HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-08-09 Council Packet - Joint Work Session
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MEMORANDUM:
TO: Rick Koch, City Manager
FROM: Matt Kelley, City Planner
DATE: July 20, 2016
SUBJECT: Revised 2030 Comprehensive Plan, Updated in 2016
The purpose of this communication is to introduce Ordinance No. 2908-2016, an Ordinance of
the Council of the City of Kenai, Alaska, approving and adopting a revised 2030 Comprehensive
Plan updated in 2016 for the City of Kenai and recommending adoption by the Kenai Peninsula
Borough.
At the January 6, 2016 Kenai City Council meeting, direction was provided to the City Manager
to proceed with an update to the Comprehensive Plan utilizing the 2013 Compressive Plan as
the basis. Furthermore, Ordinance No. 2881-2016, which was enacted on March 2, 2016 to
appropriate additional funding from the General Fund which was transferred to the
Comprehensive Plan Project Fund to complete the update.
As part of the 2016 update process, there were seven opportunities between March and June
2016 to review the plan elements and to provide input to be considered in the update.
Specifically, Town Hall meetings were held on March 23, April 16, April 26, and May 10 followed
by Planning & Zoning Commission Work Sessions on May 17, 30 and June 23. The
commission held a Public Hearing on July 13, recommending the 2016 Plan Update be
forwarded to the City Council for approval and adoption.
The 2016 Comprehensive Plan update accomplishes the following:
• The vision and direction of community residents has been reflected in the proposed
goals and objectives, which were carried forward from the Draft 2013 Plan and 2003
Plan.
• The plan acknowledges and addresses the importance of maintaining livable existing
residential neighborhoods and vital commercial centers so that Kenai continues as a
great place to live, play, work and do business.
210 Fidalgo Avenue, Kenai, Alaska 99611-7794
Telephone: 907-283-7535 / FAX: 907-283-3014
• Economic development and the implementation of business-friendly regulations and
incentives to create a stable, positive climate for private investment are supported.
• Action items have been identified that promote adequate public facilities and services,
efficient transportation systems, and accessible parks and open space, all of which
contribute to the overall quality of life in Kenai.
At the consideration of the Council of the City of Kenai, staff would like to recommend that the
Council consider holding a Work Session to review and consider the updated Plan. The Council
of the City of Kenai, could then consider scheduling a Public Hearing to be scheduled for its
regular meeting of August 17, 2016. At the Work Session, staff would like to present the
Council of the City of Kenai with the revised 2030 Comprehensive Plan, updated in 2016.
Staff would like to recommend that the Council of the City of Kenai approve and adopt the
revised 2030 Comprehensive Plan, updated in 2016.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sponsored by: City Manager
CITY OF KENAI
ORDINANCE NO. 2908-2016
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, APPROVING AND
ADOPTING A REVISED 2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATED IN 2016 FOR THE
CITY OF KENAI AND RECOMMENDING ADOPTION BY THE KENAI PENINSULA
BOROUGH.
WHEREAS, the Kenai Peninsula Borough as a Second-Class Borough provides for
planning on an area wide-basis in accordance with Chapter 29.40 of the Alaska
Statutes; and,
WHEREAS, the Kenai Peninsula Borough has delegated authority to the City of Kenai
to enact land use plan amendment to the Kenai Comprehensive Plan in accordance with
Kenai Peninsula Borough Code 21.01.025; and,
WHEREAS, Kenai Peninsula Borough Code 21.01.025 requires Kenai Peninsula
Borough adoption by ordinance of amendments to the City’s Comprehensive Plan for all
amendments other than land use plan amendments; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Kenai, as a Home Rule City inside a Second-Class Borough, has
updated its Comprehensive Plan; and,
WHEREAS, the revised 2030 Comprehensive Plan was updated using the draft 2030
Comprehensive Plan approved by the Council of the City of Kenai on April 17, 2013 and
the 2003 Comprehensive Plan which was adopted by the Council of the City of Kenai on
November 5, 2003
WHEREAS, the revised 2030 Comprehensive Plan was created with extensive public
outreach and participation including Town Hall Meetings, agency outreach, meetings
with business leaders, and a “Facebook” page; and,
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Kenai and Planning Staff
has received numerous comments and input regarding the updating of the revised 2030
Comprehensive Plan; and,
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Kenai considered public
comments and made changes to the draft revised 2030 Comprehensive Plan based on
those comments; and,
WHEREAS, Planning Staff held Town Hall meetings on March 23, 2016, April 16, 2016,
April 21, 2016 and May 10, 2016 and the Planning and Zoning Commission held Work
Sessions on May 17, 2016, May 31, 2016 and June 23, 2016 to receive public comments
and discuss the revised 2030 Comprehensive Plan; and,
Ordinance No. 2908-2016
Page 2 of 2
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a Public Hearing on July 13,
2016 and unanimously recommended that the Council of the City of Kenai approve the
revised 2030 Comprehensive Plan, updated in 2016.
WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Kenai on August 3, 2016 held a Public Hearing
and reviewed the final draft of the revised 2030 Comprehensive Plan, updated in 2016
and recommended approval of the Plan to the Kenai Peninsula Borough.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI,
ALASKA, that,
Section 1. Form: That this is a non-code ordinance.
Section 2. The Final Draft of the revised 2030 Comprehensive Plan prepared by
Benson Planning Associates, Glenn Gray and Associates, Bechtol Planning
and Development, and Alaska Map Company is hereby approved and
adopted as the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Kenai.
Section 3. This Plan is hereby recommended to the Kenai Peninsula Borough for
adoption as the official Borough Comprehensive Plan within he City of
Kenai planning area of the Borough.
Section 4. Severability: That if any part or provision of this ordinance or application
thereof to any person or circumstances is adjudged invalid by any court of
competent jurisdiction, such judgment shall be confined in its operation
to the part, provision, or application directly involved in all controversy in
which this judgment shall have been rendered, and shall not affect or
impair the validity of the remainder of this title or application thereof to
other persons or circumstances. The City Council hereby declares that it
would have enacted the remainder of this ordinance even without such
part, provision, or application.
Section 4. Effective Date: That pursuant to Kenai Municipal Code Section 1.15.070(f),
this Ordinance shall take effect 30 days after adoption.
PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, this 3rd day of August,
2016.
______________________________________
PAT PORTER, MAYOR
ATTEST:
___________________________________
Sandra Modigh, City Clerk
Introduced: July 20, 2016
Adopted: August 3, 2016
Effective: September 2, 2016
Imagine Kenai 2030
City of Kenai Comprehensive Plan
July 2016
City Council Public Hearing Draft
Dear Citizens of Kenai:
On behalf of the Council of the City of Kenai, I am pleased to present to
you Imagine Kenai 2030, the 2016 update to the City of Kenai
Comprehensive Plan. This plan will guide Kenai in future years as we
strive to improve the quality of life, enhance the economic health of the
community, and continue to provide critical public services.
During recent years, Kenai has seen many changes, including new retail
outlets, improvements to water and sewer facilities, and an increase in
resource development. The Comprehensive Plan provides a guide for
future decisions that will help Kenai take advantage of future economic
opportunities while maintaining the high standard of life that we enjoy.
I would like to thank everyone who contributed in the effort to update the 2030 Imagine Kenai
Comprehensive Plan. Your input helped make the plan a relevant document that addresses current
and future needs of our community.
As part of the 2016 update process, there were seven opportunities between March and June 2016
to review the plan elements and to provide input to be considered in the update. In addition, the
2016 update utilized the draft 2013 Imagine Kenai, 2030 Comprehensive Plan as the basis for the
update. This update utilized the vision and direction of community residents which is reflected in
the goals and objectives including those carried forward from the draft 2013 plan. The plan also
acknowledges and addresses the importance of maintain livable existing residential neighborhoods
and vital commercial centers so that Kenai continues to be a great place to live, play, work and do
business. Economic development and the implementation of business‐friendly regulations and
incentives have also been incorporated into the update to, create a stable, positive climate for
private investment. The interest and involvement of our citizens in planning our future truly makes
Kenai a rewarding place to live.
The plan is organized into six chapters. The first four chapters provide background information
about comprehensive planning and the community. Chapter 5 provides the land use plan, and
Chapter 6 outlines the goals, objectives and action items of the plan. The objectives and action items
are included in a table format so that the implementation of the plan can be tracked in the future.
We look forward to working with agencies, organizations and Kenai citizens as we strive to make
the Comprehensive Plan a living document that responds to change and takes advantage of new
opportunities.
Pat Porter
Mayor of Kenai
Imagine Kenai 2030
City of Kenai Comprehensive Plan
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Purpose of Comprehensive Planning ................................................................................... 2
1.2 Goals of the Plan .......................................................................................................................... 2
1.3 How to Use this Plan ................................................................................................................... 3
Chapter 2: City of Kenai – Mission, Powers, Identity ............................................................. 5
2.1 Powers of the City ....................................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Planning and Zoning Commission ......................................................................................... 6
2.3 Context for Planning .................................................................................................................. 7
2.4 Kenai’s Identity ............................................................................................................................ 9
Chapter 3: Kenai’s Native Community ...................................................................................... 10
Chapter 4: Background Information ......................................................................................... 13
4.1 Settlement History .................................................................................................................... 13
4.2 Setting ........................................................................................................................................... 15
4.2.1 Climate and Environment ................................................................................................... 15
4.2.2 Natural Hazards ..................................................................................................................... 15
4.3 Population, Education and Housing ................................................................................... 21
4.3.1 Population ................................................................................................................................ 21
4.3.2 Education .................................................................................................................................. 23
4.3.3 Housing ..................................................................................................................................... 24
4.3.4 Energy Costs ............................................................................................................................ 25
4.4 Economy ....................................................................................................................................... 26
4.4.1 Employment and Income .................................................................................................... 27
4.4.2 Business Indicators............................................................................................................... 28
4.4.3 Oil and Gas Industry ............................................................................................................. 30
4.4.4 Fisheries and Seafood Processing ................................................................................... 32
4.4.5 Visitor Industry ...................................................................................................................... 33
4.5 Public Facilities and Services ................................................................................................ 34
4.5.1 Water and Sewer Systems .................................................................................................. 37
4.5.2 Public Safety ............................................................................................................................ 37
4.5.3 Transportation ....................................................................................................................... 37
4.5.4 Parks and Recreation ........................................................................................................... 47
4.5.5 Senior Citizen Facilities and Services ............................................................................. 50
4.5.6 Kenai Community Library .................................................................................................. 52
4.5.7 Other Services ......................................................................................................................... 53
4.6 City of Kenai Finances .............................................................................................................. 54
4.6.1 Expenditures ........................................................................................................................... 54
4.6.2 Revenues .................................................................................................................................. 55
4.7 Forecast of Economy, Population and Housing Demand ............................................ 55
Chapter 5: Land Use Plan ............................................................................................................... 57
5.1 Land Use Classifications and Land Use Maps .................................................................. 57
5.2 Existing Land Use and Ownership Patterns ..................................................................... 60
5.2.1 Challenges and Opportunities ........................................................................................... 61
5.3 Land Ownership ........................................................................................................................ 64
5.3.1 Suitability for Development .............................................................................................. 64
5.4 Land Use Classifications ......................................................................................................... 66
5.1.1 Commercial Land Uses ......................................................................................................... 66
5.4.1.1 Millennium Square ............................................................................................................ 67
5.4.1.2 Kenai Townsite Historic District .................................................................................. 67
5.4.2 Mixed Use ................................................................................................................................. 69
5.4.3 Residential Land Uses .......................................................................................................... 69
5.4.4 Industrial Land Use ............................................................................................................... 70
5.4.5 Institutional Land Uses ........................................................................................................ 72
5.4.6 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Land Uses ............................................................. 72
Chapter 6: Goals, Objectives, and Implementation .............................................................. 74
6.1 Introduction and Framework for the Future .................................................................. 74
6.2 Goal 1 – Quality of Life ............................................................................................................. 75
6.3 Goal 2 – Economic Development .......................................................................................... 76
6.4 Goal 3 – Land Use ....................................................................................................................... 77
6.5 Goal 4 – Public Improvements and Services .................................................................... 79
6.6 Goal 5 – Transportation .......................................................................................................... 80
6.7 Goal 6 – Parks and Recreation .............................................................................................. 81
6.8 Goal 7 – Natural Hazards ........................................................................................................ 82
6.9 Goal 8 Environmental Resources ........................................................................................ 83
6.10 Implementation ...................................................................................................................... 84
References ......................................................................................................................................... 85
Appendix A: 2013 Draft Comprehensive Plan ....................................................................... 90
Appendix B: 2016 Kenai Comprehensive Plan Update Community Outreach ........... 91
Acknowledgements
Kenai City Council
Pat Porter, Mayor Ryan Marquis*
Robert Molloy Tim Navarre
Brian Gabriel, Vice Mayor Terry Bookey
Mike Boyle Joe Moore*
Student Representatives: Hannah Drury Austin Daly* Hannah Coffman*
Planning and Zoning Commission
Jeff Twait, Chair Henry Knackstedt*
Diane Fikes, Vice Chair Robert Springer
Glenese Pettey James Glendening
Patrick “Jack” Focose Kenneth Peterson
Clifford Smith* Jake Arness* Brendyn Shiflea*
Phil Bryson* James Rowell*
Karen Koester* Kurt Rogers*
Tim Navarre* Scott Romain*
Consultants
Benson Planning Associates
Glenn Gray & Associates Bechtol Planning & Development
Alaska Map Company
Citizens of Kenai
The contribution of Kenai citizens who provided input to this plan at public meetings, by completing surveys and
submitting comments is gratefully acknowledged. Special thanks to Dr. Alan Boraas for his additions to the
settlement history and to Joe Moore for his review of the fisheries section.
*Former council members, commission members and staff
City Administration
Rick Koch, City Manager
Christine Cunningham, Assistant to the City Manager
Marilyn Kebschull*
Matthew Kelley, City Planner
Nancy Carver, Planning and Zoning Assistant
Sandra Modigh, City Clerk
Corene Hall, Deputy City Clerk
Scott Bloom, City Attorney
Krista Stearns, former City Attorney*
Sean Wedemeyer, Capital Projects, Public Works Director
Terry Eubank, Finance Director
Gus Sandahl, Chief, Police Department
Mike Tilly, Chief, Fire Department
Mary Bondurant, Airport Manager
Mary Jo Joiner, Kenai Community Library
Rachel Craig, Kenai Senior Center
Bob Frates, Parks and Recreation Director
Kevin Lyon, Manager Capital Projects, Public Works Director*
Copies Available from:
City of Kenai Planning Administration, 210 Fidalgo Avenue, Kenai, AK 99611‐7794 Phone: (907) 283‐8235
Online: http://www.ci.kenai.ak.us
Photo credits: Nancy Carver, Glenn Gray and Eileen Bechtol
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 1 July 2016
Public Hearing Draft
Chapter 1: Introduction
The 2016 City of Kenai Comprehensive Plan (Plan) updates the City’s 2003 Plan, includes revisions
adopted from 2011‐2013 and incorporates much of the information developed during the Draft
2013 Your City, Your Plan effort. The Plan guides development in the community and provides
important information about the population, environment, economy, transportation, and land use.
The City of Kenai1 is located within the
Kenai Peninsula Borough on the west side
of the Kenai Peninsula (Map 1). The City
shares planning functions with the Kenai
Peninsula Borough (Borough). While the
Borough retains authority for ultimate
planning powers, it has delegated
authority to the City to adopt land use
plans and to enact and enforce zoning and
land use regulations. Zoning involves
designation of different types of land use
districts that govern how land can be used.
The Plan must be adopted by both the City
of Kenai and the Borough. The Kenai
Peninsula Borough retains platting
authority and record keeping, which
includes approval of plats that indicate the
location, boundaries and ownership of
properties.
The remainder of this introduction explains the purpose of comprehensive planning followed by a
description of how the 2016 Comprehensive Plan is organized.
1 Throughout the plan, the City of Kenai is referred to as Kenai or the City.
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 2 July 2016
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1.1 Purpose of Comprehensive Planning
The comprehensive plan serves several purposes.
Fulfills Legal Obligations. Alaskan communities must have an adopted comprehensive plan before
they may adopt land use regulations such as a zoning ordinance. Increasingly, state and federal
agencies require a plan as a condition of receiving grants.
Provides a Vision of the Future. The plan contains long‐range goals, objectives, and policies that
describe how, where, and in what manner physical development of the community will occur. The
plan contains a map depicting intended land use by both type and location. The plan also links
together physical development with considerations about social needs and economic development.
Serves as a Decision‐Making Tool. The plan is a guide for decision‐making by both appointed and
elected officials.
Promotes and Supports Economic Development. The process for creating, adopting, and
implementing the comprehensive plan allows Kenai residents and decision‐makers to examine
alternatives and choose courses of action that can promote employment and economic well‐being.
Serves a Coordinating Function. The plan provides an opportunity to coordinate a wide range of
municipal activities, such as land use, utilities, recreation, and transportation.
1.2 Goals of the Plan
This section presents the 8 general
goals of the plan that have been
carried forward from the Draft 2013
Plan. Chapter 6 includes the details
on goals and objectives. Goals are
broad statements of the City’s long‐
term desired outcomes. Objectives
are “operational” guidelines used to
determine whether a proposed
project or program advances
community values expressed in the
goals.
Goal 1 ‐ Quality of Life:
Promote and encourage quality of
life elements in Kenai.
Goal 2 ‐ Economic Development:
Kenai City Hall
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 3 July 2016
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Provide economic development elements to support the fiscal health of the community.
Goal 3 ‐ Land Use:
Use land use strategies to implement a forward‐looking approach to community growth and
development.
Goal 4 ‐ Public Improvements and Services:
Provide adequate public improvements and services in Kenai.
Goal 5 – Transportation:
Provide transportation systems that are efficient and adequate to serve the regional needs of the
community.
Goal 6 – Parks and Recreation:
Ensure that Kenai has excellent parks and recreational facilities and opportunities.
Goal 7 ‐ Natural Hazards and Disasters:
Prepare and protect the citizens of Kenai from natural hazards and disasters.
Goal 8 – Environmental Resources:
Protect and enhance the natural resources and environment of the community.
Public participation in 2013 helped shape these original goals to reflect the vision and direction of
the community’s residents. Information from the 2013 plan process was reviewed and
incorporated as appropriate in the 2016 update. Appendix A, includes the link to the City of Kenai
Website which contains the draft 2013 2013 City of Kenai Comprehensive Plan.
As part of the 2016 update process, there were multiple opportunities between March and June
2016 to review the goals as well as all the other plan elements and to provide input to be considered
in the update. See Appendix B for the 2016 public outreach town hall meeting information.
1.3 How to Use this Plan
This plan provides a guide for implementation of the City of Kenai’s planning and zoning
responsibilities and its role in improving the quality of life for its citizens. Flexibility in
implementation of the plan is necessary to take advantage of new opportunities and unforeseen
circumstances. Plan implementation means to take action to realize the proposed planning goals
and objectives. Implementation measures can range from revised city land ordinances and
regulations to broad policy initiatives to capital improvements and upgraded city services.
The Plan is organized into six chapters.
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Chapters 1 – 4 provide introductory material and the context for the goals and objectives.
Chapter 5 describes the land use classifications and includes the land use map.
Chapter 6 describes the goals and objectives that form the basis for the land use plan and
implementation.
The references at the end of the plan identify studies, reports and other sources of information, and
the appendices provide useful additional information.
Kenai’s Community Identity
The City of Kenai’s name and City logo signify a unique and distinctive
community with Dena’ina and Russian roots, world‐class recreational
fishing, offshore energy resources, and spectacular mountain vistas.
Kenai earned status as an All‐America City in 1992 and 2011.
Kenai’s motto – “Village with a past – City with a future” – affirms the
community’s appreciation for its colorful history and its ambitions for tomorrow.
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 5 July 2016
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Chapter 2: City of Kenai – Mission, Powers, Identity
Kenai is located at the mouth of the Kenai River on the west side of the Kenai Peninsula. Kenai
incorporated as a home rule city in 1960, and it became part of the Kenai Peninsula Borough when
the Borough incorporated in 1964. The City of Kenai adopted the council‐manager form of
government in 1963 and has been operating under this form since that time. The Council sets the
overall policy for the City. The City Manager provides day‐to‐day management. The Council, which
consists of the Mayor and six council members, is elected at large and on a non‐partisan basis. A
Kenai Central High School student serves in an advisory capacity and casts an advisory vote.
In addition to the City Manager’s office, other departments include Finance, Legal, Clerk, Public
Works, Airport, Police, Fire, Animal Control, Parks and Recreation, Library, Senior Services, and
Planning. The remainder of this Chapter provides information on city powers, the Planning and
Zoning Commission, and the context for planning.
2.1 Powers of the City
As a home‐rule city, Kenai may exercise all legislative powers not prohibited by law or charter as
provided by Title 29 of the Alaska Statutes. Except as otherwise provided in the city’s Charter, all
powers of the City, including determination of all matters of policy, are vested in the City Council.
The City of Kenai provides a variety of services to its residents, including road construction and
maintenance, port and harbor facilities, police and fire protection, emergency medical services,
water and sewer utilities, airport, parks and recreation, library, senior services, and animal control.
As a second‐class borough under Title 29 of the Alaska statutes, the Kenai Peninsula Borough
provides for planning, platting, and land use regulation. Title 29 provides that the Borough may
delegate any of its powers and duties to a city. In June 1984,2 the Kenai Peninsula Borough
2 Kenai Peninsula Borough Ordinance 84‐40.
City of Kenai Mission Statement
To serve the citizens of Kenai through listening and
leading; to promote growth and continually improve
services by balancing the wishes of the community with
responsible management.
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 6 July 2016
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delegated zoning powers to the City of Kenai and in May 1990,3 the Borough delegated authority to
the City to enact land use plan amendments to the comprehensive plan.
With this delegation, the City of Kenai assumed the authority to enact and enforce zoning and land
use regulations and to adopt a comprehensive plan. The Borough must adopt the city’s
comprehensive plan and any major amendments to it. The Borough retains ultimate planning and
platting authority (i.e., the approval of land subdivisions) after review and recommendation by the
City of Kenai Planning and Zoning Commission.
2.2 Planning and Zoning Commission
Title 14 of the Kenai Municipal Code assigns
several key planning functions to the 7‐
member Planning and Zoning Commission.
Planning and Zoning Commission duties are
to:
Assist with preparation of,
reviewing, and approving the City’s
comprehensive plan and other local
plans; and,
Interpret and administer the zoning
and subdivision code, which includes
the approval/disapproval of
conditional use permit and variance
applications.
The Commission advises the City Council on:
Recommendations on plan adoption, plan amendments, and rezones to the City Council;
Amendments to the Zoning Code and Map;
Capital Improvement Plans;
Petitions for lease or sale of city and airport land; and
Propose plans for rehabilitation or redevelopment of areas within the city.
The Commission advises the Kenai Peninsula Borough Planning Commission on:
City of Kenai Comprehensive Plan amendments;
Rezones of land;
Proposed subdivision plats; and,
Petitions for right‐of‐way and easement vacations.
3 Kenai Peninsula Borough Ordinance 90‐31.
April 2011 Public Meeting on Comprehensive Plan
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City staff supports the Planning and Zoning Commission by providing services in the areas of
planning, zoning, historic preservation, code enforcement, land management, and geographic
information services (GIS). Staff also acts as liaison to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
2.3 Context for Planning
The City of Kenai has a long history of planning its future development. The first Comprehensive
Plan developed in 1962 has been updated or revised six times including the 2011‐2013 revision.
Table 1 lists each plan revision since 1962, including efforts that were not adopted.
Table 1: Previous Comprehensive Plans
Year Main Features of the Plan
1962 Kenai’s first plan was prepared shortly after the City incorporated in 1960 with 778 residents. At that
time, most development was clustered around Old Kenai. The oil and gas industry was in its infancy and
optimism abounded. The City was growing rapidly, and population was forecast to reach 13,350 by 1980.
The plan stressed land development and basic infrastructure and proposed Kenai’s first planning
ordinances.
1965 The transfer of the airport from the federal government to City ownership in 1963 prompted an update of
the 1962 plan. The new plan proposed development of a major new public office and commercial district
on surplus airport property in central Kenai, creation of a historic district for Old Kenai, a Kenai River
bridge, a new regional jetport south of the river, and a Northwest Coastal Highway to a Turnagain Arm
Crossing. This plan assumed a scaled‐down forecast of 5,275 residents by 1980.
1980 Kenai saw several boom‐bust cycles during the 1960s and 1970s. The 1980s plan was prepared after the
Trans‐Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) construction boom and after several offshore oil and gas lease sales
in Cook Inlet. It forecast 6,140 residents by 1990, plus another 4,530 persons if there were significant
new oil and gas discoveries. In response to Kenai’s sprawling growth, the plan emphasized central
business district development and the emergence of distinctive residential neighborhoods. Reflecting the
spirit of its time, this plan presupposed an activist city government and stressed environmental
considerations.
1992
(rev
1996)
After the mid‐1980s recession, Kenai geared down its growth and development expectations. This plan
assumed a year 2000 population of 8,150 persons. Reviving the local economy was a major planning goal.
Ambitious development projects gave way to incremental improvements to city infrastructure, better
planning administration and management of the City’s land base.
2003 The 2003 plan responded to a changing economy characterized by a period of slow growth, a diminishing
role of commercial fisheries and a declining oil and gas industry. The plan included provisions to
revitalize the city center and develop the Millennium Square property. The plan included an estimated
growth rate of 25% by 2025.
2013 Draft Imagine Kenai 2030 prepared as an update to the 2003 plan. Plan included updated socioeconomic
information, revised goals and objectives, and new land use recommendations. The plan was approved
by the P&Z Commission and City council but was defeated by voters in a ballot measure in 2014.
The 2016 plan builds upon information gathered from previous planning efforts by the city and
borough (Table 2). To the extent feasible and appropriate, the 2016 plan uses the relevant
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 8 July 2016
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information from the 2013 draft plan and existing 2003 plan. A full citation for the plans listed in
Table 2 can be found in the references section.
Table 2: Documents Related to the Comprehensive Plan
Planning Document Year Entity
Kenai Municipal Airport Master Plan 2016 City of Kenai & Airport Commission
Draft City of Kenai All Hazards Mitigation Plan 2016 City of Kenai
Draft Parks and Recreation Study 2011 City of Kenai
Draft City of Kenai Trails Plan 2011 City of Kenai, Casey Planning & Design
City of Kenai Annex to the Kenai Peninsula
Borough Local All Hazard Mitigation Plan
2010 City of Kenai
Kenai Peninsula Borough Comprehensive
Economic Development Strategy
2010 Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District
Kenai Peninsula Borough Coastal Management
Plan*
2008 Kenai Peninsula Borough
Kenai Municipal Airport Supplemental
Planning Assessment
2007 City of Kenai
Kenai Economic Development Strategy 2006 City of Kenai with AmeriCorps VISTA
Kenai Peninsula Borough Comprehensive Plan 2005 Kenai Peninsula Borough
Kenai Wastewater Facility Master Plan 2004 City of Kenai
Kenai Comprehensive Plan 2003 City of Kenai with Kevin Waring Associates
Kenai Peninsula Borough Transportation Plan 2003 HDR Alaska, Inc. in association with Kittelson & Associates
Kenai Area Plan 2001 Alaska Department of Natural Resources
Kenai Peninsula Borough Trail Plan 1998 Kenai Peninsula Borough
Kenai River Comprehensive Management Plan 1998 Alaska Department of Natural Resources
Kenai Municipal Airport Master Plan 1997 City of Kenai
Kenai Municipal Airport Master Plan Update
**
2016 City of Kenai
City of Kenai All Hazard Mitigation Plan 2016 In‐progress
*The Kenai Peninsula Borough Coastal Management Plan is no longer enforceable because the Alaska Coastal Management Plan
terminated on July 1, 2011.
**An update of the Airport Master Plan began in 2011.
There are a number of social, economic and geographic characteristics that make the city a
desirable place to live, work and play.
The City of Kenai lies within a rich natural setting above the Kenai River overlooking Cook
Inlet, with views of Redoubt and Iliamna volcanoes and the distant Chigmit Mountains.
Physical development patterns are logical, given physical constraints such as undevelopable
wetlands.
A variety of land types is available for future growth.
The local economy is diversified, there is a well‐qualified work force, and wages are
competitive.
The city government is in excellent financial condition.
Residents enjoy a choice of residential neighborhoods and lifestyles.
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Basic public facilities and services are in good condition and provided at levels acceptable to
most residents.
A variety of world‐class outdoor recreation opportunities are available to residents and visitors,
including the Kenai River, Cook Inlet, State lands, and Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.
2.4 Kenai’s Identity
The City of Kenai’s name and City logo signify a unique and distinctive community with Dena’ina
and Russian roots, world‐class recreational fishing, offshore energy resource development, and
spectacular mountain vistas. Kenai earned status as an All‐America City in 1992 and 2011.
Kenai’s motto – “Village with a past – City with a future” – affirms
the community’s appreciation for its colorful history and its
ambitions for tomorrow.
As the City of Kenai has matured, its challenges have changed. In the
1960s, 1970s, and early 1980s, Kenai struggled to keep pace with
headlong growth as it became the Kenai Peninsula’s most populous city. The development priority
then was to develop new subdivisions and basic infrastructure for new residents.
Today, more moderate growth of the population and economy provides an opportunity for the
City to continue improving the quality of life for its citizens and a positive experience for its
visitors. Following a national trend, the community’s demographics have resulted in a decrease in
students and an increase in the numbers of senior citizens. An increase in education attainment
and reasonable wages make Kenai a desirable location for new businesses.
In recent years, the community has continued its role as a center for commerce with the addition of
several large retail stores. While the local economy was affected by the closure of the Agrium
fertilizer plant in 2008 and Lowes in 2011, the City is well‐positioned to take advantage of new
opportunities that arise from the significant increases in the estimated reserves for oil and gas in
the region. As well, the City’s location and services provide opportunities for growth as a center for
the visitor industry.
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Chapter 3: Kenai’s Native Community
Alaska Natives have lived on the Kenai Peninsula long before wr itten history. Today, Alaskan Native
people continue to practice their rich cultural traditions and provide considerable economic and
social benefits to the region. The federally‐recognized Kenaitze and Salamatof tribes are governed
by separate Tribal Councils, and both Tribes maintain offices in the City of Kenai. In addition to the
Tribes, the Kenai Natives Association and the Salamatof Native Corporation, organized under the
1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), operate in the City.
Both the Salamatof and Kenaitze people are Dena’ina, a branch of Athabascan Indians that occupy
Southcentral Alaska. Unlike other Athabascans, the Dena’ina traditionally lived close to marine
waters, and their name for Cook Inlet is Tikahtnu ("Big Water River") or Nuti ("Saltwater"). The
traditional language, also called Dena’ina, is one of eleven Athabascan languages in Alaska. Today
the Kenaitze Tribe is undertaking efforts to revitalize the Dena’ina language.
Kenaitze Indian Tribe:
The Kenaitze Indian Tribe is recognized by the federal
government
under the Indian
Reorganization
Act (IRA) of 1934
(as amended for
Alaska in 1936).4 Many of the Tribe’s 1,236 members
live on the Kenai Peninsula. An elected Executive
Council governs the Tribe in accordance with the
Tribe’s constitution, bylaws, ordinances, and
resolutions. As the tenth largest employer in the region,
4 The Kenaitze Indian Tribe is on the list of federally‐recognized tribes which means it is recognized as having a
government‐to‐government relationship with the United States and that it is eligible to receive funding and services
from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (Bureau of Indian Affairs 2010 and 2012).
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with over 100 employees, the Tribe generates a significant part of the local economy. It manages
environmental, health, social, cultural, and educational programs. It manages the Dena’ina Health
Clinic, the Dena’ina Dental Clinic and the Nakenu Family Center in Kenai. During 2012, the Tribe
began construction of a health and wellness center in Old Town that will consolidate health
programs at one site. In addition to health, educational and cultural programs, the Kenaitze Tribe
operates a subsistence fishing net and distributes salmon among tribal members.
The Kenaitze Indian Tribe operates a Tribal Court under its sovereign authority and under the
oversight of the elected Tribal Council. The Court consists of a panel of judges appointed by the
Tribal Council, and the Court selects a Chief Judge. The Tribal Court Code outlines the structure and
procedures of the Court.
During meetings on the Comprehensive Plan revision, representatives from the Kenaitze Indian
Tribe expressed an interest in developing maps and signage to reflect traditional place names. The
Kenaitze Indian Tribe is investigating ways to fund this initiative.
Salamatof Tribe:
The Salamatof Tribal Council
maintains an office in Kenai. The
Council represents the federally‐
recognized Salamatof Tribe. The
unincorporated village of
Salamatof is located just north of
the City of Kenai.
Native Corporations: The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971 established
regional and local Native Corporations which received entitlement to 44 million acres of land and
$963 million. The Cook Inlet Regional Corporation (CIRI) is one of the 12 land‐based regional Native
corporations established by ANCSA.5 CIRI has over 7,300 shareholders and has business operations
and investments in energy and resource development, oilfield and construction services,
environmental and remediation services, real estate, tourism, telecommunications, and private
equity and venture capital investments. The Corporation manages land granted under ANCSA, and
it retains subsurface rights for lands granted to local corporations in the region.
The Kenai Natives Association (KNA), designated as an urban Native corporation under ANCSA,
had 560 members in February 2012. KNA received entitlement to 23,000 acres of land which
included 4,000 acres of land at the former Wildwood Air Force Base and land within the Kenai
5 A 13th corporation exists for Alaska Native people living outside of Alaska when ANCSA was passed.
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National Wildlife Refuge. About 400 acres of land were sold to the State of Alaska in 1992 for the
Wildwood Correctional Center. In the late 1990s, KNA received 5 acres in Old Town Kenai which
was the site of the original headquarters for the Kenai National Moose Range.6 Also in the late
1990s, the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council purchased land along the Kenai River for
protection, and the boundaries of the Kenai Wildlife Refuge were moved to exclude KNA lands.
Amendments to the refuge boundaries allowed KNA land to be developed. Today, KNA sells sand
and gravel and manages its real estate.
The Salamatof Native Corporation is the village corporation for the Salamatof people established
under ANCSA. The majority of shareholders of the corporation reside on the Kenai Peninsula
including in the unincorporated village of Salamatof. The corporation received money under ANCSA
but no land. Today, its business ventures consist of real estate and land development.
Native Allotments: The Alaska Native Allotment Act of 1906 provided Alaska Natives with the
ability to obtain title of land up to 160 acres. There are a few Native allotments in the City of Kenai,
and uses within these allotments are generally not subject to the City’s land use regulations and
zoning.
6 The Kenai National Moose Range eventually became the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.
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Chapter 4: Background Information
The information in this chapter provides background for the land use plan (Chapter 5) and the
goals and objectives (Chapter 6). The chapter begins with a summary of the community’s history
and setting. It continues with information about socioeconomic conditions and city facilities and
services. The chapter concludes with a forecast of future population and demands for housing and
services.
4.1 Settlement History
Kenai’s motto, “Village with a past, City with a future,” reflects the link between the community’s
long and rich history and its opportunities for sustainable growth and development. Kenai’s past
has shaped its present. Its settlement history provides a strong cultural foundation and the
physical pattern of growth that remains today.
Buildings at Historic Townsite from the Early Community Building Era
The Dena’ina people lived in the region long before the first Russian explorers arrived in Alaska in
1741. While they do not measure their history in years, the Dena’ina people say they have lived in
the area since time immemorial, a period that is beyond the reach of memory or record.
When the first Russians arrived, there was a thriving Dena’ina Athabascan Indian Village on the high
bluff overlooking Cook Inlet near the mouth of the Kenai River. At that time, about 1,500 Dena’ina
lived in the Kenai River drainage with several hundred in the village of Shk’ituk’t on the bluff above
the Kenai River mouth.
The local Dena’ina people originally called themselves Kahtnuht’ana ‐ “People of the Kenai River”
(Kahtnu). The Russians, however, called them Kenaitze from the Dena’ina stem “ken,” which refers
to flat land meaning the wave cut terrace Kenai is built on, and the Russian “‐itze,” which means
“people of.” So, Kenaitze means “people of the flat land.”
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The Dena’ina called the Russians “Tahdna” which means “underwater people” from the image of
their ships coming up Cook Inlet which, viewed from afar, looked like the ship was emerging from
underwater.
The Russians built Fort (Redoubt) St. Nicholas at Kenai in 1791, the fifth
Russian post in Alaska. The fort was an outpost for trading fi sh and furs.
The log walls and blockhouses were built by the Russians as part of
Redoubt St. Nicholas. By the time British Explorer Captain George
Vancouver visited in 1794, about 40 Russians occupied the outpost. The
Russian Orthodox religion took root, and Kenai’s oldest buildings are
Orthodox‐related: A log rectory (1886), the Holy Assumption of the
Virgin Mary Russian Orthodox Church (1895), and the nearby log chapel
(1906).
The United States established Fort Kenay in 1869 two years after the Alaska purchase. Most of the
Russian buildings were in disrepair by the time the American Army took over, and the post was
abandoned in 1871.
Commercial salmon canneries became a significant economic factor in the late 1800s. The first
cannery at Kenai, the Northern Packing Company, was established in 1888. From then on at least
one and often two or three canneries operated at the Kenai River mouth.
As the community evolved, residents constructed new infrastructure and adapted to a changing
economy. A post office was established in 1899. During the 1920s, commercial fishing and fish
processing became important local industries. Opportunities for homesteading in the 1940s led to
further development. The first road connecting Anchorage and Kenai, opened in 1951, provided
access that helped expand the community. The Wildwood Army Base, built north of Kenai in 1953,
was later converted to an Air Force base. During the Cold War, it served as a communications and
Russian surveillance base.
With Alaska’s first major oil strike in 1957 at the nearby Swanson River, a new economy took root.
The City of Kenai incorporated in 1960, and offshore oil was discovered in Cook Inlet in 1965.
Today’s economy reflects the importance of the fishing, oil and gas, tourism, and service industries.
Assumption of the Virgin Mary
Russian Orthodox Church
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4.2 Setting
Kenai is centrally located on the western Kenai Peninsula in Southcentral Alaska, about 65 air miles
(160 miles by road) southwest of Anchorage and 1,350 miles northwest of Seattle. Kenai is as far
west as Hawaii and about the same latitude as Oslo, Norway or Stockholm, Sweden.
The original community has expanded with commercial development along the Kenai Spur Highway
and residential neighborhoods throughout the developable areas of the City.
The city center is located about 11 miles west of Soldotna and the Sterling Highway, Kenai’s
overland link to Anchorage and Homer. Most persons and goods tr avel to and from Kenai over these
two state‐maintained highways. The Kenai Municipal Airport, the Kenai Peninsula’s only major
airport, provides regional passenger and air cargo service with connecting service through
Anchorage to other cities in Alaska and beyond.
Kenai’s scenic setting amid diverse natural resources is a pervasive part of local daily life and an
important economic and recreational asset. The Kenai River is a world‐famous sport fishing
destination that is especially known for its king salmon and river recreation opportunities. The
Kenai River estuary, wetlands, and nearby uplands provide vital habitat for diverse fish and wildlife.
A number of rivers in the City support anadromous fish (Alaska Department of Fish and Game
2012).7 Cook Inlet also supports important recreational and commercial fisheries, abundant marine
life, and important oil and gas resources. The nearby Kenai National Wildlife Refuge offers year‐
round recreational opportunities.
4.2.1 Climate and Environment
Kenai’s northern climate is tempered by Cook Inlet to the west and the Kenai Mountain Range to
the south and east. Summer temperatures typically range from 46 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (°F),
and winter temperatures from 4 to 22 °F. Average annual precipitation is 20 inches.
A drying trend has accelerated since the 1970’s resulting in some drying of wetlands and muskegs
and the disappearance of kettle ponds and lower lake levels (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2012a
and 2012b). In addition, trees are now growing at higher altitudes.
4.2.2 Natural Hazards
Natural hazards are natural events that could cause injury, property damage, business disruption,
or environmental impact. They can include geological and meteorological phenomena such as
earthquakes, coastal erosion, and volcanic eruption. Biological hazards can refer to a diverse array
7 The Anadromous Fish Catalog may be viewed at the following website:
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/sf/SARR/AWC/index.cfm?adfg=maps.interactive
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of disease and infestation. Other natural hazards such as floods and wildfires can result from a
combination of geological, hydrological, and climatic factors.
There are natural hazards that may affect the City of Kenai to various degrees. In 2010, the City of
Kenai completed an Annex to the Kenai Peninsula Borough Local All Hazard Mitigation Plan. This
plan was approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in 2011.8
In March‐April 2016, the City of Kenai administration made revisions to the plan and submitted the
updated version for review to the Planning & Zoning Commission and was approved the plan by
Resolution PZ16‐06 on April 13, 2016.
The 2016 Kenai Peninsula Borough All‐Hazard Mitigation Plan – Annex
C (2016 KPBHMP‐AnnexC) describes risks of hazards, facilities
vulnerable to a disaster and a mitigation strategy to reduce potential
losses. Hazards with high risks include flooding, wildfire, earthquake,
weather, and erosion. Hazards with medium risks include volcanoes,
and hazards with low risks include tsunamis. The plan includes a
vulnerability assessment for city facilities and infrastructure.
Table 3 lists whether or not the hazard is present in Kenai
(identification) and gives a probability of occurrence (risk).
Table 3: Hazard Identification & Risk Matrix
Flood Wildland Fire Earthquake Volcano Snow Avalanche Tsunami &
Seiche
Y/H Y/H Y/H Y/M N Y/L
Weather Landslide Erosion Drought Technological Economic
Y/H N/L Y/H U/L U/L U/L
Hazard Identification:
Y: Hazard is present in jurisdiction but probability unknown
N: Hazard is not present
U: Unknown if the hazard occurs in the jurisdiction
Risk:
L: Hazard is present with a low probability of occurrence
M: Hazard is present with a moderate probability of occurrence
H: Hazard is present with a high probability of occurrence
8 The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires local governments to adopt a hazard mitigation plans as a condition for receiving
federal disaster mitigation funds including elevation, acquisition, and relocation of hazard threatened structures.
Kenai’s high‐
risk hazards
include:
Floods,
wildfire,
earthquakes,
weather, and
erosion.
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Flooding: Like other communities in the Kenai Peninsula Borough, the city is susceptible to
different types of flood hazards. With about 2,840 acres of the Kenai River basin considered as
floodplain, low lying areas within the City are susceptible to flood and erosion hazards.
Floodplain is defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as land adjacent to a
lake, river, stream, estuary, or other water body that is subject to flooding.
There are parcels inside the city limits that have been designated by the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate
Maps (FIRM) in zones A and V. FIRM refers to the official maps adopted by the FEMA on which the
flood insurance administration has delineated both the areas of special flood hazard and the risk
premium zones applicable to the community. The City does not regulate development in the
floodplain and does not participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Lands inside the city are primarily located within the HMP North Zone and Central Zone. Critical
areas and facilities susceptible to flooding in North Zone communities include docking facilities and
bridges, such as the City Dock, the North Kenai refinery dock, private mooring facilities, and the
Warren Ames Bridge (Kenai River Mile 5) and Swanson River Bridge (Mile 38.4 Kenai Spur
Highway). There are a total of 296 (tax) parcels (approximately 4,011 acres) valued at over
$70million, which are within or intersect the lower 12.5 miles of the Kenai River’s mapped 100‐year
floodplain located inside the city. The total assessed value of homes and other improvements on
the 137 developed parcels is over $33million (2016 KPBHMP‐Annex C).
The City continues to cooperate with the KPB, landowners, and developers to enact and enforce a
50‐foot setback of items on property adjacent to waterways. Kenai River Overlay mandates a 50
foot building setback from the mean high water line of the Kenai River. KPB regulations for
development in this area meet the objective to minimize damage in the event of a flood.
Erosion: In addition to riverine flood hazards, property located adjacent to Cook Inlet is susceptible
to erosion, high tides, and storm surge‐wave run up. Riverine and coastal erosion occur in Kenai.
Coastal erosion encompasses bluff and beach erosion while riverine erosion will be considered
synonymous for stream erosion, stream bank erosion and riverbank erosion. The 2016 KPBHMP‐
Annex C discusses the differences between erosion and coastal erosion in more detail. Eroding
bluffs along the Kenai River and Cook Inlet pose the greatest erosion risk to the community (City of
Kenai 2010). Bluff erosion above the Kenai River threatens housing and facilities such as the Kenai
Senior Center and Congregate Housing (Vintage Pointe Manor). These facilities and the Wastewater
Treatment Plant are more vulnerable to erosion damage than the remainder of City facilities. An
average erosion rate of 3 feet per year has been estimated after comparing aerial photographs over
a 50‐year period. Figure 1 illustrates erosion rates as of 2011.
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Figure 1: Past & Future Projected Erosion Rates
Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 2011
After years of studies, the City of Kenai is planning a Bluff Stabilization Project that will stop the
erosion process along the Kenai River in the downtown area. The US Army Corps of Engineers
(Corps) is completing a multi‐million‐dollar study and the engineering for this project. The City of
Kenai has received appropriations in the amount approximately $4,000,000 from the State of Alaska
for this project. On May 4th and 5th, 2016 the Corps held a two‐day Planning Charrette to reevaluate
the scope and costs of the proposed Kenai Bluffs Stabilization Section 116 Feasibility Study.
The City has appropriated $585,000 thus far for the project in funding to the Corps to complete the
study. It is anticipated that the Corps will finish the final feasibility study by August 2017.
Other forms of erosion such as natural bank erosion can be found in Kenai. Natural bank erosion
along the Kenai River is aggravated by boat wakes. A 1997 study found that areas of the river
without boat traffic resulted in about 75% less erosion than in areas of the river with high boat
traffic (Dorava and Moore 1997). The Kenai Peninsula Borough Don E. Gilman River Center (River
Center) houses multiple agencies that regulate activities and development in and along the Kenai
River. Working together, these agencies have made great strides towards addressing erosion.
Publications by the River Center provide guidance for addressing riverine erosion (Czarnezki and
Yaeger 2007) and coastal erosion (Smith and Williams 2010). Plus, the 2008 Kenai Peninsula
Borough Coastal Management Plan included designations for erosion‐prone areas in the City of
Kenai along the river (Kenai Peninsula Borough 2008a).
Coastal Storms: From the fall through the spring, low pressure systems either develop in the
Bering Sea or Gulf of Alaska or are brought to the region by wind systems in the upper atmosphere
that tend to steer storms in the north Pacific Ocean toward Alaska. When these storms impact the
coastal areas and shoreline, they often bring wide swathes of high winds and occasionally cause
coastal flooding and erosion.
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Fierce storm conditions do not have to be present to cause damage. According to the 2016 HMP, the
City of Kenai community suffers from “Silent Storms” where high‐water storm surges erode and
undercut river and shoreline banks, melting the permafrost. This “wearing away” of land results in
the loss of beach, shoreline, and dunes. Coastal erosion occurs over the area roughly from the top of
the bluff out into the near‐shore region to about the 30‐foot water depth. It is measured as the rate
of change in the position or horizontal displacement of a shoreline over a period of time. Bluff
recession is the most visible aspect of coastal erosion because of the dramatic change it causes in
the landscape. As a result, this aspect of coastal erosion usually receives the most attention.
Coastal erosion also may be from multi‐year impacts and long‐term climatic change such as sea‐
level rise, lack of sediment supply, subsidence or long‐term human factors such as the
construction of shore protection structures and dams or aquifer depletion. Attempts to control
erosion through shoreline protective measures such as groins, jetties, seawalls, or revetments, can
actually lead to increased erosion activity. These shoreline structures can eliminate the natural
wave run‐up and sand deposition processes and can increase reflected wave action and currents at
the waterline. The increased wave action can cause localized scour both in front of and behind
structures and prevent the settlement of suspended sediment.
Fortunately, in Alaska, erosion is hindered by bottomfast ice, which is present on much of the Arctic
coastline during the winter. These areas are fairly vulnerable while the ice is forming. The winds
from a fall storm can push sea ice into the shorefast ice, driving it onto the beach. The ice will then
gouge the beach and cause other damage.
In 2009, the City of Kenai added permanent fencing to the north beach dunes to help ensure this
natural barrier will adequately prevent bluff erosion. The fencing will help ensure that man‐made
destruction of vegetation does not compromise the integrity of the dunes. A similar fencing project
was completed in the summer of 2010 on the south beach. The dunes were at risk of destruction
from the annual personal use dipnet fishery if the fencing was not installed.
In 2014, a subdivision consisting of multiple phases and 48 lots at full build‐out has recently been
recorded within the City of Kenai. The subdivision is located along the bluffs has bluff‐top lots which
overlook the Cook Inlet. To further combat erosion the City of Kenai and the Kenai Peninsula
Borough required the identification of a setback of 50 feet from the top of the slop for septic systems.
This setback will help to ensure that effluent does not discharge into Cook Inlet in the event of
further bluff erosion in this area.
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Wildland Fires: Wildland fires pose a risk to the community, especially as a result of an increase in
dead spruce trees resulting from the spruce bark beetle infestation (City of Kenai 2010, Parson et
al. 2009). The City annually experiences small wildland fires throughout the summer months. The
City of Kenai Fire Department and State Forestry responded to cooperatively to these fires.
According to the 2016 HMP, all areas within the City of Kenai have equal risk of Wildland fires.
The City maintains a defensible space around all City facilities as a preventative measure for
wildland fires.
This risk has been greatly reduced by the City of Kenai’s initiative to proactively pursue a fire
mitigation plan that resulted in the clearing of dead and dying spruce from approximately 700 acres
of public and private land. Funding for these projects was facilitated through the Kenai Peninsula
Borough Spruce Bark Beetle Mitigation program. The Kenai Penins ula Borough and the City of Kenai
worked cooperatively to identify high hazard areas. Local contractors provided hazard mitigation
under the Borough funded program (which is no longer active). Logistically, the reduction in fuels
within the City has enabled State Forestry resources to free themselves to patrol other nearby
communities, and has reduced wildfire activity within the City.
The City in cooperation with the KPB and State Forestry continue to provide Firewise Communities
educational material to homeowners to enable them to prepare their homes in the event of a
wildfire. Damage from fallen trees during heavy wind storms has dropped drastically within the
City. Homer Electric Association has attributed this reduction directly to the City’s pro Firewise
actions.
Historically significant fires within the City included the 1969 Swanson River Fire and the Swires
Road fire in the mid1980’s.
More recently, the Central Kenai Peninsula experienced significant wildfires in 2014 and 2015;
however, neither of these fires burned inside the City limits of Kenai. City of Kenai Firefighters
provided mutual aid to Central Emergency Services (CES).
Volcanoes and Fallout: There are five active volcanoes located on the west side of Cook Inlet that
lie within the KPB boundaries: Fourpeaked, Augustine, Iliamna, Redoubt, and Mount Spurr.
Eruptions from volcanoes on the west side of Cook Inlet can result in the deposition of ash, which
can cause damage to structures and equipment. Fresh volcanic ash fallout may be harsh, acidic,
gritty and smell like sulfur. Heavy ash‐fall may reduce sunlight, causing a sudden demand and
possibly brownout of electrical power. Ash can clog watercourses, sewage plants, and all kinds of
machinery.
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According to the 2016 HMP, all areas within the City of Kenai have equal risk of effects from volcanic
activity. One of the most vulnerable sectors is the aviation industry, which is at risk from the effects
of airborne volcanic ash. The City continues to participate in cooperative effort with Borough OEM,
local media to provide the public with preparedness information prior to and during periods of
increased volcano seismic activity.
Earthquakes: Alaska is one of the most seismically active regions in the world. Three of the ten
largest earthquakes ever recorded have been in Alaska.
Earthquakes of magnitude 7 or greater occur in Alaska on average of about once a year; magnitude
8 earthquakes average about 13 years between events. Although southcentral Alaska is in a high
seismic risk zone, Kenai is relatively well protected from eart hquake‐generated tsunami danger due
to the high bluffs; and the relatively shallow depth of upper Cook Inlet results in a low tsunami risk.
Kenai was relatively undamaged in the1964 earthquake; however, the potential for seismic events
remains high. More recently, on January 24, 2016 at 1:30am a 7.1 magnitude quake occurred 53
miles west of Anchor Point.
The City of Kenai felt the greatest impact when a gas line brok e on Lilac Lane. There were two house
explosions, and a total of four homes on Lilac Lane were completely destroyed. The dangers
associated with earthquakes include ground shaking, surface faulting, ground failures, snow
avalanches, seiches and tsunamis. The City will continue to cooperate with the KPB, OEM, local
media and local emergency responders to collectively notify the public of evacuation procedures.
The extent of damage from an earthquake is dependent on the magnitude of the quake, the geology
of the area, the nature of the earthquake (surface faulting, gr ound failure, liquefaction, etc.), distance
from the epicenter and structure design and construction. The city continues to enforce building
codes and construction standards.
4.3 Population, Education and Housing
The purpose of this section is to provide background information about population, education and
housing trends that may influence private and public investment decisions and public policy
decisions at the local and regional levels.
4.3.1 Population
For the first half of the 1900s, the community of Kenai’s population stayed around 300 people. After
discovery of the Swanson River oil field in 1957, Kenai grew eight‐fold from 778 people in 1960 to
6,327 in 1990 becoming the Kenai Peninsula’s most populous city. During the statewide economic
slowdown in the 1990s, Kenai’s population grew from 6,327 (1990) to 6,942 (2000) or about 9.7%,
adding fewer residents than in any decade since the 1950s.
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Between 1990 and 2000, nearby small rural settlements (Cohoe, Clam Gulch, Kasilof, Nikiski,
Ridgeway, and Salamatof) grew by an average of 34%. This trend may reflect the preference to
work, shop, and recreate in the cities but live in the rural countryside. Kenai’s population growth
slowed between 2000 and 2010 with an increase of about 2.3%. This slowing trend continued
between 2010 and 2015. By 2015, Kenai’s population grew from 7,112 (2010) to 7,229 (2015) or
about 0.8% (DLWFD, 2015). Using this same assumption for future population change, Kenai could
reach 8,385 by 2035.
Between 2010 and 2015, the distribution of males and females shifted slightly with an increase in
the female population. This is particularly noteworthy in the age group 65+. While the Kenai
Peninsula is less ethnically diverse than the state as a whole and the growth rate of the non‐white
population is among the lowest at 3.2%, this sector’s share of the population is expected to continue
to increase over the next 5 years (KPEDD CEDS, 2016).
Of particular note for Kenai is the growing increase in people older than 65 and the decline of people
under that age between 2010 and 2015. The median age of Kenai’s residents rose from 28.6 years
in 1990 to 32.3 years in 2000, 34.7 years in 2010 and 34.8 years in 2015. Kenai’s median age in
2010 was lower than the national median age and slightly higher than that of Alaska.
The aging of Kenai’s population is consistent with local trends on the Peninsula and with national
trends as the “baby boomers” reach retirement age. According to the KPEDD 2015 Report‐Industry
Trends and Outlook, 8,100 people (14%) on the Kenai Peninsula are 65 or older; by 2027 it is
projected that 14,800 people (23%) will be over 65. The number over age 85 is expected to increase
four‐fold over 30 years, from about 670 in 2014 to 3,270 in 2042. Table 4 illustrates the change by
age (and includes sex) between 2010 and 2015.
Table 4. Age, Sex, and % Change April 2010‐July 2015
Age
Group
April 2010 Estimate July 2015 Estimate %
Change Total Male Female Total Male Female
Under 19 2,219 1124 1095 2,202 1,120 1,082 ‐1%
Age 20‐44 2,277 1136 1141 2,270 1,133 1,137 ‐1%
Age 45‐64 1,921 941 980 1,872 890 982 ‐1%
Age 65‐79 572 287 285 721 347 374 +26%
Age 80+ 123 45 78 164 70 94 +33%
Median Age 34.7 33.6 35.6 34.8 33.9 35.9 +1%
Total 7,112 3,533 3,579 7,229 3,560 3,669 +1.06%
Source: Alaska Dept. Labor & Workforce Development, 2015
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The increase in the senior population is an important consideration when planning for
transportation systems, housing location and types (assisted living), location and the availability
and accessibility of commerce (stores, entertainment), facilities such as the senior center, library,
and recreation center, and services such as health care and related services, and government
services.
Since 1990, the average household size in Kenai has continued to decline. As shown in Table 5,
Kenai’s average household size continues to be smaller than the Alaska and national average. Over
the long run, these trends signify slower population growth, a steadily aging population with more
seniors, a shift in housing demand mix, and a shift in local priorities for public facilities and services
to meet changing needs of a changing population.
Table 5. Household Size Comparison: City of Kenai, State of Alaska, and the U.S.
Subject Kenai Alaska U.S.
Median Age 36.9 33.8 37.2
Household Size 2.51 2.79 2.63
Source: U.S. Census 2016
4.3.2 Education
The City of Kenai schools are administered by the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District. There
are 7 schools in Kenai with a population for school year 2015‐2016 of 1,885 students. The schools
are:
Aurora Borealis Charter School – 181 students
Kaleidoscope School of Arts & Science – 256 students
Kenai Alternative High School – 78 students
Kenai Central High School – 523 students
Kenai Middle School – 382 students
Marathon School – 11 students
Mt. View Elementary – 454 students
In addition, the Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) is located in Kenai and offers short
term and long term programs including the Alaska Culinary Acade my, the Alaska Maritime Training
Center, and courses in information technology, nursing, applied technology and power plant
operations.
Overall school enrollment in Kenai Peninsula schools has steadily declined over the last ten years.
Student enrollment during the 2003‐2004 school year was 9,645 students and has since decreased
to 9, 132 students in 2015‐2016. Public school enrollment appears to be decreasing at the same
time the school‐age population also decreases. School‐age population age groups 5‐9, 10‐14, and
15‐19 years old combined total about 19% of the Kenai Peninsula Borough’s population (KPEDD
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CEDS, 2016). The U.S. Census information on educational trends in Kenai before 2009 indicates
there was decreased enrollment in high school and younger and increased enrollment in college.9
It is projected that through 2042, the share of students will remain essentially flat at both the
borough and state level. The state projects the number of school aged children on the Peninsula
will begin increasing around 2020 (KPEDD 2016 Situations & Prospects). Tracking and assessing
the changes in school‐age population groups provides important information to the school district
and the City of Kenai when planning for the design, construction, and operation of educational
facilities and programs that serve residents.
Table 6 describes the level of educational attainment (percent of total) for the City of Kenai
population 25 years and older.
Table 6. Educational Attainment 2009– 2014, Kenai
Educational Attainment 2009‐2013 2010‐2014
Population 25 years and over 4,662 % of Total 4,766 % of Total
Less than 9th grade ‐ 1.8% ‐ 1.8%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma ‐ 5.1% ‐ 6.4%
High school graduate (includes equivalency) ‐ 35.6% ‐ 35.2%
Some college, no degree ‐ 27.4% ‐ 26.4%
Associate’s degree ‐ 7.9% ‐ 7.0%
Bachelor’s degree ‐ 12.8% ‐ 13.3%
Graduate or professional degree ‐ 9.4% ‐ 9.9%
Source: KPEDD 2016 Draft Situations & Prospects Report, May 2016
(US Census American Community Survey, 5‐Year Estimates 2009‐2013, 2010‐2014)
Among adults aged 25 and older in the Kenai Peninsula Borough, 93% have a high school diploma
or greater compared to 92% statewide. The number of college graduates on the Kenai Peninsula at
24% is slightly lower than the state’s average of 28%.
4.3.3 Housing
The number of houses constructed in the Kenai Peninsula Borough varies by year and by
community. On average 45.3 percent of the houses are built in Homer, 26.8 percent in Kenai and
about 23 percent in Soldotna. Although Kenai is one of Alaska’s oldest settlements its housing stock
is relatively new and in good condition because most homes were built after 1980 (KPEDD CEDS,
2016).
9 For cities with a population the size of Kenai, the American Community Survey uses five year averages for some survey data such
as education.
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Housing affordability is described in terms of “cost‐burden” or the percent spent on housing costs,
including rent, utilities, and energy costs. For Kenai the cost‐burden is about 30.7% while borough‐
wide is 34% and the state‐wide level is 31% (KPEDD 2016).
According to Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC), the average home loan amount in the
Kenai Peninsula Borough in 2015 year was $214,885. For the city, the average value of a single‐
family home was $193,900 in 2014. The average price of single family homes has been, steadily rising
over the last 11 years (KPEDD 2016).
Between 2010 and 2014, the total number of housing units in Kenai increased from 3,108 to 3,221.
The number of new dwelling units constructed in Kenai increased from 20 in 2010 to 36 in 2015.
Most homes are on public water supply and sewage disposal systems and use natural gas. Table 7
provides an overview of housing units, values, and monthly rents.
Table 7. Housing Units 2009‐2014, City of Kenai
Housing
In
Kenai
2009‐2013 2010‐2014
% of Total % of
Total
Total housing units 3,108 ‐ 3,221 ‐
Occupied housing units 2,820 90.7% 2,896 89.9%
Vacant housing units 288 9.3% 325 10.1%
Median value of owner‐occupied units $184,800 ‐ $193,900 ‐
Median monthly rent (for renters) $885 ‐ $910 ‐
Source: KPEDD 2016 Draft Situations & Prospects Report, May 2016
4.3.4 Energy Costs
Based on the 2009‐2012 data used in the 2014 Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC)
Assessment, the average annual energy cost for homes in the Kenai Peninsula Borough is $4,510,
60% higher than the cost in Anchorage ($2,786) and twice as high than the national average
($2,129), but low compared with more rural places in the state. According to this AHFC assessment,
the lowest average annual energy costs were found in Tyonek, where residents pay $2,600 each
year, and the highest average annual energy costs are in Seldovia where residents pay $7,300
annually (KPEDD 2016).
The 2015 ADLWD Residential Rental Market Survey reported that the rental market on the Kenai
Peninsula is healthy with an overall 6.8% vacancy rate. Average rent prices increased by only 3%
from 2014‐2015 (2015 ADLWD Annual Rental Market Survey).10
10 The survey includes Anchorage, Fairbanks North Star Borough, City and Borough of Juneau, Kenai Peninsula Borough, Ketchikan
Gateway Borough, Kodiak Island Borough, City and Borough of Sitka, Valdez‐Cordova Census Area, and the Wrangell Borough‐
Petersburg Census Area.
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4.4 Economy
Recent trends and prospects in several key industries, suggest Kenai will continue to experience
modest economic growth for the foreseeable future. Events, such as significant new oil and gas
discoveries in Cook Inlet and the Alaska LNG Project, could lead to more rapid growth of the
economy than estimated.
Since the 2003 Comprehensive Plan, the City of Kenai has expanded its role as a regional commercial
center. Despite the closure of the Kmart store in 2003 and Lowes Improvement Center in 2011, a
number of new box stores opened in Kenai, including Home Depot (2004) and WalMart Supercenter
(2010).11 In 2008, the 78‐room Aspen Extended Stay Suites opened for business. In addition to
providing local jobs, these businesses generate tax revenue for the City.
This section provides a snapshot of the some of the most important sectors of the economy from
information available in May 2016. It includes information from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Kenai
Peninsula Borough, the 2006 Kenai Economic Development Strategy, and the Kenai Peninsula
Economic Development District (KPEDD).12 In 2016, KPEDD updated its Comprehensive Economic
Development Strategy and Gap Analysis. The 2006 Kenai Economic Development Strategy (KEDS)
work plan was considered when developing the Draft 2013 Plan an d that information has been used
and updated with KPEDD information for the 2016 revision.
Unlike the rest of the country, Alaska did not experience a sharp recession in 2009. The KPEDD
found that the Kenai Peninsula’s resource‐based economy slowly weakened as a result of fewer
tourists, a decline in oil drilling, poor fish prices, and a decrease in consumer confidence (KPEDD
2010). Because the Kenai Peninsula Borough has one of the most diverse economies in Alaska, this
diversity softened negative impacts to the regional economy.
The City of Kenai’s economic well‐being is closely tied to general economic conditions in the
Kenai/Soldotna area. This area continues to be the trade and service center for the western Kenai
Peninsula and a local government center. The area has an industrial base and a healthy visitor
industry centered on the recreational fisheries of the Kenai River and Cook Inlet.
Oil and gas, seafood, and tourism are the basic economic sectors that drive the Kenai economy. Basic
sector means that these are the businesses that bring new money into the economy. Retail and the
service sectors, in contrast, rely on business drawn from local residents.
The remainder of this section provides more details about economic indicators, including
employment and income, sales, retail trade, retail space, permits, and business licenses.
11 In August 2011, the Lowes Improvement Center closed unexpectedly.
12 KPEDD now publishes the annual Situation and Prospects report.
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4.4.1 Employment and Income
The City of Kenai has a diverse economy and an educated and mobile workforce. The community
has competitive wages placing the community’s residents in a good position for access to the
region’s job pool. Table 8 describes employment status between 2009 and 2014.
Table 8. City of Kenai Employment 2009‐2014
Employment Status 2009‐2013 2010‐2014
Population % of Total Population % of Total
Population 16 years and over 5,608 ‐ 5,705 ‐
In civilian labor force 3,915 69.8% 3,834 67.2%
Unemployed 437 7.8% 404 7.1%
Working 3,478 62.0% 3,430 60.1%
Private wage & salary workers 2,664 76.6% 2,674 78.0%
Government workers 561 16.1% 554 16.2%
Self‐employed in own, not‐incorporated business 253 7.3% 202 5.9%
Unpaid family workers 0 0.0% 0 0.0%
In Armed Forces 0 0.0% 0 0.0%
Not in labor force 1,693 30.2% 1,871 32.80%
Source: KPEDD Socioeconomic Data, City of Kenai, 2016
Between 2009 and 2013, 76% of the workforce was in the private sector with 2,664 in wage and
salary positions, 253 self‐employed, and 0 unpaid family workers. Government workers included
569 people or 16.1% of the workforce. In contrast between 2010 and 2014, the number in the
workforce decreased slightly from 69.8% to 67.2% and the unemployment decreased as well from
7.8% to 7.1% (KPEDD 2016).
Table 9 describes the major occupations (age 16+) in Kenai.
Table 9. Major Occupations, City of Kenai, 2015
Industry
2015
Number
of
Workers
%
of
Total
Natural Resources & Mining 483 14.1
Construction 172 5.0
Manufacturing 139 4.1
Trade, Transportation, Warehousing & Utilities 685 20.0
Information 46 1.3
Finance & Insurance & Real Estate Renting/Leasing 110 3.2
Professional, Scientific, & Management
Administrative & Waste Mgt. Services
183 5.3
Educational Services; Health Care & Social Services 550 16.0
Arts, Entertainment, Recreation, Accommodation & Food Services 356 10.4
Other Services (except Public Administration) 114 3.3
Public Administration (State – 167; Local ‐ 142) 591 17.3
Source: U.S. Census
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Kenai is a relatively low‐cost labor area. Table 10 describes income and benefits by household and
by family in the City of Kenai. In 2009, the average household income was $78,137 and the average
family income was $89,140. By 2014, the average household income had only increased slightly to
$78,824 but the average family income had increased to $92,768.
Table 10. City of Kenai Income & Benefits 2009‐2014
Income and Benefits
(in 2013 and 2014 inflation‐adjusted dollars)
2009‐2013 2010‐2014
% of Total % of Total
Total households 2,820 ‐ 2,896 ‐
Median household income $63,019 ‐ $62,088 ‐
Average (mean) household income $78,137 ‐ $78,824 ‐
Total Families 1,870 ‐ 1,833 ‐
Median family income $76,815 ‐ $76,445 ‐
Average (mean) family income $89,140 ‐ $92,768 ‐
Per capita income $31,710 ‐ $32,471 ‐
Source: KPEDD Socioeconomic Data, City of Kenai, 2016
4.4.2 Business Indicators
This section provides a brief overview of some of the local business indicators – sales, retail space,
and business licenses.
Sales: The amount of annual sales can fluctuate from year‐to‐year. For 2015, taxable sales were
$238.6 million (City of Kenai, 2016). The retail trade business category in 2015 represented over
68% of all sales followed by restaurant/bar (City of Kenai, 2016).
Building Permits: While the Kenai Peninsula Borough does not issue building permits, the
communities of Kenai, Homer, Seldovia, Seward, and Soldotna issue permits. For the five‐year
period between 2005 and 2009, the average annual value of all types of construction permits issued
by the City of Kenai was $19.0M with a high of $46.5M in 2008. Between 2010 and 2015, the average
annual value of all types of construction permits issued by the City was $86M with a high of over
$29M in 2012 (City of Kenai, 2016). Table 11 illustrates commercial and residential construction
valuations for the years 2010 through 2015.
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Table 11. City of Kenai Construction Valuation 2010‐2015
Year Construction Type Valuation ($)
2010 Commercial $7,535,700.00
Residential $3,367,100.00
Total 2010 Valuation $10,902,800.00
2011 Commercial $7,149,981.00
Residential $5,284,784.96
Total 2011 Valuation $12,434,765.96
2012 Commercial $25,137,400.00
Residential $4,848,156.00
Total 2012 Valuation $29,985,556.00
2013 Commercial $12,312,200.00
Residential $5,484,900.00
Total 2013 Valuation $17,797,100.00
2014 Commercial $1,392,000.00
Residential $446,500.00
Total 2014 Valuation $1,838,500.00
2015 Commercial $6,671,000.00
Residential $6,592,011.00
Total 2015 Valuation $13,263,011.00
2010‐2015 Commercial $60,153,281.00
Residential $26,023,451.96
Total Construction Valuation 2010‐2015 $86,221,732.96
Average Yearly Construction Valuation
Source: City of Kenai, 2016
Between 2010 and 2015, there were seven major construction projects issued building permits
with valuations of over $1M and over ten projects with valuations between $500,000 and $1M.
Projects included the Den'ina Wellness Center, CINGSA, Baker Hughs Oilfield Development, ACS‐
Walmart, Kenaitze Indian Tribe, Homer Electric Association, Clint‐Hall Assisted Living Facility,
multiple private commercial developments and single family homes, and multiple City of Kenai
projects including the library, water treatment facility and combined facility.
Business Licenses: There were 7,270 businesses registered to report sales and potentially pay
sales taxes in the Kenai Peninsula Borough in January 2016. Also at that time, there were 6,195
individuals that had an Alaska State business license with a ph ysical location on the Kenai Peninsula.
Of those licenses, 1,032 were registered to businesses in the City of Kenai (KPEDD 2016).
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4.4.3 Oil and Gas Industry
The Cook Inlet area has been one of the nation’s most productive oil and natural gas regions. While
considerable challenges exist in the short term, a significant increase in the estimate of
undiscovered reserves in the region provides reason to be optimistic about the future for this
industry.
While the easiest to develop oil and gas resources have
been found, considerable resources are estimated to
remain in the region. In 2009, the Alaska Department of
Natural Resources, Division of Oil and Gas (ADNR DOG)
estimated there were 109 million barrels of oil and 1.56
trillion cubic feet of gas from known accumulations. In
2011, however, new geologic information boosted the
estimates of undiscovered technically recoverable reserves
for the Cook Inlet region to include 19 trillion cubic feet of
natural gas, 600 million barrels of oil and 46 million barrels
of natural gas liquids (USGS 2011). Cook Inlet gas
production fell by almost half from 2001 to 2011 (KPEDD
2016).
According to the KPEDD 2016 Situations and Prospects
report, the Kenai Peninsula oil and gas industry has been declining since the 1970s and since the
gas production peak in 2001. In 2015, ADNR DOG, reported that the Cook Inlet basin produced
8,308 billion cubic feet (BCF) of gas and 1.350 Bbbls of oil as of December 31, 2014, with
approximately 1,183 BCF of proved and probable remaining gas reserves (ADNR DOG, 2015). A
total of 43 new gas wells were drilled and completed from 2010 through 2014. This was a 22
percent decrease from the 55 wells drilled during the period from 2005 to 2009 (ADNR DOG, 2015).
However, Cook Inlet oil and gas resources and interest in these resources will likely continue to be
an important economic influence for the region. Recent historical interest in oil and gas in and near
Kenai between 2010 and 2016 (May 2016) can be illustrated by the following activities:
2010: The LNG plant at Nikiski evaluated the renewal of export authorization to beyond
2011. CINGSA (Semco/Enstar) planned a 3rd party gas storage facility in the Sterling C sands
at Cannery Loop.
Drill Rig near Kenai September 2012
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2011: CINGSA (Enstar) DNR issued a gas storage lease for Sterling C sands in the Cannery
Loop field. Buccaneer permitted and drilled Kenai Loop No. 1 we ll and signed supply contract
with Enstar to provide gas starting in 2012. ConocoPhillips‐ Marathon’s LNG export license
was issued a 2‐year extension through 2013 by the Department of Energy; the LNG plant’s
last shipment was November 2011; and the plant shut down and preserved for future use.
2012: Buccaneer signed a supply contract with Enstar to provide gas; drilled third well; and
planned additional wells for 2013. CINGSA (Enstar) drilled 5 wells for gas storage. Nordaq
Energy permitting and EIS for wells, road, and development facilities in progress for
potential project at Shadura. Enstar‐Chugach‐ML&P Utilities foresee gas imports in 2014‐
2015 will meet peak seasonal demand swings; evaluating liquefied and compressed natural
gas options.
2013: Nordaq Energy received state and federal permissions for Shadura project. Agrium
considered restarting the Nikiski fertilizer plant and applied for new air quality permits.
ConocoPhillips applied for LNG export license to ship from Nikiski facility.
2014: Buccaneers Kenai Loop Field production escrowed pending agreements with Mental
Health Trust, CIRI, and DNR as operator’s bankruptcy proceedings continued. Cook Inlet
Tesoro entered into a pipeline development agreement to build 8‐inch oil line from the west
side of Cook Inlet to the Tesoro refinery at Nikiski (2015). ConocoPhillips LNG export license
reauthorized by DOE for the shipment of up to 40 BCF from the restarted Nikiski facility.
Alaska LNG Project submitted permit applications to export up to 20 million metric tons of
LNG per year for 30 years. US Army Corps of Engineers preparing draft of Supplemental EIS
for the Alaska Stand Alone Pipeline Project. Agrium asked AIDEA for financing to restart
Nikiski fertilizer plant using Cook Inlet natural gas feedstock.
2015: Hilcorp permitted seven gas production wells at Beaver Creek Unit. The Regulatory
Commission of Alaska approved consolidation of Hilcorp’s Beluga Pipeline, Kenai Kachemak
Pipeline, Cook Inlet Gas Gathering System, and Kenai Nikiski Pi peline into one system named
the Kenai Beluga Pipeline. CINGSA discovered additional native gas in presumed depleted
gas storage reservoir in its Cannery Loop field.
Alaska LNG Project received conditional authorization from the DOE to export up to 20
million metric tons of LNG per year for 30 years to non‐Free Trade Agreement countries. The
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is preparing an EIS for the AKLNG project. Over 600
acres were purchased in Nikiski for an LNG plant and marine terminal. Work continues on
the marine facility design and operations; geotechnical assessments; and design and testing
of pipeline materials.
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2016: SAE Exploration conducted 2D and 3D seismic surveys and Apache Alaska
Corporation suspended seismic acquisition and exploration activities in Alaska.
Construction of a North Slope natural gas pipeline with a spur pipeline to Cook Inlet, or a stand‐
alone natural gas pipeline, could revitalize the role of local gas‐based industrial facilities.
At the date of this Comprehensive Plan, plans for a natural gas pipeline were not finalized. In
February 2016, AKLNG reported project delays (KDLL, 2‐28‐16) that could also mean delays on
decisions that would have major impacts to the Kenai Peninsula, including rerouting the Kenai Spur
Highway to accommodate the new plant and associated traffic increase. The highway reroute is
currently penciled in to be completed by the end of 2018, with construction of the LNG plant
estimated to begin in 2019.
If BP, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, and the State of Alaska continue to move forward with the Alaska
LNG Project through the front‐end engineering and design stage, oil and gas extraction and support
activities will grow, which in turn, brings additional employment in industries such as
transportation, warehousing and wholesale trade, healthcare. As the job sector grows, so does the
demand for houses, healthcare, and educational services among others (KPEDD CEDS2016).
4.4.4 Fisheries and Seafood Processing
Four different fisheries take place within the City’s boundaries: commercial, sport, personal use,
and educational fisheries.
In 2014, 673 vessels landed 4.5 million pounds of halibut at three ports in the KPB: Homer, Seward,
and Kenai, with over half the effort at Homer (KPEDD 2016). Sablefish fishery brought in 5.48
million pounds to KPB ports on 407 reported landings in 2014. This is 26% of the state’s total
commercial sablefish harvest (KPEDD 2016). In that same year Kenai was ranked as one of the top
50 U.S. ports for volume of seafood deliveries with a landed value of $11.5 million (NOAA
Commercial Fisheries Statistics, 2016).
According to KPEDD, during fiscal year 2015 the state shared $1.2 million with the Kenai region
from commercial fishery taxes. Totals shared in FY 2015 were $644,000 to the borough, $349,000
to Seward, $196,000 to Kenai, $21,000 to Homer, and $2,800 to Soldotna. The more fish that are
processed locally and the more value per fish that processors c an add, the higher will be the revenue
that circulates through the region from commercial fishing (KPEDD 2016).
While the seafood industry in Cook Inlet originally focused on production of high quantities of
canned salmon, Kenai no longer has a true “salmon cannery.” Local seafood processors now focus
on predominantly fresh, high‐quality seafood delivered across the United States during the salmon
and halibut season as well as fresh frozen products that are distributed to markets worldwide after
the season. The largest plants are Icicle Seafoods in Seward, and the Inlet Fish plants in Kenai and
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 33 July 2016
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Kasilof. Processing industries also rely on local hardware and auto retailers and on local repair
shops for vessel maintenance and upgrades.
The rapid growth of the Kenai River personal use dipnet fishery has added a 250,000‐400,000
sockeye fish harvest in a short time period to the management mix. The personal use dipnet fishery
has grown rapidly. The City is responsible for the management of the fishery: administering the
no‐wake zone and access controls at the beach and dock, police patrols, and waste management
(solid and pit toilets). The City works collaboratively with agencies and the fishing industry to
support sustainable fisheries harvests. In 2014 the City instituted a tide dependent no wake zone
for a 6,000‐foot segment of the south river bank to reduce erosion; eliminated an access and
improved another, and is constructing a new access at the Kenai River mouth; maintained solid
waste and pit toilets, and provided police foot and boat patrols. Revenue was generated from
municipal boat launch and parking fees. The costs for management equal revenue derived from the
boat launch and parking fees collected during the fishery (KPEDD 2016).
4.4.5 Visitor Industry
The Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development estimate that about
500,000 people visit the Kenai Peninsula each summer. While tourism has been one of the fastest
growing sectors in the Borough, the number of visits has declined since 2007, a peak year. Visitor
patterns are highly seasonal with outdoor recreation and sport fishing representing the major
visitor activities, and the historic Kenai Old Town is an important attraction. The Kenai River
provides a major recreation
destination for both residents
and visitors. The charter fishing
industry provides economic
benefits to the City of Kenai
through employment and
through local spending by
clients.
Alaska residents represent the
largest group of visitors to the
Kenai Peninsula. The period
June‐August of each year
accounts for over two‐thirds of
annual visits. The visitor industry directly supports a number of local businesses in Kenai –
accommodations, food and beverage sales – all of which contribute to the sales tax revenues
generated.
Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center
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Visitor levels were mixed among Chamber of Commerce‐operated visitor centers in Kenai, Homer,
and Soldotna. According to KPEDD, the Kenai Peninsula’s tourism industry is recovering from the
2008‐2009 US recession and reduction in visitor travel and related spending. Employment
numbers are back to pre‐recession levels, but average monthly wages in the tourism sector have
declined compared to 2008 (KPEDD Situations & Prospects 2016).
The Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center promotes Kenai as a destination, and it
operates the Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center. The Center provides information to visitors and it
includes exhibits and a gift shop. The Kenai Peninsula Tourism Marketing Council markets the
peninsula as a tourist destination.
4.5 Public Facilities and Services
The City of Kenai provides a variety of facilities
and services to its residents, local businesses and
industries. These include:
water and sewer
public safety
fire and EMS
library
seniors
transportation
parks and recreation
The areas of Kenai now served by city roads and water and sewer utilities are shown in Maps 2
and 3.
These services are funded locally by the City of Kenai and with the support from other funding
sources (grants, etc.).
The popular Dipnet Fishery occures each July
C ookInlet
K
e
nai Rive
r
A cc e s s
Beaver Loop Rd
Kenai Spur
Hwy
Redoubt Dr
Forest Dr
Strawberry
Rd
Bridge
City of Kenai
Corporate Boundary
Map 2. City of Kenai Water System
2016
Data Source: Kenai Peninsula Borough
City Water Lines
Legend
0
1
2
0.5
Miles
2016 Cit y Kenai Comprehensive PlanPublic Hearin g Draft 35 July 2016
C ookInlet
K
e
nai Rive
r
Ac c e s s
Beaver Loop Rd
Kenai Spur
Hwy
Redoubt Dr
Forest Dr
Strawberry
Rd
Bridge
City of Kenai
Corporate Boundary
Map 3. City of Kenai Sewer System
2016
Data Source: Kenai Peninsula Borough
Path: M:\Maps\CompPlan2016\Comp Plan Maps\KCP_Map03_SewerSystem.mxd
City Sewer Lines
Legend
0
1
2
0.5
Miles
2016 Cit y Kenai Comprehensive PlanPublic Hearin g Draft 36 July 2016
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 37 July 2016
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4.5.1 Water and Sewer Systems
About 1,680 homes and businesses (4,000‐5,000 users), or 70% of the city’s population, are
connected to the water and sewer system. Kenai currently has 4 operational well houses located
near the intersection of Kenai Spur Highway and Beaver Loop Road on Shotgun Road. A water
treatment facility that removes harmless color began operating in 2012. A new 1,000,000‐gallon
reservoir is under construction in 2016. Once completed the existing 3,000,000‐gallon reservoir
will have the interior coatings removed and replaced.
The wastewater treatment plant, constructed in 1982, was designed for a population of 11,650
people and an average wastewater flow of 1.3 million gallons per day, and operates between 50%
and 70% total capacity. The updated 2004 Wastewater Facility Master Plan identified a number of
improvements that could increase the plant’s efficiency.
A project is in the funding and design phase to reduce the levels of ammonia in the effluent and
increase the energy efficiency of the plant.
4.5.2 Public Safety
The Police, Fire and Emergency Medical
Services (EMS) departments are housed in
the Public Safety Building on Main Street
Loop and Willow Street. The police
department facility was expanded and
renovated in 1984‐85. The fire department
serves approximately 7,100 people within
the boundaries of the community. The fire department is
responsible for all fire suppression, airport crash fire rescue, hazardous materials, EMS, fire
prevention programs, enforcement of city and state fire safety and prevention codes, and fire
investigations. The City has a mutual aid and automatic aid agreements with Central Emergency
Services and the Nikiski Fire Department.
4.5.3 Transportation
A safe, affordable, accessible, and efficient road, trail, marine, and aviation transportation system is
essential for community development and expansion in Kenai. While Kenai’s road system is
adequate in many respects, as the community grows, improvements to connectivity between where
people live, shop and work will continue to be an important consideration when reviewing
development proposals. Coordinated transportation and land use policies reduce congestion,
improve safety, and help move people, vehicles, and goods more efficiently. Limited public
transportation is available through CARTS (Central Area Rural Transit System).
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 38 July 2016
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Roads: Of the 99 miles of roads in Kenai, the City of Kenai maintains approximately 60 miles,
including approximately 15 miles of gravel surfaced roads (Map 4). About 31% of city roadways are
unpaved, and many roads are 20‐30 years old.
The City of Kenai Public Works Department maintains these roads year‐round and is responsible
for snow plowing and road grading, shoulder maintenance, drainage ditches and culverts, and
rights‐of‐way and easements (City of Kenai, 2016). City road construction is funded with municipal
revenue, state‐shared revenue, and by property owners in Local Improvement Districts (LIDs).
Maintenance is funded on an annual basis using revenue from sales tax and property taxes. The City
requires road rights‐of‐way dedications in new subdivisions.
The construction of the Bridge Access Road, residential growth at Kalifornsky Beach Road area and
employment growth in the vicinity of Willow Street and Main Str eet Loop have funneled more traffic
into the central area. These trends are positive for the long‐term commercial viability of the city
center and for future development of Millennium Square.
Declines in traffic occurred in Nikiski on the Kenai Spur Highway where traffic declined by about
5000 vehicles per day on average. Travel along the Kenai Spur Highway in Nikiski immediately
spiked upwards by over 1,300 average vehicles per day in 2012, following renewed investment in
the oil and gas industry and speculative investment, partly in connection with the proposed LNG
pipeline to a Nikiski gas liquefaction plant and terminal. By 2015, however, traffic along this
highway segment had once again reduced to levels similar to 2007 (KPEDD 2016).
There is a Kenai Spur Permanent Traffic Recorder (PTR) that records all of the data points between
2000 and 2015. See Figure 2 which shows ADOT’s calculations and applying linear regression to
arrive at the growth rate of 0.76%.
Using actual traffic counts and adding a trendline using linear regression, ADOT estimates that
traffic should grow approximately 0.76% per year along the highway.
The local and state road system plays an important role in the growth and expansion of residential,
commercial and industrial development in Kenai. The proper location of future roads and trails
necessary to meet the demand of residents and commercial developers will be important to
managing the flow of people and goods within Kenai, addressing potential growth in the region and
minimizing maintenance costs to the city.
Road improvements such as paving more streets, constructing sidewalks, creating trail linkages and
expanding road shoulders could go a long way in attracting more traffic within the city center and
improving the convenience and safety of doing business along parts of the Kenai Spur Highway
corridor.
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 39 July 2016
Public Hearing Draft
Figure 2. Kenai Spur Permanent Traffic Recorder Data, 2000‐2015
Source: ADOT Traffic Engineering Kenai Spur Permanent Traffic Recorder 117600 Kenai Spur Highway 2000 ‐ 2015
Table 12 describes the annual average daily traffic counts (AADT) between 2000 and 2015 along
major roads that serve Kenai – both locally and regionally (ADOT&PF Traffic Division, 2016).
Traffic counts are collected on road segments between intersections, not at intersections. Years
with actual traffic counts are highlighted in red. Years where traffic counts were only estimated are
in black. Years with a change in traffic greater than 15% are highlighted in grey.
Using actual counts (red cells), the percent change for that segment of Swires Road to Airport Way
was 5%; the percent change for the segment Airport Way to Bridg e Access was 15%; and the percent
change Main Street to Forest Drive was 3%.
y = 68.304x + 8493.6
R² = 0.8267
7800
8000
8200
8400
8600
8800
9000
9200
9400
9600
9800
20
0
0
20
0
1
20
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20
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20
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20
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20
1
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1
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1
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20
1
5
AA
D
T
Kenai Spur Permanent Traffic
Recorder
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 40 July 2016
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Table 12. Average Annual Daily Traffic, 2000‐2015, Kenai Roads
Source: ADOT Traffic Engineering Average Annual Daily Traffic Counts for 117600 Kenai Spur Highway 2000 – 2015
Black numbers = estimated traffic counts
Red numbers= actual traffic counts
Gray shaded cells = years where counts were greater than 15%
Start MiPt Start FeatureEnd MiPtEnd FeatureStn #2000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015
0.000Sterling Highway1.024Knight Drive517335001105011410 14269 1424014470 13255 1340013540 1580913519 1386013590 13130 1340013268 11086
1.024Knight Drive1.313Frontier Avenue517350001105011360 13170 1314013350 13149 132901337012800 12905 13320 14378 1436014550 14734 14957
1.313Frontier Avenue1.784Big Eddy Road51738000 10406 1070010740 14776 15010 1256412540 1262012080 14158 1461014270 12093 1225012220 10709
1.784Big Eddy Road2.391Sports Lake Road517410009220 100779701 9680 1131310753 10870 10992 1052010800 10876 1062010610 10956 11021 9749
2.391Sports Lake Road6.216Beaver Loop Road5175000088109060 9859 984010000 9869 9980100409610 11141 11500 1066410413 10550 10774 11060
6.216Beaver Loop Road8.017Swires Drive11760021 8433866887048683882587939267932489229157944992319218933995879587
8.017Swires Drive10.214Airport Way517565009130 9644 9680 9451985110688 10810 9057 86708900 11474 1121011190 107849382 9632
10.214Airport Way10.575Bridge Access Road5176000011030 11537 115901157011760117101184011910 12329 126501305012750 13947 1413014112 13572
10.575Bridge Access Road10.951Willow Street517620001354013920159461591016170 12476 126101269012140 15696 16200 16035 1601016220 15217 15622
10.951Willow Street11.251Main Street Loop5176600013490 1513714260 14230 1583214754 14920 13976 1338013730 14828 1449014470 1441613689 14054
11.251Main Street Loop12.000Forest Drive51773000 11439 1176011810 13515 13730 1264914047 1413013520 13956 14400 1313313430 1361013589 12083
12.000Forest Drive13.912Wildwood Drive5177750074807690 8675 86608800 8185 828083307970 803883098556 8540 87348705 8936
C ookInlet
K
e
nai Rive
r
Acc e ss
Beaver Loop Rd
Kenai Spur
Hwy
Redoubt Dr
Forest Dr
Strawberry
Rd
Bridge
City of Kenai
Corporate Boundary
Data Source: City of Kenai
Path: M:\Maps\CompPlan2016\Comp Plan Maps\KCP_Map04_MaintainedRoads.mxd
Map 4. City of Kenai Maintained Roads
2016
City Maintained Roads
Legend
0
1
2
0.5
Miles
2016 Cit y Kenai Comprehensive PlanPublic Hearin g Draft 41 July 2016
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Kenai Municipal Airport: The Kenai Municipal Airport (Airport) is the largest
of nine airports in the region and serves as the primary collection and
distribution center for scheduled passengers, cargo, and mail service
(KPEDDCEDS 2016).
The primary mission of the
Airport is to be the commercial air
transportation gateway to the
Kenai Peninsula Borough and
West Cook Inlet.
The city‐owned and operated
airport is centrally located on
approximately 1,458 acres of land
near downtown Kenai. The airport
property encompasses the airport,
a major portion of central Kenai,
and several undeveloped areas.
The U.S. Government transferred
the original airport tract to the City
in 1963. Today, the Airport and related airport properties are a major economic and land asset for
the City. The Airport supports a variety of economic activities with potential for growth.
The City is currently developing a 42‐acre industrial park to the northeast along Marathon Road
which will provide a center for future industrial activity. Additionally, the Airport is developing
hangar lease lots with associated taxiways and roads adjacent to the floatplane taxiway/slip area at
the southern end of the water taxiway. These lots will be suitable for commercial hangars as well
as T‐hangars.
The FAA classifies the airport as a Commercial Service‐Primary Airport; commercial service
airports are defined as those airports having 2, 500 or more annual passenger enplanements with
primary airports defined as commercial service airports having 10,000 or more annual passenger
enplanements. The designated role of the Kenai Airport is to serve short‐haul air carrier routes of
less than 500 miles. The Airport consists of three runways; grooved 7,855‐foot asphalt runway,
Plane Displayed at the Kenai Municipal Airport
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 43 July 2016
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2,000‐foot gravel runway, and 4,600‐foot water runway, two helipads, and numerous taxiways. The
asphalt runway is equipped with an instrument landing system (ILS). Southwest of the terminal
building are 40 long‐term paved tiedowns of which 10 have electricity.
At the float plane basin there are 25 long‐term tie down slips and 10 transient slips which can
accommodate aircraft with up to a 48‐foot wing span. There are 5 commercial slips which can
accommodate aircraft with a wingspan up to 65 feet. Both long‐term and transient tie downs are
available at the gravel runway. Fly‐in camp sites are available at the float plane basin and gravel
runway apron. Fuel is available for both wheeled and float planes with 24‐hour credit card
machines.
Two commuter airlines offer scheduled service between Kenai and Anchorage. Charter services are
also available. An FAA Regional Flight Service Station is located at the Kenai Municipal Airport and
is open 24 hours a day. An Air Traffic Control Tower is operated at the airport. A restaurant, lounge,
car rentals, and taxis are available in the terminal. Short and long‐term vehicle parking is available
at the terminal. Hotel accommodations are located nearby.
The 1963 deed for the airport requires airport lands to be managed for use and support of the
airport. Airport lands are identified on the Airport Layout Plan (ALP). Title 21 of the Kenai
Municipal Code provides guidance for lease, sale, and use of airport‐owned properties to ensure
there is an adequate supply of land to support operation of the airport and to reduce incompatible
uses on the airport proper. In 2016, the City rezoned the lands within the Airport Reserve Boundary
to Airport Light Industrial to provide for development to highest and best uses for the airport. Such
uses include support for airport‐related services, revenue‐generating leases, other private
development, or public improvements. Map 5 illustrates current land use at the airport.
The airport leases a number of developed parcels including the Beacon Occupational Health and
Safety Services, City Animal Control Shelter, City shop, the Flight Service Station, and numerous
aviation and non‐aviation properties. These leases provide funding for airport operations.
The most recent Kenai Municipal Airport Master Plan was developed in 1997, and a Supplemental
Planning Assessment was completed in 2007. Funding for a new airport master plan was secured
in 2010 and the update to the Airport Master Plan started in 2011 and will be completed in 2016.
An updated noise study was completed as part of the 2011 update and Map 6 illustrates the forecast
2030 noise exposure contours. Table 13 describes the passenger enplanements reported to the City
and the FAA between 2005 and 2015 with the high year in 2013 with 103,835 passenger
enplanements and the low year in 2009 with 80, 958. There are enplanements that are not
necessarily reported to the City but are reported to the FAA and vice versa.
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 44 July 2016
Public Hearing Draft
Table 13. Kenai Municipal Airport Historical Enplanement Data, 2000‐2011
Total Enplanements by Year
2005 83,523
2006 94,163
2007 96,446
2008 99,884
2009 80,958
2010 89,897
2011 97,041
2012 101,995
2013 103,835
2014 94,877
2015 102,126
Source: Kenai Municipal Airport
Path: M:\Maps\CompPlan2016\Comp Plan Maps\KCP_Map05_AirportLandUse.mxd
Ü Data Source: 2009 Geoeye,
Wince-Corthell-Bryson
*Boundary depicts historical land acquired by the airport.
Airport Layout Plan identifies lands that have been sold or leased.
Legend
Airport Operations
Aviation Related Activities
Cemetery
Commercial-Light Industrial
Government Facilities, Non-Airport
Institutional
Lowlands
Parks
Residential
Undeveloped
Uplands
Airport Reserve Boundary
Airport Lands Acquisitions Boundary*
0
2,000
4,000
1,000
Feet
Map 5. Kenai Municipal Airport Existing Land Use Map
2016
2016 Cit y Kenai Comprehensive PlanPublic Hearin g Draft 45 July 2016
6
0
6
5
7
57
0
Ü
Map 6. Kenai Municipal Airport 2011 Noise Exposure Map
2016
Legend
Decibels
Sound Level (DNL) Contours
60 - 65
66 - 70
71 - 75
75 +
0
2,000
4,000
1,000
Feet
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A study completed in association with the 2005 Kenai Municipal Airport Supplemental Planning
Assessment found that the airport had a considerable impact on the local economy (City of Kenai
2005b). This study estimated that the airport generated 533 full time jobs in 2004, including 318
direct jobs and 215 indirect and induced jobs.13 Also during 2004, the airport and generated a
payroll of nearly $25 million and $44 million in business revenue (direct, indirect and induced
payroll and revenue).
Kenai Boating Facility: The City has authority to plan for waterfront development; own, lease or
manage waterfront property; raise funds; and exercise financial control over the port. The
Department of Public Works operates the Kenai Boating Facility and coordinates its use by fish
processors/ leaseholders, independent fish processors, public users, and commercial, recreational
and dipnet fishermen. The dock is mainly leased for commercial fishing vessel use, while the boat
launching ramp is one of the area’s most popular launching facilities during the dipnet fishery. In
addition to the boat launch ramps, there are public restrooms and fresh water available. The City
leases a fueling facility and gasoline and diesel are available.
4.5.4 Parks and Recreation
The Parks and Recreation Department manages over 358 acres in its
park and open space system (City of Kenai 2011a). The Department
provides a wide array of services, including seasonal recreation
programs, city parks, beautification of city streets and parks, 3.2 miles
of groomed Nordic ski trails and 2.5 miles of pedestrian trails . The City
leases 120 acres for an 18‐hole golf course that is privately operated.
Through a partnership with the City, the Boys and Girls Club operates a 17,700 square foot
recreation center which provides numerous activities for the citizens of Kenai. In addition, the
Department provides support for the annual personal use fishery, provides an area for community
gardens, and manages volunteer programs, such as the Adopt‐a‐Park program. Other than the
neighborhood parks category, the City far exceeds the National Recreation and Park Association
guidelines for parks and open space acreage.
13 The jobs, payroll and business revenue figures include those generated by the airport as well as by visitors who travel to and
from Kenai by plane. Impacts to aviation‐related businesses result in direct economic impacts, re‐spending in the local economy by
local airport related business results in indirect impacts, and re‐spending of wages from airport‐related income results in induced
economic impacts.
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 48 July 2016
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Gazebo at Leif Hansen Memorial Park
The goal of the Parks and Recreation Department is: To enhance the quality of life for all citizens
through park facilities, programs, and community services. The Department’s goals and objectives are
outlined in its 2010 5‐year plan which was prepared with assistance from the Parks and Recreation
Commission. The plan includes core principles and priorities for maintenance, safety upgrades, park
development, and creation of a tent campground (City of Kenai 2011).
Presently, the City is completing a study and design to expand the Multi‐Purpose Facility to include
the construction of an indoor turf field. A 7‐member Parks and Recreation Commission and a 7‐
member Beautification Committee provides advice to the Department. The Department also
maintains landscaping for street and highway rights‐of‐way.
Erik Hansen Scout Park
Table 14 lists the City of Kenai’s numerous parks and open space, acreage/size, and key features.
The list includes Kenai community and school parks, neighborhood parks, special purpose areas,
and natural open spaces.
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 49 July 2016
Public Hearing Draft
Table 14. City of Kenai Parks and Open Space
Community
Parks & Schools Acres Description
Kenai Municipal
Park
45.7 Picnic tables, 3 shelters, BBQ grills, basketball & volleyball courts, ball fields,
picnic shelter, picnic sites, observation deck, beach access trail, restroom facilities,
and playground
Kenai Park Strip 18.9 4 sports fields with bleachers, dugouts, playground, shelter, picnic tables, BBQ
grills, community garden area, and restroom facilities
Beaver Creek Park 5.2 Shelter, picnic table, BBQ grill, basketball court, playground, turf field, and
restroom facilities
Daubenspeck Family
Park
7.5 Beach/swimming area, 2 shelters, picnic tables, trails, horseshoe pit, winter ice
skating, dog retrieval area, and restroom facilities
Kenai Middle School n/a
Kenai Central High
School
n/a
Subtotal 77.3
Neighborhood
Parks & Schools Acres Description
Elson Rest Stop 0.7 Picnic area and rest stop donated to the City in 2005
Old Town Park 0.4 Playground, shelter, basketball court, turf areas & BBQ grill
Fourth Avenue Park 3.8 Playground, basketball court, shelter, baseball field, & BBQ grill
Aurora Borealis
Charter School
n/a14
Kaleidoscope School n/a
Mt. View Elementary
School
n/a
Subtotal 4.9
Open Space &
Natural Areas Acres Description
Blue Star Memorial
Greenstrip
1.0 Picnic table and memorial
Airport Triangle
Greenstrip
0.8 Vintage Air Force jet and flag poles
Benco Building
Greenstrip
0.3 Open space natural area
Scenic Bluff
Overlook
1.0 Gazebo, picnic tables, and interpretive signs (historic site)
Millennium Square
FAA Fields
6.3 2 soccer fields
Bernie Huss Trail 3.8 Wooded area with 0.4 mile trail, footbridge & 9‐hole disc golf course
Kenai Flats Wildlife
Viewing Area
17.9 Boardwalk, viewing scope and interpretive display adjacent to the Bridge Access
Road
14 Acreage is not provided for school facilities because they are not managed by the Parks and Recreation Department.
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Table 14. City of Kenai Parks and Open Space
Bird Viewing
Platform Area
4.8 Elevated viewing platform with viewing scope off of Boat Launch Road
North Beach Dunes 20.0 2 elevated stairways with post/chain fence to protect dunes and restroom
facilities
South Beach Dunes 20.0 Post‐chain fence to protect dunes on south side of River
Subtotal 75.8
Special Purpose
Areas Acres Description
East Kenai Park
Trails
15.5 18‐hole disc golf course. 0.75 mile trails, bench
Leif Hansen
Memorial Park
3.5 Community memorial park with a gazebo, benches, water fountain, veteran’s and
mariner’s memorial, town clock, gardens, and picnic tables
Erik Hansen Scout
Park
6.4 Benches, viewing scope, memorial & interpretive displays
Kenai Sports
Complex
24.0 Picnic tables, BBQ grills and 4 regulation size soccer fields
Kenai Cemetery 3.5 Gazebo and benches
Multi‐Purpose
Facility
7.3 Bleachers, 5 warming shacks, winter and summer ice, and vendor space (leased)
Kenai Recreation
Center
1.7 Gymnasium, 3 racquetball courts, teen center (operated by the Boys and Girls
Club), weight room, cardio room
Cunningham Park 2.2 Bank fishing, boardwalk, benches, picnic table and restroom facility
Kenai Golf Course 119.7 Full service 18‐hole golf course (privately operated)
Oiler Baseball Field 10.0 Baseball field and complex leased from the City
Public Dock 12.1 170’ dock, gangways, float, 4 launch ramps, cranes, and restroom facilities and
showers
Subtotal 200
Total Acreage 358 Acreage managed by the Parks & Recreation Department
4.5.5 Senior Citizen Facilities and Services
In response to a growing senior population, the City has actively sought to address the needs of its
older residents. The City owns and operates the very successful and popular Kenai Senior Center
and Kenai Senior Congregate Housing complex. Staffing for the facilities is provided by 11
employees. A seven‐member Council on Aging provides advice to the City Council on senior
issues.
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 51 July 2016
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The Senior Center is a community focal point where older adults come together for fellowship and
enjoy activities with their peers. The Senior Citizens Department provides senior services, including
congregate meals, transportation, personal advocacy, activities, and housing assistance. Under the
Title III program, the Center serves the City of Kenai, Salamatof, Kalifornsky Beach, Cohoe, Kasilof,
and Clam Gulch. The programs provided serve seniors aged 60 and
older from all walks of life. The Center’s service area serves 26% of
the total population aged 60 and above in the Kenai Peninsula
Borough.
The Congregate Housing Facility complex comprises the core of an
emergent “area of opportunity” for more senior‐oriented facilities
and services. The 40‐unit 40,450 square foot facility was built in
1992 with additions in 1996. The City established an enterprise
fund to account for the financing of the Congregate Housing Facility.
The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development
(ADOLWD) projects continued increases in the senior population
on the Kenai Peninsula. By 2045, the percentage of people age 65
or older is projected at 21% of the borough’s population. The
number of seniors living in Kenai is likely to increase at the same rate.
The American Association of
Retired Persons (AARP) concludes
that older adults will stay longer in
the workforce, continue to be
consumers, volunteer, are
entrepreneurs in our communities,
homeowners, and investors. This
means that planning for seniors is
critical: housing, transportation,
health, public safety, arts and
education, parks and recreation,
and economic development/fiscal
impacts.
Kenai Congregate Housing
Cache near Senior Center
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 52 July 2016
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Kenai values its seniors – not just as an age cohort on a graph, but as contributing members of the
community – as workers, consumers, volunteers, investors, entrepreneurs, family, and leaders.
Meeting the needs of seniors is a matter of community concern so long‐term residents can continue
to live comfortably in Kenai. Seniors have a broad range of housing and service needs. Some need
ready access to health care and some cope with mobility limitat ions. Of particular interest to Kenai’s
senior population is improved pedestrian circulation (safer walk signals, separated walking paths,
snow‐cleared walkways) in the central area of town. While the City itself has limited resources to
dedicate to programs for seniors, it can, play a decisive role by advocating and facilitating initiatives
by other public and private entities. Funding for the Senior Center is provided through the City of
Kenai, State of Alaska Department of Senior and Disabilities Services, Kenai Peninsula Borough,
United Way, USDA, program income, private donations, center rentals and fundraising.
At the end of 2012, two assisted living housing facilities were being developed in Kenai. One, located
on Forest Drive, was under construction and was expected to open in early 2013. The facility at the
former Anchor Trailer Park was in the early planning stage.
4.5.6 Kenai Community Library
The Kenai Community Library has continually responded to public needs since its humble
beginnings in the halls of the Territorial School Building in 1949. The construction of a new 5,000
square foot facility located on Main Street Loop in 1976 made the library more visible, easier to use
and a more pleasant place to visit. In 1986, an additional, 5,000 square foot addition added four
sound proof rooms, a closed stack area and activity room. The l ibrary catalog and circulation system
were automated in 1987, and in 2000 the library website was created allowing users to access the
library catalog from home (http://www.kenailibrary.org). The June 2011 completion of the library
expansion doubled the size of the building to approximately 20,000 square feet. The new facility
includes more seating for adults, a fireplace, a separate children’s room, study rooms, a conference
room, and two meeting rooms. With two entrances, the library now provides access to more parking
spaces and better access to City Hall.
Library staff and volunteers provide a variety of programs of interest to patrons of all ages. Of
interest to adults with children are the weekly story times, summer reading program, and weekly
Lego Club. The library now has a dedicated area with teen‐oriented activities. Adult programming
includes a Book Club, the Writer’s Group, and the Totem Tracers Genealogical Society group.
Computers in the children’s room access fun learning programs.
The library collection includes approximately 80,000 books, periodicals, videos, audiotapes, music
CDs, DVDs and reference materials. Several special collections include Alaskana, Alaska State
documents, genealogy, core collections of mental health and consumer health information, large
print books, and books on CD. Several Alaska newspapers are received on a daily basis as well as
the Sunday editions of the New York Times and the Seattle Times. The Alaska Digital Pipeline link
provides access to full‐text newspapers, journal articles, TV and radio transcripts and other
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 53 July 2016
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reference materials. The library provides access to the Alaska Digital Library allowing patrons to
download audio books and e‐books as well as access to Mango, an online language learning
program.
The library is open 60 hours per week with 5 full‐time and 6 part‐time employees that assist almost
12,000 registered users. Eight computers are available for patrons to access the internet, electronic
databases, City of Kenai municipal codes and government sites. A grant from the Rasmuson
Foundation enabled the library to offer in‐house lending of laptops to reduce waiting time for
computer use and provide more flexibility. The library has a d edicated Rosetta Stone station for the
study of foreign languages.
4.5.7 Other Services
The City’s Building Department maintains city buildings and performs several administrative
functions, including plan review, inspection, record keeping, and permit issuance.
The City built a visitor and cultural
center in 1992 to encourage tourism
in Kenai. The 10,000 square foot
facility is operated by Kenai Chamber
of Commerce and Visitors Center, Inc.
through a facilities‐management
agreement with the City.15 The Center
houses a permanent collection of
historic artifacts, wildlife exhibits and
a gift shop.
The City leases land for a nominal fee
to support organizations such as the
Kenai Chamber of Commerce and
Visitors Center Inc., the Peninsula Art
Guild, the Kenai Historic Society,
Peninsula Oilers Baseball Club, Inc., Women’s Resource and Crisis Center, and the Alaska Challenger
Center.
The City, along with state and federal agencies and nonprofit organizations, provide many
community services. The City supports multiple agencies and public activities through grants
including: the Kenai Watershed Forum, the Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, Central Area
Rural Transit System (CARTS), Boys & Girls Club; Industry Appreciation Day, the Economic Outlook
Forum, and Oilers Baseball, to name a few.
15 In 2012, the Kenai Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Kenai Chamber of Commerce merged into a single entity called the
Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, Inc.
Fishing Boat Displayed at the Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 54 July 2016
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Coordinating services to ensure cost‐effective and efficient delivery will be important as public
dollars’ decline. Opportunities to combine services or otherwise improve efficiency, cost‐
effectiveness, and quality should be identified, explored, and implemented with the appropriate
providers.
By state law, the Kenai Peninsula Borough is responsible for local education and property tax
assessment and tax collection. The Borough also provides area wide solid waste disposal and
emergency management services.
The State of Alaska operates and maintains a number of facilities in Kenai. State roads within the
City include the Kenai Spur Highway, Beaver Loop Road, Bridge Access Road, Strawberry Road, and
Kalifornsky Beach Road. Other state facilities include the State of Alaska Courthouse, District
Attorneys’ Office, and Public Defender Agency, Army National Guard Armory, the Kenai Health
Center, other social services and employment offices, and, abutting the City, the Wildwood
Correctional Facility. There are numerous public recreational lands and facilities owned and
operated by the borough, state and federal governments in and near Kenai. Non‐city public and
private utilities provide electric power, natural gas, solid waste collection, telecommunications, and
satellite and cable providers.
4.6 City of Kenai Finances
The City of Kenai continues to maintain an excellent financial condition. The current (FY17) budget
projects year‐end balances of $10.0 million (general fund) and $33.4 million (other governmental
funds). Kenai’s per capita bonded debt ($213.40 as of June 30, 2015) is one of the lowest of all
Alaskan cities with debt, and well below the statewide municipal average. Kenai’s low bonded
indebtedness partly reflects a long‐standing reluctance to bond for local capital improvements,
relying instead on local tax revenues and federal and state grants to fund capital projects.
4.6.1 Expenditures
Development, expansion and maintenance of community facilities and services are fundamental to
Kenai’s quality of life and to assure positive future growth and a healthy economy. Logical and cost‐
effective growth requires adequate infrastructure. The budget planning tool for providing facilities
and services, the Capital Improvements Plan (CIP), is one tool to implement the Comprehensive
Plan’s goals, objectives and strategies. Existing and future business and residential development
will be supported and promoted with adequate infrastructure when fiscally responsible. Well‐
planned community facilities and services improve the quality of community life.
For FY 2017, the City’s general fund operating expenditures of $15.4 million were allocated as
follows: Public Safety (47.2%), General Government (18.4%), Public Works (15.5%), Parks,
Recreation and Cultural Services (15.1%), Senior Citizen Programs (1.0%), Debt Service (0.9%), and
Capital Projects (1.9%). Special revenue funds of $8.1million went for the Airport Fund (35.2%),
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Water and Sewer Fund (30.2%), Airport Land Sales Permanent Fund (14.6%), the Senior Citizen
Fund (11.1 %), General Land Sales Permanent Fund (1.8%), and Personal Use Fishery Fund (7.1%).
4.6.2 Revenues
Kenai levies a sales tax (3% in FY 2017) and property tax (4.35 mills in FY 2017). In FY 2015, sales
taxes accounted for 41.6% of city‐levied General Fund revenues, and property taxes for 20.1%.
Several city services (water and sewer, airport) are funded wholly or partly by user revenues.
4.7 Forecast of Economy, Population and Housing Demand
Modest economic growth and population increase is expected for the City of Kenai and the Kenai
Peninsula as a whole for the next 10‐15 years (KPEDD 2016). The City’s population rate has slowed
to a less than one percent yearly increase since 1990. Similarly, the region’s basic economic sectors
– energy industry, fishing/fish processing, and tourism – have experienced moderate growth.
However, as the region grows, Kenai can be expected to continue its role as a trade and services
center for the western Kenai Peninsula. Consistent with these economic assumptions, the modest
population growth that the City of Kenai has seen in recent years will most likely continue for the
foreseeable future.
A significant discovery of oil and gas reserves could
improve the economic outlook of the region. This prospect
is possible considering the increase in estimated oil and gas
reserves in the Cook Inlet Basin and recent gas development
wells within the city boundaries. Increased interest in
mining and exploration could also stimulate the local
economy. Increased industrial activities to support an
Alaska LNG project must also be considered in evaluating
the rate used to forecast growth.
Assuming the City of Kenai population will increase at an
annual average rate of 0.8%, the population could increase
from 7,229 in 2015 to 8,385 in 2035. This increase in
population is significantly less than what was forecast in the
2003 comprehensive plan.16
The addition of potentially 1,156 new residents by the year
2035 may result in the demand for as many as 900‐1,000
additional dwelling units. If actual growth substantially
exceeds or lags estimated growth, then population‐based
decisions about city development priorities can be adjusted accordingly.
16 In the 2003 Comprehensive Plan, the population of the City of Kenai was estimated to grow by about 35% between 2000 and
2020.
Leif Hansen Memorial Park Clock Tower
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Of particular interest to planning for housing needs will be the forecasted increase in senior
population (age groups 65 and older). According to KPEDD, by 2027 it is projected that 14,800
people (23%) will be over 65. This shift in population age affects housing demand, private and
public services, health care needs, education needs, transporta tion modes, and commercial services.
Table 15 describes a comparison of estimated demand for residential, commercial, and industrial
land uses with the acreage of vacant land zoned for each of these uses. Future demand was based
on Kenai’s current population and current land use patterns. A future study could be considered to
conduct a market analysis of land demand working with the City, Kenai Peninsula Borough and
private land owners to further evaluate land use demand. This estimate does not include other
private uses or public uses.
Table 15: Current & Future Land Use Demand
Type of Use 2016
Acreage
2030
Estimated
Acreage
Developed Vacant Developed Vacant
Commercial 522 508 564 914
Industrial 849 370 1,328 666
Residential 1,642 3,270 2956 3532
Note: The estimated future demand was calculated assuming an annual growth rate of 0.8%. The Commercial category
includes: Central Commercial, General Commercial, Limited Commercial and Central Mixed Use Zones. The industrial
category includes: Light Industrial, Heavy Industrial and Airport Industrial zones. Residential includes all residential
zones and Townsite Historic zones. These figures represent developable land and exclude acreage that cannot be
developed, such as wetlands. The projected demands in the table are based on existing zoning.
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Chapter 5: Land Use Plan
The Comprehensive Plan and its subset, the Land Use Plan, provide the City of Kenai with the ability
to frame future planning choices that support the community’s vision. The broad purpose of the
Land Use Plan is to ensure an adequate supply of land that:
Offers a reasonable choice of suitable locations for all essential uses,
Separates incompatible uses,
Can be efficiently served with public roads, utilities and services,
Maintains the quality of existing development, and
Creates a stable, predictable setting for future investment.
With sound land use planning, Kenai can meet the needs of settlement, accommodate new growth,
and improve the quality of the already‐built community without compromising its natural setting.
The Land Use Plan classifications, the Land Use Map, land use patterns and ownership and how this
information is used in planning decisions are described in the following sections.
5.1 Land Use Classifications and Land Use Maps
The Land Use Plan describes the City’s vision of a generalized desirable pattern of land uses. The
Land Use Plan defines the variety of land use types and maps th e pattern or distribution of the types.
The Land Use Plan does not regulate land use; it is not a zoning ordinance.
The Land Use Plan Map (Map 7) is a generalized description of the spatial distribution of land uses
inside the City of Kenai. The Land Use Map is not the Official Zoning Map. Any changes to the Official
Zoning Ordinance or Official Map, future comprehensive plan amendments, and subdivision
approvals are to be consistent with the Land Use Plan and Land Use Map pursuant to Alaska State
Law.
In 2011, the Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the land use classifications for all areas in
the City of Kenai and a revised land use map was approved as an update to the Comprehensive Plan.
This 2011 map forms the basis for the 2016 Land Use Map.
Table 16 defines the intent for each of the land use classifications. Each classification describes the
types of land use considered generally appropriate or compatible. The land use classifications are
not zoning designations.
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Table 16. Land Use Plan Classifications
Suburban Residential (SR) Land Use Classification
Suburban Residential is intended for single‐family and multi‐family residential uses that are urban or suburban in character.
The area will typically be developed at a higher density; lots are typically smaller; and, public water and sewer services are
required or planned. Some developments may be required to construct streets to a paved standard and larger subdivisions may
be required to provide sidewalks and public areas. Parks and open space land uses may be considered appropriate.
Low Density Residential (LDR) Land Use Classification
Low Density Residential because of location or poor site conditions is intended for large‐lot single‐family low‐density residential
development. The area will typically be developed with individual on‐site water supply and wastewater disposal systems. Streets
will typically be constructed to rural street standards (i.e., gravel) and sidewalks will not be typically included in the subdivision
design. Rural Residential becomes Low Density Residential to avoid confusion with zoning category.
Commercial Land Use Classifications – General Commercial (GC) and Central Commercial (CC)
General Commercial is intended for retail, service, and office businesses that serve Kenai and the larger region. General
Commercial is appropriate for locations along the arterial road system. General Commercial‐type development requires larger
parcels of land and access to a major road system. It is also intended to support smaller‐scale businesses.
Central Commercial is intended for retail, service, and office businesses at a more compact and denser scale; locations are
accessible and convenient to both motorists and pedestrians. Central Commercial‐type development is particularly desirable in
the Townsite Historic District and adjacent core area. Residences may be appropriate among commercial uses in these central
areas. Non‐commercial uses such as public offices, institutional uses and residences may be appropriate among commercial uses.
Central Commercial may also apply at locations that have evolved into new Kenai commercial “centers” that are developed at a
small to medium scale.
Mixed Use (MU) Land Use Classification
Mixed use is intended for a compatible mix of residential, retail, service, office, public, institutional and recreational uses. Uses
are co‐located in an integrated way that supports sustainable forms of transport such as public transport, walking and biking, and
increases neighborhood amenities. Compatibility issues are addressed through careful site layout and building design.
Industrial Land Use Classifications – Industrial (IN) and Airport Industrial (AI)
Industrial is intended for a variety of light and heavy industrial uses such as: warehousing, trucking, packaging, distribution,
production, manufacturing, processing, marine‐related industry and storage, and similar industrial activities. Public water and
sewer; utilities; and safe, convenient vehicular access are required or planned. Because uses generate noise, odors and emissions
typically at a higher level than other land uses, measures should be taken to minimize conflicts with adjacent non‐industrial
uses. Buffers between industrial uses and adjacent non‐industrial uses are desirable.
Airport Industrial is intended to support continued development at the Kenai Municipal Airport. It is intended for those lands
reserved for the airport and its future expansion are included in this classification. Residential uses may be considered
appropriate provided the residential use is associated with and secondary to the primary industrial use.
Institutional (ITL) Land Use Classification
Institutional is intended to provide an area in which government and tax exempt institutions can offer social and cultural
amenities to the citizens of the community. The primary use is public, non‐profit, and quasi‐public uses including government
offices and facilities, schools, churches, and other community‐service oriented facilities
Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Land Use Classification
Parks, Recreation and Open Space is intended for those public recreation facilities, as well as undeveloped lands that provide
for the conservation of natural or scenic resources. These areas can be used for a variety of passive and active outdoor and indoor
sports and recreational activities. Areas that may be suitable for future natural resource development may be included in this
category.
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Legend
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General Commercial
Central Commercial
Low Density Residential
Airport Industrial
Mixed Use
Industrial
Institutional
Parks, Recreation & Open Space
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5.2 Existing Land Use and Ownership Patterns
This section describes the major land uses and ownership patterns in the City and some of the
opportunities and challenges for these areas. This discussion provides background for the issues,
goals and objectives in Chapter 6.
Kenai’s land use pattern has been shaped by a combination of local natural features (Kenai River,
wetlands, and floodplains), history, transportation improvements, and an ample supply of
privately‐owned vacant land that is suitable for development.
The historic townsite was constructed in a strategic area overlooking the mouth of the Kenai River.
As the town developed, wetland and floodplain conditions strongly influenced the location of road
corridors and settlement areas. War‐time construction of the airport just north of the original
townsite limited opportunities to expand what would be a logical expansion of the city center.
In response to physical constraints in the townsite, Kenai’s core business area developed east and
west along the Kenai Spur Highway. Transportation improvements such as the construction of the
Warren Ames Memorial Bridge/Bridge Access Road gave the Kalifornsky Beach area south of the
Kenai River a road connection to the rest of the City and spurred development. Maps 8 and 9
(Wetlands/Floodplains and Land Ownership) illustrate the land use patterns that have resulted
from the interplay of Kenai’s site characteristics and development history.
Kenai is fortunate to have an ample inventory of privately owned, vacant land suited for future
demands. Kenai encompasses approximately 28.5 square miles and includes 18,207 acres of land
and water. As of 2016, approximately 20% (3,719 acres) of land inside the city was either privately
or publicly developed. Approximately 14,607 acres lie undeveloped, or in some cases, vacant.17
Much of the vacant land is either unsuitable for development (soils, slope, drainage, wetlands or
floodplains) or is publicly owned (city, borough, state or federal) and not available for private
development. The publicly‐owned lands have significant habitat, scenic, recreational and natural
open space values.
Today, emerging land use patterns include the following key features:
Physical development has been in response to local physical constraints.
The location of developable land combined with road corridors has produced a linear city form
in Kenai with a very high ratio of highway road frontage to settled area.
17 For purposes of determining development, parcels with improvements valued at $10,000 or more were considered
developed parcels.
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The main road corridors in the community, such as the Kenai Spur Highway, Beaver Loop
Road, and Kalifornsky Beach Road, follow well‐drained developable uplands.
Residential development is dispersed along the main road routes in several urban and semi‐
suburban neighborhoods defined by natural features and transportation access.
Commercial growth has occurred primarily in a linear pattern along the Kenai Spur Highway
and the Bridge Access Road.
There are multiple commercial centers emerging in Kenai: downtown core area and several
spots along the state highway.
Small‐scale commercial development has emerged at several spots along the highway and
along secondary state roads.
For the most part, developing areas have made use of underused, already‐in‐place (or nearby)
facilities such as roads, water and sewer, fire/EMS. Basic public facilities and services are
required for residential, commercial, and industrial uses and currently are provided at levels
acceptable to most residents.
Most undeveloped land in the City is wetlands or floodplains, with low development potential
but high value as habitat, natural areas, or open space. Most of these lands are also publicly
owned.
5.2.1 Challenges and Opportunities
Highway‐oriented, auto‐dependent commercial development along the highway continues to
stimulate discussion by city leaders, businesses, and residents. As Kenai has grown in response to
physical conditions and transportation improvements, development has spread out.
Commercial/retail developments with large parking lots result. This linear pattern makes it unsafe
and inconvenient to move among businesses without driving from one business to another. Local
traffic is forced to use the major roads/highway to move betwee n parts of the city. The highway was
built primarily to carry traffic at moderate to high speeds between Kenai and other cities and areas
of the borough. Increase in traffic congestion along the major roads conflicts with this intended
highway function.
Commercial services, organized in this fashion, are also very difficult, if not impossible, to access by
foot. As Kenai plans for the future, the transportation system will need to account for a variety of
city residents such as people that do not drive, including younger and older populations and lower‐
income residents, who have very limited means to get to around Kenai for goods and services.
Contiguous development near existing services makes the best use of public development
expenditures. Contiguous development patterns end up costing the city less to serve than dispersed
development. For example, utility costs increase as the separation between developments
increases. Costs likewise increase as the distance from the existing service hook‐ups increases.
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There are opportunities to promote, where feasible, infill and the reuse of vacant or underused
commercial and industrial properties with existing infrastructure. Infill and reuse is generally more
economical than development that requires new infrastructure. There may be a variety of financing
arrangement, such as a Local Improvement District, that can be used to encourage more compact
development at the multiple city “centers” currently emerging in Kenai.
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2016
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5.3 Land Ownership
About 64% of the land in the City of Kenai is government owned (city, borough, state, and federal),
about 32% is in private ownership, and 3.1% is in Native ownership. Table 17 and Map 8 illustrate
land ownership patterns in the City.
Table 17. City of Kenai Land Ownership, 2016
Owner # Acres Percent
State 5,830 32.02
Private 5,343 29.34
Municipal 5,055 27.76
Borough 794 4.36
Native 563 3.09
Federal 483 2.65
Native Allotment 140 0.77
18,207
Source: City of Kenai, 2016
5.3.1 Suitability for Development
Local natural features have greatly influenced the settlement patterns in the community with most
development occurring on well‐drained sites along highway corridors. Kenai has a variety of lands
that are appropriate for development. There are approximately 18,207 acres of land in Kenai and
about 3,719 acres are already developed.18 Another approximately 4,215 acres are vacant.
Approximately 50% of vacant land is in private ownership, outside of wetlands and floodplains,
and may be suitable for development (Map 9). Physical conditions (slope, soils, drainage, etc.) and
access may limit development in some areas.
Of the approximate 12,000 acres of publicly owned land forming Kenai’s land base, about 11,123
acres, is classified as wetlands or floodplains. The wetlands are concentrated north of the
developed Kenai Spur Highway corridor, north and south of Beaver Loop Road and along the
Kenai River. The floodplains are situated along the Kenai River and minimal development has
occurred in these areas. While floodplains have limited potential for future development, they
have a high value as natural areas and may support some low‐impact, low density uses.
Kenai is fortunate to have an ample inventory of privately owned, vacant land suitable for
development. Based on existing development (residential, commercial, and industrial), and the
gross supply of undeveloped, privately‐owned land, there appears to more than adequate land
available for development through 2030.
18 Developed acreage was calculated for entire parcels with development valued at $10,000 or more.
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Map 9. Wetlands and Floodplains
2016
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5.4 Land Use Classifications
5.4.1 Commercial Land Uses
Kenai’s role as a major trade and services center for the Kenai Peninsula generates local investment,
employment, and sales tax revenue. Local residents are provided a varied mix of shopping
opportunities, however, much of the market base lives outside Kenai city limits.
Commercial land uses dominate the corridor along the Kenai Spur Highway, Bridge Access Road,
and in the downtown business district or central commercial area (Map 10). As the City of Kenai
commercial areas have shifted east and along the major road corridors, some of Kenai’s older
business areas are presented with economic challenges. Retail marketing trends, particularly the
trend towards big‐box retail stores, can displace the sales at existing businesses, which must then
downsize/adapt or close.
Residents have also expressed a strong
desire for increased occupancy and
improvements to the appearance of older
commercial buildings.
The Land Use Plan identifies two types of
commercial land uses: (1) General
Commercial (GC) and (2) Central
Commercial (CC). The General Commercial
land uses are typically retail, service, and
office businesses that serve Kenai and the
larger region. This type of development
typically requires larger parcels of land and
access to major arterial road systems.
Central Commercial land uses are typically
retail, service, and office businesses developed at a more compact and denser scale; locations are
accessible and convenient to both motorists and pedestrians; and, residences may be appropriate.
These uses can be found in the downtown core area, Townsite Historic District, and specific areas
of along the Kenai Spur Highway and the mostly undeveloped area adjacent to the Bridge Access
Road and the Spur Highway known as Millennium Square (Map 14).
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Central commercial replaces the former “mixed use” classification where it was applied to the
downtown core area. It includes other “centers” with existing commercial uses or the sites are
zoned commercial.
5.4.1.1 Millennium Square
Millennium Square (Map 11), formerly known as the Daubenspeck Tract, encompasses several
irregularly shaped parcels totaling over 21 acres. Millennium Square is the last large city‐owned
parcel of undeveloped land in the city’s downtown core overlooking the Kenai River. The site
provides multiple opportunities for development. Refer to the 2006 KEDS vision and conceptual
drawings for detail.
5.4.1.2 Kenai Townsite Historic District
The City of Kenai created the Kenai Townsite
Historic District in 1993 (Map 15), comprised of
34 properties in the traditional townsite
located on the bluff above the Kenai River.
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While locally significant, the townsite does not meet the standards for a National Register Historic
District (Elliott 1996). The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, however, is listed on the
National Register of Historic Places, and other properties in the Historic District may qualify for
listing.
The district’s buildings span Kenai’s evolution from its origin as a Dena’ina village through the
Russian settlement period to today’s mix of old and new buildings. Unfortunately, many of the
district’s oldest, most of the historical structures have been lost to fire, demolition, or neglect before
the City created a special zoning district and ordinance to conserve the old townsite. The purpose
of the historic district is to manage new development and building alterations to protect and
enhance the district’s historic character. All construction in the district is reviewed for compliance
with development criteria established by the 1993 ordinance. Residential and business uses are
regarded as desirable and compatible mixed uses in this district.
The City of Kenai continues to collaborate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to identify
solutions for addressing ongoing bluff erosion.
During development of the Draft 2013 Plan, the Kenaitze Indian Tribe expressed an interest in
developing a program to document the Dena’ina place names in th e Historic District and other areas
of the community. Such an initiative would provide a valuable addition to the Historic District. In
2013, the Kenaitze Indian Tribe completed construction of a 52,000 square foot Dena’ina Health
and Wellness Center located on approximately four acres of land owned by the Tribe.
As the uses in the Townsite Historic District evolve, a review of the zoning requirements may be
useful. New guidelines may be needed to encourage development while protecting the historic
St. Nikolai Memorial Chapel in the Historic District
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qualities of the district. It may be also desirable to revisit the standards to determine if the district
now meets the guidelines for the National Register of Historic District.
5.4.2 Mixed Use
Mixed use enables a range of land uses that include a compatible mix of residential, retail, service, office,
public, institutional and recreational uses. Uses are to be co‐located in an integrated way with careful site
layout, building design, and landscaping so that the integrity of adjacent land uses is maintained and
neighborhood amenities are increased. Compatibility issues are addressed through careful site layout and
building design.
5.4.3 Residential Land Uses
Residence in Old Town
The natural terrain, early settlement, and a single highway route shaped the pattern of early
residential development in Kenai. Today residential development, both suburban and rural, has
expanded beyond the main road.
Kenai has a large inventory of vacant residential‐zoned tracts that provides an opportunity to plan
for subdivision and development. Many of these tracts are already served with improved roads,
water and sewer, and other utilities. Some of the residential lots have gone undeveloped because
they are smaller than preferred. It may be possible to consolidate and replat some of the smaller
lots to make them more marketable. As noted earlier, promoting infill development on vacant
improved lots is a desirable goal to achieve efficient land use and optimal use of city infrastructure.
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Some of Kenai’s residential subdivisions lack desired amenities such as neighborhood parks, better
neighborhood access by foot to local schools and play areas, paved streets, city water and sewer,
street lighting and landscaped buffers from incompatible uses and traffic.
Beaver Loop Road is a rural area with scenic vistas, natural open space, and a low‐density
residential lifestyle with a short drive to city services. The State of Alaska Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities is currently planning the development of improvements to the
widen the roadway and shoulders and develop a pedestrian pathway. Upon completion, the City
will take ownership of Beaver Loop Road for maintenance and upk eep. This proposed development
and the phased expansion of the water and sewer infrastructure, including expansion of the water
treatment facility, may encourage growth in this area. Much of the vacant property in the Beaver
Loop area is affected by wetland or floodplain conditions, and may not be suitable for uses more
intense than Low Density Residential development.
In the late 1970’s, construction of Bridge Access Road and Warren Ames Memorial Bridge opened
the Kalifornsky Beach Road area for semi‐urban settlement. Better access has fostered development
of attractive, low‐density housing with onsite water and sewer facilities.
Kenai residents place a high value on residential neighborhoods that are safe for all ages and located
near important community facilities such as schools, recreational facilities, the library, parks,
government services, and commercial areas.
The Land Use Plan identifies two types of residential land uses: (1) Suburban residential (SR) and
(2) Low‐Density Residential (LDR). Suburban residential land uses are typically single‐family and
multi‐family residential uses that are urban or suburban in character. Typically, suburban
residential neighborhoods are developed at a higher density; lots are typically smaller; and, public
water and sewer systems are required or planned. Sidewalks, public areas, and paved streets may
be required for some projects.
Low‐density residential land uses typically include single‐family low‐density, large lots with
individual on‐site water supply and wastewater disposal systems. Streets will typically be
constructed to rural street standards (gravel) and sidewalks will not be included in the design.
5.4.4 Industrial Land Use
The Land Use Plan creates two types of industrial land uses: (1) Industrial Land Use (IN), and (2)
Airport Industrial (AI). Industrial lands are those suitable for both light and heavy. Uses may
include warehousing, trucking, packaging, distribution, production, manufacturing, processing,
marine‐related industry and storage, and similar industrial activities. The Airport Industrial lands
are those lands reserved for the Kenai Municipal Airport and it s future expansion, and tracts needed
for present and future aviation‐related uses and activities.
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Existing industrial land uses in Kenai total about 850 acres, and another 320 acres are vacant and
zoned for industrial uses. While the current economic outlook does not indicate a demand for large
industrial sites in the near future, maintaining the viability of existing industry is a land use and
economic priority.
Marine‐oriented (e.g., fish processing, upland storage, fuel storage, marine repair, and recreational
fishing), aviation‐related (e.g., aviation support services and cargo storage and transfer), oil field
support services (e.g., welding, training, and fabrication), and gravel extraction are the primary
industrial land uses in Kenai. The decline of the commercial fishing industry has affected operations
of some fish processing plants. Some processors have adapted by producing fresh fish products
(Alaska Wild) rather than canned fish.
According to a KPEDD 2015 report on Industry Highlights, the Alaska LNG project, which could start
production at its proposed Nikiski liquefaction plant and export terminal by 2025, would be a
significant investment in the Kenai Peninsula, operating for decades. Though the project is still in
its early stages of design and permitting, and a final investment decision is about four years away,
there is significant activity in the region as part of the environmental review and design work.
Secondary impacts, both positive and negative, can be expected for the city.
In 2011, the City of Kenai received a legislative appropriation of $761,650 to pursue development
of an industrial park adjacent to Marathon Road. An engineering firm developed a conceptual layout
for the 42‐acre industrial park which will encompass 20‐25 lots. In April 2012, the preliminary plat
was approved. Road access, power, water and sewer have been extended to the site. The majority
of companies expressing interest in the facility represent the oil and gas industry which
demonstrates a revitalization of this industry on the Kenai Peninsula.
Industrial land use is part of the city’s basic economy. While commercial land uses are primarily
consumptive and rely on the flow of money into the city, industrial uses generate revenue. Kenai
has built a healthy industrial economy, based on its energy and fisheries resources. Kenai should
reserve its best‐located industrial‐zoned tracts for future industrial uses that would not be suitable
for residential or commercial zones. Such a strategic outlook to the future will allow Kenai to take
advantage of opportunities for future development.
The availability of local gravel sources plays an important role in the encouragement of
development. Historically, gravel extraction has been allowed as a conditional use in rural areas,
particularly off Beaver Loop Road. Local sources of gravel and fill materials are economically
advantageous, but there is potential for conflicts between gravel extraction and transport and other
nearby uses, particularly in residential areas. The City’s conditional use and subdivision review
processes can be effective tools to require site reclamation and minimize negative impacts from
gravel operations. Mitigation plans that accompany permits address impacts such as dust, noise,
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road safety hazards, drainage, groundwater degradation, and other impacts related to the
surrounding environment.
5.4.5 Institutional Land Uses
The Land Use Plan identifies Institutional Land Uses (ITL) as those uses that are primarily government and
tax‐exempt institutions that offer social and cultural amenities to the residents of Kenai and the region.
Uses typically include government offices and facilities, schools, churches, and other community service‐
oriented facilities.
5.4.6 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Land Uses
The Land Use Plan identifies approximately 358 acres designated by the City as parks, recreation
and open space (PRO), which far exceeds the National Recreation and Park Association guidelines
for parks and open space acreage (see Section 4.5.4 for a description of areas managed by the Kenai
Parks and Recreation Department). In addition, state and federal lands in and near the City have
also been designated for these purposes, including areas adjacent to the Kenai River.
An Example of Open Space in Kenai
The Land Use Plan identifies Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Land Uses as public
recreation facilities, as well as undeveloped lands intended to provide for conservation of natural or
scenic resources. Passive and active outdoor and indoor sports and recreational activities are
appropriate. Some improvements are compatible with appropriate site design and layout.
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The term “open space” includes those areas managed for parks and recreation, areas zoned for
conservation, and undevelopable areas. These areas provide outdoor recreation opportunities,
visual and sound buffers and habitats for fish and wildlife. For example, in addition to its habitat
functions, wetlands provide flood control and they act as a natural water purification system.
Establishing corridors between designated open space areas is important for wildlife migration and
to retain options for future trail expansion. In addition to t he aforementioned values, open space can
enhance nearby property values.
Some areas designated for parks and recreation also provide de facto open space because of
incompatibility with other uses. For example, wetlands, stream corridors, and utility corridors are
not suitable for development and can provide a form of “buffering”.
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 74 July 2016
Public Hearing Draft
Chapter 6: Goals, Objectives, and Implementation
6.1 Introduction and Framework for the Future
The vision statements, issues, goals and objectives from the draft Imagine Kenai 2030
comprehensive plan (Draft 2013 Plan) are included in the draft 2016 Kenai Comprehensive Plan.
The strategies, priority ranking, and responsible department information from the 2013 plan, has
instead been written into the 2016 plan objectives and implementation sections, were appropriate.
The planning terms used in this chapter – goals, objectives and action items – are defined in the
inset box.
The goals and objectives provide the rationale for the implementation measures. The goals and
objectives, in combination with the Land Use Plan and Land Use Map, guide the pattern, location,
scale, and character of future growth. The goals and objectives provide the frame of reference for
reviewing land development proposals such as comprehensive plan amendments, rezoning,
conditional use permits, and subdivision plats.
Goals are broad statements of the City’s long‐term
desired outcomes.
Objectives are “operational” guidelines used to
determine whether a proposed project or program
advances community values expressed in the goals.
Action Items list specific steps the City will take to
implement the Objectives. Action items may be a
one‐time work effort (such as amending the City’s
Municipal Codes, or adopting a new plan or
regulation) or may be ongoing efforts that are part
of the City’s day‐to‐day functions.
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 75 July 2016
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6.2 Goal 1 – Quality of Life: Promote and encourage quality of life in Kenai.
Vision: Kenai is a healthy community that provides
for the emotional, physical, economic and spiritual
wellbeing of all of its citizens; promotes the health
and wellbeing for all age groups; provides
opportunities for lifelong learning; and,
encourages arts and cultural activities.
Goal 1 Objectives Action Items
Q‐1 Ensure that Kenai is a
community where people and
property are safe.
Q‐2 Protect and rejuvenate the
livability of existing
neighborhoods
Q‐3 Promote beautification
programs in Kenai.
Q‐4 Promote the siting and design
of land uses that are in harmony
and scale with surrounding uses.
Q‐5 Update existing site design
guidelines for commercial
development – landscaping,
setbacks, parking.
Q‐6 Update the subdivision code
to include site design standards.
Q‐7 Provide a variety of formal
and informal educational
programs.
Q‐8 Collaborate with local Alaska
Native organizations to identify
culturally sensitive issues and
areas of importance in Kenai.
Q‐9 Encourage healthy lifestyles
by providing opportunities
and/or facilities for outdoor
activities.
Q‐10 Continue to support
existing senior services and the
development of additional
services and housing.
Q‐11 Identify requirements for
nominating the Townsite
Historic District (TSH) to the
National Register Historic
District.
Q‐12 Update Historic District
design standards in the city’s
land use regulations.
Q‐13 Develop strategies in
cooperation with state and
federal agencies to ensure there
is adequate affordable housing in
Kenai.
Q‐14 Continue to foster a
compact, intensive mix of private
and public uses in the downtown
core area.
Q‐15 Acknowledge the
emergence of other commercial
centers.
Q‐16 Provide a wide variety of
opportunities for the public to
participate in public policy
decision‐making.
Update site design
standards.
Conduct a housing inventory.
Research process and
information needed for
creating a TSH District.
Evaluate the opportunity for
multiple city centers –
definitions, criteria,
standards for development
Update/revise subdivision
code.
Prepare an urban trail and
greenbelt system plan that
connects with other trail
systems.
Moose with Twin Calves 2011
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 76 July 2016
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6.3 Goal 2 – Economic Development: Provide economic development to
support the fiscal health of Kenai
Vision: Kenai has a secure economic vitality
by being a community that has a wide variety
of job opportunities and workforce support
and development; by providing a quality of life
and financial climate that encourages
businesses to start up, expand or relocate to
Kenai; and, by providing a built environment
based on standards that sustain long‐term
economic viability and growth and that
promotes affordable residential and
commercial development.
Goal 2 Objectives Action Items
ED‐1 Promote projects that
create workforce
development opportunities.
ED‐2 Implement business‐
friendly regulations,
taxation and incentives to
create a stable, positive
climate for private
investment.
ED‐3 Use regional economic
and workforce statistics to
match the most suitable
type of industry for
particular areas and then
market these areas.
ED‐5 Promote adaptive
reuse of vacant commercial
buildings in the city center
and along the Kenai Spur
Highway.
ED‐6 Prior to zoning property to
commercial, consider if use has access to
collector or arterial road, access to city
services, and that potential conflicts with
adjacent non‐commercial uses have been
minimized through site design,
landscaping, or other appropriate
measures.
ED‐7 Prior to zoning to industrial,
consider if use has access to collector or
arterial road, access to city services, that
potential conflicts with adjacent non‐
industrial uses have been minimized
through site design, and that potential
hazards from the proposed industrial use
have been minimized.
ED‐8 Reserve areas zoned for industry for
industrial uses.
Develop a recruitment
strategy to attract and
compete for specific
businesses and industries
that are necessary to
maintain the local
economy.
Conduct inventory of
industrial lands.
Conduct a cost‐benefit
analysis of development
incentive programs such
as reverse taxation, tax
relief, and tax deferral.
Update existing guidelines
for commercial
development – utilities,
landscaping, setbacks,
parking.
Kenai Fine Arts Center
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 77 July 2016
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6.4 Goal 3 – Land Use: Develop land use strategies to implement a forward‐looking
approach to community growth and
development.
Vision: Kenai implements a forward‐
looking approach to community growth
and development by establishment of
several different zoning districts that
reflect the needs of each district; and, by
providing commercial, industrial, and
residential areas suited to current and
probable future growth.
Goal 3 Objectives Action Items
LU‐1 Establish siting and
design standards so that
development is in harmony
and scale with surrounding
uses.
LU‐2 Promote the infill of
existing, improved
subdivision lots.
LU‐3 Review existing zoning
and subdivision codes to
determine if they address
current and future land uses
adequately.
LU‐4 Review revitalization
strategies for the area
adjacent to the Bridge Access
Road beginning at Millennium
Square to the boat landing.
LU‐5 Support development at
emerging community
“centers” that lie outside the
major employment centers
but provide a mix of retail,
service, and residential uses.
LU‐6 Review landscaping
ordinance to ensure buffers
LU‐11 Where feasible, consolidate access
to and between land uses via frontage
roads or by shared driveways onto main
streets/highways.
LU‐12 Ensure that the installation of basic
public infrastructure (roads, sewer,
water, and drainage) is coordinated with
the timing of development and that
improvements are in place at the time
impacts occur.
LU‐13 Coordinate transportation
improvements with the city’s land use
plan, capital improvements program,
Alaska Department of Transportation &
Public Facilities transportation plans, the
Kenaitze Indian Tribe, and Salamatof
Tribal Council.
LU‐14 Ensure a pattern of connecting
streets and blocks that allows people to
get around easily by foot, bicycle or car
when approving new developments, both
commercial and multifamily.
LU‐15 Review the siting of oil and gas
development.
LU‐16 Support implementation of the
City’s Kenai Airport Master Plan Capital
Improvements Program.
Determine if current
zoning and subdivision
codes are consistent
with the goals and
objectives of the
comprehensive plan.
Update the subdivision
code to include site
design standards,
requirements for the
retention of reservation
of open space and parks
in new subdivisions.
Review landscaping
design requirements to
require retention of
natural vegetation; to
define and provide
buffers between
incompatible land uses.
Evaluate the creation of
two conservation zones –
one for natural areas and
one appropriate for some
improvements.
Prepare an urban trail
and greenbelt system
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 78 July 2016
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Goal 3 Objectives Action Items
are required to protect
neighborhoods.
LU‐7 Identify city‐owned and
public‐owned lands
appropriate for rezoning to
protect natural areas and
open space.
LU‐8 Prohibit development in
natural hazard areas.
LU‐9 Locate parks near
schools, residential areas not
served now.
LU‐10 Encourage creative
subdivision design for
residential areas.
LU‐17 Coordinate senior services and
facilities with improvements to the city
center or downtown core.
LU‐18Provide a wide variety of
opportunities for the public to participate
in local land use decisions.
plan that connects with
other trail systems.
Develop revitalization
strategies to support the
marketing of waterfront
area (Bridge Access
Millennium Square to
Boat Harbor).
Develop standards or
guidelines for the siting
of oil and gas
development.
Annually review land use
map to monitor changes
in land use.
Explore various media to
expand public
involvement in planning
activities and decisions.
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 79 July 2016
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6.5 Goal 4 ‐ Public Improvements and Services: Provide adequate public improvements and
services in Kenai.
Vision: Kenai encourages public
involvement in decision making; has well‐
planned public and institutional facilities
that meet the health, education,
governmental and social service needs of
all citizens; has an integrated efficient and
cost‐effective network of utilities and public
improvements and is a community where
the public feels safe.
Goal 4 Objectives Action Items
PF‐1 Ensure that the installation of
basic public infrastructure (roads,
sewer, water, and drainage) is
coordinated with development and
that improvements needed to serve
the development are in place at the
time impacts occur.
PF‐2 When siting and designing a
new public facility the city shall
determine if the facility is
necessary, if the demand for
services can be met, and if there
funding sources in place to pay for
it.
PF‐3 Maintain existing water and
sewer utilities.
PF‐4 Consider additional city
activities and services.
PF‐5 Continue mutual
cooperation activities with the
Kenai Peninsula Borough
Division of Emergency
Management for efficient
delivery of public safety services
(police, fire, EMS) to residents of
the City of Kenai.
Continue to collaborate with
the USACE on the Kenai
River bluff erosion project.
Continue to secure
necessary funding for the
Kenai River bluff erosion
project.
Participate in the
development of the City’s
Capital Improvement
Program (CIP) process to
evaluate the feasibility/need
for public improvements.
Update city’s sewer and
water master plan.
Evaluate the need for
additional city services.
Work with the Kenai
Peninsula Borough School
District to develop standards
for locating new schools
during the design of new
neighborhoods.
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 80 July 2016
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6.6 Goal 5 ‐ Transportation: Pro vide transportation systems that are efficient and adequate
to serve the regional needs of the community.
Vision: Kenai Municipal Airport is a gateway to the Kenai
Peninsula and West Cook Inlet; the roads are designed,
constructed, and maintained for year‐round use; and the
harbor functions as a vital facility for water connection
to other areas in the State.
Goal 5 Objectives Action Items
T‐1 Support future development
near or adjacent to the airport
when such development is in
alignment with the Kenai Municipal
Airport’s primary mission, “To be
the commercial air transportation
gateway to the Kenai Peninsula
Borough and Cook Inlet.”
T‐2 Inventory existing roads, trails,
and utilities and identify and
prioritize upgrades.
T‐3 Establish a maintenance and
upgrade program for the City’s
transportation system.
T‐4 Pursue local road projects
through annual budget requests
from the STIP.
T‐5 Transportation improvements
needed to serve new developments
shall be in place at the time new
development impacts occur.
T‐6 Ensure a pattern of
connecting streets and blocks
that allows people to get
around easily by foot, bicycle
or car when approving new
developments, both
commercial and multifamily.
T‐7 Actively pursue design
and construction of a Kenai
River Bridge Access Road and
coastal and bluff trail system
T‐8 Coordinate
transportation
improvements with the city’s
land use plan, capital
improvements program,
ADOT&PF transportation
plans, the Kenaitze Indian
Tribe, and Salamatof Tribal
Council.
Support the Airport’s marketing
strategy to actively recruit
development on Airport
Industrial Park leases.
Fund and schedule the develop a
city long‐range transportation
plan.
Monitor progress of Statewide
Transportation Improvement
Plan (STIP).
Prioritize
maintenance/upgrades for
streets, sidewalks, and trails
based on criteria established in
city’s maintenance program.
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 81 July 2016
Public Hearing Draft
Vision: Kenai enhances the quality of life for
all citizens through parks and recreational
facilities, programs, and community services.
Goal 6 Objectives Action Items
PR‐1 Pursue long‐term
development of a trail and
greenbelt system that
connects the proposed
coastal trail and upland bluff
trail with links to and
through the urban area.
PR‐2 Maintain existing
recreational opportunities
and plan for new parks and
recreation improvements.
PR‐3 Promote the
public/private collaboration
for acquisition, development
and maintenance of
neighborhood parks, youth
sports facilities, and
recreational areas.
PR‐4 Support projects that
provide additional quality
outdoor and indoor
recreation.
PF‐5 Establish criteria for
siting parks and recreation
facilities to make them
accessible, safe, with
adequate parking.
PF‐6 Promote the joint use of
municipal land and facilities.
PF‐7 Encourage development of
a mutually supportive cluster of
diverse residential facilities for
seniors near shops, services,
activities, and amenities that
cater to seniors as well as the
community at large.
PF‐8 Locate future community
parks near schools and
residential areas not yet served
by parks.
PF‐9 Preserve and protect water
features such as isolated
wetlands, stream corridors,
drainage areas, and riparian
areas for open space and to
enhance water quality.
PR‐10 Include trails and bicycle
paths in funding requests to
ADOT&PF for future
transportations plans.
PR‐11 Require that greenbelts
be provided when new right‐of‐
way corridors are established.
Develop a master plan for Parks
and Recreation.
Prepare an urban trail and
greenbelt system plan that
connects with other trail systems.
Implement the City of Kenai Parks
and Recreation Trails Plan.
Revise the conservation zone
standards and rezone public lands
surplus to Kenai’s future
development needs for
conservation.
Explore creation of a Kenai River
Gateway/Kuhtnu natural area or
park to highlight Kenai’s reputation
as a prime recreational access point
to the Kenai River. (Kuhtnu is the
traditional Kenaitze name for the
Kenai River.)
6.7 Goal 6 – Parks and Recreation: Ensure that Kenai has excellent parks and recreational
facilities and opportunities.
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 82 July 2016
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Vision: Kenai has coordinated and proactive
public policies, emergency plans and
procedures, and educational programs that
minimize the risk to the community from
natural hazards and disasters.
Goal 7 Objectives Action Items
NH‐1 Implement
the 2016 Hazard
Mitigation Plan
strategies.
NH‐2 Prohibit development in
known hazard areas except
where no feasible or prudent
alternative can be identified.
Collaborate with the city, borough and state
agencies to develop and demonstrate
defensible space and landscaping techniques.
Support educational programs regarding
hazard mitigation.
Continue cooperative efforts with the
Borough Office of Emergency Management,
local media, and City of Kenai websites during
periods of hazards such as volcanic eruptions,
flooding, and earthquakes.
6.8 Goal 7 ‐ Natural Hazards and Disasters: Prepare and protect the citizens of Kenai from
natural hazards and disasters
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 83 July 2016
Public Hearing Draft
6.9 Goal 8 ‐ Environmental Resources: Protect and enhance the natural resources and
environment of the community.
Vision: Kenai practices mindful stewardship
of the natural resources and the environment
to ensure they are protected and enhanced for
their viability and values in perpetuity.
Goal 8 Objectives Action Items
ER‐1 Maintain and
improve protection of
the Kenai River its
beaches, tidelands
and wetland areas.
ER‐2 Development
plans should include
provisions to avoid or
minimize impacts on
environmental
resources such as the
dunes, bluffs,
wetlands.
ER‐3 Review, and
modify as necessary,
the City's long‐term
plan for management
of the annual Personal
Use Fishery.
ER‐4 Divert public
trails away from
sensitive salmon
spawning streams.
criteria for siting parks and
recreation facilities –
accessible, safe, parking
ER‐5 Revise the
conservation zone
standards and rezone
public lands surplus to
Kenai’s future
development needs for
conservation.
ER‐6 Pursue long‐term
development of an urban
trail and greenbelt system
that connects the proposed
coastal trail and upland
bluff trail with links to and
through the urban area.
ER‐7 Preserve and protect
water features such as
isolated wetlands, stream
corridors, drainage areas,
and riparian areas for open
space and to enhance
water quality.
Continue to work with the State of Alaska,
personal use fishers, commercial fishers,
residents, and others to mitigate damages
caused by the dipnet fishery.
Continue efforts to protect the dunes.
Develop a plan for the protection of critical
wetlands that includes methods for creating
and purchasing conservation easements.
Increase signage along the bluffs at the mouth
of the Kenai River to educate people of the
damage caused by climbing the bluffs.
Explore creation of a Kenai River
Gateway/Kuhtnu natural area or park to
highlight Kenai’s reputation as a prime
recreational access point to the Kenai River.
(Kuhtnu is the traditional Kenaitze name for
the Kenai River.)
Provide city maintenance of existing rights‐of‐
way and easements for public access to
beaches.
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 84 July 2016
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6.10 Implementation
The City will take action at various levels to implement the comprehensive plan goals,
objectives and land use plan.
The Administration is responsible for carrying out the city’s land use regulations and assisting the
public with use of the plan goals and policies on a day‐to‐day basis. Individual departments use the
plan as appropriate as they conduct city business and as they review requests for development
approval.
The Planning and Zoning Commission is the “keeper of the plan”. In its advisory role, the Planning
and Zoning Commission is responsible for making recommendations for plan implementation. The
Commission’s key role is the interpretation of the plan goals and policies when reviewing
development requests such as subdivision proposals, conditional use permits, and variances.
At the policy level, the City Council approves the plan and may revise the land use regulations
(zoning and subdivision), landscaping requirements, the capital improvements program, and
other city programs to implement the plan.
Following adoption of the comprehensive plan, the City Planning Department and Planning &
Zoning Commission should prepare a work plan for implementation. The work plan is an
internal document that establishes implementation priorities.
The work plan describes the action items identified for each planning goal and specifies the
following:
What is the priority for completing each action?
Who should be involved?
What is the schedule for completing the action?
How much will it cost to complete?
Because the plan is a living document and the implementing ordinances require time to
develop and public involvement, it is important that the City develop an ongoing
implementation work plan that prioritizes the actions necessary to carry out the goals and
objectives of the plan.
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 85 July 2016
Public Hearing Draft
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Prepared for the Alaska Department of
Natural Resources, Division of parks and Outdoor Recreation. 149 pp.
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 90 July 2016
Public Hearing Draft
Appendix A
2013 Draft Comprehensive Plan
(Imagine Kenai 2030)
http://www.kenai.city/sites/default/files/depart
ments/planningzoning/2013_comp_plan_draft.pdf
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 91 July 2016
Public Hearing Draft
Appendix B
2016 Kenai Comprehensive Plan Update
Community Outreach
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 92 July 2016
Public Hearing Draft
Kenai Comprehensive Plan 2016 Town Hall Meeting
#1
March 26, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon
Kenai Senior Center
Meeting Notes (from flip charts)
Rich Koch opened meeting with introductions and overview of today’s meeting agenda.
Elizabeth Benson presented purpose of meeting and the proposed approach (guide to how to
update Chapters 1‐4) for updating the plan. Also gave an overview of the role of planning.
Participants offered comments on the proposed approach (guide handed out) and proposed
schedule. These were recorded digitally and on flip charts. Participants’ comments from the flip
charts are organized below by commenter, topic, and comment.
TOPIC COMMENTER COMMENT
Proposed Approach/Guide to Creating a 2016 Plan
Elizabeth Benson Reviewed guide for proposed approach to
creating 2016 plan.
2013 plan data Henry Knackstedt Use 2013 data. City Council specifically directed
that the 2013 data be used in the new plan. EB
confirmed that yes we would be using the 2013
data.
2013 plan comments Tim Navarre Use comments from 2013 plan process.
Everyone participating in update should get a
copy of the draft 2013 plan. EB and MK
confirmed that yes we have these comments and
handed out copies of the 2013 plan (draft/not
adopted).
History about 2013 plan
effort
Bob McIntosh City Council decision not unanimous to used
2013 for update. Public rejected 2013 by
referendum.
Ken Peterson Some residents have stated they want Kenai to
remain static. We need to move forward. We
need to keep this perspective in mind from the
2003 plan to the 2011 and 2013 updates, which
were moving to the future‐ahead. If majority
wants to stay static then we need to know.
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TOPIC COMMENTER COMMENT
Attendance at Town Hall
(TH) #1
Richard Kelso People not here today because in the past they
participated and the plan didn’t address their
concerns. They do not trust the process.
Concerned that past TH meeting comments and
information doesn’t get lost in the 2016 update
process.
Use of 2013 Plan Table
of Contents (TOC).
Tim Navarre Need to clarify that we are using the TOC from
the 2013 plan and not the 2003 plan. Yes, we are
using 2013 TOC.
Title of new plan –
clarify.
Tim Navarre Clarify title of new plan – should it be called
“Kenai Plan 2016”? Update?
Ken Peterson Call it 2016 Plan
Henry Knackstedt Call it 2016 Plan. Clarify that today’s meeting
purpose is to review Ch. 1‐4 from the 2013 Plan
– not on the agenda. Make sure public knows
what is being discussed. (Note: public notice did
state that Ch. 1‐4 2013 Plan would be reviewed).
Brian Gabriel Keep title simple – is it to be called 2016 Plan or
2030 Plan? Confusing title. Do we refer to a date
in the future like 2030? Or 2025, for example?
Agree on a clear title.
Use 2013 background except for goals.
Bob McIntosh Public interested in general concepts – title
should reflect people’s/City Council’s preference
and legal input. Concentrate on substance so that
it’s not confusing.
Response to Ken P.re remaining static: People
want the atmosphere in Kenai to be retained.
How do we develop economically – e.g.
marijuana store?
Likes 2013 TOC. Focus on public input.
Using 2013 Plan &
Previous Neighborhood
Concerns
Katie Quinn
(KSRM)
There were issues with the land use plan in
2013. MAPTS subdivision the center of
controversy. Plan well and good but what about
neighborhood concerns? How are these
managed in a plan?
EB and MK respond – there are a lot of ways to
manage land use. The land use table in a plan is a
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TOPIC COMMENTER COMMENT
guide for long term planning. Even if current
land uses do not match with proposed uses for
that lot/area, a rezone is not forced on that
property.
2013 Plan Process &
using goals from that
plan
Richard Kelso 2013 goal Quality of Life very specific – not so in
2003 plan. EB respond – we will look at 2013
goals and 2003 goals at next TH meeting.
Jeff Twait Will look at both sets of goals at next meeting.
Get back on track and review Chapters 1‐4 now.
Getting word out to
public
Tim Navarre Advertise next meeting and invite public to help
develop goals.
City Council wants both documents here for
participants to refer to.
Today’s agenda and
review of background
Chapters 1‐4.
Tim Navarre EB asks – should we agree to the proposed
table/guide approach (heads nod)?
What about going through the Chapters 1‐4 in
detail today? Should we do that?
Yes – participants want to go through Chapters
1‐4 in 2013 Plan today.
Chapters 1‐4 2013 Plan – review by section and sub‐section
Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 Purpose of the
Comprehensive Plan
Elizabeth Benson Referred to Tim’s comment about combining
“Kenai’s Community Identity” with Mission
Statement sections.
1.2 Goals of the Plan Elizabeth Benson Reviewed this section which summarizes the
plan goals. Chapter 6 provides more details on
goals. Suggested that goals are broad, that group
should look at 2003 and 2013 goals side by side.
Land use goals have to be reviewed again with
the public. Add more specifics about public
facilities and services. Describe difference
between transportation and transit. Describe
services city provides and those provided by
others such as state, federal government,
borough. Describe services city provides and
ones they do not (e.g. provided by others such as
State, Feds, KBP).
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TOPIC COMMENTER COMMENT
Transportation Goal Bob McIntosh City does not have transit system. Senior Center
provides some transit. There are CARTS/cabs
for local transportation.
City can do more to develop regional
transportation.
Parks & Recreation Goal No comments
Natural Hazards Goal Elizabeth Benson
& Matt Kelley
Integrate new Hazard Mitigation Plan
information – new HMP will be available by mid‐
July 2016.
Environmental
Resources Goal
No comments.
General comments on
Chapter 1 Introduction
Tim Navarre Page 2 and page 5 need to be
rewritten/combined to address these two
similar topics (e.g. mission statement)
Henry Knackstedt 8 goals – do we need any other goals? Broader
goals? Are they listed in order of importance?
Brian Gabriel Possibility of revisiting this after 2013 Plan
Chapter 6 (Goals and Objectives) revised. EB
suggest that we consider moving the goals and
objectives up in the plan TOC; ahead of Chapter 4
and Land Use.
Tim Navarre Page 2 and page 5 need to be
rewritten/combined to address these two
similar topics (e.g. mission statement)
1.3 How to use this
Plan
This section will be adjusted as the plan TOC is
changed.
Section 2 City of Kenai
2.1 Powers of the City Elizabeth Benson Powers of the City – comments on the planning
and zoning commission section. Verify with
administration re any changes.
Tim Navarre Suggested combining “Kenai’s Community
Identity” with Mission Statement sections (pages
1 and 5).
2.2 Planning and
Zoning Commission
Bob McIntosh Add more information about P&Z
responsibilities and how comments by the public
are addressed in their decisions. Do neighbors
have chance to affect decision? For example, pot
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TOPIC COMMENTER COMMENT
store in neighborhood and how should P&Z
handle this action?
Elizabeth Benson Caution that because P&Z and CC members are
here today, we should not discuss project. It is
still in the review process and there are
individual property rights in question. Jeff –
Jeff Twait P&Z apples conditions of approval to address
potential impacts/concerns.
Ken Peterson There is an appeal process of 15 days to the City
Board of Adjustment.
Bob McIntosh Commissioner comments reflect the need for
public input on the Plan. Public needs to know
the importance of the plan.
2.3 Context for
Planning
Tim Navarre Assumes if the City Administration wants
changes they would be presented.
Elizabeth Benson Land use table will be updated to reflect public
input and previous plans.
Henry Knackstedt Airport Master Plan to be completed soon – need
to incorporate that information.
Elizabeth Benson We will use Airport Master Plan, new Millennium
Square Feasibility Study, HMP and other
documents to update the table. The 2013 plan
will be added to the list of plans to provide
historical context to readers.
Chapter 3 Native Community
Elizabeth Benson EB and MK to coordinate with local Native
community, both for‐profit and non‐profit, to
confirm contents in this chapter. Basic
background not changed.
Chapter 4 Background Information
Elizabeth Benson Statistical information needs to be updated.
Setting description confirmed/reworded. MK –
make HMP appendix to the new plan – been
updates on bluff erosion project. EB –
background information drives goals and
policies/the foundation upon which they are
built.
4.1 Settlement History
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TOPIC COMMENTER COMMENT
4.2 Setting Elizabeth Benson Setting needs to be reworded/updated as
appropriate.
4.2.1 Climate &
Environment
No comments.
4.2.2 Natural
Hazards
Matt Kelley HMP will available mid‐July 2016 and we can use
that data for this section. There have been
updates on bluff erosion for example.
4.3 Population,
Education, Housing
Elizabeth Benson Proposing to use state agency Department of
Commerce, Community & Economic
Development (DCCED) data for population,
housing, economy. 2010 census used in 2013
and it won’t be updated until 2020. Confirm data
with local Kenai Peninsula Economic
Development District (KPEDD).
Jim Glendenning Need to recognize employment and economic
opportunities that will come from the Alaska
LNG Project (AKLNG).
4.5 Economy
4.5.1 Employment &
Income
Elizabeth Benson Going to use state agency Department of
Commerce, Community & Economic
Development (DCCED) data for population,
housing, economy.
4.5.2 Business
Indicators
Elizabeth Benson Need to consult with local Chamber, KPEDD, and
other groups (realtors, etc.) to update indicators.
4.5.3 Oil & Gas
Industry
Elizabeth Benson
Jim Glendenning
Describe potential employment and economic
impacts that could result from the Alaska LNG
Project (AKLNG).
4.5.4 Commercial
Fisheries & Seafood
Processing
Elizabeth Benson Update as appropriate describing local activities.
Review state and KPEED and other sources for
information and forecasts.
4.5.5 Visitor Industry Henry Knackstedt Update as appropriate describing local activities.
Review Kenai Peninsula Tourism Marketing
Council, Chamber of Commerce, KPEED, and
other sources for information and forecasts.
Refer to City’s Dipnet Fishery Report for latest
information and forecasts for personal use
fishery, city dock use.
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 98 July 2016
Public Hearing Draft
TOPIC COMMENTER COMMENT
Tables Brian Gabriel Streamline tables so that occupational type
matches the actual occupation. With new types
of agriculture (e.g., marijuana), it may be
important to address this as an economic
occupation.
EB ‐ Census uses standardized categories that
don’t necessarily make sense.
4.5 Public Facilities &
Services
Elizabeth Benson Describe facilities and services provided by the
city and those not provided. Update descriptions
as needed. Highlight those services the city
provides that are used by non‐residents. E.g.,
animal control, senior center, library.
Consult with city administration/public works
for background information, issues.
Include maps of existing services.
4.5.1 Water & Sewer
Systems
4.5.2 Public Safety
4.5.3 Transportation Elizabeth Benson Describe transportation facilities and services
and transit.
Henry Knackstedt Include information from latest Airport Master
Plan.
Jeff Twait Airport is a very important economic engine to
the city.
Mary Bondurant City present the 2016 Plan process to the Airport
Commission – April 14, 2016?
4.5.4 Parks &
Recreation
Rachael Craig Not enough emphasis on Kenai services
provided – such as library, parks, etc.
Matt Kelley We will use the latest Millennium Square
feasibility study from KOOL in the 2016 plan.
4.5.5 Senior Citizen
Facilities & Services
Rachael Craig Important to remember that the Peninsula is
becoming a “retirement” area. Families are
bringing their parents here. It’s a growing
population. Senior center service not just Kenai
seniors but those in the region.
Bob McIntosh Seniors made their contribution to this
community. Senior very important and the
community is what it is today because of the
work of seniors.
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TOPIC COMMENTER COMMENT
4.5.6 Kenai
Community Library
Rachael Craig Library services not just city residents, but the
entire area.
4.5.7 Other Services No comments. Add as identified.
4.6 City of Kenai
Finances
Elizabeth Benson Update with city administration.
4.6.1 Expenditures
4.6.2 Revenues
4.7 Forecast of
Economy, Population
& Housing Demand
Elizabeth Benson Work with P&Z commission, City Council,
administration to develop assumptions about
growth and how to measure/forecast it.
Talk to local experts re housing growth/decline,
issues, forecasts.
Jeff Twait If AKLNG comes, it could create potential to
benefit city.
Elizabeth Benson Land ownership can drive economic
development – owners decide when they want to
develop their land, assemble parcels, sell, etc.
Proposed Plan Development Schedule
Plan Schedule Matt Kelley Reviewed proposed schedule for next TH
meeting on April 16, 2016. Go over next sections
in plan – at this time considering discussing land
use but may do goals and objectives.
Future THs schedule is TBD. Likely there will be
a third TH.
P&Z commission worksessions likely to occur in
May.
P&Z commission public hearings likely to occur
in June‐July.
Be sure to fill out comment sheet.
Use city’s email address to comment as well.
Getting the word out to
involve the public in
future
meetings/planning
process.
Ken Peterson Good advertising for this meeting. KSRM did
good job. Like to see mail out.
Matt Kelley Working with local Postmaster to create bulk
mailer to not just land owners but all residents
(i.e. apartments, businesses).
Richard Kelso Like to see information from public from 2013
used in this plan. People in his neighborhood feel
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TOPIC COMMENTER COMMENT
like they weren’t heard last time and won’t be
heard this time. People drop away. Please listen
to the people.
Elizabeth Benson Asked Richard for suggestions on getting them
involved.
Richard Kelso Act in a trustworthy fashion – e.g. Walker Lane
Rezone
Henry Knackstedt Be careful with airport property – it has a
distinct purpose and obligation to the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA).
Bob McIntosh Need to build trust. Administration, City Council,
P&Z Commission encourage public input.
Provide commitment up front. Listen to people
because they have the final say (i.e. voter
approval). Should all work together.
Matt Kelley City Council has the final say on whether to
commit to a voter approval of the plan. Possibly
go to the Borough Assembly as well.
Citizen committee can be formed by anyone and
they can come to City Council and P&Z meetings.
Committee would be independent of the city and
cannot rely on city staff for administrative
support.
Jeff Twait Hopefully get to a place of community trust. Get
people engaged to make it work.
Richard Kelso People need to be part of the solution. Hard to
get involved. Lack of trust. Commission
appointments are political and hard to get.
Wants to go in the right direction.
Henry Knackstedt Mayor does not appoint commissioners. Council
votes to confirm new members.
Jim Glendenning Title 29 outlines appointment process.
Appointed by the council but not their “minions”.
Closed Meeting at approximately 12 noon
Matt Kelley and Elizabeth Benson
Thanked everyone for their participation and comments.
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 101 July 2016
Public Hearing Draft
Kenai Comprehensive Plan 2016 Town Hall Meeting
#2
April 16, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon
Kenai Senior Center
Meeting Notes
Matt Kelley opened the meeting with introductions and presented a matrix that included 2003
and 2013 Planning Goals and Objectives.
Elizabeth Benson gave an overview of the definition of a goal v. objective v. policy. Elizabeth
assisted Matt with a facilitated discussion of the matrix.
Participants offered comments and suggestions on the 2003 and 2013 goals and objectives. These
were recorded digitally. Melissa Kelley recorded comments on flip charts and Kayla Feldman
assisted with audience participation.
Participants’ comments from the flip charts are organized below by commenter, topic, and
comment.
TOPIC COMMENTER COMMENT
Introductions, Purpose of Meeting
Agenda Matt Kelley Reviewed the agenda and purpose of the meeting.
Handout: Matrix of
2003 and 2013 goals,
objectives and
policies
Matt Kelley Described the handout and explained how it was
organized.
Definition of terms –
goals, objectives,
policies
Elizabeth
Benson
Reviewed definition of goals, objectives and policies,
their purpose, and how they differ
Goals
Goal order Glenese Pettey Are goals listed in order of priority in the plans?
Broad v specific goals Kellie Kelso 2013 goals are broad – would like clarification and
more specificity e.g. 2003 goals 1 and 2
Broad v specific goals Mike Christian Prefers specificity in goals – 2003 plan gives
direction
Broad v specific goals Christine
Hutchison
Prefers some broadness in goals so new
things/imagination can work
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TOPIC COMMENTER COMMENT
City center Henry
Knackstedt
There are a number of city centers – use 2013 goal
#1 and clarify city centers
City center Matt Kelley Specific goals developed for areas in the city that
were “city centers”
City center Mayor Pat
Porter
Lief Hanson Memorial Park is a center spoke/city
center
Broad v specific goals Laura Sievert 2013 goals 1 and 2 too broad; 2003 goal 2 necessary;
prefers specificity
Broad v specific goals Matt Kelley Need to define what is meant by “quality of life”
(2013 goal 1)
2013 and 2003 plan
goals
Glenese Pettey Combine goals 1 of 2003 with 2013 plan
2013 and 2003 plan
goals
Rachel Craig Agreed – see her notes on what goals to combine
between the 2003 and 2013 plan
Objectives, Policies
Definitions Christine
Hutchison
Need definitions of what is a goal, objective, policy
City center Ken Peterson Map needed that describes city center – boundary to
boundary
City center Mike Christian There is no single “city center” – there are 3
City center Shawna Norton Specific city centers need connectivity between
them; how can they work together to utilize
connections. Should city encourage more city
centers – by high school, Beaver Loop, etc.?
Old Town Kenai Barbara
Ruckman
Old Town Kenai – need to keep heritage; maintain
historic cabins and other buildings. Keep and
maintain historic area/district.
City center Richard Kelso Focus and develop city center – it’s unique; draw
tourists; limit sprawl
Millennium Square Pete Hanson Millennium Square development – tourism and
convention center draws meetings from all over
Alaska for meetings. We have abundant activities for
all ages. Tourism brings jobs.
Airport Barbara
Ruckman
Airport – need to protect/expand. Loss of airport
would be detrimental.
City centers Tim Navarre Multiple city centers – define and describe what
development city needs/wants in each city center.
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TOPIC COMMENTER COMMENT
E.g. Millennium Square and connectivity to other city
centers.
Definitions Christine
Hutchison
Are definitions incorporated into the plan or a
separate document?
Annual Report – Plan Carol Baumer Is there an Annual Report published describing the
progress made on planning goals, objectives, and
policies?
Commercial v.
Residential
Richard Aber No distinct commercial zones. Preserve sanctity of
residential areas. Limit commercial take‐over of
residential areas. Prioritize residential areas as
protected. Keep commercial from “creeping in”.
Comprehensive Plan
requirements
Glenese Pettey Originally thought a comprehensive plan was
arbitrary but has since learned it is mandated by
state law.
Residential and office Debbie Adamson Business office next to residential areas is a problem
– sets a precedent and neighborhoods can
disintegrate. Limit business offices in residential
areas. Business in a residence not the same as
residences and offices.
Neighborhoods Kellie Kelso Neighborhood should have limited commercial
development. Have focus of commercial
development in city centers.
Industrial parks Richard Kelso Consider creating/allowing industrial parks off
highway where there is infrastructure.
Economy drives uses Christine
Hutchison
Boom‐bust economy a factor in development.
Public lands – city
legacy
Richard Kelso What is city’s legacy? Repercussions will result from
what is preserved or developed. Public land (i.e. city
ownership) preserved for future use and enjoyment.
What about where commercial meets residential
uses? Is that mixed use?
Parks Barbara
Ruckman
Parks important – Lief Hanson Memorial and the
bluff.
Commercial on major
streets
Driveway access
Tim Navarre DOT has certain rules about driveway access to
major roads (sometimes it’s first‐come‐first‐serve).
Take more proactive role in regulating strip
development?
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TOPIC COMMENTER COMMENT
Consider creating/requiring dual entrances between
neighboring parcels. If parcels are 5 acres or larger,
they can ask for their own zone.
Residential properties – there are no restrictions on
tree‐cutting; no buffering requirements or
restrictions/regulations re tree‐cutting or clear‐
cutting one’s own lot. Consider buffer requirements
where residential backs up to commercial and
industrial.
Airport lands Richard Aber Airport land – city sold land with buffer strip/trees.
Concerned with clear cutting buffer strips between
residential and commercial.
Buffer strips Christine
Hutchison
How are buffers enforced and monitored? Through
permitting/building permits.
PINK Pat Faulkenberg PINK zone – Protect Individual Neighborhoods in
Kenai. Neighborhoods need a say on development.
Required v
Preferred?
Howard Hill Objectives/policies should require not say preferred
Buffer zones?
Allowable uses
Mayor Pat
Porter
“Encourage buffers” too weak – consider requiring it.
Clear cutting trees Pat Faulkenberg Concerned about duplexes next to where land was
clear‐cut for building were not completed.
Residential and
commercial
Tim Navarre Comprehensive Plan does not set the rules – it’s a
plan to move the city in a direction. Provides ideas
that inform ordinances and rules.
Residential and
commercial
Kit Hill Neighborhood Residential, Neighborhood
Commercial, and Neighborhood Institutional: need
design guidelines. Concerned with parcels being
rezoned.
Comprehensive plan
requirements
Christine
Hutchison
Comprehensive Plan – is it an enforceable
document? City Council and P&Z are enforcement.
Public lands Richard Kelso Public improvements ‐ city‐owned lands: things
dedicated to conservation need to remain protected.
Airport, dock Christine
Hutchison
Is there a new Airport Master Plan? Yes – we are
using it for the comprehensive plan. There is an
updated Airport Layout Plan. Re docks – does the
plan identify policy re docks and include definition?
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TOPIC COMMENTER COMMENT
Dock Matt Kelley Tidelands ‐ city owns tidelands; leased out; not
addressed in comp plan presently
Educational zones Mayor Pat
Porter
Educational zones and where should zones be
Bike path
connections
Glenese Pettey Need bike path connection across Bridge Access
Road – designated as path.
Trails Henry
Knackstedt
Unity Trail – completed
Tim Navarre Trail is a city and state project.
Natural setting Richard Aber Natural setting‐ want these open spaces and
conservation areas to be kept.
Christine
Hutchison
Land use meeting – will we see this include.
Matt & Elizabeth Incorporation of this information gathering will be
used to create draft land use map
Land use v zoning Henry
Knackstedt
Difference between land use and land zoning –
conservation within the airport is different type of
conservation than thought of. Airport conservation
is conserved for airport uses. Need to clarify
differences in terminology.
2013 and 2003 plans Mayor Pat
Porter
Clarify 2013 to be used as a draft.
Pete Hanson 2003 Plan more direct; 2013 Plan lays out strategies.
Tim Navarre 2013 Plan includes information not available in 2003
Plan
Christine
Hutchison
Terminology has changed.
Closed Meeting at approximately 12 noon
Matt Kelley and Elizabeth Benson
Thanked everyone for their participation and comments.
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 106 July 2016
Public Hearing Draft
Kenai Comprehensive Plan 2016 Town Hall Meeting #3
April 26, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Kenai Senior Center
Meeting Notes
Matt Kelley opened the meeting with introductions and purpose of the meeting. He explained that
he would be displaying the City’s Geographical Information System (GIS) data to support the
discussion of land use classifications. Elizabeth Benson gave an overview of the difference between
land use classifications and zoning designations. Elizabeth led the participants through a
matrix/table that described the current 2003 (adopted) land use classifications and the draft
classifications from the proposed 2013 plan. Matt used GIS to display and compare the land use
maps from both plans.
Participants asked questions and offered comments about the 2003 and 2013 land use maps, the
land use classifications, and uses allowed within each. Participants’ comments were recorded on
flip charts by Melissa Kelley as well as digitally. Willie Anderson, City Planning Technician, assisted
with audience participation. Participants’ comments from the flip charts are organized in the table
below. The table has been developed in the same format as the Land Use Matrix discussed at the
Town Hall.
Town Hall #3
Comment &
Commenter
2003 Plan Land Use
Classification
2013 Proposed Land
Use Classification
Residential Land Use Classifications
Elizabeth Benson presented
definitions of neighborhood
and suburban residential and
asked about institutional uses
and neighborhood
commercial.
Matt Kelley displayed the
2003 and 2013 classification
in GIS.
Neighborhood Residential Suburban Residential
1. Jeff Twait ‐ Keys Point and
Shoreline Heights are
examples of Rural
Residential subdivisions
The Rural Residential district
includes areas that, due to
location or site conditions, are
The Suburban Residential
district consists of single‐
family and multi‐family
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 107 July 2016
Public Hearing Draft
Town Hall #3
Comment &
Commenter
2003 Plan Land Use
Classification
2013 Proposed Land
Use Classification
2. Glenese Pettey ‐ Clarify that
neighborhood residential
intended for areas that have
public water and sewer or it
is planned, smaller lots,
paved streets and that rural
residential intended for
areas with larger lots, no
public water and sewer
available (yet), and gravel
streets.
3. Kellie Kelso ‐ Neighborhood
commercial uses should not
be allowed in
neighborhoods.
4. Sandy Ashbrook ‐ There is
inconsistency in
Neighborhood Residential –
clarify wording re having
public sewer and water
planned and instead include
terminology “would be
planned” or “could be
planned”. E.g. Wildwood
subdivision.
5. Russell Sonberg– MAPS area
– how will it be affected by
plan? There is no proposal
to change from
Neighborhood Residential
6. Laura Sievert– do not allow
change in plan classification
to allow small scale
commercial – it’s not
allowed now.
7. Glenese Pettey– need to
define small scale
commercial – does it include
home‐based businesses like
photography, midwife?
best suited for large‐lot single‐
family residential
development. Homes in this
district typically rely on
individual on‐site water supply
and wastewater disposal
systems. Compatible
institutional uses such as
churches, schools, and daycare
facilities may be intermixed if
they comply with zoning
design guidelines. Small home‐
based businesses may be
accommodated within certain
design guidelines.
residential areas that are
urban or suburban in
character. The area is higher
density, lots are typically
smaller and public water and
sewer services are required or
planned. Streets should be
developed to a paved standard
and larger subdivisions should
provide sidewalks and public
areas.
Elizabeth and Matt described
the rural residential
classification from the 2013
and 2003 plan and in GIS.
Rural Residential Rural Residential
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Public Hearing Draft
Town Hall #3
Comment &
Commenter
2003 Plan Land Use
Classification
2013 Proposed Land
Use Classification
Asked for input on the intent
and location of the
classification using the 2003
and 2013 GIS.
1. Laura Sievert ‐ what about
conditional use permit
process for institutional and
home businesses in Rural
Residential
2. Sandy Lashbrook – should
not include mobile home
parks – should be classified
as mixed use; be designated
as it is; get rid of the “non‐
conforming” designation.
Kenai Peninsula Borough
designates mobile homes as
commercial. Should not
include mobile home parks
– should be classified as
mixed use; be designated as
it is; get rid of the “non‐
conforming” designation.
Kenai Peninsula Borough
designates mobile homes as
commercial.
The Rural Residential district
includes areas that, due to
location or site conditions, are
best suited for large‐lot single‐
family residential
development. Homes in this
district typically rely on
individual on‐site water supply
and wastewater disposal
systems. Compatible
institutional uses such as
churches, schools, and daycare
facilities may be intermixed if
they comply with zoning
design guidelines. Small home‐
based businesses may be
accommodated within certain
design guidelines.
The Rural Residential district
includes areas that, due to
location or site conditions, are
best suited for large‐lot single‐
family low‐density residential
development. Homes in this
district typically rely on
individual on‐site water supply
and wastewater disposal
systems. Streets typically are
gravel and subdivisions do not
include sidewalks.
Commercial Land Use Classifications
Elizabeth and Matt described
the central and commercial
classifications from the 2013
and 2003 plan and in GIS.
Central Commercial Commercial
1. Kellie Kelso – keep buffer
between Three Bears and
neighborhood residential.
Suggest open space
designation buffer.
2. Henry Knackstedt – land is
city‐owned and has deed
restrictions
3. Jim Glendenning– re
commercial along arterials ‐
have arterials been
The Central Commercial
district supports retail, service,
and office businesses that
serve all of Kenai and the
larger region. It is the Kenai
sub‐region’s main commercial
district. Retail, service, office,
and public uses predominate.
The Commercial district is
intended to create a
concentrated, vibrant, and
attractive downtown business
district which is convenient to
both motorists and
pedestrians. The district is
designed to attract commerce
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 109 July 2016
Public Hearing Draft
Town Hall #3
Comment &
Commenter
2003 Plan Land Use
Classification
2013 Proposed Land
Use Classification
identified?
4. Kellie Kelso – are arterial
and other road
classifications different?
5. Henry Knackstedt –
identified same
6. Kellie Kelso – is
neighborhood commercial
along arterials?
7. Sandy Lashbrook – land use
should match what is
existing. Neighborhood
commercial should not be
pushed into commercial?
Mixed use does not go all
along the highway. Booths
Landscaping should be
mixed use. Should not
include mobile home parks –
should be classified as
mixed use; be designated as
it is; get rid of the “non‐
conforming” designation.
Kenai Peninsula Borough
designates mobile homes as
commercial.
8. Jim Glendenning– rural
residential allows for multi‐
family.
9. Sandy Lashbrook – rural
residential includes
terminology “low density” –
should have low density
removed.
10. Matt Kelley– replied that
city could consider mobile
home park land use
classification.
Non‐commercial uses, such as
public offices, institutional
uses, and dwellings may be
appropriate among
commercial uses within mixed
use areas.
from within and beyond the
community itself.
Elizabeth and Matt described
neighborhood commercial
classification from the 2013
and 2003 plan and in GIS –
continued discussion of
Neighborhood Commercial Neighborhood Commercial –
not a specific classification
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 110 July 2016
Public Hearing Draft
Town Hall #3
Comment &
Commenter
2003 Plan Land Use
Classification
2013 Proposed Land
Use Classification
commercial uses in residential
areas.
The Neighborhood Commercial
district applies to areas along the
arterial road system that are
suitable for small‐scale
neighborhood‐serving retail,
service, and office uses.
No other commercial land use
classifications included in 2013 draft.
Elizabeth and Matt described
the mixed use classifications
from the 2013 and 2003 plan
and in GIS. Asked about the
purpose of the mixed use and
where it should be located,
using the 2013 and 2003 GIS.
Mixed Use Mixed Use
The Mixed Use district fosters
a compatible mix of retail,
service, office, public,
institutional recreational and
multi‐family residential uses.
The district does not prescribe
specific proportions for these
uses, only that all these uses
are desirable within the
district. Mixed uses are
particularly desirable in the
Townsite Historic District and
City Center overlay zone.
The Mixed Use district fosters
a compatible mix of retail,
service, office, public,
institutional, recreational and
residential uses. The district
does not prescribe specific
proportions for these uses,
only that all these uses are
desirable within the district.
The Mixed Use classification
should accommodate existing
similarly developed areas and
areas along corridors to
provide transitions between
the corridor and residential
zones.
Elizabeth and Matt described
the institutional classification
from the 2013 and 2003 plan
and in GIS. Asked about
whether these uses should be
Institutional – not specific
classification
Institutional
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 111 July 2016
Public Hearing Draft
Town Hall #3
Comment &
Commenter
2003 Plan Land Use
Classification
2013 Proposed Land
Use Classification
incorporated into existing
classes or have a separate one
as suggested by the 2013
draft.
1. Jeff Twait – see the 2003
map for location of
institutional classification.
Institutional land uses were not
separated out – they were
identified as potentially
acceptable in residential and
commercial classifications
provided they are compatible and
meet design standards. City uses
zoning regulations to address
actual location, siting and design
of institutional uses.
The institutional district
provides an area in which
government and tax exempt
institutions can offer social
and cultural amenities to the
citizens of the community. The
primary use is public, non‐
profit, and quasi‐public uses
including government offices
and facilities, schools,
churches, and other
community‐service oriented
facilities.
Industrial Land Use Classification
Elizabeth and Matt described
the industrial classifications
from the 2013 and 2003 plan
and in GIS. Asked if additional
industrial classes should be
added.
Industrial Industrial
No specific comments on
industrial classification.
The Industrial district identifies
areas reserved for manufacturing,
warehousing, trucking, marine‐
related industry and storage, and
similar industrial activities. City
utilities and safe, convenient
vehicular access is critical.
Buffers between industrial uses
and adjacent non‐industrial uses
are desirable.
The institutional district
provides an area in which
government and tax exempt
institutions can offer social
and cultural amenities to the
citizens of the community. The
primary use is public, non‐
profit, and quasi‐public uses
including government offices
and facilities, schools,
churches, and other
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 112 July 2016
Public Hearing Draft
Town Hall #3
Comment &
Commenter
2003 Plan Land Use
Classification
2013 Proposed Land
Use Classification
community‐service oriented
facilities.
Matt discussed recent
adoption of a Light Airport
Industrial Zoning
Classification to implement
the recommendations and
land use map from the 2003
Comprehensive Plan.
Airport Industrial Airport Industrial – not
specific classification
No specific comments on
airport industrial
classification.
The Airport Industrial district
identifies airport lands reserved
for the Kenai Municipal Airport
and its future expansion, and
tracts needed for present and
future aviation‐related uses and
activities.
Airport‐specific industrial land
use classification not included
in 2013 draft plan.
Conservation – Parks, Recreation ‐ Open Space
Elizabeth Benson – explained
what is included in the
proposed 2013 and existing
2003 plan. Asked if both are
needed or if definitions need
to be retained, updated, etc.
Conservation Parks, Recreation, Open
Space
1. Richard Aber – keep
conservation as it is
currently classified.
Different than parks,
recreation, open space –
people bought parcels that
were near conservation
lands – and believed they
would never be developed.
Don’t want these parcels to
be developed.
2. Glenese Pettey–
conservation definition –
land was meant to be
reserved for future use not
The Conservation district applies
to public lands whose primary
use is open space, recreation, fish
and wildlife habitat, drainage
ways, floodplain, and wetlands.
Some public improvements may
be appropriate within
appropriate design guidelines.
This classification includes
public recreation facilities, as
well as undeveloped lands
intended to provide for
conservation of natural or
scenic resources. These areas
can be used for a variety of
passive and active outdoor and
indoor sports and recreational
activities. Areas that may
provide future natural
2016 City Kenai Comprehensive Plan 113 July 2016
Public Hearing Draft
Town Hall #3
Comment &
Commenter
2003 Plan Land Use
Classification
2013 Proposed Land
Use Classification
yet determined. Need
distinction between
conservation (2003) and
parks, recreation, open
space (2013).
3. Kellie Kelso – wants a land
use designation for “leave
this alone” – no
development of
conservation classification.
4. Jeff Twait – land use
classifications need to be
match with zoning –
consider possibly changing
naming conventions for
conservation.
resource development should
be included in this category.
Matt Kelley reviewed the plan development process. There is a meeting with the
Kenai Chamber of Commerce on May 11. There will be 2‐3 Planning & Zoning
Commission Work Sessions in May with public hearings in June. The plan will
likely go to the City Council in July.
Meeting Adjourned at around 8:55 p.m.
2016 Kenai Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map – Key to Proposed Map Changes
Land Use Map Changes 1 6-27-16 rev1
Map
Location
#
2016 Proposals Changes by P&Z at
6-23-16
Worksession
Discussion Points Previous
Classifications in 2003 & 2013
1. Low Density Residential
on E side of KSH; Parks,
Rec. Open Space on W
side with some Central
Commercial towards W
Mixed Use Matches 2013 Plan
recommendation
Zoning is Suburban
Residential on SW side,
Recreation on NW side and
General Commercial along
parts of the KSH
2003 –Neighborhood Residential both
sides; changes to Neighborhood
Commercial as move west
2013 – Mixed Use on SW; Mixed Use
and Inst on NW
2. Suburban Residential Mixed Use Uses more consistent with
Mixed Use type uses and
would be more consistent
with current Central
Commercial zoning.
2003 – Neighborhood Commercial
2013 – Mixed Use
3. Low Density Residential Low Density
Residential
Airport Industrial
Zoning Rural Residential;
adjacent to existing
residential area
2003- Rural Residential
2013 – Parks, Rec., Open Space on E;
Industrial on W
4. Mixed Use Parks, Recreation,
Open Space
Land subsiding into the
Inlet; will eventually
become part of tidelands
Zoning is currently
Conservation
2003 – Conservation/Open Space
2013 - Conservation
5. Central Commercial
Suburban Residential
Central Commercial Expands area appropriate
for central commercial uses
Zoning is Central Mixed Use
2003 – Neighborhood Commercial by
road; Neighborhood Residential behind
2013 – commercial
2016 Kenai Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map – Key to Proposed Map Changes
Land Use Map Changes 2 6-27-16 rev1
Map
Location
#
2016 Proposals Changes by P&Z at
6-23-16
Worksession
Discussion Points Previous
Classifications in 2003 & 2013
6. Suburban Residential Mixed Use Matches 2013 Plan
recommendation
Zoning is Urban Residential
2003 – Neighborhood Residential
2013 – Mixed Use
7. PROS/Industrial Industrial Uses currently industrial.
Addresses splitting lot with
different classifications and
zoning
2003-Industrial/Conservation/Open
Space split
2013-Industrial/Conservation split
8. General Commercial both
sides along road; LDR for
lots behind
General Commercial
with expansion to
tract of previous
LDR land
Matched existing 2003 Plan
with some expansion along
road.
Change expands
commercial beyond current
2003 plan 2013 plan
Existing residential uses.
2003 – NC along road; RR behind
2013 – MU along road; SR behind
9. Mixed Use Mixed Use Matches 2013 Plan
recommendation.
2003 – Rural Residential
2013 – Mixed Use
10. PROS PROS Keeps intent as PROS for
now.
2003 – Conservation/Open Space
2013 – Mixed Use
11. Suburban Residential Suburban
Residential
Keeps intent as residential. 2003 – Neighborhood Residential
2013 – Suburban Residential with
Mixed Use for some lots along KSH
12. General Commercial General Commercial Expands 2003 existing
designation to 2-lots deep
2003 – Neighborhood Commercial on
frontage lots only (except one behind)
2016 Kenai Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map – Key to Proposed Map Changes
Land Use Map Changes 3 6-27-16 rev1
Map
Location
#
2016 Proposals Changes by P&Z at
6-23-16
Worksession
Discussion Points Previous
Classifications in 2003 & 2013
with the exception of one
lot on SW corner of KSH and
Beaver Loop
2013 – Commercial both sides, two lots
deep
13. Mixed Use Mixed Use but
removes residential
area on both sides
of KSH south of
Strawberry Rd.
Mixed use designation
reduced south of Roes and
Strawberry to city limits.
Zoning currently Limited
Commercial along KSH and
Rural Residential
2003 – Neighborhood Commercial for
lots along KSH; Rural Residential
behind; no commercial south of
Strawberry Rd. either side
2013 – Mixed Use along KSH to city
limits.
14. See #13 above
15. General Commercial General Commercial 2003 – Neighborhood Commercial
2013 – Commercial – both sides with
Mixed Use on West side
16. Mixed Use Mixed Use Consistent with current
2003 Plan for Neighborhood
Commercial.
2003 – Neighborhood Commercial
2013 – Mixed Use
17. Low Density Residential Low Density
Residential
Applies LDR to
neighborhood including lots
along K-Beach Road.
2003 – Rural Residential
2013 – Rural Residential and Mixed Use
along K-Beach Road
18. PROS PROS Racetrack leasing KBP land.
Keep as “recreational” use
for now.
2003 – Rural Residential
2013 – Conservation
19. Low Density Residential Low Density
Residential
Privately owned; adjacent
to golf course.
2003 – Rural Residential
2013 – Conservation
2016 Kenai Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map – Key to Proposed Map Changes
Land Use Map Changes 4 6-27-16 rev1
C
ookInlet
K e nai
Rive r
A
c
c
e
s
s
Beaver Loop Rd
Kenai SpurHwy
Redoubt Dr
Forest Dr
StrawberryRd
Bridge
City of Kenai Corporate Boundary
Map 7. Land Use Plan
0 1 20.5
Miles
2016
Dat a Source: City of Ke nai Path: M:\Ma ps\CompPlan2016\KCP_Ma p07_FutureLandUsePlan_PZ Edit s.mxd
Legend
Date: 7/8/2016
Suburban ResidentialGeneral CommercialCentral CommercialLow Density ResidentialAirport IndustrialMixed UseIndustrialInstitutionalParks, Recreation & Open Space
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