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City of Homer
Planning & Zoning Telephone (907)
235-3106
491 East Pioneer Avenue Fax (907) 235-3118
Homer, Alaska 99603-7645 E-mail Planning@ci.homer.ak.us
Web
Site www.ci.homer.ak.us
M E M O R A
N D U M 06-142
TO: MAYOR
HORNADAY AND HOMER CITY COUNCIL
WALT WREDE, CITY MANAGER
FROM: BETH
MCKIBBEN, CITY PLANNER
DATE: August 22, 2006
SUBJECT: An Ordinance of the City Council of the
City of Homer, Alaska, amending Homer City Code Title 21 (Zoning) to created a
new Gateway Business District Zone and amending the zoning map to rezone to the
Gateway Business District portions of the Rural Residential (RR) and portions
of the Urban Residential (UR) zoning districts fronting on the Sterling
Highway, West Hill area to the southwest boundary of the Central Business
District (CBD).
The
Homer Advisory Planning Commission developed a new Gateway Business District,
which if adopted, will create a new business district in the area of West Hill,
southwest to the existing Central Business District (CBD). This district provides for a mix of
residential uses and certain specified business uses. The Commission, in response to public comments and discussions on
earlier rezoning requests for the area, has placed an emphasis on the visitor
industry within the purpose of the district.
The
Gateway Business District’s foundation is with the Central Business
District. It differs from the CBD in
several significant ways:
§
Minimum
lot size of 20,000 square feet
§
Retail
uses are limited to 8,000 square feet within a single building
§
In
buildings larger than 8,000 square feet retail business use is limited to no
more than 50% of the building.
§
Basic
architectural standards for all development
§
Generic
franchise design is prohibited – when proposed, development must comply with
the Community Design Manual.
§
Architecturally
integrated artwork is specifically encouraged.
§
Development
in common ownership is limited to one entrance and one exit per street.
§
Parking
lots and internal vehicular ways must be paved.
The Commission held a public hearing on July 19, 2006. On July 31, 2006 the City Council and
Planning Commission held a joint work session and discussed the draft Gateway
Business District and the draft Gateway Overlay District. On August 9, 2006 the Commission held a
special meeting, reviewed the comments from the public hearing, the discussion
with the City Council, and the comments of the City Attorney and made
amendments.
Recommendation:
The
Homer Advisory Planning Commission recommends the Homer City Council adopt the
ordinance as proposed.