HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-02-22 Planning & Zoning PacketKenai Planning & Zoning Commission –
Regular Meeting
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February 22, 2023
Kenai Planning & Zoning Commission -
Regular Meeting
February 22, 2023 ꟷ 7:00 PM
Kenai City Council Chambers
210 Fidalgo Avenue, Kenai, Alaska
www.kenai.city
**Telephonic/Virtual Info on Page 2**
Agenda
A. CALL TO ORDER
1. Pledge of Allegiance
2. Roll Call
3. Agenda Approval
4. Consent Agenda
5. *Excused Absences
*All items listed with an asterisk (*) are considered to be routine and non-controversial by the
Commission and will be approved by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these
items unless a Commission Member so requests, in which case the it em will be removed from
the Consent Agenda and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda as part of the
General Orders.
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. *Regular Meeting of January 25, 2023
C. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENT
(Public comment limited to ten (10) minutes per speaker)
D. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENT
(Public comment limited to three (3) minutes per speaker;
thirty (30) minutes aggregated)
E. CONSIDERATION OF PLATS
1. Resolution PZ2023-03 – Recommending Approval for Preliminary Plat – Janousek
Subdivision 2023 Replat to Consolidate Lots 2 and 3, of Janousek Subdivision into one (1)
lot.
F. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Resolution PZ2023-02 - Granting a Variance Permit to Allow Additional Signage on the
Properties Located at 508 Upland Street and 1000 Mission Avenue (Parcel IDs: 04707134
and 04707136) in the Townsite Historic (TSH) Zoning District.
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Kenai Planning & Zoning Commission –
Regular Meeting
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February 22, 2023
2. Action/Approval – Recommending the Kenai City Council Enact Ordinance No. 3332-2023
– Amending Kenai Municipal Code Section 3.10.070-Livestock within the City Limits, to
Allow a Maximum of Twelve (12) Chicken Hens to be Kept on Certain Lots Less than 40,000
Square Feet within the City of Kenai.
G. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
H. NEW BUSINESS
I. PENDING ITEMS
J. REPORTS
1. City Council
2. Kenai Peninsula Borough Planning
3. City Administration
K. ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENT
(Public comment limited to five (5) minutes per speaker)
L. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
M. NEXT MEETING ATTENDANCE NOTIFICATION
1. Next Meeting: March 8, 2023
N. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS
O. ADJOURNMENT
The agenda and supporting documents are posted on the City’s website at www.kenai.city. Copies of
resolutions and ordinances are available at the City Clerk’s Office or outside the Council Chamber prior
to the meeting. For additional information, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 907-283-8231.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88933677308 OR Call: (253) 215-8782 or (301) 715-8592
Meeting ID: 889 3367 7308 Passcode: 752772 Meeting ID: 889 3367 7308 Passcode: 752772
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KENAI PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION –
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 25, 2023 – 7:00 P.M.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
210 FIDALGO AVE., KENAI, AK 99611
CHAIR JEFF TWAIT, PRESIDING
Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Page 1 of 7
January 25, 2023
MINUTES
A. CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the Kenai Planning & Zoning Commission was held on January 25, 2023, in City
Hall Council Chambers, Kenai, AK. Chair Twait called the meeting to order at approximately 7:00 p.m.
1. Pledge of Allegiance
Chair Twait led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Roll Call
There were present:
Commissioners present: J. Twait, G. Woodard, G. Greenberg, J. Glendening, D. Fikes, J.
Coston
Commissioners absent: J. Halstead
Staff/Council Liaison present: Planning Director L. Mitchell, Vice Mayor J. Baisden, Deputy Clerk
M. Thibodeau, City Attorney S. Bloom, Chief Animal Control Officer
J. Hendrickson
A quorum was present.
3. Agenda Approval
Chair Twait noted the following revisions to the agenda and packet:
ACTION ITEM
Add to item F.2 Action/Approval – Recommending the Kenai City Council Enact
Ordinance No. 3332-2023
• Public Comment
MOTION:
Commissioner Greenberg MOVED to approve the agenda with the requested revisions. Commissioner
Fikes SECONDED the motion. There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
4. Consent Agenda
MOTION:
Commissioner Greenberg MOVED to approve the consent agenda. Commissioner Fikes SECONDED
the motion. There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
*All items listed with an asterisk (*) are considered to be routine and non-controversial by the Commission
and will be approved by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a
commission member so requests, in which case the item will be removed from the consent agenda and
considered in its normal sequence on the agenda as part of the General Orders.
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Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Page 2 of 7
January 25, 2023
5. *Excused Absences – J. Halstead
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. *Regular Meeting of December 28, 2022
Approved by the consent agenda.
C. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS – None.
D. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS – None.
E. CONSIDERATION OF PLATS – None.
F. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Resolution PZ2023-01 – A Request by Joe Rizzo for a Conditional Use Permit to Allow a
Performing Arts Center on the Eastern Portion of the Property Described as Tract 4A of
Baron Park 2020 Replat, Located at 450 Marathon Road in the Light Industrial (IL) Zone.
MOTION:
Commissioner Fikes MOVED to adopt Resolution PZ2023-01. Commissioner Greenberg SECONDED
the motion.
Planning Director Mitchell presented her staff report with information provided in the packet explaining
that the applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a Performing Arts Center. Clarification
was provided that the proposed use would be on the eastern portion, approximately two acres of the
5.844 acre lot, and that the plan would be to construct a two-story building to accommodate an audience
of up to 150 people. It was noted that the City Council had enacted an ordinance to conditionally donate
the land for this project, and the stipulations have been extended for completion of the improvement. The
criteria for CUPs were reviewed; it was noted the application met the criteria and City staff recommends
approval subject to the following conditions:
1. Any development or use of the property shall comply with all applicable Federal, State of Alaska,
and City regulations regardless of whether or not the requirements are listed as conditions for the
approval of the Conditional Use Permit.
2. Upon request, the applicant or applicant’s representative shall meet with City staff for an on-site
inspection.
3. Prior to issuance of a building permit, a landscape/site plan must be reviewed and approved by
the Planning and Zoning Department.
Applicant Joe Rizzo explained that Triumvirate has raised approximately $800,000 from various sources,
including corporations, small foundations, and local donors. The project also has secured a grant of $1
million from the Rasmussen Foundation and has been awarded an additional $1 million grant through
the USDA and Rural Development, through a congressionally directed spending through Senator
Murkowski's office. The project team includes an architect from K&A Design Studio, as well as an
experienced project manager. A survey to subdivide the property has been ordered and scheduled, and
the cost of the survey will be covered by Triumvirate.
Chair Twait opened for public hearing. There being no one wishing to be heard, the public hearing was
closed.
The Commission expressed support, noting that the project will be a great asset to the community, has
been well thought out, and that Mr. Rizzo has been faithful in coming to the City with updates and planning
a realistic timeline.
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Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Page 3 of 7
January 25, 2023
VOTE:
YEA: Fikes, Woodard, Greenberg, Coston, Glendening, Twait
NAY: None.
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chair Twait noted the fifteen-day appeal period.
2. Action/Approval – Recommending the Kenai City Council Enact Ordinance No. 3332-2023
– Amending Kenai Municipal Code Section 3.10.070-Livestock within the City Limits, to
Allow a Maximum of Twelve (12) Chicken Hens to be Kept on Certain Lots Less than 40,000
Square Feet within the City of Kenai.
MOTION:
Commissioner Fikes MOVED to recommend the Kenai City Council enact Ordinance No. 3332-2023.
Commissioner Woodard SECONDED the motion.
Director Mitchell noted that the ordinance is Council-sponsored and proposes to amend the current
livestock code to allow a maximum of twelve chicken hens to be kept on certain lots less than 40,000
square feet within city limits. The ordinance addresses the zones prohibited under the current code and
provides guidelines for setbacks for coops and enclosures for the allowed chicken hens.
Council Member Douthit explained that he sponsored this ordinance to allow food security in the
community by allowing residents to keep a limited number of chickens for eggs and a food source,
independent from grocery stores. The ordinance was proposed before the current egg shortage but aligns
with the current situation. Douthit cites that many other communities in Alaska and nationwide have
similar ordinances and it is becoming a popular trend. The ordinance allows for a small enclosure of up
to 12 chickens, enough for a reasonably sized family to have a source of eggs. Douthit also mentioned
that this will address the issue of illegal chicken coops in the city, as they are only addressed when there
are complaints.
Planning Director Mitchell pointed out that the amendment would be to Title III which is the purview of
Animal Control, and requires the keeping of chicken hens to be consistent with the terms of this title,
including sanitary conditions. Further discussion involved chicken locations on smaller lots, sizing
requirements, current CUP process for keeping chickens, prohibition of roosters in the ordinance, and
staff enforcement.
Chair Twait opened for public hearing.
Dan Conetta spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance, noting that allowing chickens in densely
populated neighborhoods like Woodland Subdivision would compromise the character and integrity of
the residential neighborhood and create an imbalance between those who want chickens in their
residential neighborhoods and those who do not. He suggested alternatives such as adding the RS zone
to the prohibit zoning districts, establishing a minimum lot size for raising chickens, or equal treatment for
subdivisions with similar profiles.
Dave Howard testified in opposition to the ordinance, citing a personal experience of having a neighbor’s
renters build a chicken farm with a CUP that did not meet the required conditions. He noted that there is
a lack of resources and manpower in the City to enforce code and property lines and that this could lead
to conflicts in the neighborhood. He suggested that the City should focus on enhancing and enforcing
Animal Control and Planning and Zoning to enforce the code as it is.
Barbara Kennedy testified in support of the ordinance. She emphasized the importance of building proper
enclosures for chickens and the responsibility that comes with owning them and spoke about the
educational value of raising chickens and the positive impact it has had on her family, specifically her
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Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Page 4 of 7
January 25, 2023
child and her elderly mother. She also mentioned that not everyone will want chickens and that the
ordinance is simply legalizing what is already happening in the community.
Ryan Tedford testified in support of the ordinance, noting that he supported allowing residents to raise
chickens on their property as long as they are contained in coops and runs. He believes this is a
sustainable idea, particularly in light of rising egg prices and the cost of shipping goods to rural areas in
Alaska. He does not believe there should be a limit on the number of chickens that can be kept as long
as they are properly maintained and confined. He emphasized the importance of sustainability and the
positive impact it can have on the community.
Lisa Hansen testified in support of the ordinance, and shared personal experience with keeping chickens
on her lot. She stated that 12 hens is not very many and she was easily able to maintain 25-30 hens on
an 11,000 foot lot. She highlighted the importance of food security in Alaska, and stated that the noise
from chickens is a minor inconvenience compared to the benefits of having a local food source. She also
argued that allowing chickens is a step towards legalizing an already common practice in the area, and
that a boom in chicken ownership would be short lived if the ordinance passes.
Bob Molloy expressed that he does not support the ordinance as written, and requested that the
Commission consider recommending that it not be enacted as written and that it be referred back to the
Commission for work sessions. He highlighted several issues with the ordinance, including inequity in
zones; lack of regulations for locations of containment areas; and lack of standards for dimensions,
materials, and appearance of containment structures; lack of protection against predators; lack of
regulations for waste removal and odor; and lack of enforcement and resources for enforcement.
Kristine Schmidt testified in opposition to the ordinance, stating that the current ordinance is unclear and
vague and that the same ordinance failed 10 years ago. She also stated that people need specific
regulations, enforcement mechanisms, and more Planning and Animal Control staff to make the
ordinance work. She also expressed concerns about commercial sales, homeowner consent for tenants,
and the appearance of the neighborhood with multiple chicken pens.
Carol Freas stated that she believes that there are many areas of the ordinance that need further review
and consideration, as shown by the concerns expressed in letters submitted to the Commission. She
also pointed out that other areas of the code could be affected if the ordinance is passed. Freas urged
the Commission to refer the ordinance back to the Council, taking into account the points of concern that
have been submitted and discussed during the meeting.
Lisa Hansen noted that 40 members of the Woodland Estate Facebook group expressed favor for the
ordinance and were excited about the opportunity to have chickens for themselves and their families.
She pointed out that there are no setback rules for dog houses or fences, and that chickens can provide
food for the community in case of economic shut down.
Council Member Douthit provided clarification in response to questions from the Commission, including
omission of RS1 and RS2 from the ordinance and the possibility of additional work sessions to get public
consensus. Support was expressed for the ordinance, stating that it provides a path forward for those
who want to have chickens.
There being no one else wishing to be heard, the public hearing was closed.
Chief Animal Control Officer Hendrickson clarified the mechanism for Animal Control code enforcement,
stating that her department is complaint-driven and would not know about illegal chicken coops until it
was reported to them.
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January 25, 2023
Further discussion involved enforcement of a previous Board of Adjustment decision involving livestock,
code definitions of livestock including other aviary species, possible postponement of the ordinance to
provide more time to hold work sessions and address public concerns, Council’s motion to refer the
ordinance to the Commission for recommendation, the potential burden of this ordinance on Animal
Control staff, the responsibility of paying for surveys to validate complaints about chicken coop locations,
the average number of chickens to supply a family with eggs.
The Commission deliberated how best to provide their recommendations to Council. Some members
expressed their support for the ordinance, stating it provides a path forward for those who wish to have
chickens as pets or for food. Concerns were also expressed over the ordinance's lack of clarity, the
possibility of disputes between neighbors, and the need to clarify issues such as setbacks. It was
suggested that a work session be scheduled to further refine the ordinance.
Additional clarification was provided that commercial production of eggs in a residential zone would be
in violation, and that the ordinance as written provides that the containment structure may be up to 25
feet from the front yard. Further discussion involved scalability of allowed chickens per household size or
residential zone.
MOTION TO INCLUDE CONDITION:
Commissioner Greenberg to MOVED recommend that the City Council schedule a Planning & Zoning
and/or City Council Work Session prior to enactment of Ordinance No. 3332-2023. Commissioner
Woodard SECONDED the motion.
VOTE ON MOTION TO INCLUDE CONDITION:
YEA: Greenberg, Coston, Glendening, Twait, Fikes, Woodard
NAY: None.
MOTION TO INCLUDE CONDITION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOTION TO INCLUDE CONDITION:
Commissioner Greenberg MOVED to recommend Council amend Ordinance No. 3332-2023 to include
provisions that containment of chickens be restricted to the back of the house in the rear yard.
Commissioner Glendening SECONDED the motion.
Clarification was provided that the rear yard is defined as everything behind the rear building façade.
VOTE ON MOTION TO INCLUDE CONDITION:
YEA: Glendening, Twait, Fikes, Woodard, Greenberg, Coston
NAY: None.
MOTION TO INCLUDE CONDITION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
VOTE ON PRIMARY MOTION AS AMENDED TO INCLUDE CONDITIONS:
YEA: Coston, Glendening, Twait, Fikes, Woodard, Greenberg
NAY: None.
PRIMARY MOTION TO INCLUDE CONDITIONS PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
G. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None.
H. NEW BUSINESS
1. Action/Approval - Time Extension for Compliance with the Conditional Use Permit
Conditions in Resolution PZ2021-38.
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Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Page 6 of 7
January 25, 2023
MOTION:
Commissioner Glendening MOVED to approve a Time Extension for Compliance with the Conditional
Use Permit Conditions in Resolution PZ2021-38. Commissioner Fikes SECONDED the motion.
Planning Director Mitchell presented her staff report explaining that the application is requesting a one-
year time extension for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) that was approved on November 10, 2021 for a
recreational vehicle park. According to Title 14, the permit has one year to establish the operation before
it lapses. However, due to time constraints and the winter season, the applicant had not been able to
properly pave for the RV park and is not ready to operate, and an extension is needed to comply with the
conditions listed in the resolution PZ2021-38.
VOTE:
YEA: Woodard, Greenberg, Coston, Glendening, Twait, Fikes
NAY: None.
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
I. PENDING ITEMS – None.
J. REPORTS
1. City Council – Vice Mayor Baisden noted that he appreciated the public’s input and the
Commission’s discussion during the meeting, and the issue will be taken up by Council at
their next meeting on February 1, 2023.
2. Kenai Peninsula Borough Planning – Commissioner Fikes reported on the actions of the
January 23, 2023 Kenai Peninsula Borough Planning Meeting.
3. City Administration – Planning Director Mitchell reported on the following:
• Tentative work session schedule provided in the packet.
• Update on CUP annual reports: CUP transfers were previously issued as a resolution
separate from original resolution; will be working to clean up the record and streamline
the process for the future.
• Planning Administrative Assistant III position has been posted and will close next week.
• She will be meeting with the State Historic Preservation Office to update them on the
City’s historic preservation; the City is eligible for grants if we meet requirements which
include holding historic preservation meetings with commissioners that have
backgrounds in architecture, history, or archaeology.
K. ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENTS
Kristine Schmidt shared information about the changes to the RS zone restrictions in the 90s, and how
zoning changes came about when planning responsibilities were transferred from the Borough to the City.
She explained that the City of Wasilla requires administrative approval or permits for chickens and
advocated for permits to keep track of chicken ownership in the neighborhood.
L. INFORMATION ITEMS – None.
M. NEXT MEETING ATTENDANCE NOTIFICATION
1. Next Meeting Date: February 8, 2023
Commissioner Greenberg noted that he may be absent.
N. COMMISSION COMMENTS & QUESTIONS
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Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Page 7 of 7
January 25, 2023
Commissioner Glendening thanked everyone for their hard work, expressed appreciation for the
discussion, and thanked Planning Director Mitchell for her leadership.
Commissioner Coston thanked Chair Twait.
Commissioner Greenberg noted that the Commission had a good discussion, and there would be value in
having a work session where experts could weigh in on the issue.
Commissioner Fikes noted the difficulty in finding a solution that would address all concerns in the
timeframe provided, and said she hoped the Council will listen to the Commission’s recommendations
moving forward.
O. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 9:49 p.m.
Minutes prepared and submitted by:
____________________________
Meghan Thibodeau
Deputy City Clerk
Page 9
_____________________________________________________________________________________
CITY OF KENAI
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION NO. PZ2023-03
A RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING THAT JANOUSEK SUBDIVISION 2023 REPLAT
ATTACHED HERETO BE APPROVED
WHEREAS, the City of Kenai received the plat from McLane Consulting, Inc. on behalf of the
property owners, Richard A. Johnson and Kim M. Johnson and,
WHEREAS, the plat meets Kenai Municipal Code preliminary plat requirements of the Rural
Residential 1 (RR1); and,
WHEREAS, street names are referenced correctly; and,
WHEREAS, the consolidated lot will have access off of Magic Avenue and Princess Street, which
are City maintained roads; and
WHEREAS, City water and sewer lines are available to serve the new lot along Magic Avenue;
and,
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission finds:
1. Pursuant to Kenai Municipal Code 14.10.070 Subdivision design standards, the plat
conforms to the minimum street widths, easements are sufficiently provided for utilities,
the proposed lot consolidation would provide satisfactory and desirable building site, and
the preliminary plat meets standards for water and wastewater.
2. Pursuant to Kenai Municipal Code 14.24.010 Minimum lot area requirements, the
proposed lot meets City standards for minimum lot sizes.
3. Pursuant to Kenai Municipal Code 14.24.020 General Requirements, the proposed lot
meet City standards for minimum lot width, maximum lot coverage, maximum height, and
setbacks.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RECOMMENDED BY THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA:
Section 1. That the preliminary plat of Janousek Subdivision 2023 Replat be approved.
Page 10
Resolution No. PZ2023-03
Page 2 of 2
PASSED BY THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA,
this 22nd day of February, 2023.
JEFF TWAIT, CHAIRPERSON
ATTEST:
______________________________________
Meghan Thibodeau, Deputy City Clerk
Page 11
STAFF REPORT
PLANNING & ZONING DEPARTMENT
TO: Planning and Zoning Commission
FROM: Linda Mitchell, Planning Director
DATE: February 17, 2023
SUBJECT: Resolution No. PZ2023-03 – Preliminary Plat – Janousek Subdivision 2023
Replat
Request The applicant is proposing a preliminary plat to consolidate two (2) lots
into one (1) lot.
Staff
Recommendation
Adopt Resolution No. PZ2023-03 recommending approval for a
preliminary plat to consolidate Lots 2 and 3, of the Janousek Subdivision
into one (1) lot.
Applicant: McLane Consulting Inc.
Attn: James Hall
P.O. Box 468
Soldotna, AK 99669
Property Owners: Richard A. Johnson and Kim M. Johnson
Legal Description: Lots 2 and 3, of the Janousek Subdivision, according to Plat No. 85-
163
Property Addresses: 402 Princess Street and 603 Magic Avenue
KPB Parcel Nos.: 04503020 (Lot 3) and 04503021 (Lot 2)
Lot Sizes (acreage): 0.46 (Lot 2) and 0.46 (Lot 3)
Zoning: Rural Residential 1 (RR1)
Current Use: Vacant (Lot 2) and Single-Family Dwelling (Lot 3)
Land Use Plan: Suburban Residential
KJ;NAI
Page 12
Resolution No. PZ2023-03
Preliminary Plat
Janousek Subdivision 2023 Replat Page 2 of 2
SUMMARY
The proposed preliminary plat will consolidate Lots 2 and 3, of the Janousek Subdivision into one
(1) lot with an approximate lot size of 0.92 acre. The subject lots are located in the northeast
corner of Princess Street and Magic Avenue There is a single-family dwelling on Lot 3 and Lot 2
is vacant. Surrounding uses are primarily residential uses and vacant parcels.
Kenai Municipal Code (KMC) Chapter 14.10 Subdivision Regulations states preliminary plats or
replats must first be submitted to the City for review and recommendation the Kenai Peninsula
Borough Planning Commission.
ANALYSIS
The parent plat, Janousek Subdivision was approved by the Kenai Peninsula Borough Planning
Commission on June 10, 1985. For the proposed lot consolidation of parcels subdivided under an
approved plat, the design and layout requirements were met under the parent plat. The new
consolidated lot will continue to have access off of Princess Street and Magic Avenue, which are
City maintained roads. City water and sewer lines are available to serve the new lot along Magic
Avenue.
The proposed preliminary plat meets the general standards of KMC Chapter 14.10 Subdivision
Regulations.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff finds that the proposed preliminary plat meets the general standards of Kenai Municipal
Code Chapter 14.10 Subdivision Regulations, and hereby recommends that the Planning and
Zoning Commission recommends approval of Resolution No. PZ2023-03 to Kenai Peninsula
Borough.
ATTACHMENTS
Aerial Map
Application
Preliminary Plat, Janousek Subdivision 2023 Replat
Janousek Subdivision Plat
Page 13
City of Ke nai
l? Planning and Zon ing Department
Preliminary Plat 21 O Fida Igo Avenue
Kena i, AK 99611
Submittal Form (007) 283-8200
planning@kenai.city
www.kenai .city/planning
-f.T"!;TI•,-•l,1 ■(·:._-,91 ••••=-·••J •i~
Name: Mclane Consulting
Mailing Address: · POBOX468 City: I Soldotna State : I AK IZip Code: l 99669
Phone Number(s): 907-283-4218
Email: JHALL@MCLANECG.COM
l;J;J..•~-, [e l•11 h•1;;i:'.~
Name: Richard and Kim Johnson
Mailing Address: 603 Magic Ave City: I Kenai State: I AK IZip Code: 199611
Phone Number(s):
Email:
t; ill.!J: I =ti4 lf '4llili\!1i!l'J.!:J1~
Ke nai Peninsula Borough Parcel#: 04503020 & 04503021
Current City Zoning: Rural Residential 1
Use: l!J Residential D Recreational □ Commercial
0 Other:
Water: □ On Site ■ City □Community
Sewer: □ On Site ■City □ Community
[;i!t,:,1J'll•'• :re 1 •1,1.r ,w I re 1 ,, 1
Preliminary Plat Name: Janousek Subdivis ion 2023 Replat
Revised Prelirrinary Plat Name:
Vacation of Public Right-of-Way: □Yes II No
Street Name (rf vacating ROW):
Exceptions Required and Requested:
Comments :
':_i.3.fl l ■U ~l!!■l :J '1••·-=•J'.l3illE
■ Certificate to Plat ■ (1) 24• x 35• Plat l!I (2) 11H x 17" Plats
{\ I'\ I ~~"t· 'l!L"! =:. .
Signature : .:~p~ V,.J J HP~ I Date: I l/llk!l
Print Name: J..\( }fl1i,.,..,,~A ::r-. l. ,,, !--.0-'"\ !Title/Business: I &7ci'\PI" I
Page 15
Stewart 'lit{e of the 'l(enai <Peninsu{a, Inc.
Mclane Consulting, Inc.
PO Box468
Soldotna, AK 99669
Attention: James Hall
Gentlemen:
35096 Kenai Spur Hwy.
Soldotna, AK 99669
Tel: (907) 260-8031 Fax: (907) 260-8036
CERTIFICATE TO PLAT
This is a certificate as of January 03, 2023 at 8:00 A.M. for a plat out of the following property:
File Number: 22630
Premium: $263.00
Tax:
Lots Two (2) and Three (3), JANOUSEK SUBDIVISION, according to Plat No. 85-163, Kenai Recording District,
Third Judicial District, State of Alaska.
The Company certifies that record title is vested in
Richard A. Johnson and Kim M. Johnson, husband and wife as to Lot 2 and Richard A. Johnson and Kim
Johnson, husband and wife as to Lot 3
an estate in fee simple, free from all liens, encumbrances, and objections except for as follows:
1. RESERVATIONS and exceptions as contained in U.S. Patent, and/or acts authorizing the issuance
thereof.
2. RESERVATIONS AND EXCEPTIONS as contained in Mineral Patent from the United States of America to
the State of Alaska
Recorded: September 27, 1982
Volume/Page: 194/764
FURTHER, no other examination of the excepted title to minerals has been made herein and no insurance
nor responsibility therefore is implied or assumed.
3. TAXES AND ASSESSMENTS, if any, due the taxing authority indicated:
Taxing Authority: KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH
4. EASEMENTS, SET-BACKS AND DEDICATIONS as delineated on Plat No. 85-163.
5. EFFECT of the notes on said Plat No. 85-163.
6. DEED OF TRUST, including terms and provisions thereof, to secure an indebtedness of the amount
herein stated and for any other amounts payable under the terms thereof:
Amount: $198,900.00
Dated: June 25, 2020
Recorded: June 26, 2020
Serial No.: 2020-005825-0
Trustor: Richard A. Johnson and Kim Johnson, husband and wife
Trustee: First American Title
Beneficiary: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
(Affects Lot 3)
Stewart Title of the Kenai Peninsula, Inc.
Certificate to Plat KB1 File No.: 22630
Page 16
M A G I C A V E 66' R/WP R I N C E S S ST 50' R/WLOT 4 KN85-163LOT 1 KN85-163LOT 3K1347LOT 4K1347FORMER LOT LINE10' UTILITY EASEMENT PER KN85-163U N S U B D I V I D E D"BASIS OF BEARING"KN85-163N00°05'30"W1320.92'S89°54'30"W50.00'607.57'713.35'C1N00°05'30"WN89°59'54"ES00°05'30"ES89°59'54"W195.03'186.91'215.00'166.94'93.45'73.48'93.46'93.46'LOT 2A0.921 ACC1/4 SEC. 33RECORDBLM BRASS CAP1953CS1/16 SEC. 33RECORD2-1/2" AL CAP6089-S 1983Scale: 1" = 20'Date :JAN 2023KPB File No.2023-xxxDrawn by :JAHProject No.232001ENGINEERING - TESTINGSURVEYING - MAPPINGP.O. BOX 468SOLDOTNA, AK. 99669VOICE: (907) 283-4218FAX: (907) 283-3265WWW.MCLANECG.COMJANOUSEK SUBDIVISION 2023 REPLAT0.921 AC. M/L SITUATED IN THE SE1/4 OF SECTION 33, TOWNSHIP 6NORTH, RANGE 11 WEST, SEWARD MERIDIAN, AK, THE CITY OF KENAI,KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH AND THE KENAI RECORDING DISTRICT.RICHARD A. JOHNSON603 MAGIC AVEKENAI, AK 99611Plat #TimeMRec DistDate20CERTIFICATE OF OWNERSHIP AND DEDICATIONFOR:ACKNOWLEDGED BEFORE ME THIS_______ DAY OF ____, 2023MY COMMISSION EXPIRES :_____________________________NOTARY PUBLIC FOR THESTATE OF ALASKANOTARY'S ACKNOWLEDGEMENT1. WATER SUPPLY AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS SHALLBE PERMITTED ONLY IN CONFORMANCE WITH APPLICABLEREQUIREMENTS OF 18 AAC 72 AND 18 AAC 80.2. NO PERMANENT STRUCTURE SHALL BE CONSTRUCTED ORPLACED WITHIN AN EASEMENT WHICH WOULD INTERFEREWITH THE ABILITY OF A UTILITY TO USE THE EASEMENT.3. DEVELOPMENT MUST MEET THE CITY OF KENAI CHAPTER14 ZONING CODE REQUIREMENTS.4. CITY WATER AND SEWER ARE AVAILABLE TO SERVE THEPARCELS.5. FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROPERTY SHALLCONFORM TO ALL FEDERAL, STATE OF ALASKA AND LOCALREGULATIONS.6. THIS PLAT WAS PREPARED FROM DATA OF RECORD(KN85-163). NO ADDITIONAL FIELD SURVEY WASPERFORMED THIS DATE.WASTEWATER DISPOSALPLANS FOR WASTEWATER DISPOSAL THAT MEETREGULATORY REQUIREMENTS ARE ON FILE AT THEDEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION.RICHARD A. JOHNSON603 MAGIC AVE, KENAI, AK 99611JAMES A. HALL85032-SPLAT APPROVALAUTHORIZED OFFICIALTHIS PLAT WAS APPROVED BY THE KENAI PENINSULABOROUGH IN ACCORDANCE WITH KPB 20.10.040.NOTES1 inch = GRAPHIC SCALE010 20 4020 ft.WE HEREBY CERTIFY THAT WE ARE THE OWNERS OF THE REAL PROPERTYSHOWN AND DESCRIBED HEREON AND WE HEREBY ADOPT THIS PLAN OFSUBDIVISION AND BY OUR FREE CONSENT DEDICATE ALL RIGHTS-OF-WAYAND PUBLIC AREAS TO PUBLIC USE AND GRANT ALL EASEMENTS TO THEUSE SHOWN.RESUBDIVISION OF LOT 2 AND 3 JANOUSEK SUBDIVISION KN85-163KIM JOHNSON aka KIM M. JOHNSON603 MAGIC AVE, KENAI, AK 99611RICHARD AND KIM JOHNSONKIM M. JOHNSON603 MAGIC AVEKENAI, AK 99611Scale 1" = 1 MileVICINITY MAPT6NTHISPLATKENAI SPUR HWY KENAIR11WKENAI RIVER2821T5N201924302925361654333231R12WCOOK INLETLEGENDRECORD YPC C-263 ON 1/2" REBAR UNLESS NOTEDRECORD PRIMARY MONUMENT AS DESCRIBED~ ~ I I I I I I I I I I I ~-------------------------1 I I I ~ I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ------------------~-------------------------EB 0 c,,..i,,, ... Page 19
CITY OF KENAI
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION NO. PZ2023-02
A RESOLUTION GRANTING THE APPLICATION FOR A VARIANCE PERMIT.
APPLICANT: Peter Evon
PROPERTY ADDRESSES: 508 Upland Street and 1000 Mission Avenue
LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS: Tract B-1, Block 5 of Townsite of Kenai Kenaitze Courthouse
Replat; Lot 16B of Townsite of Kenai 2016 Addition
KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH PARCEL NUMBERS: 04707134 and 04707136
WHEREAS, a complete application meeting the requirements of Kenai Municipal Code
14.20.185(c) was submitted to the City on December 27, 2022; and,
WHEREAS, the applicant has demonstrated that the prerequisites of a Variance Permit have
been met pursuant to Kenai Municipal Code 14.20.180(b); and,
WHEREAS, the City of Kenai Planning and Zoning Commission conducted a duly advertised
public hearing on February 15, 2023, following requirements outlined in Kenai Municipal Code
14.20.280 for public hearings and notifications.
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission finds the criteria are met as set forth in KMC
14.20.180(c):
1. Special conditions or circumstances are present which are peculiar to the land or
structures involved which are not applicable to other lands or structures in the same land
use or zoning district.
Findings: The subject properties encompasses a mixed use campus with four (4)
buildings on adjoining properties that have three (3) street frontages. As summarized by
the applicant, the campus is a unique location that provides numerous critical health,
welfare, and legal services to Alaska Natives and American Indians. The proposed
gateway signs are necessary to assist visitors and patrons in identifying their campus.
2. The special conditions or circumstances have not been caused by actions of the applicant
and such conditions and circumstances do not merely constitute pecuniary hardship or
inconvenience.
Findings: As stated by the applicant, the requested variance is not intended to redress a
pecuniary hardship or inconvenience by the applicant; rather, it would address a non-
pecuniary hardship to persons who visit the campus for services.
Page 21
Resolution No. PZ2023-02
Page 2 of 2
3. The granting of the variance shall not authorize a use that is not a permitted principal use
in the zoning district in which the property is located.
Findings: The proposed gateway signs are intended as site identification of the campus.
The existing uses are not changing. The granting of this variance permit is limited to
allowing two (2) gateway signs, where gateway signs or site identification signs are not
permitted in the TSH zoning district.
4. The granting of a variance shall be the minimum variance that will provide for the
reasonable use of the land and/or structure.
Findings: The granting of the variance will allow two (2) gateway signs to be installed
along the street frontage, near the intersections of Highland Avenue/Upland Street and
Mission Avenue/Overland Avenue. The proposed gateway signs will provide site
identification on opposite sides of an approximate 6-acre campus. The size of the
proposed gateway signs do not exceed the maximum sign size allowance of 32 square
feet in the TSH zoning district. The proposed gateway signs meet other standards in the
sign ordinance, such as minimum distances from any intersection and any property line.
5. The granting of a variance shall not be based upon other nonconforming land uses or
structures within the same land use or zoning district.
Findings: The granting of this variance permit is not based upon other non-conforming
land uses or structures within the same land use or zoning district.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA:
Section 1. That the request for a variance permit for installation of two (2) gateway signs to be
installed along the street frontage, near the intersections of Highland Avenue/Upland
Street and Mission Avenue/Overland Avenue.
Section 2. That the variance permit is subject to the following conditions:
1. Applicant must comply with all federal, State of Alaska, and local regulations.
2. Applicant must obtain for a sign permit issued by the Building Official.
PASSED BY THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA,
this 22nd day of February, 2023.
JEFF TWAIT, CHAIRPERSON
ATTEST:
______________________________________
Meghan Thibodeau, Deputy City Clerk
Page 22
STAFF REPORT
PLANNING & ZONING DEPARTMENT
TO: Planning and Zoning Commission
THROUGH: Linda Mitchell, Planning Director
DATE: February 17, 2023
SUBJECT: Resolution No. PZ2023-02 - Variance Permit – Additional Signage
Request The applicant is requesting for a variance permit to obtain relief from
the sign ordinance for additional signage.
Staff
Recommendation
Adopt Resolution No. PZ2023-02 Approving a Variance Permit to
Allow Two (2) Gateway Signs for the Kenaitze Indian Tribe Campus.
Applicant: Peter Evon
Property Owner: Kenaitze Indian Tribe
Legal Descriptions: Tract B-1, Block 5 of Townsite of Kenai Kenaitze Courthouse Replat
Lot 16B of Townsite of Kenai 2016 Addition
Property Addresses: 508 Upland Street and 1000 Mission Avenue
KPB Parcel Nos.: 04707134 and 04707136
Lot Sizes: 5 Acres (508 Upland Street) and 0.73 acre (1000 Mission Avenue)
Zoning: Townsite Historic (TSH)
Current Land Use: Mixed Use
Land Use Plan: Mixed Use
SUMMARY
The Kenaitze Indian Tribe has requested a variance permit to exceed the number of signs allowed
in the Townsite Historic (TSH) Zoning District at the Tribal Campus “Kahtnuht’ana Qayeh”
centrally located in the historic district. The approximate 6-acre mixed use campus has four (4)
buildings on adjoining properties that have three (3) street frontages.
In the proposed plans (see attached), the applicant proposes three (3) wayfinding signs, three (3)
building name signs, and two (2) gateway signs. Under the Kenai Municipal Code Section
Page 23
Resolution No. PZ2023-02
Variance Permit
Additional Signage Page 2 of 3
14.20.220 Signs, in the TSH zoning district, wayfinding are not subject to a permit and a sign is
limited to one (1) per use, not to exceed 32 square feet. Each of the proposed building name
signs would be allowed since each building serves a different use. Gateway signs and site
identification signs are not permitted in the TSH zoning district. The applicant is requesting a
variance permit to allow the installation of the gateway signs on the opposite sides of the campus
to assist visitors and patrons to identify the campus and safely find their destination.
ANALYSIS
Pursuant to KMC 14.20.180(a), the intent of a variance permit is to provide relief to the
development requirements of KMC Chapter 14.20 when the literal enforcement would deprive a
property owner of the reasonable use of his/her real property.
Prior to granting a variance permit, the Commission shall find that all of the conditions have been
met as set forth in KMC 14.20.180(c) [Variance Permit] Review Criteria.
Criteria 1: Special conditions or circumstances are present which are peculiar to the
land or structures involved which are not applicable to other lands or structures in the
same land use or zoning district.
Findings: The subject properties encompasses a mixed use campus with four (4) buildings
on adjoining properties that have three (3) street frontages. As summarized by the applicant,
the campus is a unique location that provides numerous critical health, welfare, and legal
services to Alaska Natives and American Indians. The proposed gateway signs are necessary
to assist visitors and patrons in identifying their campus.
Criteria 2: The special conditions or circumstances have not been caused by actions
of the applicant and such conditions and circumstances do not merely constitute
pecuniary hardship or inconvenience.
Findings: As stated by the applicant, the requested variance is not intended to redress a
pecuniary hardship or inconvenience by the applicant; rather, it would address a non-
pecuniary hardship to persons who visit the campus for services.
Criteria 3: The granting of the variance shall not authorize a use that is not a permitted
principal use in the zoning district in which the property is located.
Findings: The proposed gateway signs are intended as site identification of the campus. The
existing uses are not changing. The granting of this variance permit is limited to allowing two
(2) gateway signs, where gateway signs or site identification signs are not permitted in the
TSH zoning district.
Criteria 4: The granting of a variance shall be the minimum variance that will provide
for the reasonable use of the land and/or structure.
Findings: The granting of the variance will allow two (2) gateway signs to be installed along
the street frontage, near the intersections of Highland Avenue/Upland Street and Mission
Avenue/Overland Avenue. The proposed gateway signs will provide site identification on
opposite sides of an approximate 6-acre campus. The size of the proposed gateway signs do
not exceed the maximum sign size allowance of 32 square feet in the TSH zoning district. The
Page 24
Resolution No. PZ2023-02
Variance Permit
Additional Signage Page 3 of 3
proposed gateway signs meet other standards in the sign ordinance, such as minimum
distances from any intersection and any property line.
Criteria 5: The granting of a variance shall not be based upon other nonconforming
land uses or structures within the same land use or zoning district.
Findings: The granting of this variance permit is not based upon other non-conforming land
uses or structures within the same land use or zoning district.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Pursuant to Kenai Municipal Code 14.20.280 notices of the public hearing for the variance permit
were mailed to property owners within a three hundred-foot (300’) periphery of the subject
properties. City staff published notice of the public hearing in the Peninsula Clarion on February
15, 2023. The property owner submitted an Affidavit of Posting verifying a sign was placed on the
parcel with information on the public hearing for the variance permit request.
One public comment was received and stated no objections to the variance permit.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff finds that the proposed gateway signs meets the criteria for issuance of a Variance Permit
as set forth in Kenai Municipal Code Section 14.20.180(c), and hereby recommends that the
Planning and Zoning Commission approve the variance permit, subject to the following conditions:
1. Applicant must comply with all federal, State of Alaska, and local regulations.
2. Applicant must obtain a sign permit issued by the Building Official.
ATTACHMENTS
Aerial Map
Application
Plans
Public Comment
Page 25
Explain the special conditions or circumstances present which are peculiar to the land or structure involved which
are not applicable to other land or structures in the same land use or zoning district:
The Campus is made up of four unique buildings: the Dena'ina Wellness Center, the Tyotkas Elder Center, the Chuq'eya
Qenq 'a (Birch Tree House), and the Qiz'unch' Tribal Court. Because the Campus consists of separate buildings, visitors
to the Campus would benefit from additional directional signs to assist them in identifying their precise destination upon
arriving at the Campus. The signs would also promote a safe, efficient flow of traffic within the Campus.
Explain the special conditions or circumstances present that have not been caused by actions of the applicant and
such conditions and circumstances do not merely constitute pecuniary (monetary) hardship or inconvenience:
The requested variance is not intended to redress a pecuniary hardship or inconvenience to the applicant; rather, it would address a
non-pecuniary hardship to persons who visit the Campus for services. The proposed directional signs would assist visitors to the Campus
to safely navigate the Campus and identify the precise location of the services sought. The Campus is a unique location that provides
numerous critical health , welfare, and legal services to Alaska Natives and American Ind ians , and is designed to efficiently fulfill these
disparate functions. The requested variance would facilitate provision of these important services to members of the Kenai community.
Explain how this variance will not authorize a use that is not a permitted principal use in the zoning district in which
the property is located:
The requested variance would not alter the use of the property. It would not authorize any additional use of
the property (including any additional principal, conditional, or secondary use, see Kenai Municipal Code
14.22.010) or change how the property is used in any respect, except that visitors to the Campus could more
easily navigate the Campus and locate their destination.
Explain how the variance shall be the minimum variance that will provide for the reasonable use of the land and/or
structure:
The proposed variance would allow installation of simple, unobtrusive directional signs at the Campus. The signs would be placed
at a small number of points (identified on the attached site plan) where additional directional information would be most useful to
visitors. No other changes to the Campus are proposed. While the proposed variance would have minimal impact on the Campus
property , the proposed signs would serve an important function by enabling visitors to easily and safely navigate the Campus .
Explain how the granting of a variance shall not be based upon other noncoforming land uses or structures within
the same land use or zoning district:
The proposed variance is not based upon other nonconforming land uses or structures within the TSH Zoning
District. Applicant is not aware of any nonconforming uses within the district that bear similarity to the variance
applicant has requested. Applicant has requested the proposed variance because the addition of directional signs
to the Campus would assist visitors to the Campus to safely navigate the Campus and identify their destination.
AUTHORITY TO APPLY FOR A VARIANCE:
I hereby certify that (I am) (I have been authorized to act for) owner of the property described above and that I
petition for a variance permit in conformance with Title 14 of the Kenai Municipal Code. I understand that payment
of the application fee is nonrefundable and is to cover the costs associated with processing this application, and
t hat it does not assure approval of the variance. I also understand that assigned hearing dates are tentative and
may have to be postponed by Planning Department staff of the Planning and Zoning Commission for administrative
reasons. I understand that a site visit may be required to process this application. City of Kenai personnel are
authorized to access the above-referenced property for the purpose of processing this application.
~
Signature: vor ~ I Date: I 1~/:;. I a-o~~
Print Name: i)p +#-1'" r:.vu ,._ I Title/Business: I Gel,..ffi"t b ~rt~' it\ T <1\..:1 / rek<l~-tu T,.;be
For City Use Only Date Application Fee Received : lz/ 2::,./ z.o 1.:1.,
PZ Resolution Number: n 2,. oz.~ -01-
Page 28
From:Charlene Vozar
To:City of Kenai Planning Department
Subject:Re: Variance Parcels 04707134 and 04707136
Date:Tuesday, February 14, 2023 10:32:32 AM
Attachments:image001.jpg
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when
opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Thank you.
I have no objections to the variances for the site specific signs or the wayfinder signs.
Owner: 909 Highland Avenue; Property ID 04709214
-Charlene Vozar
From: City of Kenai Planning Department <planning@kenai.city>
Date: Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at 9:33 AM
To: Charlene Vozar <cvozar@bgbalaska.com>
Subject: RE: Variance Parcels 04707134 and 04707136
Charlene,Attached are the requested documents.Please let me know if you have any questions.Sincerely,Linda MitchellPlanning DirectorCity of Kenai | 210 Fidalgo Avenue | Kenai, AK 99611(907) 283-8235 | lmitchell@kenai.city
From: Charlene Vozar <cvozar@bgbalaska.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2023 8:43 AM
To: City of Kenai Planning Department <planning@kenai.city>
Subject: Variance Parcels 04707134 and 04707136
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when
opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Would you please email me the variance applications for these parcels?
I received the yellow card in the mail about the Feb 22 meeting – thank you.
I would like a little more information on the signage requested.
Regards,
Charlene F. Vozar
Page 41
MEMORANDUM
TO: Planning and Zoning Commission
FROM: Linda Mitchell, Planning Director
DATE: January 20, 2023
SUBJECT: Action/Approval – Recommending the Kenai City Council Enact
Ordinance No. 3332-2023 – Amendment of KMC Section 3.10.070 -
Livestock within City Limits
At their regular meeting held on January 4, 2023, City Council referred Ordinance No. 3332-2023
to Planning and Zoning Commission for a recommendation. Ordinance No. 3332-2023 is an
amendment to Kenai Municipal Code (KMC) Section 3.10.070-Livestock within the City Limits, to
allow a maximum of twelve (12) chicken hens to be kept on certain lots less than 40,000 square
feet within the City of Kenai.
Please find the attached memo from Council Member Douthit on Ordinance No. 3332-2023, the
Ordinance that would make these amendments, along with the Ordinance itself. Technical
corrections have been identified within Ordinance No. 3332-2023 and will be forwarded to the
Council for correction during their meeting on February 1, 2023.
Pursuant to KMC 14.20.280(b) and (c) notice of the public hearing was published in the Peninsula
Clarion on January 18, 2023 and posted in three (3) public places. Attached are public comments
received before the publication of the agenda packet.
The commission may make a recommendation to enact the ordinance, enact it with modifications
recommended by the commission, or to not enact the ordinance.
The commission is not making a final decision, so the commission action is not subject to appeal.
Attachments
Memo from Council Member Douthit
Memo from City Clerk
Public Comments
Page 42
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Gabriel and Council Members
FROM: Council Member Alex Douhit
DATE: December 29, 2022
SUBJECT: Ordinance No. 3332-2023 Amending KMC Section 3.10.070-Livestock
Within the City Limits
This Ordinance addresses proposed changes to KMC Section 3.10.070 that will allow a relatively
small number of chicken hens to be kept on certain lots within the city limits. Under the current
ordinance, the keeping of chicken hens on lots less than 40,000 square feet is prohibited.
Residents have expressed an interest in keeping chicken hens on lots less than 40,000 square
feet to provide a supply of fresh eggs. The raising of chicken hens for their eggs helps to promote
food security in our community.
The proposed changes will allow a maximum of 12 chicken hens to be kept on lots less than
40,000 square feet except for the following zones: RU, RS1, RS2, and TSH, these four zones
uniquely prohibit the keeping of any livestock regardless of lot size. Attached is a map of where
chicken hens will be permitted under the proposed amendment. The proposed changes also
includes specific conditions under which the keeping of chicken hens will be permitted.
Your consideration is appreciated.
Page 43
This map is for graphic representationonly and the City of Kenai assumes noresponsibility for errors on this map.0120.5 MilesCity of KenaiKMC 3.10.070-Livestock within city limitsProposed Amendment to Allow Chicken Hens onLots Less Than 40,000 SF (3,307)Livestock are PermittedProhibited Zones (RU, RS1, RS2, and TSH)Proposed Amendment to AllowChicken Hens on Certain LotsLess than 40,000 Square FeetPage 44
Sponsored by: Council Member Douthit
New Text Underlined; [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED]
CITY OF KENAI
ORDINANCE NO. 3332-2023
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING KENAI MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 3.10.070-LIVESTOCK WITHIN
THE CITY LIMITS, TO ALLOW A MAXIMUM OF TWELVE (12) CHICKEN HENS TO BE KEPT ON
CERTAIN LOTS LESS THAN 40,000 SQUARE FEET WITHIN THE CITY OF KENAI.
WHEREAS, the keeping of chicken hens within the City of Kenai on lots less than forty thousand (40,000)
square feet and in the Urban Residential (RU), Suburban Residential 1 (RS1) Suburban Residential 2
(RS2), and Townsite Historic (TSH) zoning districts is currently prohibited; and,
WHEREAS, residents have expressed an interest in keeping chicken hens on lots less than forty
thousand (40,000) square feet for personal use; and,
WHEREAS, outside the RU, RS1, RS2, and TSH zoning districts, a relatively small number of chicken
hens may be kept within populated areas of the City without causing an unreasonable risk of nuisance
or wild animal attractant if the hens are properly located, contained, managed and maintained; and,
WHEREAS, twelve (12) chicken hens or less is a reasonable number to provide a household with eggs
without having too high a density of chickens, which could increase the likelihood of causing a nuisance
or wild animal attractant.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, AS
FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Amendment of Section 3.10.070 of Kenai Municipal Code: That Kenai Municipal Code,
Section 3.10.070, Livestock within the city limits, is hereby amended as follows:
3.10.070 Livestock within the city limits.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, no person shall keep or maintain livestock within the
City of Kenai.
(b) No livestock shall be allowed in the RU, RS1, RS2 or TSH zones.
([B]c) Except in the RU, RS1, RS2, or TSH zones, [L]livestock, other than bees, may be kept on lots of
forty thousand (40,000) square feet or greater. [NO LIVESTOCK SHALL BE ALLOWED IN THE
RU, RS1, RS2 OR TSH ZONES. ANIMALS RAISED FOR A FUR-BEARING PURPOSE ARE
NOT ALLOWED IN ANY ZONE. BEEKEEPING WILL BE RESTRICTED AS DESCRIBED IN
SUBSECTION (G).]
(1) The keeping of chicken hens on lots less than forty thousand (40,000) square feet will be
subject to the standards in subsection (k).
(2) Animals raised for a fur-bearing purpose are prohibited within the city limits.
(3) Beekeeping will be restricted as described in subsection (l).
([C]d) In this section “livestock” is defined as the following animals:
(1) Cow
Page 45
Ordinance No. 3332-2023
Page 2 of 4
New Text Underlined; [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED]
(2) Horse
(3) American bison
(4) Llama
(5) Alpaca
(6) Sheep
(7) Swine
(8) Goat
(9) Mule
(10) Donkey
(11) Ratite
(12) Duck
(13) Goose
(14) Chicken
(15) Turkey
(16) Rabbit
(17) Honey bees (Apis mellifera)
([D]e) (1) Except for the RS1, RS2, RU, TSH zone(s), the Chief Animal Control Officer may issue
temporary permits of not more than fourteen (14) days for the keeping of livestock not otherwise
allowed for public exhibitions or entertainment events. The Chief Animal Control Officer may
impose conditions on the permits as reasonably necessary for sanitation, safety, or hygiene.
The permit may be revoked for a violation of the conditions of the permit or pertinent section of
the Kenai Municipal Code. The City may charge a permit fee, which fee shall be as set forth in
the City’s schedule of fees adopted by the City Council.
(2) Except in the RU zone, the Chief Animal Control Officer may, after notifying adjoining property
owners in writing and allowing reasonable time for comment, issue a permit for the keeping of
livestock for educational or youth activities, such as 4-H, Future Farmers of America, or Boy/Girl
Scouts on lots not otherwise eligible under this section. The permit shall state the duration of
the permit, which shall not exceed two (2) years, and the type and number of livestock to be
kept. The Chief Animal Control Officer may impose conditions on the permits as reasonably
necessary for sanitation, safety, or hygiene. The permit may be revoked for a violation of the
conditions of the permit or Title 3 of the Kenai Municipal Code. Appeal of issuance or revocation
of a permit may be made in writing to the board of adjustment. A permit may be renewed
following written notice and reasonable time for comment to the adjoining property owners. The
City may charge a permit fee, which fee shall be as set forth in the City’s schedule of fees
adopted by the City Council.
([E]f) Lots on which livestock are kept on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section
which are not eligible for the keeping of livestock under this section shall be considered a non-
conforming use of land under KMC 14.20.050. No new or replacement livestock may be kept or
introduced on such lots after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section. Offspring
of livestock allowed as a non-conforming use under this section may be kept on such lots only
until they are old enough to be relocated to a site conforming to this section or outside of the
city limits.
Page 46
Ordinance No. 3332-2023
Page 3 of 4
New Text Underlined; [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED]
([F]g) Except as set forth in subsections ([G]h) and (i), below, corrals, pens, hutches, coops, fences or
other animal containment structures must have a minimum setback of twenty-five feet (25′) from
the property’s side yards, fifty feet (50′) from the front yard, and ten feet (10′) from the back yard.
All animal containment structures must be secure and in good repair.
(h) The keeping of chicken hens on lots less than forty thousand (40,000) square feet is allowed,
except in the RU, RS1, RSL, and TSH zoning districts, subject to the following standards:
(1) A maximum of twelve (12) chicken hens may be kept on lots with a permitted principal
structure.
(2) Chicken hens must be kept in an enclosed shelter or fully fenced-in at all times.
(3) Chicken coops, hutches or other fully enclosed shelters may not be located in a front yard
or side yard that abuts a street in a residential zoning district and must have a minimum
setback of fifteen feet (15’) from the side yards, ten feet (10’) from the rear yard, and twenty-
five feet (25’) from residential dwellings on neighboring lots.
(4) Fences, corral, pen, or other similar containment structures must have a minimum setback
of fifteen feet (15’) from the side yards, twenty-five feet (25’) from the front yard, ten feet
(10’) from the rear yard, and twenty-five feet (25’) from residential dwellings on neighboring
lots.
(5) All shelters or containment structures must be constructed of durable weather resistant
materials, secured, and kept in good repair.
(6) No person may slaughter chickens on-site except when in an area of the property not visible
to the public or adjoining properties.
(7) Chicken hens may not be kept in such a manner as to constitute a public nuisance as
defined by Kenai Municipal Code.
(8) The keeping of chicken hens must be consistent with terms of this title and does not in or
of itself constitute a nuisance or a disturbance.
([G]i) No person may keep honey bees, Apis mellifera, in a manner that is inconsistent with the
following requirements or that is inconsistent with any other section of this code.
(1) Colonies shall be managed in such a manner that the flight path of bees to and from the
hive will not bring the bees into contact with people on adjacent property. To that end,
colonies shall be situated at least twenty-five feet (25′) from any lot line not in common
ownership; or oriented with entrances facing away from adjacent property; or placed at
least eight feet (8′) above ground level; or placed behind a fence at least six feet (6′) in
height and extending at least ten feet (10′) beyond each hive in both directions.
(2) No person shall keep more than four (4) hives on a lot of ten thousand (10,000) square feet
or smaller, nor shall any person keep more than one (1) additional hive for each additional
two thousand four hundred (2,400) square feet over ten thousand (10,000) on lots larger
than ten thousand (10,000) square feet.
(3) It shall be a violation for any beekeeper to keep a colony or colonies in such a manner or
in such a disposition as to cause any unhealthy condition to humans or animals.
(4) Beekeepers shall take appropriate care according to best management practices when
transporting hives of bees. Bees being transported shall have entrance screens or be
secured under netting.
(5) The term “hive” as used in this section means the single structure intended for the housing
of a single bee colony. The term “colony” as used in this section means a hive and its
equipment and appurtenances, including bees, comb, honey, pollen, and brood.
Page 47
Ordinance No. 3332-2023
Page 4 of 4
New Text Underlined; [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED]
[(H) A PERSON SEEKING RELIEF FROM THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION MAY APPLY FOR A CONDITIONAL
USE PERMIT UNDER KMC 14.20.150.]
Section 2. 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 3. Effective Date: That pursuant to KMC 1.15.070(f), this ordinance shall take effect 30 days
after enactment.
ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, THIS 18TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2023.
___________________________________
Brian Gabriel Sr., Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________________
Michelle M. Saner, MMC, City Clerk
Introduced: January 4, 2023
Enacted: January 18, 2023
Effective: February 17, 2023
Page 48
MEMORANDUM
TO: Chair Twait and Planning Commission Members
FROM: Shellie Saner, City Clerk
DATE: January 18, 2023
SUBJECT: City Council Ordinance No. 3332-2023 - Technical Corrections
Technical corrections have been identified within Ordinance No. 3332-2023, the following
technical amendments will be forwarded to the Council for correction during their meeting on
February 1, 2023:
• Section 1, paragraph c. 1. References subsection (k); the reference should be to
subsection (h).
• Section 1 paragraph c. 3.: References subsection (l); the reference should be to
subsection (i).
• Section 1 paragraph h: Exception RSL should be RS2.
Page 49
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Gabriel and Council Members
FROM: Meghan Thibodeau, Deputy City Clerk
DATE: January 26, 2023
SUBJECT: Ordinance No. 3332-2023 Requested Amendment
The purpose of this memo is to request an amendment to Ordinance No. 3332-2023 based on
the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendations.
The following amendment is respectfully requested.
Motion
Thank you for your consideration.
Add a final WHEREAS that reads:
At its meeting on January 25, 2023, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended
enactment of this Ordinance with the following conditions:
•That a Planning & Zoning and/or City Council Work Session be scheduled prior to
enactment.
•Include provisions that containment of chickens be restricted to the back of the
house in the rear yard.
Page 50
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Gabriel and Council Members
FROM: Victoria Askin, Council Member
DATE: January 26, 2023
SUBJECT: Ordinance No. 3332-2023 Requested Amendment
Ordinance 3332-2023 should be amended to address the number of chicken hens allowed based
on the geographic zone. The keeping of 12 chicken hens on smaller lots within denser areas is
excessive for providing eggs for the average household or as household pets. The raising of
chicken hens could affect or benefit the community and it is important to balance the number of
chicken hens accordingly.
The following amendment is proposed.
1)3.10.070(h)(1) Allow a maximum of 12 chicken hens in the Rural Residential (RR) zone
and allow a maximum of six (6) chicken hens in the other zones, except in the prohibited
zones.
The RR zone is generally located in the outlying and rural areas. Most of lots in the RR zone
are surrounded by lots greater than 40,000 square feet where livestock are generally
permitted. The keeping of 12 chicken hens would be better suited for lots within the RR zone
based how it is dispersed away from the centrally developed area, where it would not
significantly affect the surrounding neighbors.
The keeping of six (6) chicken hens is a reasonable amount for other zones since it is
estimated that three (3) chickens per two (2) household members is the rule of thumb to
support egg consumption needs. The other zones, specifically the residential zones are
generally located in the dense residential neighborhoods and limiting the number of chicken
hens to six (6) would balance the benefits and minimize the potential nuisance.
Attached is a map of the proposed amendment.
Motion
New Text Underlined
Thank you for your consideration.
Amend Section 1, paragraph h. 1. that reads:
A maximum of twelve (12) chicken hens may be kept on lots in the Rural Residential (RR)
zone and a maximum of six (6) chicken hens on lots in other allowed zones with a permitted
principal structure.
Page 51
Page 52
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Gabriel and Council Members
FROM: Henry Knackstedt, Council Member
DATE: January 26, 2023
SUBJECT: Ordinance No. 3332-2023 Comments and Proposed Amendments
Ordinance 3332-2023, an amendment to KMC 3.10.070-Livestock within City Limits should be
more restrictive to provide low visibility and minimize impacts on the surrounding neighbors and
community.
The following are my proposed amendments to the Ordinance:
1) 3.10.070(h) Add the Airport Light Industrial (ALI) Zone to the list of zoning districts that
prohibits the keeping of any chicken hens.
Lots within the Airport Light Industrial Zone are reserved for aviation-related commercial and
industrial uses. The keeping of chicken hens should be prohibited in the ALI Zone to be
consistent with the intent of the zone.
2)3.10.070(h)(1) Reduce the number of permitted chicken hens from 12 to 6.
The allowance of raising 12 chicken hens would provide a surplus of eggs for the average
household. Additionally, fewer chicken hens would produce less waste and may be generally
more acceptable to neighbors.
3)3.10.070(h)(3) and (4) Restrict the location of the enclosed shelters and containment
structures to the rear yard.
The ordinance provides lenient setback requirements for the location of housing and fencing
of chicken hens that may detract from the neighborhood appearance. The Ordinance would
potentially allow fencing of chicken hens in the front yard if a house has a setback greater
than 25 feet from the front property line; therefore, chicken hens may roam in the front yard
under the Ordinance. The potential of unobscured chicken hens in the front yard would
diminish the neighborhood streetscape. To minimize the visual impact and nuisance
complaints, the location of the housing and fencing for the chicken hens should be limited to
the back yard.
Attached is a map of the proposed amendment.
Page 53
Page 2 of 2
Motion
New Text Underlined; [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED]
Thank you for your consideration.
Amend Section 1, paragraph h as follows:
(h) The keeping of chicken hens on lots less than forty thousand (40,000) square feet is
allowed, except in the ALI, RU, RS1, RS2, and TSH zoning districts, subject to the
following standards:
Amend Section 1, paragraph h. 1. that reads:
(1)A maximum of six (6)[TWELVE (12)] chicken hens may be kept on lots with a permitted
principal structure.
Amend Section 1, paragraphs h. 3. And h. 4. that reads:
(3)Chicken coops, hutches or other fully enclosed shelters must be located in the rear yard
[MAY NOT BE LOCATED IN A FRONT YARD OR SIDE YARD THAT ABUTS A STREET
IN A RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICT] and must have a minimum setback of fifteen
feet (15’) from the side yards, ten feet (10’) from the rear yard, and twenty-five feet (25’)
from residential dwellings on neighboring lots.
(4)Fences, corral, pen, or other similar containment structures must be located in the rear
yard and have a minimum setback of fifteen feet (15’) from the side yards, [TWENTY-
FIVE FEET (25’) FROM THE FRONT YARD,] ten feet (10’) from the rear yard, and twenty-
five feet (25’) from residential dwellings on neighboring lots.
Page 54
Page 55
MEMORANDUM
TO: Planning and Zoning Commission
FROM: Linda Mitchell, Planning Director
DATE: February 17, 2023
SUBJECT: Ordinance 3332-2023 Requested Amendments
At the February 8, 2023 Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Work Session, the P&Z Commission
requested the following amendments for recommendations to City Council on Ordinance 3332-
2023.
The following amendments are respectfully requested.
Motion 1
New Text Underlined
Motion 2
New Text Underlined; [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED]
Amend Section 1, paragraph c. 1. that reads:
(1) The keeping of chicken hens on lots less than forty thousand (40,000) square feet will be
subject to the standards in subsection (k). This allowance for the keeping of chicken hens
does not permit commercial activities where otherwise prohibited or additional permitting
or licensing is required.
Amend Section 1, paragraph h. 1. that reads:
(1) Up to four (4) chicken hens may be kept on lots of 24,000 square feet or less [A
MAXIMUM OF TWELVE (12) CHICKEN HENS MAY BE KEPT ON LOTS] with a
permitted principal structure. One (1) additional chicken hen is allowed for each
additional 2,000 square feet of lot area.
Page 56
Page 2 of 2
Motion 3
New Text Underlined Motion 4
New Text Underlined
Motion 5
New Text Underlined
Motion 6
New Text Underlined
Motion 7
New Text Underlined
Thank you for your consideration.
Amend Section 1, paragraph h. 5. that reads:
(5) All shelters or containment structures must be constructed of durable weather resistant
materials, secured, and kept in good repair. The siding and roofing must be constructed
with solid and durable construction materials.
Amend Section 1, paragraph h. by adding a new line that reads:
(9) All feed for chickens must be stored securely to prevent access from rodents and other
non-domestic animals.
Amend Section 1, paragraph h. by adding a new line that reads:
(10) On lots twenty thousand square feet or less, a registration for chicken hens must first
be obtained from animal control prior to moving any number of chicken hens onto the
property. The registration will require certification that all provisions of this title are
complied with.
Amend Section 1, paragraph h. by adding a new line that reads:
(12) Chicken coops, hutches or other fully enclosed shelters may not exceed eight feet (8’)
in height.
Amend Section 1, paragraph h. by adding a new line that reads:
(13) All enclosures, coops, hutches, pens, or appurtenances for chicken hens must be fully
screened from public view and neighboring properties with fences, walls, obstructions,
or natural screening not less than six feet (6’) in height.
Page 57
MEMORANDUM
TO: Planning & Zoning Commission
FROM: Meghan Thibodeau, Deputy City Clerk
DATE: February 17, 2023
SUBJECT: Ordinance No. 3332-2023 Public Comments
To provide a consistent record of all public comment received on Ordinance No. 3332-2023, we
have included all written comments that has been submitted for this ordinance, including those
that had been included in previous meeting packets or laydown.
•Pages 59 - 63: included in January 25, 2023 Planning & Zoning Meeting Packet
•Pages 64 - 78: included in January 25, 2023 Planning & Zoning Meeting Laydown
•Pages 79 - 115: included in February 8, 2023 Planning & Zoning Work Session Packet
•Pages 116 - 135: included in February 8, 2023 Planning & Zoning Work Session
Laydown
•Pages 136 - 165: public comments that are first being published in this meeting
packet (February 22, 2023)
By including all public comments on this ordinance, we hope to provide a complete and
transparent record of the feedback that has been received from the community.
Page 58
January 18, 2023
City of Kenai
210 Fidalgo Avenue
Kenai, AK 99611
Re: Opposition to Ordinance No. 3332-2023
To: Mayor Gabriel and Kenai City Council
Kenai Planning and Zoning Commission
Thank you to the City Council for referring this sweeping ordinance (affecting 3,307 parcels) to
the Planning and Zoning Commission. This will give the public more opportunity for notice and
comment. We wish to express our strong opposition to the passage of Ordinance No . 3332-
2023. Passage of this ordinance will dramatically change the character of our neighborhoods.
It severely limits the properties for residents who don't want to reside near chickens. Our
guess is the majority of Kenai residents would oppose it if they were aware of it and of the
impacts.
Most of the City Council was present for the June 20, 2022 Board of Adjustment Hearing (Case
No. BA-22-01) where we and others expressed our opposition to our adjacent neighbor's
Livestock Permit for Chickens. We purchased our home in Woodland Subdivision in 1988
(zoned Suburban Residential) because we wanted to live in a residential neighborhood . For
over two years we witnessed blatant violation of the terms of our neighbor's 2020 permit. It
wasn't until a "renewal" was applied for did Animal Control perform inspections in April 2022
and found the applicant violated not only the original permit but also the requested new
permit. In addition, fencing and structures violating the setback requirements still have not
been removed. This is a prime example of where residents did not comply with their permit. If
the current laws can't be managed, new and broader allowances won't be enforced either.
Fresh eggs can be purchased locally. We buy eggs at local businesses where sales tax is
collected to help support our community. As far as the increased cost of eggs, there is also an
in creasing cost to have proper chicken coops, fencing, feed, electricity and other expenses.
It seems this ordinance intends to satisfy a few residents at the expense of many. A similar
ordinance failed in 2015.
1
Page 59
January 19, 2023
Mayor Brian Gabriel and Council Members
Planning & Zoning Commission Members
City of Kenai
210 Fidalgo Avenue
Kenai, AK 99611
RE: ORDINANCE NO. 3332-2023 -Amending Kenai Municipal Code Section
3.10.070-Livestock Within the City Limits, to Allow a Maximum of Twelve (12)
Chicken Hens to be Kept on Certain Lots Less Than 40,000 Square Feet Within
the City of Kenai.
Thank you for reviewing and considering amendments to Kenai Municipal Code
3.10.070, Livestock. I live in Woodland Subdivision, and due to personal experience
during 2022 as well as a neighbor's encounter with the ins and outs of the existing
ordinance, it is very apparent the Livestock ordinance sorely needs attention, as well
as monitoring of the ordinance.
My concerns with Ordinance No . 3332-2023 are listed below:
(d) --
(d) --
(g) --
(h)(l) --
(h)(3)
& (4) --
In the listing of animals defined as "livestock," should (14) Chicken be
amended to read "(14) Chicken Hens?"
Should "roosters" be added to animals defined as "livestock?" Definition of
chickens, i.e., the difference between chicken hens and roosters, was pointed
out during the appeal for extending a permit for keeping chickens at Hansen
Heritage Homestead during 2022.
"All animal containment structures must be secure and in good repair."
Fairly subjective. Who will be policing these requirements?
"A maximum of twelve (12) chickens may be kept on lots with a permitted
principal structure." Add "hens" to "chickens"; perhaps reference where in
the Code "permitted principal structure" is defined to assist the public; and,
identify whether it would be the Animal Control Officer or Building Official
who would be approving the structure.
Happy to see setbacks included, but concerned with the statement "and
twenty-five feet (25') from residential dwellings on neighboring lots." Should a
statement be included that requires a setback of containment structures
from neighboring property lines/fences? Also, who will be
inspecting/monitoring where and if containment structures have been placed
according to Code?
Page 62
Mayor and Council Member
Planning & Zoning Commission Members
January 19, 2023
Page 2
(h)(S) --"All shelters or containment structures must be constructed of durable
weather-resistant materials, secured, and kept in good repair." Who will be
policing whether these requirements are followed? If it is to be the Chief
Animal Control Officer or Building Official, then include that information.
(h)(7) --"Chicken hens may not be kept in such a manner as to constitute a public
nuisance as defined by Kenai Municipal Code." Should where in the Code
public nuisance is defined be added? Who decides if a public nuisance is
taking place?
Add as
(h)(9) --No keeping of chicken hens, roosters, coops, fences, containment shelters,
etc. may be situated on city-owned property without a City-approved permit
(which could require a survey taken to identify property corners and whether
any of the above are trespassing on city-owned property). (This was an issue
raised during the Hansen Homestead appeal.)
During the Hansen appeal, it was apparent follow-up was lacking as to the permitted
number of chickens (six (6) were permitted on the Hansen property and I believe it was
reported approximately 30+ were actually counted by City officials existing on the
property). Woodland Subdivision is a fairly highly populated subdivision. Even if half
of the properties decide to raise chicken hens, that a huge amount of chicken hens in
one area of the city. If passed as it is, for Animal Control to properly police the
potential amount of chickened properties in Woodland Subdivision, along with the
number of other under 40,000 sq. ft. properties within the city this ordinance will
affect, plus responsibilities already assigned, I am not sure if tighter restrictions would
be needed. And, whether additional staff will be needed which will affect the City's
overall and year-around budget.
For someone to say, "I want to raise chicken hens in my backyard" takes on year-
around responsibilities and issues. Having livestock affects more than just that
property. Not everyone lives in a subdivision within the city to now have livestock
living next door. City budgetary issues, property values; neighbors with allergies to
livestock; avian flu; predatory animals; errant neighborhood dogs; foul/fowl odors, etc.
are factors of concern to evaluate when considering Ordinance No . 3332-2023.
T~k~u. _~r , ~J:~~
609 Maple Drive
Kenai, AK 99611
Page 63
1
Linda Mitchell
From:Kristine Schmidt <kristine@kenaialaska.us>
Sent:Friday, January 20, 2023 3:49 PM
To:Linda Mitchell
Subject:Chicken Ordinance 3332-2023: for January 25, 2023 P&Z Commission Meeting
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking
links, especially from unknown senders.
Dear Planning & Zoning Commissioners:
I am opposed to the chicken ordinance, Ordinance No. 3332‐2023, as written. I agree with the three letters in your
1/25/23 meeting packet opposing this ordinance.
This ordinance is a major disruption to City of Kenai land use rules, and has the potential to harm our (Kenai residents’)
quality of life very greatly. Our family lives in Woodland Subdivision, on a very small lot (less than 1/3 acre). Our lot has
5 lots right next to us, and under this ordinance there could be as many as 60 chickens kept right next to our backyard.
Kenai residents went through a divisive process on chickens just a few years ago, and the two chicken ordinances were
both failed, even the second one, which had only 2 chickens. Ordinance 3332‐2023 allows 12 chickens — that is a
chicken farm, not just “backyard chickens.”
There are many many other problems with this ordinance. Just one example: there is a bird flu epidemic across the
United States, including Alaska, killing millions of birds, especially wild birds, and much of the infection comes from
backyard chickens! Do we really want to destroy the wild bird population in Kenai?
I will be sending a second letter detailing the many problems with this ordinance before your 1/25/23 meeting.
I am also extremely disappointed with the City’s process for consideration of this ordinance. With no notice to Kenai
residents, the ordinance was introduced ONE DAY after the Christmas/New Year’s holidays, in the dead of winter, when
many Kenai residents are out of town. It was put on the fast track to be heard and enacted within 2 weeks of
introduction. Call me cynical, but this process seems designed to ensure that the public who might oppose the
ordinance get as little time and input as possible. Luckily, Councilman Knackstedt convinced the City Council to send it
to the Planning & Zoning Commission first.
However, there is no work session at either City Council or Planning & Zoning Commission scheduled to consider this
ordinance and changes to it. Most if not all major ordinance changes like this one go through at least one work session,
which allows the public and Council/Commission members to consider amendments.
I request that the Planning & Zoning Commission postpone action on Ordinance 3332‐2023 and schedule a work session
on it.
Thank you for your consideration of these comments.
Kristine Schmidt
513 Ash Avenue
Kenai, Alaska 99611
(907) 283‐7373 (work)
Page 64
From:Rachael Gaedeke
To:City Clerk
Subject:Public comment regarding chicken rearing in Kenai city limits
Date:Sunday, January 22, 2023 6:02:00 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when
opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
To Whom it May Concern:
I’m writing to express my support in allowing the citizens of Kenai to be allowed to keep chickens in
their backyards.
Keeping a small flock of chickens in your own backyard has many benefits from supplying you with
fresh, healthy eggs from well-cared-for animals, to giving you great fertilizer for gardening, to
providing lively pets—as well as being part of the drive to local, sustainable food systems.
Sustainable food systems have always been a top priority for Alaskans. Now more than ever, we
need to be able to count on reliable, nutritious food sources.
Eggs laid from healthy chickens provide a much needed kitchen staple. Currently the price of eggs
is skyrocketing and many grocery stores have empty shelves where their eggs used to be plentiful.
Home-raised hens produce eggs that are fresher, better tasting and often more nutritious than their
commercially farmed counterparts.
Millions of people keep backyard chickens responsibly. Let our children have the opportunity to
understand where food comes from and contribute to its production.
Please include this email in public comment for the upcoming meeting.
Sincerely,
Rachael Gaedeke
rgaedeke@gmail.com
Page 65
Jeremy & Bridget Grieme
PO Box 2066
Kenai, AK 99611
bhgrieme@gmail.com
January 24, 2023
City of Kenai Planning & Zoning Members and Kenai City Council Members
To Whom It May Concern:
We are writing to express our support for City Ordinance No. 3332-2023a to allow
residents on properties less than 40,000 square feet in size to own up to twelve laying
hens to address food security issues.
The cost of a dozen eggs has increased sixty-percent in the last few months. This is on
top of consistent and drastic rising food costs over the last three years. At last check, a
dozen fresh local eggs was selling for $10. Eggs are not isolated in these drastic
increases. Allowing residents to keep up to twelve hens on their property to provide eggs
for their family would help alleviate the financial burden that rising food costs have on
Kenai residents.
Chickens require a small amount of space to be healthy and happy. Three square feet
per chicken is recommended by Rural Living Today. That means that a thirty-six square
foot coop could easily accommodate up to twelve chickens. That equates to a relatively
small (6’x6’) coop, which is smaller than most backyard sheds in Kenai neighborhoods.
Chickens, unlike dogs and other animals, do not need to be outside and have room to
roam – and actually are quite content to not be outside in the winter months. To this end,
giving residents the option to keep up to twelve laying hens will not create an eye sore,
or reduce the aesthetic appearance of our neighborhoods and homes.
Some may raise concerns about the potential noise nuisance that chickens could create
in residential neighborhoods. People, such as myself, who choose to live in residential
neighborhoods accept the noise that comes with living in close proximity to others. These
sources of noise are often dogs, loud vehicles, and even children. A dozen laying hens
would not create additional noise pollution or raise it to an unbearable level. Not unlike
homeowners who have multiple dogs, it would be chicken owners’ responsibility to be
considerate of others and be sure their pets are not interfering with the quality of life for
their neighbors. Homeowners who have pets have to perform “poop patrol” to clean up
after their pets in their yards. Similarly, chicken owners would clean up after their
chickens. Spring time in Alaska is an odorific experience – with or without chickens. I
feel confident that home owners can and will do this in a responsible and appropriate way,
no different than other pet owners.
Alaskans pride themselves on being self-sufficient and providing for themselves and their
families. How many members of the council or committee have proudly announced to
Page 68
friends and family that they harvested a moose or filled the freezer with salmon to feed
their family all winter. Eggs are no different, and allowing up to twelve hens reinforces
the Alaskan way of life that we are proud of and what sets us apart from other parts of
the country.
Amending the current ordinance to allow up to twelve laying hens for residents of Kenai
would be beneficial for families to provide for themselves and to share with their
neighbors. Being an Alaskan is also about never knowing a stranger. Through this
amendment, chicken owners will have the opportunity to share eggs with others who are
also struggling to make ends meet due to the current economic climate we are
experiencing.
Mr. Douthit’s proposed amendment is fair, reasonable, and attainable. It is a small
change in policy that has the potential to make a huge change for residents. For these
reasons, and those outlined above, I urge you to pass this ordinance.
Respectfully,
Jeremy & Bridget Grieme
Page 69
Planning & Zoning Commission
City of Kenai
210 Fidalgo Avenue
Kenai, Alaska 99611
January 24, 2023
Chicken Ordinance No . 3332-2023
Dear Commissioners:
I do not support Ordinance 3332-2023, which would allow keeping of 12 chickens in RS
(Suburban Residential) zones with very little regulation of this practice to protect the neighbors.
Currently, chickens are not allowed on property in RS zones. For some reason, the ordinance
singles out RS zones to allow chickens, while keeping a no chicken rule in RU, RS-1 , RS-2 and
TSH zones, with no explanation. Also, the RS zone cutrnntly does not permit agriculture such as
chicken raising without a conditional use permit, in the Land Use Table.1
My neighborhood, Woodland Subdivision, is zoned RS. My family has lived in the
subdivision since 1985. Our subdivision consists of small lots of one-quarter to one-third acre.
Allowing large flocks oflUu·egulated chickens would be a nuisance --noise, odor, unsightly sheds
and pens --and disturb the quality of life in our neighborhood. There is little to nothing in the
ordinance to address these concerns. Just take a look at the photo in your packet (page 38) of
what one Woodland Subdivision owner gets to look at out their side window, and ask yourself if
this is what you would want to see on five sides around you. 2
Here is a partial list of reasons why you should give this ordinance a "no"
recommendation if you have to vote on it Wednesday 1/25/2023. It would be better if you had a
work session on the ordinance, to bring out all the issues with it, and address them.
1. The Planning Commission and City Council Voted Down Chicken
Ordinances in 2013 and 2015, and Nothing Has Changed. The Planning Commission (6-0)
and the Kenai City Council (4-3) voted down a similar unregulated 12-chicken ordinance in 2013,
even when the ordinance sponsor agreed to reduce the number of chickens to 6 . The City
Council also voted down a similar ordinance two years later, in 2015.3 Nothing has changed since
2013 and 2015 that would make this chicken ordinance any more acceptable. The Commission
really needs to review what happened in 2013 and 2015, and the reasons why these ordinances
failed.
1 The ordinance does not address the conflict with the land use table.
2 Woodland Subdivision lots are staggered, so there could be five lots with chickens around a lot
such as our lot, for a total of 60 chickens. See attached photo; our lot has yellow borders.
3 See, "Kenai Chicken Ordinance Fails Again," Peninsula Clarion 11/6/2015.
Page 70
2. Chickens Are A Nuisance And Ordinance 3332-2023 Does Nothing To
Reduce Or Prevent the Nuisance . There is nothing in the ordinance that reduces or prevents
the well known nuisances of barnyard animals, such as noise, odor, open waste, close proximity
to residences, and attractiveness to dangerous predators such as bears. The setbacks are not
sufficient. The ordinance merely recites that chicken keeping should not be a public nuisance
(undefined). That is not enough.
3. Ordinance 3332-2023 Is Discriminatory, In Ways That Do Not Make Sense.
For some unexplained reason, this ordinance singles out the RS zone to allow chickens, but
excepts the RU, RS-1, RS-2 and TSH zones -why? The ordinance does not distinguish between
large lots in the RS zone, where keeping chickens might be less burdensome on the neighbors, and
small lots such as those in Woodland Subdivision -why not? Traditionally the City of Kenai
has recognized that there can be more negative impacts on high density subdivisions versus lower
density subdivisions in land use decisions -why is this not a consideration in this ordinance?4
The Animal Control Code, Title 3, has substantial regulations on keeping more than 3
dogs, or keeping bees, but few regulations on keeping chickens, which doesn't make sense. I
can't see how bees in the summer are more of a problem than having up to 60 chickens living
around you, year round.
4. The Price Or Scarcity of Eggs Are Red Herrings . You will no doubt hear that
the price or scarcity of eggs are factors in favor of the ordinance. However, the reason for the
increase in price or scarcity of eggs involves several factors, all of which are temporary, such as
the bird flu pandemic (spread by backyard chickens), and egg farmers holding back product
because retailers won't pay the prices they want. These temporary issues will resolve in a short
period of time, but the ordinance, if passed, could have a very negative effect on people owning
homes in Kenai, over the long term.
S. Th e O rd in a n c e Ha s I n s u ff i c i en t Protection For
Homeowners/Neighborhoods . This ordinance has little to no regulation to protect adjacent
homeowners or neighborhoods from the negative effects of chickens. Even Wasilla, Alaska has
chicken keeping regulations that provide some protections, including requiring administrative
approval or permits . Some examples of regulations that should be in the ordinance:
(a) Prohibit keeping chickens in front yards (allowed under Ord. 332-2023);
(b) Require licenses, like dogs ( cmTently required in the Animal Code);
(c) Require that the chickens be kept for personal use only, and that the chicken farming
can't be spread over multiple lots;
(d) Require the homeowner's written consent for tenants keeping chickens;
( e) Regulate the location, number and materials of pens or sheds to reduce nuisances such
as noise, odor, waste and unsightliness;
(f) Stiff fines for roosters, because of course chicken farmers will keep them too.
4 See, "Kenai Chicken Ordinance Fails Again," Peninsula Clarion 11/6/2015.
-2-
Page 71
Ke nai chi cken ordin ance fa ils aga in I Penin s ul a Clarion htt ps ://www.penin s ul acl ari on.com/news/kenai-chi cken-ordin ance-fa il s-...
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Kenai chicken ordinance fails
• again
By Ben Boettger
Friday, Novemb er 6, 2015 6:07pm I NEWS KE NAI
Kenai city council members Terry Bookey and Ryan Marquis
introduced an ordinance allowing up to twelve hens to be kept on
Kenai residential properties under 40,000 square feet -an activity
that currently violates city code. At Wednesday's council meeting, the
council voted down the ordinance 4 -3. A simila r chicken ordinance,
introduced by then-member Mike Boyle, failed in 2013.
Marquis, who declined to run in the recent election and will soon leave
the council after two terms, said that voting against the 2013 chicken
ordinance was one of his few regrets.
"At that time, my primary reason for voting against it was bears being
attracted to residential areas because of the chickens," Marquis said.
"Since then, I've spent a lot of time walking through residential
neighborhoods, and I realize how many people have chickens within
the city -I'm assuming illegally -and I haven't heard much about
any increased bear activity within the city."
Mayor Pat Porter was the first to oppose the ordinance.
11 1 live within 15 feet of my neighbor," Porter said. "The subdivision I live in
is really tight quarters, and I cannot imagine having to live next door to
chickens. Particularly where they don't have to be fenced off wher e I can't
see them, or they can get loose."
Asked about bear activity by Porter, Kenai Police Chief Gus Sandahl said that
bear repor ts in Kenai have been 11 significantly lower in the past two
summers." When Po r ter asked again at a later po int, Sandahl said bear
encounters in Kenai have been "minimal."
"Maybe it's because we don't have any chickens," Porter said.
Chickens can be legally kept in Kenai -on lots greater than 40,000 square
feet, or if the owner applies for and receives a conditional use permit from
the Planning and Zoning Commission. Kenai City Manager Rick Koch said
no chicken per m its had been applied for in his nine years as City Manager.
Council membe r Henry Knackstedt is a legal Kenai chicken owner -he said
h e keeps about 30 egg-laying hens on about 30 acres.
1'1 really haven't had any problems with bears ... " Knackstedt said . 11 1 haven't
had any problems with my neighbors because of the size of the lot. The
zoning wo rks, because Pm greater t han 40,000 square feet."
I of 3
ADVERT ISEMENT
l/23/23, 4:40 P M Page 74
Kenai chicken ordinance fails again I Peninsula Clarion https ://www.peninsulaclarion.com/ncws/kenai-chicken-ordinance-fails -...
Knackstedt said he "spent a lot of time" with the 2013 chicken ordinance as
a then-member of the Planning and Zoning commission . According to
previous Clarion reporting, the 2013 chicken ordinance was debated by the
city council and Planning and Zoning for 7 months .
"If ies done right, I don't think anyone would have a problem with (hen-
keeping), n Knackstedt said. « And I think there are people who should have
conditional use permits, but don 1 t. It goes on just fine, just like a lot of other
things. But when I look at this, it looks like it has Planning and Zoning
written all over it... the way it should be managed, supervised. I think
neighbors should have a say if they don't want to have chickens next door.
I'm conflicted because I think it can be done, but not the way it's written at
this point."
Knackstedt encouraged Marquis and Bookey to send the ordinance to the
Planning and Zoning commission, pointing out that «it's a different
planning and zoning than we had a few years ago."
Council member Tim Navarre said he opposed allowing hen-keeping, not
because of bears but because of «health issues that come with chickens."
Council member Brian Gabriel said the present permit allowance was
sufficient to allow hen-keeping where appropriate.
"The fact is that when you get into smaller lot sizes, you run into issues that
aren't really relevant to larger lot sizes,>' Gabriel said. «such as proximity to
your neighbors. Your neighbors might have dogs on several sides of your
chicken coop. The effect on them could be pretty dramatic ... I don't have an
objection to chickens, but the idea of having neighbors weigh in on the
effects it might have on them in high-density neighborhoods, there's a
value to that I don't think we should overlook."
Bookey responded to Gabriel.
"To address the dogs, I think that's more an issue of property-owners
having dogs and not controlling them," Bookey said. "I understand the
reasoning and the need for zoning and planning and things like that. But
when we continually reference 'your neighbors should have a say in what
you do on your property, 1 I think that's true to some extent. But in many,
many cases we're putting more value on what the neighbors think I should
do on the parcel of land that I own than what I think I should do on the
parcel of land that I own."
Council members Gabriel, Knackstedt, Navarre, and Mayor Porter voted
against chicken legalization.
Reach Ben Boettger at ben .boettger@peninsulaclarion.com
2of3 1/23/23,4:40 PM Page 75
1
Linda Mitchell
From:Deni Oren <mrsoren23@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, January 24, 2023 6:19 PM
To:City of Kenai Planning Department
Subject:Ordinance No. 3332-2023a
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or
clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
To whom it may concern,
Good evening, I am writing to express my support in favor of City of Kenai’s Ordinance No. 3332-2023a; in
regards to allowing residents on properties less than 40k square feet in size to own up to 12 laying hens.
As a City of Kenai resident I think this is a great idea to help offset some of the food supply issues and food
insecurities my fellow neighbors and myself are starting to face in regards to inflation and supply chain issues lately. I
do understand the concerns of some when it relates to how the city will pass this in a manner that doesn’t create
neighborhood nuisances. But as homeowners, I think this can be done in a responsible and appropriate way just as we
are expected to do with any of our pets.
I think passing this ordinance would be so beneficial for local residents, not only for just each individual
property/homeowner, but as well as for our neighbors who may benefit from receiving or purchasing fresh local eggs
when our local stores are depleted. With rising costs of food, lack of food on shelves, it would be a world of difference
to be able to offset some of these worries by having a more sustainable way to provide food for our families. I have
read through the expectations listed and I find them to be very fair, and do believe it would help to reduce any issues in
regards to having the hens. I also believe the allowance of up to 12 hens is perfect for a majority of the properties in the
City of Kenai.
Thank you for your time and I hope that the City of Kenai takes my support into consideration.
Respectfully,
Mr. & Mrs. Oren
Page 76
From:Nathan Smith
To:City Clerk
Subject:Ordinance No. 3332-2023
Date:Wednesday, January 25, 2023 1:37:48 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when
opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Afternoon,
I send you this due to the email address posted( city_council@kenai.city)to send any support
or concern continues to reject mine and my wife’s email in support of this email. It comes up
with a 550 code which is due to a spam blocker the city uses. This is concerning of itself as
how many people attempt to have their voices heard but are met with this Code when
attempting to email city council.
It would be foolish to not pass this ordinance and allow the citizens of kenai to raise Chickens.
This could help provide food to low income families as well as teach children a valuable skill
of raising and harvesting their own food.
I encourage the council to pass this ordnance and look forward to being allowed to raise my
own chickens within city limits.
Thank you,
Nathan Smith
Page 77
From:Amanda Smith
To:City Clerk
Subject:Comment for Ordinance No. 3332-2023
Date:Wednesday, January 25, 2023 2:56:13 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or
clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Good Afternoon,
As a resident who would be directly impacted by the proposed amendment of Kenai Municipal Code Section
3.10.070, I am writing to express my support.
Removing barriers to individual food security and self-reliance only serves to improve the lives of residents of the
City of Kenai. When individuals are able to provide for themselves, their family, and friends, the entire community
becomes more economically resilient. This is always important, but has become especially critical during the
economic crises that have continued to impact various sectors since the start of Covid-19.
With no end in sight for the current economic downturn, I implore you to allow Kenai residents the freedom to feed
their families.
Sincerely,
Amanda Smith
Page 78
Page 1 of 3
January 26, 2023
City of Kenai
210 Fidalgo Avenue
Kenai, AK 99611
City Council, and Mayor Gabriel,
Subject: Opposition to Ordinance No. 3332-2023
Allowing for Chickens to be Kept on Lots Less Than 40,000 s.f.
I urge the city council to NOT support Ordinance No. 3332-2023. I am opposed to
Ordinance No. 3332-2023 which would allow chickens to be kept on lots less than 40,000 s.f. in a
densely populated residential zone. I live in a residential neighborhood that is zoned RS (Woodland
Subdivision, Part 4). I would like the city council to continue to preserve the character and integrity of
our residential neighborhoods. Allowing chickens to be kept in a residential neighborhood like the
Woodland Subdivision would cause great angst among neighbors. When I bought my house in 1988 I
deliberately chose a lot in a residential neighborhood because I didn’t want to live next to farm animals,
a pack of sled dogs, a gravel pit, or other disruptive nuisances and I certainly didn’t want to live next
door to where chickens could be slaughtered. If I wanted to live in an area with less regulations, I could
have bought property outside city limits as there is plenty of lots to pick from. I enjoy the amenities that
the City of Kenai has to offer and I don’t want to see the character and integrity our residential
neighborhoods compromised.
In a memorandum from Council Member Alex Douthit, dated December 29, 2022 two reasons were
given for the proposed code changes: 1) Provide a supply of fresh eggs, and 2) Promote food security.
I have never had a problem with buying fresh eggs from the local grocery stores, until recently, but the
current egg shortage in all likelihood is just temporary. As for food security we first need to understand
what it is. One definition of food security is this: “The state of having reliable access to a sufficient
quantity of affordable, nutritious food.” By that definition I don’t see a problem in our community. We
have four grocery stores in the City of Kenai which seem to provide reliable access to a sufficient
quantity of food. If the City of Kenai wants to address food security then maybe it would be better to
establish a Food Security Task Force to recommend the best ways to address it. It seems that there are
better ways to address this issue without compromising the integrity of our peaceful residential
neighborhoods. One way to address food security without impacting one’s neighbors is to grow a
garden.
To bring further clarity to this issue we need to ask the right question. If you ask the question: Do you
want fresh eggs and food security then the answer is yes. But if you ask the question: Are the proposed
changes to the city code appropriate for lots less than 40,000 s.f. in a residential zone (RS zone) then the
answer is No.
The second Whereas in Ordinance 3332-2023 is also misleading. It states that residents have expressed
an interest in keeping chickens hens on lots less than forty thousand (40,000) square feet for personal
use. While this statement may be technically true it’s really just a few residents that have expressed this
interest. There is no massive demand by the residents to raise chickens in residential neighborhoods.
This ordinance aims to satisfy the interest of a few residents at the expense of all others. This ordinance
reeks of an agenda to be satisfied and appears to be retaliatory in nature due to the last incident
involving chickens kept on a residential lot when neighbors expressed opposition to a Livestock Permit
for Chickens (Case No. BA-22-01, Board of Adjustment Hearing of June 20, 2022).
Page 79
Page 2 of 3
The sponsor of this ordinance has clearly demonstrated that he does not know how to balance the
interests of residents in the Kenai community. The agenda that is driving this ordinance is simply bias.
Ordinance No. 3332-2023, as written, is not a balanced proposal
Currently the city code allows for chickens to be raised on 28% of the city’s lots but if this ordinance
passes, then it would allow for chickens to be raised on 96% of the city’s lots. This would create a
complete imbalance for those who want chickens in their residential neighborhood and those who
don’t.
Facts and Figures
Total number of Kenai city lots is 4,895
Current number of lots allowed to raise chickens is 1,384 (28%)
The proposed ordinance would allow an additional 3,307 (68%) lots for raising chickens
The result of the proposed ordinance would allow a total of 4,691 (96%) lots for raising chickens
These facts and figures can be verified with City Planning Director, Linda Mitchell
Inequity Among Subdivisions
The Inlet View Subdivision (Rogers Road area) is zoned RS1 and does not allow for raising chickens. But I
live in the Woodland Subdivision, Part 4 which is zoned RS and this ordinance would allow for the raising
of chickens. However, these two subdivisions have similar profiles (lot sizes, densely populated, street
widths, etc.) but yet they are treated differently when it comes to raising chickens. The lot sizes in both
of these subdivisions are too small to provide adequate buffers or practical setbacks to protect adjacent
neighbors from nuisance activities. The proposed ordinance, as written, would create further inequity
among subdivisions with similar profiles.
(To create equity among similar subdivisions, see Alternative 1 and 2 below)
Reasons not to change the code:
1) The current code already allows for the raising of chickens on and is adequate.
2) There are plenty of parcels outside city limits to raise chickens.
3) The city has no practical way to monitor properties for compliance. A complaint-driven system only
pits neighbor against neighbor. This type of system only invites conflict and angst among neighbors.
4) Setback requirement are based on the property lines, which means that the city would need to hire
a surveyor before it could determine compliance. This would be cost-prohibitive for the city or any
property owner to do.
5) Ordinance No. 3332-2023 is not a balanced proposal. It only considers the will of those who want to
raise chickens in a residential area.
6) Ordinance No. 3332-2023 creates a situation where the raising of chickens it is likely to be a
breeding place for flies, mosquitoes, vermin, or disease. See KMC 12.10.010 (L)
7) Ordinance No. 3332-2023 invites the potential for more nuisance in our residential neighborhoods.
8) Ordinance No. 3332-2023 would change the character and integrity of our residential
neighborhoods that are currently zoned RS.
9) Ordinance No. 3332-2023 creates a situation of competing interest among neighbors, inviting angst
and conflict in our neighborhoods.
10) Ordinance No. 3332-2023 invites the potential to attract predators and rodents into our residential
neighborhoods.
11) Ordinance No. 3332-2023 invites the potential to attract domestic cats and dogs to prey on
neighborhood chickens causing more conflict among neighbors.
12) Ordinance No. 3332-2023 will circumvent the conditional use process. The conditional use process
helps to decide if a particular parcel has merit for raising chickens. The proposed ordinance is a
blanket proposal which would allow chickens to be raised on almost any lot without consideration.
Page 80
Page 3 of 3
City of Soldotna
The City of Soldotna prohibits the raising of chickens in all residential zones that are less than 1½ acres.
City of Soldotna Municipal Code 17.10.365 – Animals: “In the Single, Single-Family/Two-Family and
Multi-Family Residential Districts and on properties in the Rural Residential District 1½ acres or less in
size, the keeping of farm or wild animals shall be prohibited…”
I urge the Kenai City Council to NOT support Ordinance No. 3332-2023 as written and consider some
compromise between those who want chickens in their residential neighborhood and those who don’t.
I ask the City Council to consider some alternatives.
Alternative 1: Amend the proposed ordinance as follows:
Prohibit the raising of chickens in Parts 2, 3, and 4 of the Woodland Subdivision. This would be a
more balanced proposal and preserve the character and integrity of our neighborhoods.
Parts 2, 3, and 4 have a profile that is on par with the Inlet View Subdivision (Rogers Road area)
which is zoned RS1 and prohibits the raising of chickens. (See Exhibit A, attached)
Alternative 2: It would make more sense to amend the proposed ordinance to prohibit the raising of
chickens in RS Zones (Suburban Residential) by inserting the RS Zone into the language
below. Also striking the RU Zone from the language below will allow for the raising of
chickens in the RU Zones (Rural Residential) as follows:
Please amend Section 1, part (b) to read as follows:
(b) No livestock shall be allowed in the RS, RU, RS1, RS2 or TSH zones.
Please amend Section 1, part (h) to read as follows:
(h) The keeping of chickens hens on lots less than 40,000 square feet is allowed, except in
the RS, RU, RS1, RS2 and TSH zoning districts, subject to the following standards:
Including the RS zone into Section 1, part (b) and part (h) above will help to preserve the
character and integrity of our residential neighborhoods and removing the RU zone above
allows for those who want to raise chickens in a rural residential area.
Alternative 3: Amend the proposed ordinance as follows:
Add language that would establish a minimum lot size of 20,000 s.f. to raise chickens.
Lots that are 20,000 s.f. will be large enough to sustain more impactful activities while buffering
neighboring properties. Such lots are large enough to provide natural buffers and practical
setbacks to protect neighboring properties from impactful activities.
Any of the above alternatives would seem to be a reasonable balance between those who want chickens
in their densely populated residential neighborhood and those who don’t. If no compromise can be
made then I urge the city council to NOT support Ordinance No. 3332-2023.
Sincerely,
Daniel A. Conetta
Page 81
ORDINANCE 3332-2023
• Problem: The ordinance allows lots in the RS (Suburban Residential) zone to have 12
chickens, but exempts RS-1 and RS-2 zones, even though the size and density of lots , and land
uses in the three zones are very similar. No property owner living in an RS zone testified or
wrote in favor of this before the Commission last night.
--Solutions: Exempt the RS zone from the ordinance, but leave in the rural residential
(RR) zone; or reduce incompatible uses by limiting lo t sizes to 20,000+ s.f. or limiting number of
chickens: for example, no more than 4.
• Problem: The ordinance allows chickens to be kept in front yards, which would destroy
the residential character of a neighborhood.
--Solution: Restrict chickens to the back yard, defined according the City Planner as the
area behind the primary residence.
• Problem: The ordinance does not state that k eping chickens is for personal use only,
not commercial use, although that is supposedly the intent. We are supposed to figure this out by
referring to itle 14, the Zoning Code. This is confusing.
--Solution: Add specific language that restricts chickens to "personal use only."
• Problem: he ordinance does not require an application/license to have chickens,
however, City Code does require a license to have a dog. This makes no sense; licensing is
simple, easy and would give Animal Control information about where problems could arise.
--Solution: add "chicken hens" to KMC 3.20 (requiring dog licenses).
• Problem: The ordinance appears to allow free range within an existing fenced yard, but
then has setbacks for "enclosed shelters" or "containment structures, which are optional. There
are no standards for "enclosed shelters" or "containment structures" such as location, materials,
dimensions, appearance, protection against bears and other predators.
--Solutions: Require containment within the setbacks, add standards for shelters and
structures to avoid eyesores.
• Problem: The ordinance does not require proof of homeowner consent; the homeowner
may have no idea that their renter is keeping chickens.
--Solution: Require written homeowner consent for application/license.
3 Even Wasilla, Alaska requires some kind of permit for keeping chickens. See Wasilla
ordinance attached.
-2 -Page 84
Code Ordinance By: Planning
Introduced: March 12 2018
Public Hearing: April 9 2018
Amended: April 9 2018
Adopted: April 9,2018
Yes: Dryden, Graham, Harvey, Ledford, O'Barr
o: None
Absent: Burney
City of Wasilla
Ordinance Serial No. 18-12 (AM)
An Ordinance Of The Wasilla City Council Amending Wasilla Municipal Code Section
16.04.070, Definitions, To Add Def'mitions For "Beehives", "Exotic Animal", "Pet Animal",
"Poultry", And "Wild Animal"; Amending Section 16.04.070, Definitions, To Revise The
Defmitions For "Agriculture", "Animal Husbandry", And "Farm Animal"; Amending
Section 16.16.060, Specific Approval Criteria, To Revise The Criteria That Regulates Farm
Animals, Poultry, And Beehives; Amending Section 16.20.020, District Use Chart, To
Identify The Appropriate Zoning Districts And Permit Types For Beehives, Exotic
Animals Poultr And Wild Animals· And Other Minor Revisions.
Section 1. Classification. This ordinance is of a general and permanent nature and shall
become part of the city code.
Section 2. Amendment of section. WMC 16.04 .070 , Definitions, is hereby amended to
read as follows:
"Agriculture" is a use involving the commercial growing of vegetation or
the raising, controlled breeding, management, or keeping of beehives, farm
animals, or poultry. Animals may be bred and raised for utility (e.g. meat,
milk, eggs, fur), sport, pleasure, or research.
"Animal husbandry" means a use involving the keeping of one or more
farm animals.
"Beehive" means a man-made housing structure for the keeping of
bee colonies and production of honey.
City of Wasilla
Page 1 of 11
Bold & Underline, added. Strikethrough, deleted
Ordinance Serial No . 1 8-12 (AM)
Page 85
''Exotic animal" means any animal not otherwise identified in the
definitions provided in this section that is native to a foreign country or of
foreign origin or character, or was introduced from abroad and is not native
to the state of Alaska. This term specifically includes animals such as, but not
limited to, lions, tigers, leopards, elephants, camels, antelope, anteaters,
kangaroos, alligators, and water buffalo, and species of foreign domestic
cattle, such as Ankole, Gayal, and Yak and any animals regulated bv the
State of Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Exotic animals that are
typically kept as indoor pets are exempt from this definition.
"Fann animal" means an aeeessory ttse iAvolviag a single animal v,ith an
adult weight over Pn'O lnmdred fifty (250) pouRds us1:1ally assoeia-ted vrith
agrieulture; or any eoffi0iRatioe totaliRg ten ( l 0) poultry or rabbits, three sheep or
three goa-ts or other small animals; aut r10t iaeludiag domestic dogs and ca-ts.
Other animals including the orders Felidae (eats) and Ursidae (bears) which, in
the opinioa of the planner may pose a threat to human safety are not a farm
animal any domestic species of cattle, sheep, swine, goat, horse, mule, donkey,
llama, and alpaca, which are normally and have historically been kept and
raised on farms in the United States and used or intended for use as food or
fiber, or for improving animal nutrition, breeding, management, or
production efficiency. This term also includes animals such as rabbits, mink,
and chinchilla, when they are used solely for purposes of meat or fur.
''Pet animal" means any animal that has commonly been kept as a pet
in family households in the United States, such as, but not limited to, dogs,
City of Wasilla
Page 2 of 11
Bold & Underline. added. StriketlwougJ:i, deleted
Ordinance Serial No. 18-12 (AM)
Page 86
cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, and hamsters. This term excludes farm, exotic, and
wild animals as defined in this section.
"PouJtry" means chickens, doves, ducks, geese, grouse, ptarmigan,
pigeons, quail, swans, guinea fowl, peacocks, and turkeys.
"Wild animal" means anv animal which is now or historically has
been found in the wild, or in the wild state, within the boundaries of the
United States, its territories, or possessions. This term includes, but is not
limited to, animals such as: Moose, caribou, elk, mink, Dall sheep, deer, bear,
coyote, squirrel, fox, and wolf. Also included are any animals regulated by
the State of Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Section 3. Amendment of subsection. WMC 16.16.060(E), within Specific approval
criteria, is hereby amended to read as follows:
E. Farm Animals, Poultrv, and Beehives. Farm animals are allowed
as an aeeessory use to agriculture ifl the industrial :t:one. In the rural residential
and single family residential fl¼fffl animal(s) may be allov,ed as described in the
follo'\Ying. Farm animals, poultry, and beehives are allowed as indicated in
the District Use Chart in Section 16.20.020(A), as an accessory use subject to
the standards below. The uses identified in this section are not subject to the
provisions in Title 7. The keeping of these uses consistent with the terms of
this Title does not in and of itself constitute a nuisance or a disturbance.
A residential use in the RR , R 1 or R2 distriet with a total
lot area of forty thousand (40,000) square feet or more may include the keeping of
one farm animal as an accessory use, provided that a suitable fence is provided
City of Wasilla
Page 3 of 11
Bold & Underline, added. Strikethrouga, deleted
Ordinance Serial No. 18-12 (AM)
Page 87
and no stable or building used fer fann animals may be closer than twenty five
(25) feet from any mcterior lot line. Two farm animals may be kept provided that
a site plan is approved by the planner.
~ A residential use in the RR, Rl or R2 district may include
the keeping of three or more fann animals if all of the above is met and the total
lot area is eighty thousand (80,000) square feet or more.
~ Up to three dogs are allov1ed per residence. Keeping of
more than three dogs more than four months of age is a kennel (see keflflet iR use
chart).
+. No more than four hives per ten thousand (10 000) square
feet of lot area shall be allowed and bee colonies shall be managed in such a
mEl:Bfler that their flight path to and from the hive will not bring them into contact
with people on adjacent property. To accomplish this, the colonies shall:
tr. Be at least t\venty five (25) feet from any exterior
lot line not in common o•.vnership and be oriented with entrances facing away
from adjacent property; or
b-: Be placed behind a fence at least six feet in height
and extending at least ten (10) feet beyond the hive in both directions.
!: Farm animals. The keeping of farm animals is subject
to the following standards:
Farm animals are prohibited on lots with a total
lot area of less than 40,000 square feet;
City of Wasilla
Page 4 of 11
Bold & Underline, added. Strikethrough deleted
Ordinance Serial No. 18-12 (AM)
Page 88
b. A suitable fence must be provided to safely
contain the farm animal(s);
Stables or buildings used as shelter or storage of
food for farm animals must be a minimum of 25 feet from any exterior lot
d. All fenced areas, pens, enclosures, stables,
shelters, or other similar buildings or uses for a farm animal must be a
minimum of 75 feet from the high-water mark of anv water course or body of
water, excluding man-made ponds on private property;
e. AJJ facilities shall be kept in good repail·,
maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, and be free of vermin,
obnoxious smells and substances, to the greatest extent feasible. The facilities
may not create a nuisance or disturb neighboring residents due to excessive
noise, odor, damage, or threats to public health. No storage of manure or
other waste materials shall be permitted within SO feet of any exterior lot
f:. On lots with a minimum lot area of 40,000
square feet or more in the RR, Rl, or R2 zoning districts, the following farm
animals are allowed. Additional farm animals in the quantities indicated
below may be allowed for each additional 20,000 square feet of lot area:
1. One farm animal (with an adult weight of
250 pounds or greater); or
Bold & Underl in e, added. Strikethrough deleted
City of Wasilla
Page 5 of 11
Ordinance Serial No. 18 -12 (AM)
Page 89
ii. Ten or fewer rabbits or similarly sized
farm animals; or
iii. TbJ:ee or fewer animals with an adult
weight less than 250 pounds.
In the Industrial zoning district, fa1·m animals are only
allowed as an accessory use to a primarv industrial use; and
h. If the applicant does not own the property, written
proof of the owner's consent must be submitted with the application.
Poultrv. The keeping of poultry is allowed as an accessory
use to a residential dwelling and must meet the following standards:
!.:. Excessivelv noisy poultry including, but not limited to,
roosters, turkeys, guinea fowl, peacocks, or geese are prohibited unless the
total lot area is a minimum of 80,000 square feet and the animals and
supporting structures and pens are a minimum of 100 feet from an adioining
b. All poultry must be contained by a suitable structure,
fenced enclosure, pen, and/or fenced area that safely contains the poultry at
all times. All structures, enclosures, and pens must meet the following
dimensional standards:
!: Maximum height of structures, coops,
enclosures, or runs is 15 feet in height;
All facilities shall be kept in good repair,
maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, and be free of vermin,
City of Wasilla
Page 6 of 11
Bold & Underline, added. Strikethrough, deleted
Ordinance Serial No. 18-12 (AM)
Page 90
obnoxious smells and substances to the greatest extent feasible. The facility
wilJ not create a nuisance or disturb neighboring residents due to excessive,
noise, odor, damage, or threats to public health; and
iii. Chicken coops or other shelters may not be
located in a front yard or side yard that abuts a street in the Rl, R2, and RM
zoning districts.
£.:, No storage of manure shall be permitted within 50 feet
of the exterior lot line; and
d. If the applicant does not own the property, written
proof of the owner's consent must be submitted with the application.
~ All structures, runs, and enclosures must be a minimum
of 25 feet from residential dwellings on neighboring lots. For lots with more
than one dwelling on the same lot, the structures, runs, and enclosures must
also be a minimum of 25 feet from all other dwellings on the lot except the
poultry owners' dwelling.
On lots with a total area less than 40,000 square feet,
the following additional standards apply:
b Maximum of six poultry on lots up to 20,000
square feet and a maximum of 12 poultry on lots greater than 20,000 square
feet and less than 40,000 square feet. Poultry under the age of six months do
not count towards the allowed numbers;
ii. Free-ranging within fenced yards is only allowed
under direct supervision by the poultry owner and with consent of all tenants
City of W asilla
Page 7 ofl I
Bo ld & Und erlin e, ad ded . Strikethrough, deleted
O rd inance Seria l No. 1 8-12 (AM)
Page 91
and/or property owners who have legal access to the premises at the time of
permit application;
~ On lots with a total area of 40,000 square feet or
greater, the foUowing additional standards applv:
.h Maximum of 15 poultry on lots between 40,000
square but less than 50,000 square feet; an additional three poultry are
allowed for each additional full 10,000 square feet of lot area. No proration
of the number of poultry is allowed for lots with less than a full 10,000 square
feet of lot area. Poultry under the age of six months do not count towards the
allowed numbers.
h. In the Industrial zoning district, poultry is onJy allowed
as an accessory use to a primary industrial use.
3. Beehives. The following standards applv:
a. Beehives are allowed in all zoning districts as an
accessory use;
Four beehives are allowed per 10,000 square feet of lot
area. No proration of the number of beehives is allowed for lots with less
than a full 10,000 square feet of lot area;
Colonies shall be managed in such a manner that the
flight path of bees to and from the hive will not bring the bees into contact
with people on adiacent property. To that end, colonies shall:
!.: Be situated at least twenty-five feet from any lot line not
in common ownership; or
City of Wasilla
Page 8 of 11
Bold & Underline. added. Strikethrough, deleted
Ordinance Serial No. 18-12 (AM)
Page 92
ii. Oriented with entrances facing away from adjacent
property; or
iii. Placed at least eight feet above ground level; or
Placed behind a fence at least six feet in height and
extending at least ten feet beyond each hive in both directions.
d. The maximum height for a beehive at ground level is
eight feet measured from the base of the beehive, inclusive of any temporary
or permanent stand or foundation. Beehives are permitted on rooftops or
elevated decks provided that the beehive does not exceed five feet in height
above the surface of the rooftop or deck and the rooftop or deck is a
minimum of eight feet above ground level;
If the applicant does not own the propertv, written
proof of the owner's consent must be submitted with the application; and
All beekeeping shall comply with applicable laws and
regulations.
Section 4. Amendment of subsection. WMC 16.20.020(A), within District use chart, is
hereby amended to read as follows:
A. The following chart summarize the uses allowed and the standard of
review for each use. In the commercial and industrial districts, more than one building
housing a permissible principal use may be erected on a single lot; provided that each
building and use shall comply with all applicable requirements of this chapter and other
borough, state or federal regulations.
City of Wasilla
Page 9 of 11
Bold & Underline, added. Strikethrough, deleted
Ordinance Serial No. 18-12 (AM)
Page 93
AA = Administrative approval UP = Use pennit CU = Conditional use
EX = Excluded Blank = No city approval necessary
Rl R2 RM C RR Single-Multi-I p
Districts Rural Residential Commercial Industrial Public Family family
Uses
Accessory Uses AA AA AA AA AA UP AA
Agriculture UP EX EX EX EX EX EX
Ammal HaseaREiFJ' yp g tW g EX EX EX
Beehives 1 AA AA AA UP UP UP EX
Exotic Animals EX EX EX EX EX EX EX
Farm Animals~ AA UP UP EX EX AA EX
Poultry 1 AA AA AA UP UP cu EX
Wild Animals EX EX EX EX EX EX EX
1Must comply with specific approval criteria in Section 16.16.060.
Bold & Underline, added. Strikethrough deleted
Ci ty of Wasilla
Page 10 of 11
Ordinance Serial No. 18-12 (AM)
Page 94
From:BreAnna Hamman
To:City Clerk
Subject:Ordinance 3332-2023
Date:Monday, January 30, 2023 10:38:37 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when
opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Hello,
My name is BreAnna Hamman and I am a homeowner in the Woodland subdivision. I
would like to voice my support for the passing of the city ordinance 3332-2023. I have a
neighbor directly next to us, who under a permit has chickens. The chickens have caused no
disturbances and are not bothersome. I have been bothered more by the dogs that get left out to
bark by my other neighbor. I have had problems with dogs and cats coming onto our property,
I have yet had a chicken do so. I believe people should also have access to fresh eggs and
poultry. The uncertainty with food shipments these days has added an extra need for local
people to harvest their own eggs. All of these reasons and more contribute to why I think the
ordinance needs to be passed. Thank you for your time.
-BreAnna Hamman
Page 96
From:Deni Oren
To:City Clerk
Subject:Ordinance No. 3332-2023a
Date:Tuesday, January 31, 2023 10:46:44 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when
opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
To whom it may concern,
Good evening, I am writing to express my support in favor of City of Kenai’s Ordinance No.
3332-2023a; in regards to allowing residents on properties less than 40k square feet in size to
own up to 12 laying hens.
As a City of Kenai resident I think this is a great idea to help offset some of the food supply
issues and food insecurities my fellow neighbors and myself are starting to face in regards to
inflation and supply chain issues lately. I do understand the concerns of some when it relates
to how the city will pass this in a manner that doesn’t create neighborhood nuisances. But as
homeowners, I think this can be done in a responsible and appropriate way just as we are
expected to do with any of our pets.
I think passing this ordinance would be so beneficial for local residents, not only for just each
individual property/homeowner, but as well as for our neighbors who may benefit from
receiving or purchasing fresh local eggs when our local stores are depleted. With rising costs
of food, lack of food on shelves, it would be a world of difference to be able to offset some of
these worries by having a more sustainable way to provide food for our families. I have read
through the expectations listed and I find them to be very fair, and do believe it would help to
reduce any issues in regards to having the hens. I also believe the allowance of up to 12 hens is
perfect for a majority of the properties in the City of Kenai.
Thank you for your time and I hope that the City of Kenai takes my support into
consideration.
Respectfully,
Mr. & Mrs. Oren
Page 97
Glenn & Charlotte Yamada
1806 4th Ave
Kenai, AK 99611
907-398-4170
To Whom It May Concern;
Hello. Our names are Glenn & Charlotte Yamada, we would like to share our enthusiasm for
Ordinance No. 3332-2023! We are most definitely in support of property owners being allowed (a
maximum) of 12 chickens on lots less than 40,000 square feet. With the current state of the nation, and
so many food shortages, combine that with shipping costs to us- we think it prudent that property
owners not be restricted with regards to chickens. So, please pass/amend the Kenai Municipal Code
Section 3.10.070-Livestock within the City Limits, to Allow a Maximum of 12 Chicken Hens to be Kept on
Certain Lots Less than 40,000 Square Feet within the City of Kenai.
In closing, again please pass/amend this code to allow for chickens in city limits.
Sincerely,
Glenn & Charlotte Yamada
Page 98
From:Alice Waarvik
To:City Clerk
Subject:Chickens in city limits
Date:Wednesday, February 1, 2023 3:07:05 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or
clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Hello,
I’m writing in support of Kenai city residents keeping chickens. I’d like to request this email to be included in the
public lay down and forwarded to all council members.
• The number 1 reason people like chickens: Chickens provide a valuable low-cost food source. Home
raised eggs are fresher, better tasting, and more nutritious than commercially farmed eggs.
• Chickens provide value as pets and also teach kids about responsibility through caring for an animal.
Raising chickens also promotes the humane treatment of food producing animals.
• Chickens divert waste from landfills. Lots of household waste is compostable and chickens are happy to
eat much of that waste.
I’ve researched common complaints that people have about keeping chickens and would like to address a few of
those.
• A hen's laying song is about 60 decibels so it would take 12 hens producing noise at the exact same time
to produce more noise than 1 dog. I believe our city allows for 3 dogs per household.
• A chicken's manure should not smell if it’s processed properly. Cat and dog manure are not advised to add
to compost because of the risk of spreading disease to a garden, whereas chicken manure is recommended by the US
Extension Colleges for use in composting when it is has been aged for 6 months before application.
• Backyard chickens can present a health risk to humans from salmonella infections, although not as great
as simply preparing a meal with chicken in your kitchen. Wild birds also present this risk as do reptiles like turtles
and geckos. Dogs transfer diseases to humans such as worms but we are so used to dogs in our lives that we do not
normally think of it as a risk.
Before we moved to Kenai, we kept a small backyard flock of chickens. Our chickens not only nourished us with
their eggs but enriched our lives in the same way cats and dogs do. They are not just livestock. Chickens are a
wonderful hobby that provides companionship, entertainment, comic relief, and food! I look forward to the day we
can share our lives with chickens again.
Thanks so much!
Alice Waarvik
Sent from my iPhone
Page 99
From:Bill Vedders
To:City Clerk
Subject:No to chickens
Date:Wednesday, February 1, 2023 12:23:54 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or
clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Please distribute this to all council members.
I chose to live in the city for a reason. Chickens are loud, stinky, and a bear attractant. If this passes I could
potentially live between 24 chickens! This is not why I decided to live inside the city limits of the peaceful city of
Kenai.
Bill Vedders
504 Ash Avenue
Kenai
907-690-1884
Page 100
From:Chelsey Merriman
To:City Clerk
Subject:Chicken Ordinance
Date:Wednesday, February 1, 2023 12:49:22 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when
opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
To whom it may concern,
I support the ordinance on the basis of basic human rights. Anyone should be able to supply
food for themselves and/or their family. To deny people the right to supply food for their
family is abhorrent. With the supply and demand issues the nation is facing, it would be
unwise to deny the ordinance.
Thank you for your time and concideration,
Chelsey
Page 101
From:Christina Wood
To:City Clerk
Subject:Chicken ordinance
Date:Wednesday, February 1, 2023 11:35:39 AM
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opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
12 chickens is not that many.
Not everyone is going to get chickens.
I have lived on the Peninsula for 19 years and have always had chickens.
Nowadays, it's good to provide for yourself (eggs/meat) since we cannot rely on America's
availability. I love my fresh eggs and am thankful on this day that we have no issues in
obtaining eggs for meals like most people here in AK.
Living here... isn't that we take pride in? Being self-reliant?
Sincerely,
Mrs. Wood
Page 102
Gmail
Question Re Ordinance 3332-2023
1 message
JoeGoogle GoogleJoe <julietthotelml@gmail.com>
To : adouthit@kenai.city
JoeGoogle GoogleJoe <julietthotelml@gmail.com>
Tue , Jan 31 , 2023 at 11 :15 PM
Hello Kenai City Council Member Alex Douthit, Kenai resident Joseph Huard here ...
I have a question about your Ordinance 3332-2023 that I would like you to answer. In your 12/29/2022 letter introducing
this Ordinance to Mayor Gabriel and City Council Members, you stated :
"The proposed changes will allow a maximum of 12 chicken hens to be kept on lots less than 40 ,000 square feet except
for the following zones : RU , RS1 , RS2. and TSH , these four zones uniquely prohibit the keeping of any livestock
regardless of lot size ."
I searched but was unable to corroborate your assertion that the" ... RU , RS1 , RS2, and TSH ... zones uniquely prohibit
the keeping of any livestock regardless of lot size." Specifically, I searched the Land Use Table found in Kenai Municipal
Code KMC Section 14.22.010 , and came up empty. I don't know where else to look.
Would you please cite for me the source or sources that support your view that zones RU , RS1, RS2 , And TSH uniquely
prohibit the keeping of any livestock.
Thanks ...
Page 103
From:Holly Ward
To:City Clerk
Subject:Woodland subdivision
Date:Wednesday, February 1, 2023 6:20:30 PM
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opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
I support having chickens in the woodland subdivision.
I live in woodland for accumulative 8 years and have children. Please allow us to have
chickens.
Page 106
From:Kristina Hamilton
To:City Clerk
Subject:Chicken vote
Date:Wednesday, February 1, 2023 4:31:17 PM
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opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Hello! I live in soldotna off gaswell, I’m aware that chickens are allowed only in certain areas
of gaswell meaning I could keep chickens where I live, but my friends 2 minutes away from
me cannot.
I ask that there’s a law passed allowing people to keep live chickens on the kenai peninsula
considering the egg shortage.
please consider including my email in the public lay down and to send my email to all council
members.
Thank you for your time,
Anonymous chicken lover
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
Page 107
From:Miranda Lee
To:City Clerk
Subject:Please Include Public Lay down
Date:Wednesday, February 1, 2023 6:22:36 PM
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opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Due to lack of childcare I could not attend the meeting regarding a city ordinance to allow
backyard chickens.
I would like this included in the public lay down and forwarded to all council members.
Please let it be mentioned that in our multigenerational household of 10 people, we support the
allowance of keeping live chickens on residential property. The importance of a continuous
and sustainable food source is more critical now than ever, as providing basic sustenance for a
family has become especially difficult when relying solely on buying food. The eggs provided
by the chickens will offer a critical protein source for growing children and adults alike when
other proteins (like meats) cannot be purchased at an amount that would adequately nourish a
family.
We live in the Woodland Subdivision and hope to see household in the neighborhood
becoming more sustainable with their their food through chickens and gardens. Thank you for
your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
The household of Levi Wanstall, Miranda Martin, Myron Martin, Cindy Martin, Kris Giles,
Kalli Martin, and Chayton Martin (all the adults of our household)
Page 108
From:Miranda Lee
To:City Clerk; City_Council
Subject:Ordinance No 3332-2023
Date:Wednesday, February 1, 2023 7:44:58 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when
opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
I am writing in regards to the ordinance number 3332-2023 pertaining to allowing chickens
on residential property within city limits.
My name is Miranda Martin and I represent our household within the Woodland
Subdivision, (home-owners) which in comparison to a wide variety of living conditions is not
actually that “crowded” as previously mentioned. “Crowded” is subjective… not fact. If you
have never had a yard smaller than a tenth of an acre, of course the lot sizes can be
considered small and crowded. However, that does not apply to many people. The lot sizes
not only can easily sustain a dozen small animals, like chickens, but can even grow
substantial food gardens. Space is not a feasible issue. I feel this distinction is important
based on previous testimony regarding chickens within our neighborhoods.
Please let it be mentioned that in our multigenerational household of 10 people, we support
the allowance of keeping live chickens on residential property. The importance of a
continuous and sustainable food source is more critical now than ever, as providing basic
sustenance for a family has become especially difficult when relying solely on purchasing
food. We aren’t asking to slaughter chickens on a residential property. We are asking to
peacefully raise chickens with love and attention as to harvest their eggs. Eggs to feed to
our children in the many forms possible. For french toast, for scrambled eggs for my
toddler, for extra protein in pancakes, to mix in fried rice.
It’s easy for members of the community that have the means to make a significant
purchase of a large piece of land outside of city limits to offer that as a solution to the need
to raise chickens, however, for the general public, such expectations aren’t realistic.
Chickens won’t serve the community members that don’t have any financial concerns. This
is not who the ordinance pertains to, as such, perhaps their opinions should be considered
as such. Opinions on a matter that does not, in fact, negatively affect them in the least.
It is probably a safe assumption that these community members have never had to worry
about where they or their children were going to get their nourishment from.
The eggs provided by the chickens will offer a critical protein source for growing children
and adults alike when other proteins (like meats) cannot be purchased at an amount that
would adequately nourish a family. When all things are considered, basic physiological
needs of our children should NOT be overshadowed by entitled community members who
have full bellies, thick wallets and no young children to feed.
Page 109
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Miranda Martin and household.
Page 110
From:mrskwork@aol.com
To:City Clerk
Subject:Tonight’s meeting regarding chickens
Date:Wednesday, February 1, 2023 5:15:22 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when
opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
The full City council meeting on chickens
I’m asking that it's included in the public lay down and forwarded to all council members.
Hope to see the chamber full
Hi. We are in full support of allowing chickens inside city limits especially for the Woodland
Estates neighborhood. Chickens that lay eggs and/or can be raised for meat In limited
numbers (say 12) should be allowed. Not only does it help families help raise awareness to
providing food for themselves and neighbors, it’s a wonderful lesson of how to care for and
where food comes from for children. Residents should have to provide some form of
covered enclosure for chickens to protect from predators and escapement.
I hope all those involved in the voting to pass this, remember why we love the freedoms
Alaska provides us and why we live here.
(We own 5 homes in Woodland Estates so please consider this as 5 yes’s for having chickens)
Thank you,
Randy and Karen Work
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
Page 111
February 8, 2023 Work Session
Planning & Zoning Commission Members
Subject: Opposition to Ordinance No. 3332-2023
Allowing for Chickens to be Kept on Lots Less Than 40,000 s.f.
I am not opposed to the raising chickens or harvesting fresh eggs but I am not supportive of this
Ordinance as written which would allow chickens to be raise in a densely populated
neighborhood like the Woodland Subdivision and would expand the raising of chickens from
28% to 96% of all lots within the city. This ordinance is not a balanced proposal as it only
considers the will of those who want to raise chickens in a residential area at the expense of
others. There are more equitable ways to accomplish such changes.
To bring further clarity to this issue we need to ask the right question.
If you ask the question: Do you want fresh eggs and food security then the answer is yes .
But if you ask the question: Are the proposed changes to the city code appropriate for lots less
than 40,000 s.f. in a residential zone (RS zone) then the answer is No.
When I bought my house in 1988 I deliberately chose a lot in a residential neighborhood
because I didn't want to live next to farm animals, a pack of sled dogs, a gravel pit, or other
disruptive nuisances and I certainly didn't want to live next door to where chickens could be
slaughtered . If I wanted to live in an area with less regulations I could have bought property
outside city limits as there is plenty of lots to choose from . I enjoy the amenities that the City of
Kenai has to offer and I don't want to see the character and integrity our residential
neighborhoods compromised.
I feel that this ordinance, as written, is a violation of public trust. And here's why:
When I bought my house I trusted the zoning to protect the values and integrity of the Woodland
Subdivision and I trusted the Land Uses within those zones to be up upheld but I'm now finding
out how easily those values can be compromised by an ordinance and a small group of people.
Ordinance No. 3332-2023, as written, is not a balanced proposal
Currently the city code allows for chickens to be raised on 28% of the city's lots but if this
ordinance passes, then it would allow for chickens to be raised on 96% of the city's lots. This
would create a complete imbalance for those who want chickens in their residential
neighborhood and those who don't.
Facts and Figures for Number of Lots
Total number of Kenai city lots is 4,895
Current number of lots allowed to raise chickens is 1,384 (28%)
The proposed ordinance would allow an additional 3,307 (68%) lots for raising chickens
The result of the proposed ordinance would allow a total of 4,691 (96%) lots for raising chickens
Facts and Figures for Acreage
Total number of acres within the city is 18,536
Current number of acres where chickens can be raised in the city is 16,682 (90%)
Facts and figures can be verified with City Planning Director, Linda Mitchell
Page 1 of 2
Page 112
I ask the Planning & Zoning Commission to recommend to the City Council one of the following
amendments.
Alternative A: Amend the proposed ordinance to prohibit the raising of chickens in
RS Zones (Suburban Residential) as follows:
Please amend Section 1, part (b) to read as follows:
(b) No livestock shall be allowed in the RS, RU, RS1, RS2, TSH, and ALI zones.
Please amend Section 1, part (h) to read as follows:
(h) The keeping of chickens hens on lots less than 40,000 square feet is allowed,
except in the RS, RU, RS1, RS2, TSH and ALI zoning districts, subject to the
following standards ... :
Including the RS zone (Suburban Residential) into Section 1, part (b) and part (h) above
will help to preserve the character and integrity of our residential neighborhoods. And
because the RR Zone (Rural Residential) is not included in the above language it will
expand the raising of chickens in the RR zone from lots that are 40,000 s.f. or greater to
lots that are less than 40,000 s.f. This would seem to be a reasonable compromise as
the RR Zone accounts for 72% of Kenai's total land mass.
Alternative B: Amend the proposed ordinance to establish a minimum lot size of 20,000 s.f. to
raise chickens . Lots that are 20,000 s.f. or greater will be large enough to provide
natural buffers and practical setbacks to protect neighboring properties from
impactful activities .
Please amend Section 1, part (h) to read as follows:
(h) The keeping of chickens hens shall be allowed on lots 20,000 square feet or
greater, subject to the following standards ... :
Alternative B would reduce the minimum lot size for raising chickens from 40,000 s.f.
down to 20,000 s.f. This would add an additional 617 lots for raising chickens. In other
words this would increase the number of lots to raise chickens from 1,384 lots (28%) to
2001 lots (41%).
Both Alternatives A & B would seem to be a reasonable compromise between those who want to
raise chickens and those who don't want chickens to be raised in their densely populated
residential neighborhoods.
Sincerely ,
d~a-~
Daniel A. Canetta
Page 2 of 2
Page 113
- 1 -
February 2, 2023
City Council
Planning & Zoning Commission
City of Kenai
210 Fidalgo Avenue
Kenai, AK 99611
Dear Councilors and Commissioners:
RE: Ordinance No. 3332-2023
Amending KMC 3.10.070 to Allow a Maximum of Twelve (12) Chickens to Be Kept on Lots
Less Than 40,000 Square Feet - Except for RU, RS-1, RS-2 and TSH Zoning Districts
I am a property owner with my home in Woodland Subdivision Part I. At the minimum, please
consider these items for amendments to this ordinance:
Except out the RS Zone, just like RS-1 and RS-2 Zones, by adding this exception to
proposed 3.10.070(b) and (c); or;
Alternatively, except out Woodland Subdivision, or at least Parts I and IV, by adding this
exception to proposed 3.10.070(b) and (c); or
Allow chicken hens to be kept on lots of 20,000 s.f. or greater, by amending proposed
paragraph (c)(1) such as:
- “The keeping of chicken hens on lots between twenty thousand (20,000) square feet and
forty thousand (40,000) square feet will be subject the standards in subsection (h)”
- And also modify proposed subsection (h) accordingly.
Provide that the keeping of chickens on lots less than 40,000 square feet is for personal
use only, and not for commercial use, by adding that text to the standards listed in
subsection (h)
Modify proposed paragraph (h)(3) to locate containment structures only in the back yard
with appropriate setbacks per code, which was an original recommendation of the
Commission;
Add more specific standards for the dimensions, materials, and appearance of a
“containment structure” such as a coop, including standards for protections against bears
and other predators, by adding to proposed subsection (5) of paragraph (h) or adding
another subsection;
Put the Burden of Proof on the chicken keeper to show that his or her containment
structure complies with the standards for a “containment structure.” Do not put the
burden on the adjacent property owners or on the City.
Page 114
- 2 -
Require an application, for lots less than 40,000 square feet;
If the applicant is a tenant, require the applicant to submit proof of the owner’s consent;
or at a minimum, require proof of owner’s consent if the City receives a complaint;
3.10.040 doesn’t require a person who keeps chickens to destroy diseased chickens
infected with diseases like bird flu, and that should be required. Add a standard to
paragraph (h) that requires the chicken keeper to destroy chickens infected with disease
like bird flu.
Thank you for your consideration.
Bob Molloy
Page 115
From:Kiley Hansen
To:City Clerk
Subject:Allowing chickens in Kenai
Date:Friday, February 3, 2023 9:34:16 AM
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opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Hello! I understand that there's currently an ongoing discussion about whether chickens
(specifically hens) should be allowed in city limits in Kenai. I live on Fathom dr. and with the
cost of eggs and poultry, being able to keep chickens would help those who really need to
budget their groceries. Having chickens has a lot of benefits and I believe it would help the
community immensely. Thank you so much for considering it.
Kiley Hardesty
Page 116
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO ORD. 3332-2023
(from City Council/P&Z Commission/Public Comments)
1. Zoning.
• Remove Airport Light Industrial zone from allowed zones. (Knackstedt 2/1/23 p. 14).
• Remove RS (Suburban residential) zone from allowed zones.
-- Many subdivisions in this zone have small lot sizes (1/3 acre or less) and restrictive
covenants banning poultry: Central Heights (off Walker Lane), Woodland Parts I-II-
III-IV (off North Forest Drive), Redoubt Terrace (off South Forest Drive), Inlet
Woods (off Redoubt Ave).
• Add to land use table (see Wasilla ordinance).
2. Lot Size/Configuration.
• Minimum lot size 20,000 s.f. (1/2 acre).
-- Avoids conflict between ordinance and numerous subdivisions with small lot sizes
and covenants banning poultry.
• Limit to lots with no more than 3 adjacent lots or a maximum number of chickens on
adjacent lots (first come first served).
-- Because subdivisions with staggered lots may have 5 adjacent lots (60 chickens).
• Maximum of one lot/owner – avoid “chicken farm.”
3. Number/Gender.
• Limit to 12 in RR zone, reduce to 6 in other zones (Askin-2/1/23 p. 12).1
• Reduce to 6 hens Knackstedt-2/1/23 p. 14).
• Reduce from 12 to 4-6.
• Specify that roosters are prohibited.
4. Land Use.
• Limit to back of house in rear yard (PZC 2/1/23 p. 11).
• Limit housing or fencing to rear yard (Knackstedt 2/1/23 pp. 14-15).
• Setbacks, not free range with fences.
• Limit to personal use, not commercial use.
• Setbacks from water bodies (see Wasilla ordinance).
• Prohibit storage of manure or waste outside containment structure.
5. Other.
• No killing chickens on site.
• No keeping chickens or containment structures/fences on City-owned property.
• Property owner written consent required.
• Standards for containment area/structures (see Wasilla ordinance).
6. Enforcement/Public Safety.
• Burden of proof on owner to prove accessory structure setbacks.
• Require license (like dogs) or registration with administration like Wasilla.
• Require removal of chickens with bird flu.
1 Compiled by Kristine Schmidt, 513 Ash Ave, Kenai 99611
Page 118
Hello, long-time City of Kenai and Woodland Subdivision {1078 Walnut Ave) resident
Joseph Huard here.
I strongly oppose the disaster otherwise known as Ordinace No. 3332-2023 ...
Some random thoughts ...
Question: Why are there RSl and RS2 zones in the City of Kenai?
Answer: Because the residents of the RSl and RS2 zones said 'enough is enough' with the
perennial attempts at getting chickens crammed down their throats, so they organized to get
rezoned as chicken-free areas.
Question: If chickens in the city are so great, why are they banned in the RSl and RS2 zones?
Answer: Maybe because chickens in the city are not so great?
If I wanted to live among chickens, I would have purchased a home in an area that allowed
chickens. But I didn't want to live among chickens, so in 1997 I purchased my home in Kenai
in an area that didn't allow chickens. It's a betrayal if I will now be forced to live among
chickens. It's not what I signed up for.
I know from bitter experience how easily a mismanaged chicken operation can adversely
impact the quality of life in a neighborhood. I live right around the corner from the chicken
fiasco on Poplar Circle that is now, blessedly, gone. All that remains of the operation is the
blue tarp eyesore they left behind. Keep in mind, that enterprise was run by a chicken 'pro'; I
can only imagine how badly things might end up when amateurs set up shop around here.
I live next door to the smallest lot in the entire Woodland Subdivision at 7,288 sq ft. My lot,
at 7,350 sq ft is the second smallest in Woodland. The largest lot contiguous to my lot is
11,278 sq ft. I share a corner post with four other lots. That's five lots sharing one corner
post. From my backyard I have a view of six backyards besides my own. Yes I said six. Six
backyards with 12 chickens per back yard equals 72 chicken hens. That's a lot of those
adorable little mother cluckers I may have to live with. There'll be quite the cloud of bloody
chicken feathers floating in the air if all six of my neighbors decide at the same time to start
chopping the heads off their adorable chickens.
Some people might dismiss the idea that what I describe {72 chickens) could actually happen.
These same people tell us how popular chickens would be if only they were allowed in the
city. If chickens end up being as popular as they tell us, I could very well end up looking at
100 hens, due to a lack of enforcement of what are, essentially, unenforceable requirements.
They say it won't happen, but what if it does happen? Where does that leave me?
Barbara Kennedy, in her January 25 testimony in front of the Kenai Planning and Zoning
Commission, said where she lives, on North Lupine Ave, 'there are chickens everywhere'. The
same thing could happen in Woodland Subdivision. I don't want to see 'chickens everywhere'.
It's the Woodland Subdivision, not the Woodland Zoo.
Page 126
Predators like the taste of chicken, I'm not sure why, maybe because it tastes like chicken. No
chickens means less predators.
Dogs bark at chickens. No chickens = less barking.
What is it about blue tarps and chicken wire? They always seem to go together (see photo on
page 6).
Don't like looking at your neighbor's dirty, disgusting chickens? Do you consider them to be a
nuisance? Chicken owners refuse to put up privacy fencing? Remember, chickens in and of
themselves can not be considered a nuisance if the Ordinance passes. Your option: Put up a
tarp (preferably blue).
If I decide to sell and I have chickens on either or both sides of me, my property will likely
take much longer to sell and I will likely have to settle for a lower amount than I could get
otherwise. That's despite all the starry-eyed claims of chicken popularity; most people, if
given a choice, simply do not want to live next door to a freaking chicken coop. Chickens have
never been a selling point. Anywhere. You don't find real estate agents using chickens as a
selling point in their listings . And we all know why.
Woodland Subdivision could easily end up having many more chickens than people. And
that's with just a few coops. If I wanted to live in an area with more chickens than people I
would have bought a farm outside of town. A farm is a place where farmers grow crops and
raise livestock, such as chickens. You know. A farm. Not a Woodland Subdivision back yard.
We aren't living in the food-insecure Bush. We've got plenty of food security around here.
It's called IGA, Walmart, Safeway, Fred Meyer, Arby's, McDonald's, Subway, and most
importantly, Taco Bell. I've worked in the Bush. The Bush has food insecurity. The Bush
would love to have to suffer under the jack boot heel of our so-called 'food insecurity'. You
want food security? Plant a garden. Tomatoes, cucumbers, rhubarb. Just don't plant
eggplant. I hate eggplant.
First marijuana moves in, next the chickens move in, then it will be the potheads chasing their
loose chickens around the neighborhood (and scaring the moose) because they were too
stoned to remember to close the door to their chicken pen.
Instead of a mere seven politicians deciding on whether to destroy the character of the city,
why not instead let we the people decide. Let's vote on it! Or you could instead do what all
the previous City Councils did when this issue popped up--they killed it in its cradle.
Let's keep the status quo. If people are keeping chickens under the table, they know they'll
have to be discreet, and they'll be more likely to want to keep their neighbors happy. If
chickens are made legal, unscrupulous people will be able to say EFF OFF to their neighbors,
secure in the knowledge that the law is unenforceable.
However, if you insist on going forward with this fiasco:
2
Page 127
A permitting process is an absolute must. That way, at least initial compliance with the law is
ensured. It won't change the reality that the law will be unenforceable after initial complance
is achieved, but at least it's something.
The clause in the proposed law that says, 'The keeping of chicken hens ... does not in or of
itself constitute a nuisance or a disturbance' needs to be carefully looked at. It was included
for a reason. I don't believe dogs and cats enjoy that same kind of protection. I wonder why
chickens get that protection and dogs and cats don't. Why are chickens granted 'protected
class' status? There has to be a reason.
The Kenai City Attorney is tasked with looking out for the City of Kenai's best interests.
Among his duties is one that commits him to ensure that any law passed by the City Council
has minimal adverse financial impact on the City's coffers. The successful EXCLUSION from
the Ordinance of the expensive, time-consuming, logistically night-marish permitting process
will be a tremendous victory for the City Attorney and will make the City of Kenai very happy.
With a permit process excluded from the Ordinance, the City Attorney will have done a good
iob in looking out for the interests of his boss, the City of Kenai.
The Kenai City Council is tasked with looking out for the residents of the City of Kena i's best
interests. Among its duties is one that commits it to ensure that any law passed by the City
Council has minimal adverse quality-of-life impact on the City's residents. The successful
INCLUSION in the Ordinance of the quality-of-life-enhancing permitting process will be a
tremendous victory for the City Council and will make the residents of the City of Kenai very
happy. With a permit process included in the Ordinance, the City Council will have done a
good iob in looking out for the interests o[its boss, the residents of the City of Kenai.
With the Ordinace soon to be in City Council's hands for final decision, now all the slick, fast-
talking City Attorney has to do is relax and play the waiting game to find out if he was able to
successfully sneak one past a majority of those gullible rubes on the City Council ...
If the City Council wants to make the vast majority of the residents of the City of Kenai
supremely ecstatic, then with extreme prejudice they will proceed to nuke from orbit the
entire Ordinance, or if not from orbit, at least from the tip of the spire of the Holy Assumption
Russian Orthodox Church. It's the only way to be sure ...
Let me tell you about the fever dream I had the other night ...
Kenai City Council Member Alex Douthit ambles into Kenai City Attorney Scott Bloom's office
on a blustery December 2022 morning and says, 'I want chickens, can you help me write up an
Ordinance?'
Bloom says, 'Sure, I'll help, but keep in mind, I represent the City, and my goal will be to
ensure the financial burden on the City is kept to a minimum. Do you want a permitting
process?'
3
Page 128
Douthit says, 'Permitting process? Good God no, not if I can get away without one.'
Bloom responds, 'Whoopee! You just saved the City a ton of expense and headache.'
Bloom then asks, 'How many chickens do you want?'
Douthit says, 'Put me in for twelve. I'll get the City Council to settle for six. The City Council
will then be able to tell the hayseed constituents that they were able to win a tremendous
victory for them, by fighting hard to whittle down the chicken count by fifty percent. Heck, it
won't matter anyway--without a permitting process, the entire law will be pretty much
completely unenforceable. Am I right, or am I right? BWA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!
Bloom joins in, 'BWA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!
Douthit asks, 'When can you get on this?'
Bloom replies, 'I'll start to work on this bad-boy as soon as I'm done with my three-hour
lunch.'
Douthit says, 'Okay, I don't care how you go about it, I just want me some of them thar
chickens!'
Bloom says, 'Oh by the way, congrats on your getting elected to the City Council. I saw that
you attended your first Council meeting on October 19th. Here it is December, and you're
working on your first piece of legislation. Chickens. I don't recall you having run on the
Chickens in Every Backyard platform. Or did I miss something?'
Douthit replies, 'What, are you kidding? If I tried running on the chicken platform, I would
have been defeated in a landslide at the polls. And then I probably would have been tarred
and feathered and run out of town on a rail. No, the chickens are for me.'
Bloom says, 'Tarred and feathered? You mean like with chicken feathers?'
Douthit says, 'Yea, like with chicken feathers. BWA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!'
Bloom joins in, 'BWA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!'
Bloom then says, 'So you're one of those 'self-serving politicians' I've heard so much about.'
Douthit says, 'Yup, that's me! BWA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!'
Bloom once again joins in, 'BWA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!'
After the exchange of a vigorous series of 'high fives', Douthit proceeded on his way and
Bloom commenced to grapple with his three-hour lunch.
4
Page 129
I woke up screaming, my sheets drenched in sweat, my heart pounding, body trembling. And
so my fever dream came to it's frightening end. You will not be surprised when I tell you that
I've been afraid to go to sleep ever since ...
Update with a twist:
The update:
At the 02/01 Kenai City Council meeting my letter to Council, addressing Ordinance
3332-2023, along with its attachment, was placed on the laydown table for public perusal.
Included in today's package is said letter, along with it's attachment (see pages 8 and 9). That
night, after the City Council meeting was adjourned, the author of the Facebook post shown
in the attachment went on Facebook and edited her post by removing the post's first
sentence, which had read:
"I mean 'egg songs' by hens can be just as loud if not louder than rooster crows."
The 'Edit History' of her post can be found on page 7 .
The twist:
I said all that to say this: By her removing the first sentence, it focused my attention on the
second sentence, which I never really noticed before, what with the shock I felt when I read
her 'admission accablante' in her first sentence that CHICKEN HENS CAN BE JUST AS LOUD IF
NOT LOUDER THAN ROOSTER CROWS. Her second sentence reads as follows:
"Folks just need to accept animals make noise."
Here we have another damning admission. I believe what the author is implying is, 'I don't
mind the chicken noise, and neither should you. So you might as well get used to it, because
chickens make a LOT of noise.'
I'm confident I speak for many when I say this:
I accept that animals make noise, I just don't want to have to start getting used to being
surrounded by constant noise from my neighbors' chickens. I enjoy my peace and quiet.
don't want to have to hear a bunch of chicken hens at times squawking LOUDER than roosters
can crow.
In conclusion:
At the 01/25 Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting, the City of Kenai Chief
Animal Control Officer was asked for is opinion on what kind of impact the passing of
Ordinance 3332-2023 might have on his ability to do his job. His response:
'I don't have an answer to that ... I don't know what the future holds.'
Yikes. Methinks we're about to find ourselves in some big trouble around here. In the words
of the immortal Bette Davis,
5
Page 130
'FASTEN
YOUR
SEATBELTSI
IT'S GOING TO
BEA BUMPY
RIDE'
Page 131
Page 136
1
From:Krystal Ruiz <krystalruiz920@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, February 9, 2023 4:27 PM
To:City Clerk
Subject:Ordinance No. 3332-2023a
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links,
especially from unknown senders.
Good afternoon,
I’m writing to whomever it may concern, my name is Krystal Ruiz (Phoebe Ruiz is my social media name) it was brought to my
attention that a comment of mine on social media was used on the opposing side of Ordinance No. 3332‐2023a. I’d like it publicly
known that I am against Joesph Huards opposition, I fully disagree with him. I am in FULL SUPPORT of Ordinance No. 3332‐2023a.
My husband Anthony Ruiz and I both are. Below you will see the picture of the comments I am referencing too. Thank you for your
time.
Krystal Ruiz
907‐215‐0335
Page 137
From:Lupine Orlob
To:City Clerk
Subject:ATT. planning and zoning and council meeting reguarding chickens
Date:Friday, February 10, 2023 11:13:56 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when
opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
My name is Lupine Orob, I am an OWNER of property in the Woodland
subdivision. I have owned my home for over 12 years, I ABSOLUTELY
support having chickens in our neighborhood. As a owner who used to
have a neighbor with chickens I do know all that it intails and had no
problem with it. Many people need chickens for food, eggs, and income.
or 4h, help youngers learn about life and earning money with it.
obviously a limit/number of them needs to be reasonable, . Please add
my email to the ordinance in support of the 12 chickens in city limits.....
Thank u for your time, Lupine Orlob
Page 139
February 13, 2023
Kenai City Council
Planning & Zoning Commission
City of Kenai
210 Fidalgo A venue
Kenai, Alaska 99611
Ordinance No. 3332-2023 (Chickens)
Dear Council Members and Commissioners:
Attached to this letter is a map showing (in orange highlight) the many small lot
subdivisions in the Kenai core which have "no poultry" covenants, together with cites from those
subdivision covenants. 1 Six ( 6) of the seven (7) subdivisions are in the RS Zone. As you can
see, there are at least 927 lots in the Kenai core/RS zone with poultry bans.2 There are 2,453 lots
in the RS zone; these "poult1y ban" lots are at least 38% of the total RS-zoned lots.
The point of this research is to show you that many hundreds of people bought
residential lots in the Kenai core/RS zone knowing their lots had poultry bans; yet there has been
no vast outcry from these residential lot owners for the City of Kenai to pass an ordinance like
3332-2023. So far as I have seen in the public comments, there have only been a few RS zoned-
lot owner/occupants that support Ordinance 3332-2023. Please vote Ordinance 3332-2023
down as written; it has too many problems with it as is. Or, at least remove the RS zone from
the ordinance . Thanl( you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
~~
Kristine A. Schmidt
513 Ash Avenue
Kenai, Alaska 99611
(907) 283-7373
1 This is a just a partial list, of the largest subdivisions --what I was able to complete by today.
2 The 927 lot count does not include Inlet View Subdivision (off Rogers Road), which has a
poultry ban covenant but which is zoned RS-1, which is excepted from Ordinance 3332-2023.
Page 140
PARTIAL LIST OF RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISIONS IN THE KENAI
CORE (RS ZONE) WITH POULTRY BANS
Central Heights Subdivision, Plat No. K-1546 etc .: 86 lots ; smallest 6,004 s.f., largest 13,639 s.f.
Inlet Woods Subdivision Part I , Plat No. 84 -279: 178 lots, smallest 7,455 s.f., largest 26,500 s .f.
Mommsen's Subdivision, Plat No. K-1222 etc.: 187 lots .
Redoubt Terrace Subdivision, Plat No. K-1474 etc .: 180 lots; smallest 7,499 s.f., largest 25 ,418s.f
Windhaven Estates Phase 1, Plat No. 98-26: 33 lots ; smallest 15,000 s.f., largest 18 ,488 s.f.
Woodland Subdivision Part I , Plat No. K-1522: 113 lots, smallest 9,773 s .f., largest 22 ,073 s.f.
Woodland Subdivision Part II, Plat No. K-1543: 51 lots , smallest 8,211 s.f., largest 13 ,529 s.f.
Woodland Subdivision Part III, Plat No. K-1571: 49 lots, smallest 7,397 s.f., largest 10,795 s.f.
Woodland Subdivision Part IV, Plat No. 78-208: 50 lots, smallest 7,288 s .f., largest 23 ,259 s.f.
Total residential subdivision lots listed above with poultry bans: 927 lots
Central Heights Subdivision, Developer: M & S Development Company
• Subdivision Plat No. K-1546, recorded 5/14/1968 , Kenai Recording District.
• Covenants recorded 5/14/1968 , Misc. Book 31 Page 61, Kenai Recording District: 1
"11. Livestock and Poultry.
No animals , livestock or poultry of any kind shall be raised, bred or kept on any lot,
except that dogs, cats or other household pets may be kept provided that they are not kept, bred
or maintained for any commercial purpose. And further provided that no more than one dog of
sled type breed may be maintained, and all dogs shall be restrained as necessary, to prevent their
becoming nuisances."
Inlet Woods Subdivision Part One, Developers: MSM and San Lar, Inc.
• Subdivision Plat No . 84-279, recorded 10/23/1984, Kenai Recording District.
• Covenants recorded 8/15/1985, Book 268 Page 636 , Kenai Recording District:
"No animals, livestock or poult1y of any kind shall be raised, bred or kept on any lot, except that
dogs, cats or other household pets may be kept provided that they are not kept, bred or
maintained for any commercial purpose ."
Mommsen's Subdivision Addition No. 1, Developer: Morris Killen
• Subdivision Plat No. K -1222 recorded 7/3/1962 , Kenai Recording District.
• Covenants recorded 4/3/1964, Misc. Book 13 Page 48, Kenai Recording District:2
"Cl 1. LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY. No animals, livestock or poultry of any kind shall be
raised, bred or kept on any lot, except that dogs, cats or other household pets may be kept
provided that they are not kept, bred or maintained for any commercial purposes. No more than
two dogs of the "husky" or "sled" type or breed may be kept or permitted on any lot."
1 These covenants apply to the entire piece of property owned by the developer, including
original subdivision lots in Plat No. K-1546, and later additions, Plat Nos. 83-66 and 88-54 .
2 These covenants apply to the entire piece of property owned by the developer, including
oridinal subdivision lots in Plat No. K-1222, and later additions (many).
- 1 -
Page 142
Reboubt Terrace Subdivision, Developer: Fourth Avenue Investment Company
• Subdivision Plat No. K-1474, recorded 5/31/1967, Kenai Recording District.
• Covenants recorded 5/31/1967, Misc. Book 26 Page 312, Kenai Recording District:3
"13. Livestock and Poultry.
No animals, livestock or poultry of any kind shall be raised, bred or kept on any lot,
except that dogs, cats or other household pets may be kept provided that they are not kept, bred
or maintained for any commercial purpose. And fmther provided that no more than one dog of
sled type breed may be maintained, and all dogs shall be restrained as necessary, to prevent their
becoming nuisances."
Windhaven Estates Phase 1, Developer: Clint D. Hall
• Subdivision Plat No. 98-26, recorded 6/22/1998, Kenai Recording District.
• Covenants recorded 7/22/1998, Book 535 Page 567, Kenai Recording District:
"No animals, livestock or poult1y of any kind shall be raised, bred or kept on any lot, except that
dogs, cats or other household pets, limited to three (3), may be kept provided that they are not
kept, bred or maintained for any commercial purpose."
Woodland Subdivision Part I, Developer: Collier Carbon and Chemical Corporation
• Subdivision Plat No . K-1522, recorded 12/15/1967, Kenai Recording District.
• Covenants recorded 12/15/1967, Misc. Book 29 Page 187, Kenai Recording District:
"13. LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY.
No animals, livestock or poultry of any kind shall be raised, bred or kept on any lot,
except that dogs, cats or other household pets may be kept provided that they are not kept, bred
or maintained for any commercial purpose. And fmther provided that no more than one dog of
sled type breed may be maintained, and all dogs shall be restrained as necessary, to prevent their
becoming nuisances."
Woodland Subdivision Part II, Developer: Collier Carbon and Chemical Corporation
• Subdivision Plat No. K-1543, recorded 4/18/1968, Kenai Recording District.
• Covenants recorded 4/19/1968, Misc. Book 30 Page 292, Kenai Recording District:
"12. LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY.
No animals, livestock or poultry of any kind shall be raised, bred or kept on any lot,
except that dogs, cats or other household pets may be kept provided that they are not kept, bred
or maintained for any commercial purpose. And fmther provided that no more than one dog of
sled type breed may be maintained, and all dogs shall be restrained as necessary, to prevent their
becoming nuisances."
3 These covenants apply to the entire piece of property owned by the developer, including
original subdivision lots in Plat No. K-1474 , and later additions, Plat Nos. K-1519, 75-86, 76-96,
81-134, 83-7,83-29, 83-207,94-49.
-2 -
Page 143
Woodland Subdivision Part III, Developer: Woodland Development Corporation
• Subdivision Plat No. K-1571, recorded 8/23/1968, Kenai Recording District.
• Covenants recorded 8/23/1968, Misc. Book 32 Page 223, Kenai Recording District:
"12. LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY.
No animals, livestock or poultry of any kind shall be raised, bred or kept on any lot,
except that dogs, cats or other household pets may be kept provided that they are not kept, bred
or maintained for any commercial purpose. And further provided that no more than one dog of
sled type breed may be maintained, and all dogs shall be restrained as necessary, to prevent their
becoming nuisances."
Woodland Subdivision Part IV, Developer: Hall Construction Company Inc.
• Subdivision Plat No. 78-208, recorded 12/1/1978.
• Covenants recorded 12/4/1978, Misc. Book 136 Page 499, Kenai Recording District:
"9. LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY.
No animals, livestock or poult1y of any kind shall be raised, bred or kept on any lot,
except that dogs, cats or other household pets may be kept provided that they are not kept, bred
or maintained for any commercial purpose. And fmther provided that no more than one dog of
sled type breed may be maintained, and all dogs shall be restrained as necessary, to prevent their
becoming nuisances."
-3 -
Page 144
February 15, 2023
City Council, Planning & Zoning Commission
City of Kenai
Dear Councilors and Commissioners:
RE: Ordinance No. 3332-2023
Property owners in Woodland Subdivision, zoned RS (one of the three Suburban Residential
Zones), questioned the inequity (and lack of rational basis) for excepting RS-1 and RS-2, but
not RS, from KMC 3.10.070 Livestock within city limits, when all three are Suburban
Residential Zones. The Land Use Table for RS, RS-1 and RS-2 Zones all have a "N" for Not
Permitted for "general agriculture." The minimum lot size in RS and RS-2 is 7,200 s.f., while
the minimum lot size in RS-1 is 12,500 s.f. The raising of chickens will have similar impacts on
all of these Suburban Residential Zones, but only properties in RS Zone are subject to the
impacts that will be caused by this ordinance as written.
At a recent council meeting, an answer was offered: that residents in RS-1 and RS-2 Zones had
asked for more restrictions. We did not find that answer to be true when we researched the
facts of the introduction and passage of the Title 3 livestock ordinance, that was enacted by
Substitute Ordinance No. 1864-2000, An Ordinance Of The Council Of The City Of Kenai,
Alaska, Prohibiting The Keeping Of Livestock On Certain Lots Within The City Of Kenai
(Suggested by the Planning & Zoning Commission).
The Minutes and Notes of the P&Z Commission meetings and work sessions show that
Ordinance No. 1864-2000 originated at the Commission. These Minutes and Notes do not
show that residents of RS-1 and RS-2 Zones requested prohibition. The Commissioners
considered zones and lot sizes and what livestock should be allowed in what zones and at what
minimum lot sizes.
And the Notes of the 4/12/2000 Work Session of the PZC, page 2, contain the following key
paragraph:
Graves indicated that the list of animals was developed in a brainstorm session
and that the list could be changed. Graves addressed Option (d)(1 ), the circus
option and asked if anyone had a problem with it. Discussion took place and it
was recommended that RS1, RS2, RU and TSH zones be listed. This would
leave the RR and commercial zones available.
The intent was to allow livestock, including chickens, in the RR and commercial zones, and to
restrict livestock in the zones listed as excepted zones. It doesn't appear that the RS Zone was
intentionally excluded from the excepted zones. This appears to be an oversight in the
legislative process, and this has resulted in an arbitrary outcome that continues in Ordinance
3332-2023.
As Dan Canetta, Dave and Kim Howard, and Kristine Schmidt have also requested, the
Commission can recommend to Council, and the Council can amend the ordnance to except the
RS Zone from the keeping of chickens, jus~: RS-1 and ~2 z:~~{:~~~~-~~~-=~.: ....
I'~
\ Bob Molloy, 513 Ash Avenue, Kenai, AK
Page 145
CITY OF KENAI
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION NO. PZ00-09
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
KENAI, ALASKA, RECOMMENDING THE KENAI MUNICIPAL CODE AT 3.10 BE
AMENDED.
WHEREAS, the keeping of livestock on small lots within the City of Kenai creates
sanitary, hygiene and odor problems; and ·
WHEREAS, the keeping of livestock on small lots within the City of Kenai in some
instances reduces nearby property values; and
WHEREAS, restricting the keeping of livestock to lots of adequate size will reduce such
problems; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City of Kenai to restrict the keeping of
livestock within the City limits.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI,
ALASKA, THAT KMC 3.10.070 is enacted as follows:
3.10.070 Livestock within the city limits:
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, no person shall keep or maintain
livestock within the City of Kenai.
(b) Livestock may be kept on lots of 20,000 square feet or greater. On lots
containing two-family or multiple family dwelling units, no livestock shall be
allowed on lots containing less than 18,000 square feet per dwelling unit. No
livestock shall be allowed in the RU, RSI, RS2 or TSH zones. Animals raised for
a fur-bearing purpose are not allowed in any zone.
(c) In this section "livestock" is defined as the following animals:
1. Cow
2. Horse
3. American bison
4. Llama
5. Alpaca
6. Sheep
7. Swine
8. Goat
9. Mule
10. Donkey
11. Ratite
12. Duck
13. Goose
14. Chicken
15. Turkey
Page 148
(d) (1] Except for the RSl, RS2, RU, TSH zone(s), the Chief Animal
Control Officer may issue temporary permits of not more than
fourteen (14) days for the keeping of livestock not otherwise
allowed for public exhibitions or entertainment events. The Chief
Animal Control Officer may impose conditions on the permits as
reasonably necessary for sanitation, safety, or hygiene. The
permit may be revoked for a violation of the conditions of the
permit or pertinent section of the Kenai Municipal Code. The City
Manager may set a permit fee as set out in KMC 7.15.100.
( d)(2) Except in the RU zone, the Chief Animal Control Officer may, after
notifying adjoining property owners in writing and allowing reasonable
time for comment, issue a permit for the keeping of livestock for
educational or youth activities, such as 4-H, Future Farmers of America,
or Boy/Girl Scouts on lots not otherwise eligible under this ordinance.
The permit shall state the duration of the permit, which shall not exceed
two (2) years, and the type and number of livestock to be kept. The Chief
Animal Control Officer may impose conditions on the permits as
reasonably necessary for sanitation, safety, or hygiene. The permit may be
revoked for a violation of the conditions of the permit or Title 3 of the
Kenai Municipal Code. Appeal of issuance or revocation of a permit may
be made in writing to the Board of Adjustment. A permit may be renewed
following written notice and reasonable time for comment to the adjoining
property owners. The City Manager may set a permit fee as set out in
KMC 7.15.100.
(d)(3) If two or more lots of continuous frontage are owned or leased
by the same person(s) and the combined square footage of such
lots otherwise meets the requirements of this ordinance for the
keeping of livestock, such lots shall be considered a single lot for
purposes of this ordinance.
(e) Lots on which livestock are kept on the effective date of this
ordinance which are not eligible for the keeping of livestock under
this ordinance shall be considered a non-conforming use of land
under KMC 14.20.050. No new or replacement livestock may be
kept or introduced on such lots after the effective date of this
ordinance.
(f) Corrals, pens, hutches, coops or other animal containment
structures must have a minimum setback of twenty-five (25) feet
from the property's side yards, fifty (50) feet from the front yard,
and ten ( 10) feet from the back yard; and must be secure and in
good repair.
Page 149
)
SUBSTITUTE
Suggested by: Planning & Zoning Commission
CITY OF KENAI
ORDINANCE NO. 1864-2000
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, PROHIBITING
THE KEEPING OF LIVESTOCK ON CERTAIN LOTS WITHIN THE CITY OF KENAI.
WHEREAS, the keeping of livestock on small lots within .the City of Kenai creates
sanitary, hygiene and odor problems; and
WHEREAS, the keeping of livestock on small lots within the City of Kenai in some
instances reduces nearby property values; and
WHEREAS, restricting the keeping of livestock to lots of adequate size will reduce such
problems; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City of Kenai to restrict the keeping of
livestock within the City limits.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI,
ALASKA, THAT KMC 3.10.070 is enacted as follows:
3.10.070 Livestock within the city limits:
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section,. no person shall keep or
maintain livestock within the City of Kenai.
(b) Livestock may be kept on lots of 40,000 square feet or greater. No
livestock shall be allowed in the RU, RSl, RS2 or TSH zones. Animals
raised for a fur-bearing purpose are not allowed in any zone.
(c) In this section "livestock" is defined as the following animals:
1. Cow 9. Mule
2. Horse 10.Donkey
3. American bison 11.Ratite
4. Llama 12.Duck
5. Alpaca 13.Goose
6. Sheep 14.Chicken
7. Swine 15.Turkey
8. Goat 16. Rabbit
(d) (1] Except for the RSl, RS2, RU, TSH zone(s), the Chief Animal Control
Officer may issue temporary permits of not more than fourteen (14) days
for the keeping of livestock not otherwise allowed for public.exhibitions or
Page 151
)
SUBSTITUTE
Ordinance No. 1864 -2000
Page 2 of 3
entertainment events. The Chief Animal Control Officer may impose
conditions on the permits as reasonably necessary for sanitation, safety,
or hygiene. The permit may be revoked for a violation of the conditions of
the permit or pertinent section of the Kenai Municipal Code. The City
Manager may set a permit fee as set out in KMC 7.15.100.
(d)(2) Except in the RU zone, the Chief Animal Control Officer may, after
notifying adjoining property owners in writing and allowing reasonable
time for comment, issue a permit for the keeping of livestock for
educational or youth activities, such as 4-H, Future Farmers of America,
or Boy/ Girl Scouts on lots not otherwise eligible under this ordinance.
The permit shall state the duration of the permit, which shall not exceed
two (2) years, and the type and number of livestock to be kept. The Chief
Animal Control Officer may impose conditions on the permits as
reasonably necessary for sanitation, safety, or hygiene. The permit may
be revoked for a violation of the conditions of the permit or Title 3 of the
Kenai Municipal Code. Appeal of issuance or revocation of a permit may
be made in writing to the Board of Adjustment. A permit may be
renewed following written notice and reasonable time for comment to the
adjoining property owners. The City Manager may set a permit fee as set
outinKMC 7.15.100.
(e) Lots on which livestock are kept on the effective date of this ordinance
which are not eligible for the keeping of livestock under this ordinance
shall be considered a non-conforming use of land under KMC 14.20.050.
No new or replacement livestock may be kept or introduced on such lots
after the effective date of this ordinance. Offspring of livestock allowed
as a non-conforming use under this section may be kept on such lots
only until they are old enough to be relocated to a site conforming to this
ordinance or outside of the city limits.
(f) Corrals, pens, hutches, coops or other animal containment structures
must have a minimum setback of twenty-five (25) feet from the property's
side yards, fifty (50) feet from the front yard, and ten (10) feet from the
back yard; and must be secure and in good repair.
(g) A person seeking relief from the provisions of this section may apply for a
conditional use permit under KMC 14.20.150.
(h) This ordinance will come back to the City Council for review 24 months
after the effective date.
Page 152
From:Don Pearce
To:City Clerk
Subject:Chickens
Date:Wednesday, February 15, 2023 2:19:56 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or
clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
I am writing this e-mail in support of allowing chickens within the city limits of Kenai.
Thank you
Don Pearce
Sent from my iPhone
Page 154
From:Dan Wolverton
To:City Clerk
Subject:Chickens inside of City Limits
Date:Wednesday, February 15, 2023 2:59:12 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or
clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Sir/Ma’am,
As a resident of Kenai, I am writing you to provide my opinion on the matter of raising and keeping Chickens inside
of city limits.
I have my reservations about this based on concerns of waste, pests, odor, and noise. Although I am not in favor of
allowing Chickens to be raised inside City Limits, I believe a compromise could be reached. Maybe Chickens could
be allowed for owners of lots/properties in the size of 1 Acre or greater. I think this would allow room for noise and
odor dissipation, while making sure pests attracted to waste maintain a distance from neighboring lots.
If you wish to display or read this email publicly, I respectfully request you withdraw my contact information.
Thank you for your time,
Dan Wolverton
Page 155
From:Jen Brighton
To:City Clerk
Subject:chickens in city limits
Date:Wednesday, February 15, 2023 3:39:38 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when
opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Hello,
I am a homeowner in Kenai writing to give my support to having chickens allowed inside city
limits.
We have raised chickens for 7 years, and our neighbors have chickens as well. Over the years
we and they have had several arrangements for the birds, including free ranging and three
different coop styles. Chickens do need a place to roost safely (we lost one to a neighborhood
dog and a few to eagles), but they are not loud or destructive animals. They help eat bugs and
kitchen scraps, and turn out excellent compost for our garden. The only time they have been
disruptive was the one year we accidentally got a rooster, but even he was not as loud as the
average pet dog.
Chickens are environmentally friendly and economically practical. A small flock of 6-8 birds
can live happily and healthily in a small space and are appropriate for within city limits.
Increasing chicken-raising in the area also brings an economic boost, through sharing or sale
of eggs, compost, feed, and chicks.
Thank you,
Jen Brighton
Page 156
From:Loretta Pearce
To:City Clerk
Subject:Chickens
Date:Wednesday, February 15, 2023 4:50:58 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when
opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
I am writing this to inform you that I am in favor of having chickens. Thank you.
Loretta Pearce
Page 157
From:Abe Pellegrom
To:City Clerk
Subject:Chicken
Date:Wednesday, February 15, 2023 5:17:17 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or
clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Will the city impose a tax on chickens? If I remember correctly the city has a tax for each dog owned by a resident.
Who will enforce the rules ? I all about having chickens and livestock. But at what cost ?
RedLine welding
Abe Pellegrom
907-394-2709
Page 158
From:Antonio Andrade
To:City Clerk
Subject:Chickens.
Date:Wednesday, February 15, 2023 6:33:45 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when
opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Please allow chickens within city limits in kenai.
Page 159
From:germainepatchett@gmail.com
To:City Clerk
Subject:Chickens
Date:Thursday, February 16, 2023 7:50:21 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when
opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Hello,
Please allow chickens in Kenai city limits. This is Alaska where we strive to be self sustainable. High tunnels,
fishing, hunting, foraging... Chickens are not loud, give great fertilizer and double as meat. It'll help feed supply
business as feed will be bought, lumber for coops, caterers, feeders, treats and the list goes on. Please say yes.
Germaine Patchett
Sent from my LG V20, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone
Page 160
February 16, 2023
Kenai Planning and Zoning Commission
City of Kenai
210 Fidalgo Avenue
Kenai, AK 99611
Re: Opposition to Ordinance No. 3332-2023
We wish to express our strong opposition to the passage of Ordinance No. 3332-2023. We
purchased our home in Woodland Subdivision in 1988 (zoned Suburban Residential) because
we wanted to live in a residential neighborhood. As responsible home buyers, we read the
covenants and the zoning for Woodland Subdivision. We think most homeowners affected by
this ordinance bought their property knowing that chickens were not a permitted land use and
had an expectation that their neighbors wouldn't have chickens either.
For 35 years we have paid property taxes on a modest home (Lot is 10,170 s.f.) on a cul-de-sac
in a nice neighborhood, raised our children here and now are retired here. Passage of this
ordinance will dramatically change the residential character of our neighborhood. There is no
question that having chickens next door to us has lessened our property value. We and others
expressed opposition to our adjacent neighbor's Livestock Permit for Chickens at the June 20,
2022 Board of Adjustment Hearing (Case No. BA-22-01). It wasn't until a "renewal" was applied
for did Animal Control perform inspections in April 2022 and found the applicant violated not
only the original permit but also the requested new permit. In addition, fencing and structures
violating the setback requirements still have not been removed. For nearly three years we
witnessed blatant violation of the terms of our neighbor's 2020 permit. If the current laws
can't be managed, new and broader allowances won't be enforced either!
This ordinance severely limits the number of properties for residents who don't want to reside
near chickens.
Fresh eggs can be purchased locally. We buy eggs at local businesses where sales tax is
collected to help support our community. As far as the increased cost of eggs, there is also an
increasing cost to have proper ·chicken coops, fencing, feed, electricity and other expenses.
1
Page 161
We can vouch that a dozen chickens, or several dozen chickens, are a public nuisance in a
densely populated subdivision on lots smaller than 40,000 square feet. We prefer to enjoy our
front, side and back y ard without a dozen or more chickens cackling when the UPS truck shows
up or someone walks by, not to mention the squawking as they lay eggs. Along with elevated
noise, odors and spread of disease, there is an increased potential for predators, wild and
domestic. A press release by the Alaska Dept. of Environmental Protection in October 2022
states at least four backyard flocks had detections of the highly pathogenic avian influenza
statewide.
It seems this ordinance intends to satisfy a few residents at the expense of many. A similar
ordinance failed in 2015.
As Kenai taxpayers, we feel enough city resources have been spent on this issue. We don't
want any chickens next to us. We should not be forced to live next door to chickens.
Enforcement ofthe keeping of chickens parameters in this ordinance should not be complaint
driven and the responsibility of the neighbors. We hope the City Council will reject this
ordinance entirely. However, if you feel you must take action, please recommend to the City
Council to prohibit the keeping of chickens in the RS Zone, like the other residential RS-1 and
RS-2 Zones.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
~~
{)~ ~4-
Kim and Dave Howard
P.O. Box 2823
(703 Poplar Circle)
Kenai, AK 99611
2
Page 162
February 16, 2023
City of Kenai
210 Fidalgo Avenue
Kenai, AK 99611
Planning & Zoning Commission, City Council, and Mayor Gabriel,
Subject: Opposition to Ordinance No. 3332-2023
Opposition to chickens being raised in RS Zones like the Woodland Subdivision
I feel that any ordinance that allows for the raising of chickens in the Woodland Subdivision is a
violation of public trust. And here's why:
When I bought my house in 1988 I trusted the covenants to protect the values and integrity of
the Woodland Subdivision and I trusted our City to honor those covenants. The covenants for
the Woodland Subdivision expressly prohibits the raising of poultry. We're not asking the city to
enforce the covenants but instead we're asking the city not to pass an ordinance that they know
is in direct conflict with our property rights. Passing an ordinance that is in direct conflict with the
covenants would cause an obvious dilemma as it provides an avenue for a violation of our
covenants. Does the City really want to pass an ordinance that they know is in direct conflict
with the covenants of the Woodland Subdivision? I urge the City to comply with our covenants
and not compromise the property rights that have been established for our residential
neighborhoods. This ordinance, as written, violates the covenants of at least 8 Subdivisions and
more than 900 lots. (See comments submitted by Kristine Schmidt)
If we want to open up more areas for raising chickens there are more responsible ways to
accomplish this without causing a direct conflict with neighborhood covenants. We already have
a zoning district that is set up to do just that. This would be the RR Zone (Rural Residential). I
urge the city to use our planning tools correctly and not cause a conflict with our covenants.
At the February 8, 2023 Planning & Zoning Work Session there were concerns from three main
parties:
Party 1: Those who don't want chickens in a densely populated neighborhood (RS Zones).
Main Concern : The city will pass an ordinance in direct conflict with the neighborhood
covenants which prohibits the raising of poultry and cause an obvious dilemma .
Party 2: Those who want to raise chickens .
Main Concerns: 1) Open up more areas for raising chickens. 2) The regulations that were
discussed at the last work session were overkill.
Party 3: The City of Kenai
Main Concern: Having a provision for a Conditional Use Permit for smaller lots would
become a budgetary problem to administer .
I have come up two options that address the concerns of each party as follows:
Page 1 of 3
Page 163
Option 1: Amend the proposed ordinance to prohibit the raising of chickens in
RS Zones (Suburban Residential) and open up more area in the RR Zone
(Rural Residential) for raising chickens as follows:
Please amend Section 1, part (b) to read as follows :
(b) No livestock shall be allowed in the RS, RU, RS1, RS2, TSH , and ALI zones.
Please amend Section 1, part (h) to read as follows:
(h) The keeping of chickens hens on lots less than 40,000 square feet is allowed,
except in the RS, RU, RS1, RS2, TSH and ALI zoning districts, subject to the
following standards ... :
Results of Option 1: Excepting the RS zone (Suburban Residential) from Sections (b)
and (h) of the ordinance will avoid a conflict with neighborhood covenants that prohibit the
raising of poultry and save the city from causing an obvious conflict with our covenants.
And because the RR Zone (Rural Residential) is not included in Section (h) it will lower
the threshold for raising chickens in the RR Zone from lots that are 40 ,000 s.f. or greater
to lots that are less than 40,000 s.f. The RR Zone accounts for 72% of Kenai 's total land
mass and is well suited for raising chickens and livestock while the RS Zone was never
intended for this kind of impact. Lots in the RR Zone would need few regulations as they
are generally large enough and rural enough to provide natural buffers and practical
setbacks to protect neighboring properties. Option 1 would seem to be a reasonable
compromise as it would uphold the covenants in our RS Zoned neighborhoods while
allowing more lots in the RR Zone to raise chickens.
Option 2: Amend the proposed ordinance to establish a minimum lot size of 20,000 s.f. to raise
chickens . Also strike the provision for a conditional use permit. Lots that are 20,000
s.f. or greater would need few regulations as they are large enough to provide natural
buffers and practical setbacks to protect neighboring properties .
Please amend Section 1, part (h) to read as follows:
(h) The keeping of chickens hens shall be allowed on lots 20,000 square feet or
greater, subject to the following standards ... :
The results of Option B for each party would be this:
Page 2 of3
Party 1: For those who don 't want chickens this will avoid a conflict with the
covenants that prohibit poultry in their subdivision .
Party 2: For those who want to raise chickens this would add an additional 617 lots
for raising chickens . Option B would increase the number of lots to raise chickens
from 1,384 lots (28%) to 2001 lots (41%).
Party 3 : Striking the provision for a conditional use permit w i ll avoid a budgetary
problem for the city to administer. Option B will also save the city from promoting
an ord inance that is in direct conflict with neighborhood covenants.
Page 164
Both Options A and B address the main concerns that were expressed at the February 8, 2023
P&Z work session and would be a win-win-w i n for each party. Both Options A and B also make
sensib le use of the current zoning districts in a way they were intended to be used .
Bob Molloy's letter of February 15 , 2023, which is in this packet, also outlines the intent of our
resident ial zoning districts and how to use them in a way they were intended to be used.
Sincerely,
d~a.~
Daniel A. Canetta
Page 3 of 3
Page 165
Kenai City Council - Regular Meeting Page 1 of 3
February 01, 2023
Kenai City Council - Regular Meeting
February 01, 2023 ꟷ 6:00 PM
Kenai City Council Chambers
210 Fidalgo Avenue, Kenai, Alaska
**Telephonic/Virtual Information on Page 3**
www.kenai.city
Action Agenda
A. CALL TO ORDER
1. Pledge of Allegiance
2. Roll Call
3. Agenda Approval
4. Consent Agenda (Public comments limited to three (3) minutes per speaker; thirty (30) minutes
aggregated)
*All items listed with an asterisk (*) are considered to be routine and non-controversial by the council
and will be approved by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a
council member so requests, in which case the item will be removed from the consent agenda and
considered in its normal sequence on the agenda as part of the General Orders.
B. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS (Public comments limited to ten (10) minutes per speaker)
1. City of Kenai Marketing Presentation, by Coy West, CEO and Founder of Divining Point.
2. College Campus Update, Dr. Keith Hamilton, President of the Alaska Christian College.
C. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS (Public comments limited to three (3) minutes per speaker;
thirty (30) minutes aggregated)
D. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. POSTPONED UNTIL 3/1/2023 FOR A 2ND PUBLIC HEARING, AND REFERRED TO THE
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION FOR A WORK SESSION. Ordinance No. 3332-2023 -
Amending Kenai Municipal Code Section 3.10.070-Livestock within the City Limits, to Allow a
Maximum of Twelve (12) Chicken Hens to be Kept on Certain Lots Less than 40,000 Square
Feet within the City of Kenai. (Douthit and Winger) [01/04/23 Introduced by Council; Referred
for recommendation to the 01/25/23 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting; Public Hearing
by Council Scheduled for 02/01/23.]
2. ENACTED UNANIMOUSLY. Ordinance No. 3333-2023 - Amending Kenai Municipal Code
8.05.010 - Adoption of Fire Prevention Standards, and Repealing and Replacing Kenai
Municipal Code 8.05.030 - Local Amendments to the 2009 International Fire Code, to Adopt the
2021 International Fire Code with Local Amendments. (Administration)
3. ENACTED UNANIMOUSLY. Ordinance No. 3334-2023 - Amending Kenai Municipal Code
Title 4 - Uniform Codes, to Adopt the 2021 Editions of the International Building Code,
International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fuel Gas Code,
Uniform Plumbing Code, International Existing Building Code, International Property
Maintenance Code and the 2020 National Electrical Code and Incorporate Local Amendments.
(Administration)
Page 166
Kenai City Council - Regular Meeting Page 2 of 3
February 01, 2023
4. ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY. Resolution No. 2023-04 - Authorizing a Service Contract and
Corresponding Purchase Order to Peninsula Refuse for Fiscal Year 2023 and Fiscal Year 2024
Dumpsters Services for the Waste Water Plant. (Administration)
5. ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY AS AMENDED. Resolution No. 2023-05 - Adopting the City’s
Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Years 2024-2028. (Administration)
E. MINUTES
1. *Regular Meeting of January 18, 2023. (City Clerk)
F. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
G. NEW BUSINESS
1. *Action/Approval - Bills to be Ratified. (Administration)
2. *Ordinance No. 3335-2023 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations in the Airport
Fund Fiscal Year 2023 Budget for Utility Costs Associated with the Alaska Regional Fire
Training Center. (Administration)
H. COMMISSION / COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Council on Aging
2. Airport Commission
3. Harbor Commission
4. Parks and Recreation Commission
5. Planning and Zoning Commission
6. Beautification Committee
I. REPORT OF THE MAYOR
J. ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
1. City Manager
2. City Attorney
3. City Clerk
K. ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Citizens Comments (Public comments limited to five (5) minutes per speaker)
2. Council Comments
L. EXECUTIVE SESSION
M. PENDING ITEMS
N. ADJOURNMENT
O. INFORMATION ITEMS
The agenda and supporting documents are posted on the City’s website at www.kenai.city. Copies of
resolutions and ordinances are available at the City Clerk’s Office or outside the Council Chamber prior
to the meeting. For additional information, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 907-283-8231.
Page 167
Kenai City Council - Regular Meeting Page 3 of 3
February 01, 2023
Join Zoom Meeting OR
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87511680894 Dial In: (253) 215-8782 or (301) 715-8592
Meeting ID: 875 1168 0894 Passcode: 240755 Meeting ID: 875 1168 0894 Passcode: 240755
Page 168
Kenai City Council - Regular Meeting Page 1 of 3
February 15, 2023
Kenai City Council - Regular Meeting
February 15, 2023 ꟷ 6:00 PM
Kenai City Council Chambers
210 Fidalgo Avenue, Kenai, Alaska
**Telephonic/Virtual Information on Page 3**
www.kenai.city
Action Agenda
Work Session - Review of Council Adopted Policies 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
A. CALL TO ORDER
1. Pledge of Allegiance
2. Roll Call
3. Agenda Approval
4. Consent Agenda (Public comments limited to three (3) minutes per speaker; thirty (30) minutes
aggregated)
*All items listed with an asterisk (*) are considered to be routine and non-controversial by the council
and will be approved by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a
council member so requests, in which case the item will be removed from the consent agenda and
considered in its normal sequence on the agenda as part of the General Orders.
B. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS (Public comments limited to ten (10) minutes per speaker)
1. Kenai Permanent Fund Annual Review, 2022 Financial Performance, Financial Projections and
Recommended 2023 Asset Allocations for the City’s Permanent Fund, Brandi Niclai and Bill
Lierman, from Alaska Permanent Capital Management.
2. Project Homeless Connect 2023 Report, Jodi Stuart, Project Homeless Connect Publicity Chair.
C. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS (Public comments limited to three (3) minutes per speaker;
thirty (30) minutes aggregated)
D. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. ENACTED UNANIMOUSLY. Ordinance No. 3335-2023 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and
Appropriations in the Airport Fund Fiscal Year 2023 Budget for Utility Costs Associated with the
Alaska Regional Fire Training Center. (Administration)
2. ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY. Resolution No. 2023-06 - Authorizing the City Manager to Accept
a Donation, on Behalf of the City, of Property Described as Lot 4, Block 8 of the Original
Townsite of Kenai, Kenai, Alaska from the Trust Agreement of Thelma M. Bagoy, for a Public
Purpose and Determining that the Public Interest will Not be Served by an Appraisal.
(Administration)
3. ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY. Resolution No. 2023-07 - Designating the Investment and
Allocation Plan for the City’s Permanent Funds and Establishing Appropriate Benchmarks to
Measure Performance for Calendar Year 2023. (Administration)
Page 169
Kenai City Council - Regular Meeting Page 2 of 3
February 15, 2023
4. ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY. Resolution No. 2023-08 - Repealing City Council Adopted Policy
2018-02 - Procedures for Including Contingency Funding in Contracts. (Administration)
5. ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY. Resolution No. 2023-09 - Renumbering Kenai City Council
Travel Policy No. 2014-02 to Policy No. 20.200. (City Clerk)
6. ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY AS AMENDED. Resolution No. 2023-10 - Renumbering Kenai
City Council Public Recognition Policy No. 2014-01 to Policy No. 20.210. (City Clerk)
7. ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY. Resolution No. 2023-11 - Amending the City Council Agenda
and Packet - Preparation, Distribution and Publication Policy No. 2019-01 and Renumbering to
Policy No. 20.000. (City Clerk)
8. ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY. Resolution No. 2023-12 - Amending the City Council Procedures
for Recording City Council Meetings and Work Sessions Policy No. 2017-03 and Renumbering
to Policy No. 20.010. (City Clerk)
9. ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY AS AMENDED. Resolution No. 2023-13 - Repealing the
Unnumbered City Council Electronic Devices During Meetings of the Council Policy and
Adopting City Council Policy No. 20.110 Use of Electronic Devices During Meetings. (Gabriel,
Baisden, Knackstedt)
10. ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY. Resolution No. 2023-14 - Amending the City Council Mobile
Device Use and Management Policy No. 2017-01 and Renumbering to Policy No. 20.120. (City
Clerk)
11. POSTPONED UNTIL 3/15/2023. Resolution No. 2023-15 - Amending the City Council
Selecting and Appointing a Qualified Person or Persons to Fill Vacancies on the City Council
Policy No. 2021-01 and Renumbering and Renaming to City Council Policy No. 20.220 - Filling
Council Vacancies by Appointment. (City Clerk)
E. MINUTES
1. *Regular Meeting of February 1, 2023. (City Clerk)
F. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
G. NEW BUSINESS
1. *Action/Approval - Bills to be Ratified. (Administration)
2. *Action/Approval - Approval of the First Extension to the Agreement with Redline Sports for
Management Services at the Kenai Multi-Purpose Facility. (Administration)
3. *Ordinance No. 3336-2023 - Accepting and Appropriating an American Rescue Plan Act Grant
Passed through the State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services for Kenai Senior
Center Expenditures in Support of its Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.
(Administration)
4. *Ordinance No. 3337-2023 - Accepting and Appropriating an Increase from the Kenai
Peninsula Borough for the Senior Citizen Program Grant. (Administration)
H. COMMISSION / COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Council on Aging
2. Airport Commission
3. Harbor Commission
Page 170
Kenai City Council - Regular Meeting Page 3 of 3
February 15, 2023
4. Parks and Recreation Commission
5. Planning and Zoning Commission
6. Beautification Committee
I. REPORT OF THE MAYOR
J. ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
1. City Manager
2. City Attorney
3. City Clerk
K. ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Citizens Comments (Public comments limited to five (5) minutes per speaker)
2. Council Comments
L. EXECUTIVE SESSION
M. PENDING ITEMS
1. Ordinance No. 3332-2023 - Amending Kenai Municipal Code Section 3.10.070-Livestock
within the City Limits, to Allow a Maximum of Twelve (12) Chicken Hens to be Kept on Certain
Lots Less than 40,000 Square Feet within the City of Kenai. (Douthit and Winger)
[01/04/23 Introduced by Council; Referred for recommendation to the 01/25/23 Planning and Zoning
Commission Meeting; First Public Hearing by Council Scheduled for 02/01/23; 02/01/23 Referred to the
Planning & Zoning Commission for a Work Session; Second City Council Public Hearing Scheduled for
March 1, 2023.]
N. ADJOURNMENT
O. INFORMATION ITEMS
The agenda and supporting documents are posted on the City’s website at www.kenai.city. Copies of
resolutions and ordinances are available at the City Clerk’s Office or outside the Council Chamber prior
to the meeting. For additional information, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 907-283-8231.
Join Zoom Meeting OR
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85487897501 Dial In: (253) 215-8782 or (301) 715-8592
Meeting ID: 854 8789 7501 Passcode: 397933 Meeting ID: 854 8789 7501 Passcode: 397933
Page 171
Planning Commission
Kenai Peninsula Borough
Meeting Agenda
144 North Binkley Street
Soldotna, AK 99669
Jeremy Brantley, Chair – District 5 Sterling/Funny River
Blair Martin, Vice Chair – District 2 Kenai
Pamela Gillham – District 1 Kalifornsky
Virginia Morgan, Parliamentarian – District 6 East Peninsula
John Hooper – District 3 Nikiski
Michael Horton – District 4 Soldotna
VACANT – District 7 Central
David Stutzer – District 8 Homer
Dawson Slaughter – District 9 South Peninsula
Diane Fikes – City of Kenai
Franco Venuti – City of Homer
Charlene Tautfest – City of Soldotna
Troy Staggs – City of Seward
VACANT – City of Seldovia
Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers7:30 PMMonday, February 13, 2023
Zoom Meeting ID: 907 714 2200
The hearing procedure for the Planning Commission public hearings are as follows:
1) Staff will present a report on the item.
2) The Chair will ask for petitioner’s presentation given by Petitioner(s) / Applicant (s) or their representative
– 10 minutes
3) Public testimony on the issue. – 5 minutes per person
4) After testimony is completed, the Planning Commission may follow with questions. A person may only
testify once on an issue unless questioned by the Planning Commission.
5) Staff may respond to any testimony given and the Commission may ask staff questions.
6) Rebuttal by the Petitioner(s) / Applicant(s) to rebut evidence or provide clarification but should not present
new testimony or evidence.
7) The Chair closes the hearing and no further public comment will be heard.
8) The Chair entertains a motion and the Commission deliberates and makes a decision.
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February 13, 2023Planning Commission Meeting Agenda
All those wishing to testify must wait for recognition by the Chair. Each person that testifies must write his or
her name and mailing address on the sign-in sheet located by the microphone provided for public comment.
They must begin by stating their name and address for the record at the microphone. All questions will be
directed to the Chair. Testimony must be kept to the subject at hand and shall not deal with personalities.
Decorum must be maintained at all times and all testifiers shall be treated with respect.
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. ROLL CALL
C. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AND REGULAR AGENDA
All items marked with an asterisk (*) are consent agenda items. Consent agenda items are considered routine
and non-controversial by the Planning Commission and will be approved by one motion. There will be no
separate discussion of consent agenda items unless a Planning Commissioner so requests in which case the item
will be removed from the consent agenda and considered in its normal sequence on the regular agenda.
If you wish to comment on a consent agenda item or a regular agenda item other than a public hearing, please
advise the recording secretary before the meeting begins, and she will inform the Chairman of your wish to
comment.
1. Time Extension Request
2. Planning Commission Resolutions
3. Plats Granted Administrative Approval
4. Plats Granted Final Approval (KPB 20.10.040)
5. Plat Amendment Request
6. Commissioner Excused Absences
7. Minutes
January 23, 2023 Planning Commission Meeting MinutesKPB-4909
C7. 012323 PC MinutesAttachments:
D. OLD BUSINESS
E. NEW BUSINESS
Utility Easement Vacation
Mullen Homestead Subdivision Addition No. 5, Plat KN 2007-12
KPB-49101.
E1. UEV_Mullen Homestead Sub Addn No 5_PacketAttachments:
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February 13, 2023Planning Commission Meeting Agenda
Right-Of-Way Vacation
Vacate a Portion of McNamara Court Cul-de-sac Bulb
KPB-49112.
E2. ROWV_McNamara Court_PacketAttachments:
Conditional Use Permit; PC Resolution 2023-04
Applicant: State of Alaska Dept. of Transportation & Public Facilities
Cooper Landing Area
KPB-49123.
E3. CUP ADOT MP 58 RES 2023- 4_Packet
E3. CUP - PC RES 2023-04_Desk Packet
Attachments:
Ordinance 2023-06: Approving an amendment to Snomads Community
Trail Management Agreement.
KPB-49134.
E4. ORD 2023-06_Snomad CTMA Amendment_PacketAttachments:
F. PLAT COMMITTEE REPORT
G. OTHER
Cooper Landing Unit 395 Land Planning PresentationKPB-4914
G. Cooper Landing Unit 395 Land Planning PresentationAttachments:
H. PUBLIC COMMENT/PRESENTATION
(Items other than those appearing on the agenda or scheduled for public hearing. Limited to five minutes per
speaker unless previous arrangements are made)
I. DIRECTOR'S COMMENTS
J. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
K. ADJOURNMENT
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
NO ACTION REQUIRED
APC Meeting MinutesKPB-4915
Misc. InfoAttachments:
NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
The next regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting will be held Monday, February 27, 2023 in the
Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers of the Kenai Peninsula Borough George A. Navarre Administration
Building, 144 North Binkley Street, Soldotna, Alaska at 7:30 p.m.
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February 13, 2023Planning Commission Meeting Agenda
CONTACT INFORMATION
KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Phone: 907-714-2215
Phone: toll free within the Borough 1-800-478-4441, extension 2215
Fax: 907-714-2378
e-mail address: planning@kpb.us
website: http://www.kpb.us/planning-dept/planning-home
A party of record may file an appeal of a decision of the Planning Commission in accordance with the
requirements of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Code of Ordinances. An appeal must be filed with the Borough
Clerk within 15 days of the notice of decision, using the proper forms, and be accompanied by the filing and
records preparation fees. Vacations of right-of-ways, public areas, or public easements outside city limits
cannot be made without the consent of the borough assembly.
Vacations within city limits cannot be made without the consent of the city council. The assembly or city council
shall have 30 calendar days from the date of approval in which to veto the planning commission decision. If no
veto is received within the specified period, it shall be considered that consent was given.
A denial of a vacation is a final act for which the Kenai Peninsula Borough shall give no further consideration.
Upon denial, no reapplication or petition concerning the same vacation may be filed within one calendar year of
the date of the final denial action except in the case where new evidence or circumstances exist that were not
available or present when the original petition was filed.
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Plat Committee
Kenai Peninsula Borough
Meeting Agenda
144 North Binkley Street
Soldotna, AK 99669
Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers6:30 PMMonday, February 13, 2023
Zoom Meeting ID; 907 714 2200
The hearing procedure for the Plat Committee public hearings are as follows:
1) Staff will present a report on the item.
2) The Chair will ask for petitioner’s presentation given by Petitioner(s) / Applicant (s) or their representative
– 10 minutes
3) Public testimony on the issue. – 5 minutes per person
4) After testimony is completed, the Planning Commission may follow with questions. A person may only
testify once on an issue unless questioned by the Planning Commission.
5) Staff may respond to any testimony given and the Commission may ask staff questions.
6) Rebuttal by the Petitioner(s) / Applicant(s) to rebut evidence or provide clarification but should not present
new testimony or evidence.
7) The Chair closes the hearing and no further public comment will be heard.
8) The Chair entertains a motion and the Commission deliberates and makes a decision.
All those wishing to testify must wait for recognition by the Chair. Each person that testifies must write his or
her name and mailing address on the sign-in sheet located by the microphone provided for public comment.
They must begin by stating their name and address for the record at the microphone. All questions will be
directed to the Chair. Testimony must be kept to the subject at hand and shall not deal with personalities.
Decorum must be maintained at all times and all testifiers shall be treated with respect.
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. ROLL CALL
C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA, EXCUSED ABSENCES, AND MINUTES
All items marked with an asterisk (*) are consent agenda items. Consent agenda items are considered routine and
noncontroversial by the Plat Committee and may be approved by one motion. There will be no separate
discussion of consent agenda items unless a Planning Commissioner removes the item from the consent agenda.
The removed item will then be considered in its normal sequence on the regular agenda. If you wish to comment
on a consent agenda item, please advise the recording secretary before the meeting begins, and she will inform
the Chair of your wish to comment.
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February 13, 2023Plat Committee Meeting Agenda
1. Agenda
2. Member / Alternate Excused Absences
3. Minutes
January 23, 2023 Plat Committee Meeting MinutesKPB-4916
C3. 012323 Plat MinutesAttachments:
D. OLD BUSINESS
E. NEW BUSINESS
Jesse Lee Heights Great Bear Addition
KPB File 2023-008
KPB-49171.
E1. Jesse Lee Heights Great Bear Addn_PacketAttachments:
New Homestead Subdivision
KPB File 2023-007
KPB-49182.
E2. New Homestead Subdivision_PacketAttachments:
Silkok Creek Alaska Subdivision Moore Replat
KPB File 2023-005
KPB-49193.
E3. Silkok Creek Alaska Sub Moore Replat_PacketAttachments:
Leisure Time Estates Ivy Replat
KPB File 2022-130
KPB-49204.
E4. Leisure Time Estates Ivy Replat_PacketAttachments:
Lucky Horseshoe Estates 2023 Addition
KPB File 2023-010
KPB-49215.
E5. Lucky Horseshoe Estates 2023 Addn_PacketAttachments:
Mallette Homestead Subdivision No. 3
KPB File 2023-001
KPB-49226.
E6. Mallette Homestead Subdivision No. 3_Packet
E6. Mallette Homestead Sub No. 3_Desk Packet
Attachments:
F. PUBLIC COMMENT
(Items other than those appearing on the agenda or scheduled for public hearing. Limited to five minutes per
speaker unless previous arrangements are made)
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February 13, 2023Plat Committee Meeting Agenda
G. ADJOURNMENT
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED PLAT COMMITTEE MEETING
The next regularly scheduled Plat Committee meeting will be held Monday, February 27, 2023 in the Betty J.
Glick Assembly Chambers of the Kenai Peninsula Borough George A. Navarre Administration Building, 144
North Binkley Street, Soldotna, Alaska at 7:30 p.m.
KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Phone: 907-714-2215
Phone: toll free within the Borough 1-800-478-4441, extension 2215
Fax: 907-714-2378
e-mail address: planning@kpb.us
website: http://www.kpb.us/planning-dept/planning-home
Written comments will be accepted until 1:00 p.m. on the last business day (usually a Friday) before the day of
the Plat Committee meeting in which the item is being heard. If voluminous information and materials are
submitted staff may request seven copies be submitted. Maps, graphics, photographs, and typewritten
information that is submitted at the meeting must be limited to 10 pages. Seven copies should be given to the
recording secretary to provide the information to each Committee member. If using large format visual aids (i.e.
poster, large-scale maps, etc.) please provide a small copy (8 ½ x 11) or digital file for the recording secretary.
Audio, videos, and movies are not allowed as testimony. If testimony is given by reading a prepared statement,
please provide a copy of that statement to the recording secretary.
An interested party may request that the Planning Commission review a decision of the Plat Committee by filing
a written request within 10 days of the written notice of decision in accordance with KPB 2.40.080.
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Planning & Zoning Commission
FROM: Linda Mitchell, Planning Director
DATE: February 17, 2023
SUBJECT: Revised Tentative Work Sessions
The tentative work session dates have been revised. The work sessions are subject to change.
Work Session Date Subject
March 22, 2023
Code Amendment KMC 14.20.200
Accessory Structures
April 26, 2023 Historic Preservation
TBD Short-Term Rentals (STRs)
TBD Sign Code
TBD Land Use Table – Conditional Uses
TBD Zoning Code Clean-up
Page 179
FEBRUARY 22, 2023
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS/REVISIONS
REQUESTED REVISIONS TO THE PACKET
ACTION ITEM REQUESTED BY
Add to item F.2 Action/Approval – Recommendation for Ordinance
No. 3332-2023
• Public Comments
Planning Director
From:Brittany Anderson
To:City Clerk
Subject:Regarding Chickens in Kenai
Date:Thursday, February 16, 2023 3:55:54 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when
opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Hello, my name is Brittany. I'm an Alaskan resident born and raised. Chickens are source of
food for people. Not to mention how great Chickens can be for the land and farming. I'm a
definite YES to allowing the people of Kenai to keep Chickens within City Limits. Especially
if it can't be provided locally by a store. There should be no reason for Alaskans not to be
allowed to keep Chickens. Thanks so much!
Get Outlook for iOS
February 22, 2023
City of Kenai
210 Fidalgo Avenue
Kenai, AK 99611
Planning & Zoning Commission, City Council, and Mayor Gabriel,
Subject: Opposition to Ordinance No. 3332-2023
Opposition to chickens being raised in RS Zones like the Woodland Subdivision
I live in the Woodland Subdivision and I am opposed to the raising of chickens in our
neighborhood. The zoning for our neighborhood was never intended for raising chickens and I
would like the city to uphold that intent. There are other zoning districts that are better suited for
raising chickens like the RR Zone (Rural Residential). I urge the city to NOT pass this ordinance
as it would fundamentally change the character and integrity of our peaceful neighborhood.
Sincerely,
Carolyn McGee
Page 1 of 1
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
Resolution PZ2023-03 –Preliminary Plat –Janousek Subdivision 2023 Replat
402 Princess Street and 603 Magic Avenue
February 22, 2023
Preliminary Plat –Janousek Subdivision 2023 Replat
Summary
Current Use Single-FamilyDwelling
Zoning Rural Residential (RR)
Land Use Designation Suburban Residential
Combined Lot Size 0.92-acre
Surrounding Uses
North Single-Family Dwelling
South Single-Family Dwelling and Vacant Lot
West Vacant
East Single-Family Dwelling
Staff Recommendation
The proposed preliminary plat meets the general standards of KMC Chapter 14.10
Subdivision Regulations.
Adopt the Resolution PZ2023-03 recommending approval of the preliminary plat
“Janousek Subdivision 2023 Replat” to Kenai Peninsula Borough.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
Resolution PZ2023-03 –Preliminary Plat –Janousek Subdivision 2023 Replat
402 Princess Street and 603 Magic Avenue
February 22, 2023
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
Resolution PZ2023-02 –Variance Permit –Additional Signage
508 Upland Street and 1000 Mission Avenue
February 22, 2023
Variance Permit –Additional Signage
Summary
Current Use Kenaitze Indian Tribe Campus
Zoning Townsite Historic (TSH)
Land Use Designation Mixed Use
Combined Lot Size 5.73 acres
KMC 14.20.180(c) Variance Permit Review Criteria
STAFF ANALYSIS
Criteria 1 Special conditions or circumstances are present which are peculiar to the land or structures involved which are not applicable to other lands or structures in the same land use or zoning district.Met
Criteria 2 The special conditions or circumstances have not been caused by actions of the applicant and such conditions and circumstances do not merely constitute pecuniary hardship or inconvenience.Met
Criteria 3 The granting of the variance shall not authorize a use that is not a permitted principal use in the zoning district in which the property is located.Met
Criteria 4 The granting of a variance shall be the minimum variance that will provide for the reasonable use of the land and/or structure.Met
Criteria 5 The granting of a variance shall not be based upon other nonconforming land uses or structures within the same land use or zoning district. Met
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution PZ2023-02 approving a Variance Permit for installation of two
(2) gateway signs to be installed along the street frontage, near the intersections of
Highland Avenue/Upland Street and Mission Avenue/Overland Avenue subject to the
listed conditions.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
Resolution PZ2023-02 –Variance Permit –Additional Signage
508 Upland Street and 1000 Mission Avenue
February 22, 2023
Conditions
1.Applicant must comply with all federal, State of Alaska, and local regulations.
2.Applicant must obtain a sign permit issued by the Building Official.