that they intended to sign up for twice
weekly collection service. In response to Fleming, Loertscher stated that the parking lot had
been modified from the original plan to provide area and access for snow storage on the
property.
Hearing no one else wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed.
Motion (Swann/Fleming) Approve Resolution 2019-003 of The
Planning And Zoning Commission Of
The City Of Seward, Alaska, Granting A
Conditional Use Permit To Four Seasons
Marine Services To Construct And
Operate A Ten (10) Unit Studio
Apartment Building On Lots 2 & 3 Block
7, Federal Addition, Located At 703
Third Avenue Within The Auto
Commercial Zoning District
Motion (Fleming/Swann) Amend condition number 6 to include
"bear proof' in the description of refuse
containers
City of Seward,Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes
April 2, 2019 Volume 7, Page 328
Motion Passed Unanimous
Ecklund asked, for clarification on the record, how many parking spaces were required for the
Petersen studio apartment development, and for this development, noting that one space per unit
was required and these are one bedroom units. Swann asked what the maximum size for a studio
apartment was, and whether or not these me the criteria. Wilde confirmed that the maximum size
was 500 square feet, and these apartments were within that limit.
Main Motion Passed as amended AYES: Swann, Ambrosiani, Seese,
Hatfield, Fleming, Charbonneau,
Ecklund
NOES:
Resolution 2019-004 of The Planning And Zoning Commission Of The City Of Seward,
Alaska, Granting A Conditional Use Permit To Exit Glacier Guides to Operate A Parking
Lot On Lots 21-23 Block 10 Laubner Addition, Located at 1100 Second Avenue, In The
Urban Residential Zoning District
Wilde stated that the applicant is requesting the use of this parcel as a parking lot to support the
needs of their business, which is located across Van Buren street. Wilde specified that the Urban
Residential zoning of this property necessitates a conditional use permit. Wilde stated that this
public hearing item was properly noticed and no citizen comments were received. Wild also
stated that department staff had opportunity to review the application and discussed the
comments received by City staff
Notice of public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the
public hearing was opened.
Carol Griswold, inside city, stated that she was she was pleased to see this application to secure
additional parking since it was a problem at their original location. Griswold asked why the
storage provided on the property was noted as being temporary instead of permanent.
Brendan Ryan, outside city, introduced himself as a co-owner of the business, and stated that
the intention is to reduce the impact of parking on neighboring streets. Ryan stated that the noted
storage structure would be a covered area for guests to get organized out of the rain.
Hearing no one else wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed.
Motion (Swann/Ambrosiani) Approve Resolution 2019-004 of The
Planning And Zoning Commission Of
The City Of Seward, Alaska, Granting A
Conditional Use Permit To Exit Glacier
Guides to Operate A Parking Lot On Lots
City of Seward, Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes
April 2, 2019 Volume 7, Page 329
21-23 Block 10 Laubner Addition,
Located at 1100 Second Avenue, In The
Urban Residential Zoning District
Fleming stated she supported proving additional parking to reduce the impact on neighbors, and
hoped that the applicants will maintain a nice appearance of the property. Swann asked if any on
the Commission thought that the permit should require a garbage can. Ecklund stated that she
though the proposal fit with the location, and supported the inclusion of the visual/vegetative
buffer along Second Avenue. Hatfield thanked the applicants for providing extra parking and
helping to reduce the burden on city parking lots in the harbor area.
Motion (Swann/Ambrosiani) Amend condition number 6 to include
that bear proof containers shall be used
for refuse collection
Motion Passed Unanimous
Main Motion Passed AYES: Hatfield, Swann, Fleming,
Ambrosiani, Seese, Charbonneau,
Ecklund
NOES:
UNFINISHED BUSINESS—None
NEW BUSINESS
Resolution 2019-005 of The Planning And Zoning Commission of The City of
Seward, Alaska, Recommending City Council Approval of The Planning and
Zoning Commission Priorities From April 2019 to April 2020
Wilde stated that these priorities were derived from the Planning and Zoning joint work session
with Council, and are being brought forward tonight for approval before moving to Council for
final approval.
Motion (Swann/Hatfield) Approve Resolution 2019-005 of The
Planning And Zoning Commission of The
City of Seward, Alaska, Recommending
City Council Approval of The Planning
and Zoning Commission Priorities From
April 2019 to April 2020
Swann asked about the inclusion of discussion of the historic district, and confirmed its
inclusion in the resolution
City ofSeward Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes
April2, 2019
Motion passed Unanimous
Item C. Set topic and location for April 16,2019 Work Session Volume 7, Page 330
Commission discussed and set the work session topic to discuss City Code revisions for lodging.
Due to scheduling conflicts this work session would need to be held in the City Hall Annex.
Commission Comments
Hatfield- Stated that the is happy to see building projects coming forward that address the need
for long term housing
Charbonneau-Thanked staff for their work
Seese- Stated that he agrees with all other commissioners' comments. Seese stated that he is
happy to see developers cutting down trees and putting nice buildings up.
Ambrosiani- Cites more building projects for increased housing, and local business helping to
solve parking problems as positive changes to the community
Swann-Apologized for speaking to quickly sometimes,and does not intend to cut anyone short
Fleming- Stated that she appreciates the level of detail at which Carol Griswold reviews P&Z
packet content
Ecklund- Stated that she tries to find a way to say"yes"to items that are brought before her as a
commissioner, but finds it very difficult at times when there are conflicts in our City Code.
Ecklund further stated that she appreciates a thorough meeting packet, public attendance at
meetings, and the act of either fixing up old buildings or constructing new buildings that help
address our need for year-round housing.
Citizens' Comments
John Weisel, outside city, discussed his property on Fifth Avenue, and the need for improving
the sidewalk and creating more disabled parking on Fifth Avenue, and offered that a disabled
space could be placed in front of his building.
Commissions and Administration Response to Citizens' Comments— None
ADJOURNMENT(Swann)
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Jacki . Wilde Martha Fleming
Planner sot' .,,: Vice Chair
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