HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-07-14 Planning & Zoning Minutes~ CITY OF KENAI
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
July 14, 2004 - 7:00 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER:
a. Roll Call
b. Agenda Approval
c. Consent Agenda
*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.
2. *APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
a. *7une 23, 2004
3. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENT:
4. CONSIDERATION OF PLATS:
a. PZ04-25 -Preliminary Plat - FBO Subdivision No. 8. Submitted by Whitford
Surveying, P.O. Box 4032, Soldotna, Alaska.
b. PZ04-32 -Preliminary Plat -Wild Rose Subdivision, Kenai River Addition. Submitted
by Whitford Surveying, P.O. Box 4032, Soldotna, Alaska.
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
a. PZ04-27 -Variance Permit for an off-premise sign and additional freestanding sign for
the property located at 400 Marathon Road (Lot A-1-A Baron Park Subdivision -Fire
Addition). Application submitted by Kenai Peninsula Arctic Winter Games, 450
Marathon Road, Kenai, Alaska {P.O. Box 1659, Saldotna, Alaska).
b. PZ04-2$ -Variance Permit for an off premise sign and additional freestanding sign for
the property located at 10320 Kenai Spur Highway (Lot 3, Baran Park Subdivision -
Doyle Addition}. Application submitted by Kenai Peninsula Arctic Winter Games, 450
Marathon Road, Kenai, Alaska (P.O. Box 1659, Soldotna, Alaska}.
c. PZ04-29 -Variance Permit for anoff-premise sign and additional freestanding sign for
the property located at 400 Marathon Road (Lot A-1-A Baran Park Subdivision -Fire
Addition). Application submitted by P.R.LS.M. - AAI Engineering Support, Inc., 450
Marathon Road {P.O. Box 3670), Kenai, Alaska.
d. PZ04-30 - A resolution of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Kenai,
Alaska, recommending to the Council of the City of Kenai, Alaska that KMC 14.20.245
of the Kenai Zoning Code be amended by adding Section {d) (5) to prohibit parking of
recreational vehicles on private property that has no principal permitted structure except
as otherwise allowed under KMC 14.20.245 (e).
b. OLD BUSINESS:
7. NEW BUSINESS:
$. PENDING ITEMS:
9. CODE ENFORCEMENT:
10. REPORTS:
a. City Council
b. Borough Planning
c. Administration
11. PERSONS PRESENT NOT SCHEDULED:
12. INFORMATION ITEMS:
a. Zoning Bulletin (6110/04 & 6/25104)
b. PZ04-26 - LandscapelSite Plan - Snowder Chiropractic Clinic, 205 Bidarka Street
c. Building Permit Quarterly Report
d. Planning & Zoning Permit Report
e. Pending Code Violations Report
13. COMMISSION COMMENTS & QUESTIONS:
14. ADJOURNMENT:
CITY OF KENAI
PLANNING 8s ZONING COMMISSION
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
JULY 14, 2004 - 7:00 P.M.
VICE CHAIR PHIL BRYSON, PRESIDING
MINUTES
ITEM 1: CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chair Bryson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
1-a. Ro11 Call
Roll was conf rmed as follows:
Commissioners Present: B. Eldridge, P. Bryson, J. Barrett, and J. Hammelman
Commissioners Absent: N. Amen and C. Glick
Others Present: Council Member James C. Bookey, III, City Clerk Freas,
and City Planner M. Kebschull.
1-b. Agenda Approval
MOTION:
Commissioner Barrett MOVED for approval of the agenda as submitted and
Commissioner Hammelman SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO
ORDERED.
1-c. Consent Agenda
MOTION:
Commissioner Eldridge MOVED for approval of the consent agenda as presented and
Commissioner Hammelman SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO
ORDERED.
ITEM 2: APPROVAL OF MINUTES -- June 23, 2004
Approved by consent agenda.
ITEM 3: SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENT -- None.
ITEM 4: CONSIDERATION OF PLATS
4-a. PZ04-25 -Preliminary Plat - FBO Subdivision No. 8. Subrnitted by
Whitford Surveying, P.O. Box 4032, Soldotna, Alaska.
1 City Planner Kebschull reported the following:
• It is a subdivision at the north end of Willow Street.
• The City has submitted the plat to add an additional lease lot to the
airport and it will also dedicate a 1.00 feet of Willow Street that had not
been previously dedicated.
• Water and sewer is available off Willow Street.
There were no public comments and the public hearing was closed. Commissioner
Eldridge questioned the portion of Willow Street, i.e. the dedication not being platted.
Kebschull noted, the standard has been, when tracts of land are subdivided, then the
roads become dedicated. Until that point, they normally exist through easements or
section line easements. It was also noted, the pavement ends at the south end of this
property.
VOTE:
Eldrid e Yes Amen Absent Glick Absent
B son Yes Barrett Yes Hammelman Yes
VOTE WAS UNANIMOUS. (Clerk's note: However, no motion was made on which to
vote. ~
4-b. PZ04-32 -Preliminary Plat -Wild Rose Subdivision, Kenai River
Addition. Submitted by Whitford Surveying, P.O. Box 4032, Soldotna,
Alaska.
Kebschull reported the following:
• The plat would subdivide a large parcel into 13 lots.
• The property is located an Beaver Loop Road and currently is a portion of
Wild Rose Subdivision.
• The plat will require new road construction (an installation agreement
will be required) and in addition, due to the configuration of the lots on the plat, some
of the lots do not meet the minimum lot width.
• Staff is recommending a note be placed on the plat limiting construction
to the area where the lot meets the minimum lot width (in this zone, it is 90 feed.
• Also, the original Wild Rose Subdivision shows an access easement
which is not identified on the preliminary plat and should be identified.
• The first plat note does not meet the city's requirements for setback and
should be removed.
• There is a structure on what would be Lot 8 and the resulting plat will
create an encroachment and is an illegal subdivision. Staff is recommending the
structure will need to be removed or an encroachment permit obtained prior to
finalizing the plat.
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JULY 14, 2004
PAGE 2
MOTION:
Commissioner Eldridge MOVED for approval of PZ04-32 and Commissioner Barrett
SECONDED the motion.
The public hearing was opened for comments.
Roy Whitford, Box 4032, Soldotna -- Whitford identified himself as the surveyor
representing the owner. He referred to Notes 3 and 4 (the access easement and
building setback note) and stated they were an oversight on their part and the changes
will be made prior to submission far a final plat. Whitford referred to Note 2, the
recommendation to limit development within the 90 foot or less portion of the lot, and
stated he was not aware of it. He stated, he believed in rural residential it says the
minimum lot width is 90 feet and defines the lot width as an average width of the lot
perpendicular to the side lot line. He stated he was not aware building could not take
place on the portion of the lot that was less than 90 as long as all the other front and
sideline setbacks were met. He requested a clarification.
Kebschull stated she had discussed the issue with Whitford and they had a difference
of opinion in the interpretation. She noted, staff has always allowed what are called
'flag lots' and items such as that, but have limited development and gave as an
example an irregularly configured lot an Anglers' Acres. She added, another option
would be far them to apply for a variance far the lot width, which would require a
public hearing. Kebschull reiterated, they could apply for a variance or include a plat
note.
Whitford stated he believed Lots 2, 3, and H would fall into that category. If going by
the definition of average lot width of 90 feet, he believed they would still need that and
they have no problem in building in that area. Because zoning ordinances change
over time, he suggested it could be better addressed with a standard note on the plat
stating "development of these lots are subject to City of Kenai zoning regulations"
rather than a separate note. He added, that's how all the building setbacks are
addressed rather than putting the footage on the plats.
Ken Merkes, Box 572, Sterliag, AK -- Merkes reported he is the owner of the
property and requested a clarification an the City Engineer and Public Works
Manager's comment stating streets must be constructed to city standards. He noted,
he and his engineer were having difficulties in knowing what the standards are. They
are ready to build the road, but don't have the standards to know what will be
required.
Kebschull explained the normal procedure as, after a preliminary plat is approved by
the Commission, the installation agreement is prepared and in it, the requirements are
included in the agreement. She added, typically, the agreement is included in a letter
and ail the standards are addressed in the letter. If there are questions of the
PLANNING 8w ZONING COMMISSION MEETING
JULY 1.4, 2004
PAGE 3
requirements, the developer can then address them. Kebschull added, the city uses
the Anchorage standards and copies of the standards are available for sale or he could
discuss specifics with the city engineer. Merkes noted, his builder is familiar with the
Anchorage standards and because there are many different types of roads allowed to
be built there, he was not clear of what would be required.
Bryson stated he believed a determination would be made given the area in which the
road would be constructed. Kebschull added, the City Engineer and Public Works
Manager both have advised the road will require a paved surface, back slopes and
grass; the determination is based on the subdivision road corning off a paved road;
this is what the city has been requiring based on most recent subdivisions and the
requests for individuals in the area to have roads paved. She added, the road will
require construction based on fill, paved surface, grass, a street light at the corner of
Beaver Laop, and street signs. The specifics would be included in the installation
agreement.
A brief discussion followed. Kebschull noted Merkes was given a copy of the plans far
the city's most recent subdivision as an example of what would be required. That
subdivision was also zoned rural residential. Bryson noted, the instructions will be
provided to Merkes after the Commission's approval of the preliminary plat. He added,
this was not plat approval at this level, but city comments including road standards
and development. As a result of the Commission's actions, the city will provide him
with instructions concerning development requirements.
Commissioner Hammelman noted, if the Commission approves the preliminary plat,
he will be able to go to the City Engineer in the morning and get the specifications for
the road. Kebschull stated, the installation agreement typically states what is
required, i.e., construction of a road with a 30 foot width, with pavement of 24 feet
wide. Then, the city gets plans for their approval. Merkes will need to meet with the
city engineer to get the basic spec cations.
The public hearing was closed. Eldridge stated his concern there are not written
standards available for review as informational material.
VOTE:
Eldrid e Yes Amen Absent Glick Absent
B son Yes Barrett Yes Hammelman Yes
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
ITEM 5: PUBLIC HEARINGS
5-a. PZ04-27 -- Variance Permit for anoff-premise sign and additional
freestanding sign for the property located at 400 Marathon Road (Lot A-
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MEETING
JULY 14, 2004
PAGE 4
1-A Baron Park Subdivision -Fire Addition). Application submitted by
Kenai Peninsula Arctic Winter Games, 450 Marathon Road, Kenai,
Alaska (P.O. Box 1659, Soldotn.a, Alaska).
Kebschull explained, Arctic Winter Games, whose office is located in the Alaska
Regional Fire Fighting (ARFF) building located at 450 Marathon Road, is requesting a
variance to place an off-premise sign. The building in which they are housed, is
owned by the City of Kenai and leased to Pacific Rim Institute of Safety Management
(PRISM). The parcel is accessed through another parcel of property leased by the City
to the University of Alaska (UA) .
She continued, staff was recommending approval of the variance because of the access
and unusual lot configuration and because the Games is an event that will be over in
May, 2006 and then the signs will be removed. It was also noted, the mailing address
was different from the ARFF facility.
MOTION:
Commissioner Eldridge MOVED far approval of PZ04-27, a variance permit for an off-
premise sign and additional freestanding sign for the property located at 400
Marathon Road (Lot A-1-A Baron Park Subdivision -Fire Addition). Commissioner
Hammelman SECONDED the motion.
The were no public comments and the public hearing was closed. Eldridge stated his
support of the variance.
VOTE:
Eldrid e Yes Amen Absent Glick Absent
B son Yes Barrett Yes Hammelman Yes
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Kebschull noted the 15-day appeal period for the decision made by the Commission.
5-b. PZ04-28 -- Variance Permit for anoff-premise sign and additional
freestanding sign for the property located at 10320 Kenai Spur Highway
(Lot 3, Baron Park Subdivision -Doyle Addition. Application submitted
by Kenai Peninsula Arctic Winter Games, 450 Marathon Road, Kenai,
Alaska (P.O. Box 1659, Soldotna, Alaska).
Kebschull explained the application was for an off premise sign for the Games and an
additional freestanding sign due to the event and the amount of groups needing to
know where the office is situated. She added, AWG could request a sign be placed by
the Department of Transportation, but because of the access issues, etc., it was
PLANNING 8v ZONING COMMISSION MEETING
JULY 14, 2004
PAGE 5
thought anoff-premise sign would be a better solution for the situatian. Kebschull
stated, the city has not been in favor of off-premises signs, but because it is a
nonprofit and it is an event with a definite end date, staff was recommending the
permit be approved. She also noted, the off premise sign will be placed by the car
wash and the public hearing notice had been placed there for public review.
MOTION:
Commissioner Eldridge MOVED far approval of PZ04-28, a variance permit for an off-
prerrAise sign and additional freestanding sign for the property located at 10320 Kenai
Spur Highway (Lot 3, Baron Park Subdivision -Doyle Addition). Commissioner
Barrett SECONDED the motion.
There were no public comments and the public hearing was closed. Barrett stated he
supported the variance as it would be helpful in establishing Kenai as the central
home of the Games.
VOTE:
Eldrid e Yes Amen Absent Glick Absent
B son Yes Barrett Yes Hammelrnan Yes
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
5-c. PZ04-29 -Variance Permit for an off premise sign and additional
freestanding sign for the property located at 400 Marathon Road (Lot A-
1-A Baron Park Subdivision -Fire Addition). Application submitted by
P.R.LS.M. - AAI Engineering Support, Inc., 4S0 Marathon Road (P.O. Box
3F 70 J , Kenai, Alaska.
Kebschull explained the application was for the same property; when AWG came to the
city regarding their signage needs, it was discovered the PRISM organization had
placed signs along Marathon Road and did not receive the required variances. She
noted, the lack of the variance request was probably due to the access and lot
configuration noted above. Though there had been no complaints, the variance
approval would clear the situation. Kebschull stated administration was
recommending approval.
MOTION:
Commissioner Eldridge MOVED for approval of PZ04-29, a variance permit for anoff-
prernise sign and additional freestanding sign for the property located at 400
Marathon Road (Lot A-I-A Baron Park Subdivision -Fire Addition). Commissioner
Barrett SECONDED the motion.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MEETING
JULY 14, 2004
PAGE 6
There were no public or Commission comments.
VOTE:
Eldrid e Yes Arnen Absent Glick Absent
B son Yes Barrett Yes Hamrnelman Yes
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Bryson noted the fifteen day appeal period on all the public hearings held at the
meeting.
5-d. PZ04-30 - A resolution of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the
City of Kenai, Alaska, recommending to the Council of the City of Kenai,
Alaska that KMC 14.20.245 of the Kenai Zoning Code be amended by
adding Section (d) (5) to prohibit parking of recreational vehicles on
private property that has no principal permitted structure except as
otherwise allowed under KMC 14.20.245 (e).
Kebschull explained the resolution. would recommend a proposed amendment to
eliminate what staff sees as a loop hole in the ordinance allowing parking of a
recreational vehicle (RV) on private property that has no principal permitted structure.
The concern includes those who think they can pull out after thirty days and pull back
in to allow another 30 days' parking. She noted, administration was not trying to
discourage visits from out-of--town guests, etc., but to eliminate people who have a
residential Iot and no residential structure on it and parking on the lot for the
summer.
Kebschull also reported administration had received phone calls from people who were
interested in purchasing a lot which was being advertised by the seller as a
recreational lot and the parking as an allowable use.
MOTION:
Commissioner Eldridge MOVED for approval of PZ04-30, recommending to the
Council of the City of Kenai, Alaska that KMC 14.20.245 of the Kenai Zoning Code be
amended by adding Section (d) (5) to prohibit parking of recreational vehicles on
private property that has no principal permitted structure except as otherwise allowed
under KMC 14.20.245 (e). Commissioner Hammelman SECONDED the motion.
There were no public comments and the public hearing was closed (no public in the
audience). Hammelrxzan asked what the main objection was to bring the resolution
forward. Kebschull answered, it was a health and safety issue because the ordinance
is not limited to summer use, to maintain the integrity of the subdivision, and people
not wanting RV's in the neighborhood.
PLANNING 8~ ZONING COMMISSION MEETING
JULY 14, 2004
PAGE 7
~) Discussion followed in which Barrett stated he was uncomfortable with the
amendment because people come to Kenai to work during the summer and they
should be encouraged to live in Kenai. He added, he was not sure the city was ready
for this type of ordinance. Council Member Bookey stated he was not sure it is a real
problem and had concerns with the way the amendment was written. He noted, if it
comes to the council in the same form, he would probably vote against it. Eldridge
stated he did not see it as a bad problem and suggested it be brought back for action
when the practice does become a problem. Hamrnelrnan congratulated administration
for being proactive to circumvent a problem.
Discussion continued relating to the definition of long term parking; code requiring a
house being built before a garage; hook-up of water/sewer and electrical (and turned
on) without a building being constructed; and the city not charging for water/sewer
until a certification of occupancy for a building has been submitted.
Hammelman noted administration was looking ahead, but felt more thought should be
given to the issue by the Commission and administration.
MOTION TO POSTPONE ACTION:
Commissioner Hammelman MOVED to postpone action on the resolution until
administration brings it back. Commissioner Barrett SECONDED the motion.
VOTE ON POSTPONEMENT:
Eldrid e Yes Amen Absent Glick Absent
B son Yes Barrett Yes Hammelman Yes
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
ITEM b: OLD BUSINESS -- None.
ITEM 7:
-- None.
ITEM 8: PENDING ITEMS -- None
ITEM 9: CODE ENFORCEMENT -- None.
ITEM ].0: REPORTS
10-a. City Council -- Council Member Bookey noted the discussion on the
helmet ordinance from the last council meeting. He reported a request had been made
to reconsider the ordinance in August.
PLANNING 8~ ZONING COMMISSION MEETING
JULY l4, 2004
PAGE 8
10-b. Borough Planning -- No report.
10-c. Administration -- Kebschull noted the following:
• Building permit, Planning & Zoning Resolutions, and code violation
informational reports were included in the packet.
• A transfer of funds was approved by council to hire a staff code
enforcement officer.
• Work on the supplemental airport plan had begun. Members of council,
representatives of Chamber, the Visitors Center, and Economic Development District,
etc. had met with the contractors. The work will continue for the next few months.
ITEM 1],: PERSONS PRESENT NOT SCHEDULED -- None.
ITEM I2: INFORMATION ITEMS
12-a. Zoning Bulletin (6/ 10/04 8s 6/25/04)
12-b. PZ04-26 -- Landscape/Site Plan - Snowder Chiropractic Clinic, 205
Bidarka Street
12-c. Building Permit Quarterly Report
12-d. Planning Sa Zoning Permit Report
12-e. Pending Code Violations Report
ITEM 13: COMMISSION COMMENTS 8s QUESTIONS
Commissioners Barrett and Eldridge commented on the opening of Kenai Landing.
ITEM 14: ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Commissioner Eldridge MOVED for adjournment and Commissioner Barrett
SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:49 p.m.
Minus te~s~tr~anscribed and prepared by:
C~'~f~
Carol L. Freas, City Clerk
PLANNING 8~ ZONING COMMISSION MEETING
JULY 14, 2004
PAGE 9