HomeMy WebLinkAboutORDINANCE 1817-1999SUBSTITUTE
Suggested by: Council
CITY OF KENAI
ORDINANCE N0. 1817-99
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, AMENDING
KMC 14.20.185 BY ADDING A SECTION WHICH WOULD PROVIDE FOR AN
ADMINISTRATIVE EXEMPTION FOR ENCROACHMENTS OF UP TO A TOTAL OF
TWELVE (12) INCHES.
WHEREAS, currently any request for an encroachment permit requires the
application to go through a public hearing process before the Planning 8v Zoning
Commission; and,
WHEREAS, that process can be unduly burdensome for applicants who request a
permit for a small encroachment; and,
WHEREAS, permits for encroachments of not more than a total of twelve (12) inches
could be exempted administratively without violating the intent of KMC 14.20.185
provided the review criteria set forth in KMC 14.20.185(d)(1)-(4) are followed; and,
WHEREAS, the allowed exemption on any one front, rear or side setback could not be
more than 10% of the setback for that front, rear or side as contained in the
Development Requirements Table.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI,
ALASKA, that KMC 14.20.185 is amended by adding the following section:
(i~ Administrative Exemption. The Administrative Official mad rant an
encroachment permit without a public hearin,g_if the total
encroachment, inclusive of all front, rear and side setbacks, does not
exceed twelve (12) inches,, and provided that:
(1) The allowed encroachment on an_y one front, rear or side setback
m=not exceed ten percent (10%) of the setback as contained in
the Development Requirements Table, or twelve inches, whichever
is ess; an ,
(2) The Administrative Official finds that the review criteria in KMC
14.20.185(dj are met.
PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, this 16~ day of June,
1999.
ATTEST:
Carol L. Freas, City Clerk
Introduced: April 7, 1999
Adopted: June 16, 1999
Effective: July 16, 1999
question were off Scout Lake Road. She added, code requires the
,.
~ Council determine the disposal of lands be made when they are
not required for public use. Therefore, the Commission needed to
make a recommendation to Council.
GOECKE MOVED THE LANDS PRESENTED BE DISPOSED OF,
AS THERE IS NO NEED FOR THE CITY TO OWN LANDS THAT
FAR FROM ITS CITY LIMITS. NORD SECONDED.
Discussion
Bryson asked if the land was acquired because of foreclosure or in
lieu of outstanding debt. Bannock stated he believed it was Mr.
Bradford's part of the McLane Partnership and involved the City's
judgment in the Inlet Woods litigation. Bradford declared
bankruptcy and assets were now being dispersed.
Vote
Goecke Yes Bryson Yes
Newbry Yes Nord Yes
Erwin Yes Glick Yes
b. Discussion/Schedule Public Hearing -Building Setbacks -
Administrative Exemptions
Glick noted this had been discussed, resulting in an ordinance
being drafted. Glick asked Bannock if he had any comments.
Bannock stated the ordinance came from Council action at its last
meeting. An ordinance similar to this had been before the
Council and the Commission in the past. Bannock stated he
asked the ordinance come before the Commission because they
will actually be using the ordinance. He asked for
comments/ suggestions to take back to the Council before action
is taken.
Glick stated past discussions indicated reluctance to put an
actual figure in the ordinance. Bryson stated he was concerned
the measurement of inches was being used instead of feet or
fractions of feet, as is typically required in plat terminology by the
Borough. On the substance of the ordinance, Bryson stated he
was never supportive of modifying the side setbacks; however,
that is what the ordinance would do and would potentially allow a
person to target that modification if his intent is to gain an extra
foot. His intent was to eliminate the pesky problem of
insignificant deviations. Bryson added, he felt Administration's
original proposal did that but allowing a floating one-foot
Planning 8v ,Zoning Commission
March 24, 1999
Page 2
encroachment wouldn't change anything. He stated he is in favor
of what Administration had originally proposed and was not in
favor of a blanket one-foot deviation.
Building Official Springer commented it would be a problem if
people were intending to take that foot. He added, he generally
felt people who had encroachments had accidents during the
course of construction and usually the proposed building got
moved slightly. He felt Administration was trying to solve the
accidental movement problems during construction of the
building. Granted, they could possibly use that to try to take a
foot but didn't see that as being the intent.
Bryson stated he had no reason to believe the intent was always
to conform to the setbacks. Problems could arise from casual
measurement or lot corners measured inaccurately. That could
happen as easily with the ordinance in effect as not. The
Commission taking the time to address each of these issues was
not the problem, but the steps an owner has to go through to
clear up a 1 / 10~ foot encroachment is cumbersome and time
consuming. For that reason, he thought a percentage approach
addressed the situation more effectively.
Nord stated she was uncomfortable with the 12" leeway. With a 1'
encroachment on a 5' setback, it would be a 20% encroachment.
She stated she preferred the 10% recommendation. Perhaps a
solution was to make a different percentage for each type of
setback.
Bannock asked Springer what would be the worst case scenarios
for minimum setbacks. Springer answered, R/ S zones have a 5'
side setback for a single story structure, 10' for a daylight
basement, and 15' for a two story structure. In R/ R, it is 15' side
setbacks on all structure; the front setback is 25' and rear is 20'.
Bannock suggested the ordinance be changed to read "one foot,
not to exceed 10%" or "10%, not to exceed one foot" because this
was a very valid concern. Glick clarified this was for comments
only from the Commission. Bannock answered affirmatively and
asked for any further suggestions or comments.
Bryson stated, in disregarding relative distance on setbacks, the
side setbacks affect neighbors and the front and rear don't usually
significantly affect neighbors. He felt the side setbacks were more
important to address.
Kebschull noted if the Commission wanted to schedule a public
hearing, she needed to know. The ordinances, as they stand,
Planning 8~ Zoning Commission
March 24, 1999
Page 3
would go to Council. She added, she understood Council wanted
to hold public comment and then modify the ordinances as
recommended after the April ?~ meeting. She added, the
resolution has to be published, along with changes to the
ordinances, ten days before Council's meeting. She asked for
direction on how the Commission wished to proceed.
Goecke stated he is in favor of the percentage versus inches
wording as suggested by Bannock. Erwin noted his agreement
with the percentage versus inches wording and thought it a
reasonable suggestion. Glick asked Erwin if he felt a public
hearing should be held at the Commission level. Erwin stated he
felt a public hearing could be held, giving the public two chances
to express their concerns.
Goecke disagreed and stated he didn't believe a public hearing
was necessary as a public hearing would be held at the Council
level. The Commission should pass their comments on to
Council.
Bryson stated he suspected an ordinance like this probably would
not draw many people to a public hearing at the Commission level
and thought it would be better served at a Council meeting. He
asked Administration if, in a 5' setback situation, the entire 1'
were taken off that side creating a 4' setback plus the eave, does it
affect how the building code is applied to the construction of the
building? Springer answered, it would by allowing only a 1' eave
because up to a 3' eave can be built.
Nord stated she thought public comment was not necessary and
felt Council would hear and consider Commission's
recommendations. She added, she was in favor of some sort of
ordinance to eliminate public hearings for 1" encroachments.
Newbry stated he didn't feel a public hearing at the Commission
level was necessary. He added, he felt Council would duly note
the Commission's comments, as they have in the past.
6. OLDr'BUSINESS -None
7. CODE ENFORCEMENT -Hone
8. REPORTS
a. City Council
Councilman Bannock reviewed agenda of the March 10, 1999
Council meeting, noting the following:
Planning 8v Zoning Commission
March 24, 1999
Page 4
KENAI CITY COUNCIL -REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 7, 1999
7:00 P. M.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
http:/ /www.ci.kenai.ak.us
MAYOR JOHN J. ~iIILLIAMS, PRESIDING
ITEM A: CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Williams called the meeting to order at approximately 7:03 p.m. in the Council
Chambers in the Kenai City Hall Building.
A-1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Williams led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
A-2.
ROLL CALL
Roll was taken by the City Clerk. Present were: Williams, Bookey, Swarner, Moore,
Measles, Bannock and Frazer.
A-3.
AGENDA APPROVAL
Mayor Williams requested the following changes to the agenda:
ADD AS: I-1, 4 / 6 / 99 JW letter to Marco Pignalbery regarding city land formerly
leased by The Continuum Corporation for assisted living facility.
Williams explained, he had been notified by the previous developers that they had
found additional partners and they requested the letter be forwarded to Pignalbery.
He added, the letter to Pignalbery noted the city was still interested in having an
assisted-living facility on the property and also discussed the city's leasing
procedures. Williams stated, he would be requesting council's approval to send the
letter.
MOTION:
Councilman Bannock MOVED for approval of the agenda as amended. There were
no objections. SO ORDERED.
A-4.
CONSENT AGENDA
REMOVE FROM
CONSENT AGENDA
AND SUBSTITUTE:
H-5, Ordinance No. 181?-99 -- Amending KMC 4.20.185
by Adding a Section Which Would Provide for an
Administrative Exemption for Encroachments of Up to a
Total of Twelve (12) Inches.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 7, 1999
PAGE 2
REMOVE FROM
CONSENT AGENDA
AND SUBSTITUTE: H-6, Ordinance No. 1818-99 -- Amending the
Development Requirements Table of KMC Title 14 by
Adding a Provision for an Administrative Exemption for a
Reduction of Up to a Total of Twelve (12j Inches from the
Setback Requirements.
MOTION:
Councilman Bookey MOVED to remove Ordinance No. 1820-99 from the Consent
agenda and place it on the regular agenda for discussion. Councilman Moore
SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
Williams asked Councilman Bannock if he wanted Ordinances No. 1817-99 and
1818-99 removed from the consent agenda and substituted with Substitute Item H-
5, Ordinance No. 1817-99 and Substitute Item H-6, Ordinance No. 1818-99.
Bannock answered yes.
MOTION:
Councilman Measles MOVED to approve the consent agenda as amended and
ouncilwoman Swarner SECONDED the motion. fihere were no objections. SO
RDERED.
ITEM B: SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS
B-1. Charles K. Cranston -- Kenai Peninsula Youth Court
Cranston thanked council for their support of the Kenai Peninsula Youth Court and
distributed information of matters the Youth Court had undertook during the year.
He noted, the city's financial support helped to finance the computer update used to
compile the information distributed. Cranston gave an overview of cases forwarded
to them by FDYS.
Tomanika Haynes-- Reported she was running for Youth Court President. She
noted, she had attended two Youth Court Conferences in the past, one out-of state
and one in-state. In attending those conferences, she learned how youth courts work
out of state and added, their organization had been making changes to their
constitution through what they learned at the conferences.
Cranston added, over 100 youth had been trained for Youth Court since their first
year. The first National Youth Court Conference was scheduled to be held in
Anchorage on May 11-13, 1999. Their organization would like to send five of their
students to Anchorage for the conference. Costs for transportation and tuition would
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 7, 1999
PAGE 7
would be out-of--town and unable to attend the meeting. Councilman Bannock
offered to attend the meeting for Measles.
D-3. Harbor Commission
Councilman Bookey reported the next meeting was scheduled for April 12.
D-4. Library Commission
Councilman Moore reported the Library Commission met on Apri16 at which time
they were given a presentation of the preliminary report on the Library survey. He
noted, although the results were being compiled, many of those included in the
report shadowed the City's survey. Moore also reported the Commission passed a
motion to recommend a ~ 10.00 fee be charged for inter-library loans for non-
residents. He noted, because the City of Kenai was the only library in the area that
didn't charge for inter-library loans, people from out of the city come to Kenai to use
the inter-library loan program.
Moore noted, the new library director was en route. He also reminded council and
the audience of the reception for volunteers scheduled for Apri120.
D-5. Parks 8~ Recreation Commission
Councilman Frazer reported the next Commission meeting was scheduled for April
15.
D-6. Planning & Zoning Commission
Councilman Bannock reported the minutes of the last two Commission meetings
were included in the packet. He noted, during the March 24 meeting, properties in
the Salty Dog Heights Subdivision were determined not needed for public purpose.
He explained, the properties were out of the city and had come into city ownership
through foreclosure proceedings.
Bannock also reported the Commission discussed building setbacks/administrative
exemptions which evolved into ordinances before council at H-5 and H-6 on the
agenda. He noted, he requested the ordinances be taken off the council's consent
agenda and substituted in order for the ordinances to go to the Commission for
review prior to council's public hearings.
D-7. Miscellaneous Commissions and Committees
D-7a. Beautification Committee
Councilwoman Swarner reported the next Committee meeting was scheduled for
April 13 at 5:30. She noted a work session would be held prior to the meeting.
Swarner also reported there were flowers growing in the greenhouse. Also, the Teen
1
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 7, 1999
PAGE 9
ITEM H: NEW BUSINESS
H-1. Bills to be Paid, Bills to be Ratified
MOTION:
Councilman Bookey MOVED to pay the bills and Councilman Measles SECONDED
the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
H-2. Purchase Orders Exceeding $2,500
MOTION:
Councilman Measles MOVED for approval of the purchase orders exceeding X2,500
and Councilman Bookey SECONDED the motion.
Swarner questioned the purchase order to Attorney Haggart. City Attorney Graves
explained, X50,000 had been budgeted. Of that, ~ 17,000 had been used. He noted,
he had been processing purchase orders in smaller increments in order to better
track the costs. Bookey asked if Graves anticipated an end to the litigation. Graves
explained, he hoped a proposal to disburse funds would be brought to council for
review at their next meeting. If the proposal is approved by the bank and council, it
would then go to the firustees for review. The Trustees have indicated their approval
to go ahead with the disbursement plan if the council and bank approve the plan.
H-3. Ordinance No. 1815-99 -- Amending Kenai Municipal Code, Chapter
8.05.010 to Adopt the Latest Editions of the National Fire Codes and
the Uniform Fire Code.
Introduced by consent agenda.
H-4. Ordinance No. 1816-99 -- Finding that Certain City-Owned Land
Described as That Portion of the West 1/2 Southeast 1/4, Southeast 1/4 and
the East 1/2 Southwest 1/4, Southeast 1/4, Section 33, Township 6 North,
Range 11 West, Seward Meridian, Alaska is Not Required for a Public
Purpose for the City of Kenai and Can Be Donated to the Kenai
Peninsula Borough.
Introduced by consent agenda.
H-5. Ordinance No. 1817-99 -- Amending KMC 14.20.185 By Adding a
Section Which Would Provide for an Administrative Exemption for
Encroachments of Up to a Total of Twelve (12) Inches.
(Ordinance No. 1817-99 was removed from the consent agenda and substituted at
the. beginning of the meeting.)
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 7, 1999
PAGE 10
MOTION:
Councilman Bannock MOVED for introduction of Ordinance No. 1817-99 marked H-
5 Substitute and Councilman Measles SECONDED the motion.
Bannock explained the difference between the original ordinance and substitute was
in Item No. 1. The substitute ordinance would allow administration to give up to a
12-inch exemption without going to the Commission. He noted, the Commission had
some concern with a 12-inch exemption because there have been scenarios when
there is only five feet involved to start and if the entire exemption is used in a five-
foot setback, it would be using 20% of the setback. Bannock continued, the
Commission also discussed a ten percent exemption. It was noted ten percent of a
20-foot setback would be two feet. He added, the Commission discussed an
exemption could not exceed 12 inches, and at the same time not exceed ten percent
of the standard setback.
Bannock noted, this would only be a tool and not a rubber stamp. There were
safeguards included in the ordinance. An applicant for an encroachment would have
the ability to go to the Commission for an exemption if the administrative official
ruled against it. He noted, he requested the ordinance to be substituted and
introduced in order for the Commission to review it at their April 14 meeting; prior to
the ordinance going to public hearing at the Apri121 council meeting.
Williams stated, the substitute ordinance was basically his intent when he suggested
the 12" figure and noted there may need to be anot-to-exceed amount included for
side setbacks. He commended the Commission for recognizing this issue.
There were no public comments.
VOTE:
Councilman Measles requested UNANIMOUS CONSENT. There were no objections.
SO ORDERED.
H-6. Ordinance No. 1818-99 -- Amending the Development Requirements
Table of KMC Title 14 by Adding a Provision for an Administrative
Exemption for a Reduction of Up to a Total of Twelve (12) Inches From
the Setback Requirements.
MOTION:
Councilman Bannock MOVED for introduction of Ordinance No. 1818-99 labeled H-6
Substitute and Councilman Moore SECONDED the motion.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 7, 1999
PAGE 11
Bannock explained, his reasoning for the substitute was the same, except Ordinance
No. 1818-99 related to variances instead of encroachments. Measles questioned the
ability to give an administrative exemption without notification of adjacent property
owners. Attorney Graves explained, under this ordinance, the adjacent property
owners would not be required. Graves referred to the Code and verified notification
of adjacent property owners was required for standard variance applications.
Measles asked what guidelines administration would use in granting or denying a
variance exemption. He noted his concern there would not be notification to
adjacent property owners. Graves explained, the guidelines stated in the ordinance
was that the variance would need to meet the purpose of the standards set forth in
the Development Requirements Table. He noted, those were not a firm set of
requirements. The remedy would be either to appeal a denial by the administrative
official or apply for a regular variance and go through the regular process. Measles
noted, more discussion would take place at the public hearing, however he was
concerned the ordinance would make it easier to get a variance and to reduce
setbacks on property lines.
Building Official Springer explained, the ordinance would be used if a person wanted
to build a house on a small-sized lot and to build the size house they wanted on the
lot, they would come into a situation where they were a few inches short of having
the house fit the lot. Williams asked if Springer had experienced occasions when a
foundation was already set and due to misalignment of block, a house built with a
two to three-inch encroachment. Springer answered yes, however that would be an
encroachment and not a variance (a variance is requested prior to building, an
encroachment is requested after construction) .
VOTE:
Councilman Measles requested UNANIMOUS CONSENT. There were no objections.
SO ORDERED.
H-?. Ordinance No. 1819-99 -- Finding That Certain City-Owned Lands,
Described as Six Lots in Salty Dog Heights Subdivision Located in
Sterling, Are Not Required for a Public Purpose.
Introduced by consent agenda.
H-8. Ordinance No. 1820-99 -- Increasing Estimated Revenues and
Appropriations by ~ 114,000 for the South Spruce Street Parking
Project.
Removed from consent agenda at the beginning of the meeting.
Di scu ssi nn
Administration noted the street name was incorrect and would be
bringing that to the attention of the Borough and surveyor before
it is finalized.
VOTE:
Bryson Yes Nord Yes
Erwin Yes Goecke Yes
Glick Yes
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. `
Councilman Bannock suggested that since the consideration had
passed, the Commission might want to direct Administration to go
back to the Conditional Use Permit and change the- legal
description because the description would probably change.
Kebschull noted this was a problem that happens often; the City
now files everything by street address because there are constant
changes then the parcel number catches up.
5. NEW BUSINESS -Considered under Consent Agenda.
b. OLD BUSINESS
a. Discussion -- Ordinance No. 1817-99 (Substitute] and
Ordinance 1818-99 ~Substitutej -Administrative exemptions for
encroachments and setbacks.
Bannock related the City Attorney had drafted the new ordinance
regarding encroachment permits based on the Commission's
recommendations. The ordinance was slated for public hearing at
the 4/ 21 / 99 council meeting. The Commission unanimously
agreed they were satisfied with the wording and thanked Bannock
for letting them review the ordinance.
7. CODE ENFORCEMENT -None
8. REPORTS
a. City Council
Councilman Bannock directed the Commission to the Agenda of
the Council meeting of March 31, 1999.
PLANNING 8v ZONING COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 14, 1999
PAGE 7
Borough was established, the schools were transferred to the Borough. It was found
recently, the property had not been transferred. The ordinance would correct that
omission.
VOTE:
Bookey: Yes Swarner: Yes Moore: Yes
' Measles: Yes Bannock: Yes Frazer: Yes
Williams: Yes
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
C-3. Ordinance No. 1817-99 -- Amending KMC 14.20.185 by Adding a
Section Which Would Provide for an Administrative Exemption for
Encroachments of Up to a Total of Twelve (12j Inches.
MOTION:
Councilman Bannock MOVED for adoption of Ordinance No. 1817-99 and
Councilman Bookey SECONDED the motion.
There were no public comments. Bannock reported the Planning 8~ Zoning
Commission had no additional comments in regard to the ordinance. Swarner stated
she would not support the ordinance because she felt the current code was working
well in dealing with encroachments. Williams stated he believed the objective of the
ordinance was to make the process easier for administration and the general public.
City Engineer La Shot stated he and the Building Official believed, with this change
in the code, minor concerns would be able to be dealt with easier. He added,
problems with encroachments were not always intentional and they believed the code
change would ease the process for the public and administration.
Moore asked if an adj acent property owner would have any recourse if a property
owner is granted an exemption without a public hearing. Bannock answered, every
decision made by administration would be subject to an appeal to the Board of
Adjustment or the judicial system (after the appeal to the Board of Adjustment,
depending on the outcome of the appeal] . Moore asked if the adjacent property
owner would be notified the exemption was going to be given administratively. La
Shot answered, not the way the amendment was written.
Bookey stated he was concerned this ordinance would eliminate an adjoining
property owner to have any recourse because they would not receive any notification
of the filing or the exemption. Williams asked if council wanted to recommend a
sentence be added to the ordinance stating the administration would notify adjoining
property owners of the administrative decision to allow an encroachment. Bookey
stated, he believed something would need to be done because he would not support
the ordinance as it was written.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 21, 1999
PAGE 5
Bannock stated, notification would defeat the purpose of having the administrative
exemption. He added, if council did not want to give administration the authority to
make an exemption, council should vote the ordinance down. Bannock added, the
ordinance was not allowing a drastic departure from the norm because the
Commission reviews many issues that would fall under this ordinance. The
ordinance was developed to speed the process and eliminate the ~ 100 fee.
Bookey asked if a property owner is given an exemption for five inches, would it
impact the future construction of a building on the adjacent lot. Williams noted, the
owner of the adjacent property would have the same ability to request afive-inch
exemption as the other property owner.
Moore asked who of the administration would have the authority to grant the
exemption. He noted, this was a question brought forward by Councilman Measles
at the last council meeting. Williams noted, if administration was not wanting to
make an exemption, the question could be taken to the Planning 8~ Zoning
Commission. He added, the issue was how to be assured any official in the future
would be sufficiently honest to ensure there would be no conflict in granting an
exemption.
Frazer asked if an administrative exemption like this would be in the same vein as a
building inspector deciding whether a structure is within the code, etc. It would be
the same official granting the exemption. Ross stated, it was his understanding the
administrative exemption could be used when the as-built showed there was a
problem. He added, these would not be exemptions done in advance. Ross noted,
the owner could be waiting up to six weeks for an exemption when the exemption
would be for only a few inches. Bannock stated Ross was correct and asked Attorney
Graves to read KMC 14.25.085(d). He added, an encroachment solves financing
problems.
Graves read, "...The Planning Department shall submit the application of the
Planning Commission for review and public hearing. The Planning Commission shall
establish a finding that all the conditions set forth in subsections 1 though 4 of this
section have been found to exist before issuing an encroachment permit. One, that
an encroachment as defined in KMC 14.20.125(a) exists; two, that the encroachment
does not encroach upon a federal, state or city right-of--way or utility easement; three,
the issuance of the encroachment permit will not authorize a use which is not a
principle permitted use in the zoning district in which the property is located; or four,
the encroachment is not located across a platted lot line."
Graves added, the term administrative official was used in the ordinance because it
was a term of art in the code, i.e. a defined term, meaning the person charged with
administration and enforcement of the chapter. He added, it was basically the
person the city manager designated with enforcement of the Planning 8~ Zoning law.
Currently, it was the building inspector.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 21, 1999
PAGE 6
Barry Eldridge -- 2679 Bowpicker Lane, Kenai. Eldridge stated he recently had to
,~ re uest an encroachment for a Habitat for Humanit house which was not lined u
q Y p
as originally desired. The encroachment was 1.2 inches toward the street. They paid
the fee and went before Planning 8~ Zoning and the encroachment was granted.
Eldridge stated, it seemed to be a lot of burden on the homeowner for an
unintentional error. He believed the ordinance satisfied the needs and noted, an
encroachment would not be able to be more than six inches on a side setback and
12" on a front setback. Eldridge added, he didn't think neighbors would have a
concern about so small an encroachment.
Moore stated he would support the administrative exemption if the neighbors were
notified about the exemption.
MOTION TO AMEND:
Councilman Moore MOVED to add a requirement that the adjoining property owner
be notified of the granting of the administrative exemption.
THERE WAS NO SECOND.
Ross asked Graves if an administrative remedy could be conditioned on consent
knowing if it was not received, the applicant would have to apply to the Commission
for the exemption. Graves answered, neighbors could not be offered veto powers of
zoning. He offered suggested language, "The Administrative Official, after notifying
adjoining property owners, may grant an encroachment permit without a public
hearing..." Moore stated, he didn't want the neighbor to have veto power, but wanted
the neighbor to know at the time of the application for exemption to go to the
building official or council and object to the exemption.
Ross asked, if the neighbor is opposed, what would be the opposing neighbors'
remedy. Measles stated, he would rather put the burden on the applicant and not on
the administration, i.e. if an applicant wants an administrative decision on an
encroachment, the applicant would need to bring a letter from each of the neighbors
who would be affected by the encroachment, either agreeing to the exemption or
disagreeing to it. He added, if there was not agreement of all the neighbors, the
exemption could not be issued and the matter would go to the Commission for
consideration and go through the normal process.
Measles added, the problem he had with the ordinance was that it would make it too
easy and would take away a lot of incentive for a builder to be careful during the
initial construction. Ross asked if council would prefer to table the ordinance and
have the attorney rework the wording.
MOTION TO TABLE:
Councilman Measles MOVED to table Ordinance No. 1817-99 and Councilwoman
Swarner SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 21, 1999
PAGE 7
Williams suggested Ordinance No. 1818-99 also be tabled for rewrite.
C-4, Ordinance No. 1818-99 -- Amending the Development Requirements
Table of KMC Title 14 by Adding a Provision for an Administrative
Exemption for a Reduction of Up to a Total of Twelve (12) Inches From
the Setback Requirements.
MOTION:
Councilman Measles MOVED for adoption of Ordinance 1818-99 and Councilman
Moore SECONDED the motion.
There were no public comments. Measles stated he had more concern with this
ordinance because of the lack of notification to adjacent property owners when an
administrative exemption is being considered. He added, neighbors should be
notified, either by letter or Planning ~ Zoning process, if administration was going to
allow a building to be built larger than allowed by code.
MOTION TO TABLE:
Councilwoman Swarner MOVED to table Ordinance No. 1818-99 and Councilman
Bookey SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
C-5. Ordinance 1819-99 -- Finding that Certain City-Owned Lands,
Described as Six Lots in Salty Dog Heights Subdivision Located in
Sterling, Are Not Required for a Public Purpose.
MOTION:
Councilman Measles MOVED for adoption of Ordinance No. 1819-99 and
Councilman Bookey SECONDED the motion.
There were no public comments. Ross noted, the properties were in Sterling and
would be offered in the next public land sale. He also noted, the properties did not
have access to the Kenai River and they were a fair distance in from the highway.
VOTE:
Bookey: Yes Swarner: Yes Moore: Yes
Measles: Yes Bannock: Yes Frazer: Yes
Williams: Yes
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 21, 1999
PAGE 8
6. OLD BUSINESS:
a. Ordinance No. 1818-99 and Ordinance 1817-99
Administrative Exemptions for setback requirements.
GOECKE MOVED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE N0. 1818-99 AND
181?-99. MOTION SECONDED BY NORD.
Kebschull reported Council was concerned with the ordinances
regarding administrative exemptions as they felt adjacent property
owners wouldn't have the opportunity to comment. The last time
council reviewed the ordinance, they requested administration to
revise it to require the applicant to notify the adjacent property
owners of the request for administrative exemption. If no
objections were received, the applicant could return for the
encroachment or variance.
Bannock stated he wanted to hear comments from the Planning
and Zoning Commission regarding administrative exemptions and
reiterated Council was concerned adjacent property owners
wouldn't have the opportunity to comment. He added, Council
feared property owners would come back if they had problems
with it.
Goecke asked what Council was concerned about when the
Building Official does a good job. He also asked why Council was
reluctant to let the Building Official do his job. Bannock
responded by stating the concern was with the adjacent property
owners not being able to respond as there was no mechanism in
place for that to happen.
Nord asked if the Code could be amended to notify adjacent
property owners who were 100 to 200 feet away from the property
in question. Goecke indicated he would have a problem with a
code change as the only properties that would be affected would
be the adjacent owners. Bryson agreed with Goecke and added, if
any one of the three objected, then the request would be rejected.
Glick noted the ordinances were designed to make things easier
for these types of variances or encroachments and this seemed to
make it more difficult. Bannock stated the ordinances would
allow the Building Inspector to become Planning and Zoning and
this was just a shortcut to the process.
Erwin stated the ordinances were an attempt to make things
easier but if Council was uncomfortable with them there was no
sense to go with it as everything pushed through would come
back.
Planning & Zoning Commission
May 12,1999
Page 2
VOTE:
6
BRYSON
GOECKE
NEWBRY
NO ERWIN NO
NO NORD NO
NO GLICK NO
MOTION FAILED UNANIMOUSLY.
b. PZ99-10 -Preliminary Plat -Beaver Creek Lookout
GOECKE MOVED TO APPROVE PZ99 -10. MOTION SECONDED
BY ERWIN.
Kebschull noted the applicant was in attendance to answer any
questions from the Commission.
Kebschull reported Administration originally required a note be
placed on the plat requiring the lots maintain single ownership
due to the non-conforming lot size. Miller advised the City his
financial agency indicated the note requiring single ownership
would not satisfy the institution's requirement to qualify for a
loan. Miller submitted the plat in an attempt to obtain financing
to build a home and he reiterated he had no plans to sell Lot 1.
Kebschull continued, Administration recommended the note
regarding Lot 1 be changed as noted in the Kenai Peninsula
Borough Subdivision Regulations, Chapter 210.14.080 as that
would satisfy the Borough, ADEC, and the City's concerns. Miller
stated the request would separate the lots by removing the
restrictions from the larger lot (Lot 2).
Bryson reported the items were on the Borough's Planning agenda
on May 10~ and both were recommended for approval. Bryson
asked Miller if he discussed his plans with Borough personnel.
Milled replied, he did not but he was aware the Borough would not
change unless the City initiated it. Bryson indicated Miller would
probably still have to go through the Borough. Miller answered,
the item would go to the Borough for review once it was through
this process. Bryson reported it was not an unusual situation for
larger tracts to have such restrictions.
VOTE:
ERwIN YES
NORD YES
BRYSON YES
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. CODE ENFORCEMENT: None
GOECKE YES
NEWBRY YES
GLICK YES
Planning & Zoning Commission
May 12,1999
Page 3