Session 06-25, a Regular Meeting of the Homer Advisory Planning Commission was called to order by Chair Kranich at 7:07 p.m. on September 20, 2006 at the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

 

PRESENT:          COMMISSIONERS:          FOSTER, HESS, KRANICH, MINSCH, ZAK

 

                        ABSENT:                       CHESLEY, PFEIL (both excused)

 

                        STAFF:                         CITY PLANNER MCKIBBEN

                                                            DEPUTY CITY CLERK JOHNSON

                                                           

APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND ADOPTION OF CONSENT AGENDA

 

All items on the consent agenda are considered routine and non-controversial by the Planning Commission and are approved in one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless requested by a Planning Commissioner or someone from the public, in which case the item will be moved to the regular agenda and considered in normal sequence.

 

            A.         Time Extension Requests

B.         Approval of City of Homer Projects under HCC 1.76.030 g.

            C.         KPB Coastal Management Program Reports

            D.         Commissioner Excused Absences

                        1.         Fred Pfeil

2.                   Lane Chesley

 

MINSCH/HESS – MOVED TO REMOVE OLD BUSINESS ITEMS A & B MARINE INDUSTRIAL AND MARINE COMMERCIAL ORDINANCES AND GATEWAY OVERLAY DISTRICT FROM THE AGENDA.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  YES.  NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

Commission approves minutes with any amendments.

 

A.                  Approval of August 9, 2006 regular meeting minutes

 

MINSCH/HESS – MOVED TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 9, 2006 MEETING MINUTES AS AMENDED.

 

VOTE:  YES. NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

B.                   Approval of September 6, 2006 regular meeting minutes

 

MINSCH/HESS – MOVED TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 6, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES.

 

VOTE:  YES.  NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENT, PRESENTATIONS

 

There were none.

 

The public may speak to the Planning Commission regarding matters not on the agenda.  The Chair may prescribe time limits.  Public comment on agenda items will be heard at the time the item is considered by the Commission.  Presentations are approved by the Planning Director, the Chair, or the Planning Commission.  A Public Works representative may address the Planning Commission.

 

RECONSIDERATION

 

None.

 

PUBLIC HEARINGS

           

The Commission conducts Public Hearings by hearing a staff report, hearing public testimony and then acting on the Public Hearing items.  The Chair may prescribe time limits.  The Commission may question the public.

 

A.                  Staff Report PL 06-103 Rezone at 204 Ocean Drive Loop, Beluga Lake Lodge

 

Commissioner Hess declared a possible conflict of interest stating he has an interest in property within 300 ft. of the application.

 

FOSTER/ZAK - MOVED THAT COMMISSIONER HESS HAS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST.

 

Commissioner Hess is unsure if he is biased and assumed the property was zoned with the rest of the development.

 

VOTE:  NO.  MINSCH, FOSTER

 

VOTE:  YES.  ZAK, KRANICH

 

Motion failed.

 

City Planner McKibben summarized the staff report and read the staff recommendations.

 

Ron Martin of Martin Real Estate represents the applicant Robert A. Hunt.  Mr. Martin said his research was presented to planning staff and they did an excellent job filling in the gaps.  In 1981 a previous owner of the property applied for rezoning.  There was a problem with the petitioner’s compliance with zoning requirements.  Mr. Martin said this is a good way to solve the split zoning on a lot that is already being used for that purpose.

 

Robert Hunt recently realized the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) stated that the western portion of the property could not be used for anything other than a parking lot.  City Planner McKibben explained the CUP runs with the land and the next owner inherits the CUP.  It is not an item that is recorded with the State so does not show up in a title search.  It may cause problems with real estate in terms of value and marketability.

 

Diann Martin of Martin Real Estate stated Robert Hunt purchased the property partially through a foreclosure.  For all these years he has assumed the entire property was zoned GC1.  Years back an appraisal was based on property as GC1; an appraisal may be completely different as the back property is zoned Rural Residential with a CUP.  The CUP was granted to comply with the required 77 parking spaces.

 

The zoning was done through the Kenai Peninsula Borough on May 3, 1983 and the City of Homer took over zoning May 9, 1983.  An excerpt of the minutes from the Borough’s Assembly meeting of September 1, 1981 was provided.

 

Whether the conditions carry on with the rezone was discussed. City Planner McKibben said it should not affect the Commission’s decision.  The Commission expressed the desire to know if the conditions went with the rezone, stating it would affect adjacent property owners.  As there are many uses in GC1, some uses may not be compatible with the neighboring rural residential area.   

 

The public hearing was opened.  With no public comment the public hearing was closed.

 

HESS/MINSCH - MOVED TO APPROVE THE REZONE AT 204 OCEAN DRIVE LOOP BELUGA LAKE LODGE REQUEST TO EXTEND THE GENERAL COMMERCIAL 1 TO INCLUDE THE REPLATTED PORTION OF THE WESTERN PORTION OF OSCAR MUNSON SUB. NO. 4 LOT 2-A1.

 

City Planner McKibben noted the whereas clauses in the ordinance in the packet (page 51) may be findings.

 

FOSTER/MINSCH – MOVED TO AMEND TO ADD THE SIX WHEREAS CLAUSES ON PAGE 51 OF THE PACKET AS FINDINGS AND TO INCLUDE THE FINDING THAT THE 1983 CUP REQUIRES THE WESTERN PORTION OF THE LOT WILL BE USED FOR PARKING.

 

Concerns include a person buying another lot outside the current zoning and they have it changed to the original zoning to push the zoning into rural residential.  Allowing parking to remain near the rural residential boundary where it is quieter for neighboring properties is desired.  There are many residents living there that may think nothing is going to change with the rezone.

 

VOTE:  (amendment) YES.  KRANICH, FOSTER, HESS, MINSCH

 

NO:  ZAK

 

Motion carried.

 

City Planner McKibben will obtain the City Attorney’s opinion if the CUP continues with the rezone.  Commissioner Zak’s negative vote was due to the applicability of a CUP to half of a lot; he would like to see the CUP go away.  The transitional zone between two districts was questioned.  GC1 requires extra special standards when it abuts residential uses and districts.

 

VOTE:  (main motion as amended) YES.  ZAK, HESS, FOSTER, MINSCH, KRANICH

 

Motion carried.

 

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

 

Staff recommends the Planning Commission recommend approval of the applicant’s request for a zoning district change for Lot 2A-1 Oscar Munson Subdivision No. 4 from Rural Residential to General Commercial 1 (Draft Ordinance 06-   ) and adopt findings supporting this. 

 

Recommendations will be sent forth to the City Council.  Staff is to obtain an opinion from the City Attorney on whether the CUP continues or is void.  

 

PLAT CONSIDERATION

 

The Commission hears a report from staff, testimony from applicants and the public.  The Commission may ask questions of staff, applicants and the public. 

A.                  Staff Report PL 06-105, Cooper Subdivision No. 3 Replat Preliminary Plat

 

City Planner McKibben summarized the staff report and read the staff recommendations.

 

MINSCH/ZAK – MOVED TO ACCEPT STAFF REPORT PL 06-105 WITH STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS.

 

The applicant or his representative was not present.

 

The three lots do not fit into the existing Rural Residential definition.  The flag of the lot is 20 ft. wide.  The property owner will slop over onto the neighboring property for a driveway.  The lots do meet the minimum lot size requirement as water and sewer lie in Clover Lane and are available to the lot. 

 

VOTE:  NO.  FOSTER

 

VOTE:  YES.  MINSCH, ZAK, KRANICH, HESS

 

Motion carried.    

 

STAFF COMMENTS/RECOMMENDATIONS:

 

Planning Commission recommend approval of the preliminary plat with the following comments:

 

  1. A plat note indicating that this subdivision may contain wetlands.  Property owners should contact the Army Corp. of Engineers prior to any on-site development or construction activity to obtain the most current wetlands designation (if any).
  2. Depict Homer city limits on the vicinity map.
  3. Depict existing utility easements on north and west property boundaries.
  4. Dedicate a 15 ft drainage easement on the west property boundary.
  5. Dedicate a 15 ft utility easement along the Right of Way.
  6. Utility service stub outs or an Installation Agreement are required.
  7. Plat submissions should include all required information stated in KPB code. Please include water and sewer utility locations as required by code in future submissions.

 

B.                   Staff Report PL 06-106, Bayview Garden Subdivision 2006 Preliminary Plat

 

MINSCH/ZAK – MOVED TO ACCEPT STAFF REPORT PL 06-106 WITH STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS BAYVIEW GARDEN SUBDIVISION 2006 PRELIMINARY PLAT.[1]

 

City Planner McKibben summarized the staff report and read the staff recommendations.

 

The Commission discussed the logic in removing lot lines for the advantage of the senior exemption.

 

VOTE:  YES.  MINSCH, ZAK, KRANICH, HESS, FOSTER

 

Motion carried.

 

STAFF COMMENTS/RECOMMENDATIONS:

 

Planning Commission recommend approval of the preliminary plat with the following comments:

 

1.       A plat note indicating that this subdivision may contain wetlands.  Property owners should contact the Army Corp. of Engineers prior to any on-site development or construction activity to obtain the most current wetlands designation (if any).

2.       Correct the subdivision name.

3.       Reflect the correct legal description in the title block.

4.       Depict Homer city limits on the vicinity map.

5.       Dedicate a 15 ft utility easement along the edge of the Right of Way.

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

A.                  Staff Report PL 06-86 Marine Industrial and Marine Commercial Ordinances

 

This item was removed from the agenda.

 

B.         Staff Report PL 06-77 – Gateway Overlay District - Ordinance 06-XX

 

This item was removed from the agenda.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

The Commission hears a report from staff, testimony from applicants and the public.  Commission business includes resolutions, ordinances, zoning issues, requests for reconsideration and other issues as needed.  The Commission may ask questions of staff, applicants, and the public.

 

A.         Staff Report PL 06-107, BCWPD Lot 16, Block 2 Kelly Ranch Estates Mitigation Plan

 

City Planner McKibben summarized the staff report and read the staff recommendations.

 

FOSTER/MINSCH - MOVED TO ACCEPT STAFF REPORT PL 06-107 WITH STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS ONE AND TWO TO DENY THE MITIGATION PLAN.

 

City Planner McKibben said the applicants want a shop in addition to the garage.  They do not want the driveway counted as impervious coverage.  The allowance of not counting a driveway as 100% impervious was not meant to apply to a situation such as this.

 

The structure could be moved closer to the existing gravel pad.  The flat lot causes concern of water flow.  The Commission determined the applicants are not offering anything in a mitigation plan.

 

VOTE:  YES.  MINSCH, HESS, KRANICH, FOSTER, ZAK

 

Motion carried.

 

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

 

Staff recommends denial of this mitigation plan based on:

 

  1. Existing imperious surface is 7.3% which exceeds the allowable 6.4% per HCC 21.59.070 (a)(2).

 

  1. Standard driveway construction with Typar and gravel driveway is not considered 100% pervious.

 

If the HAPC grants exclusion of the impervious driveway coverage and allows for 6.4% impervious coverage staff recommends at a minimum:

 

  1. Shallow ditching along both sides of the driveway consisting of filter fabric and drain rock.  This disturbed area to be revegetated with high water absorbing plants as soon as possible after construction and site work is completed or the next growing season.

 

  1. Reduce the footprint of the proposed garage-shop.

 

  1. Construction activity shall minimize the impact to the site and natural vegetation shall be retained to the maximum extent possible.

 

  1. Silt fencing is to be used during construction to slow or stop runoff.

 

  1. Professional guidance to ensure that retention pond(s) and drain fields are designed and installed to handle the volume of water runoff.  Plans to be submitted to the City prior to construction.  Inspections to be made prior to concrete or other permanent fixtures are in place.

 

  1. The foundation drains and gutters from the garage and house to be directed to underground drain field lined with filter fabric and drain rock. 

 

  1. Because no additional driveway or parking area is proposed or granted; the garage must abut the existing gravel pad.

 

REPORTS

 

A.         Borough Report

 

Commissioner Foster reported it was a short meeting in Cooper Landing and the local folks were pleased the Planning Commission was there.  They would like the commission to support more trails.  There used to be a trails committee for the Borough, but it disbanded.  A number of people around Homer may want to participate in trails with the Borough.

 

B.         Kachemak Bay Advisory Planning Commission Report

 

PLANNING DIRECTOR’S REPORT

 

City Planner McKibben said there is a joint worksession with the Port and Harbor Commission on November 15th to discuss Overslope Development.  Future commission meetings are October 4th and 26th and November 2nd.     

 

The Commission asked if an ordinance on Marine Commercial itinerant merchants could be sent to City Council.  The right-of-way meeting in Anchorage on November 1st was discussed and the possibility of another joint worksession with City Council.   

 

The Steep Slope ordinance is a grant project, making it time sensitive.  With the clock ticking it has been moved to the top of the Commission’s work list.  In the next couple of months there will be a draft ordinance.  The steep slope will include sensitive areas such as steep slopes, wetlands, eroding shorelines, drainages and historic districts.  The flood hazard ordinance from Title 12 may be moved into sensitive areas too.

 

INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS

 

Items listed under this agenda item can be HCC meeting minutes, copies of zoning violation letters, reports and information from other government units.

 

A.         Memorandum dated August 18, 2006 from Jo Johnson, Deputy City Clerk to the Homer Advisory Planning Commission regarding the Open Meetings Act

B.         Letter dated September 1, 2006 to John and Margaret Chapple from Dotti Harness, Planning Technician

C.         Letter dated September 1, 2006 to Rhonda and Garth Bradshaw/Central Charters from Dotti Harness, Planning Technician

D.         Resolution 06-125, A Resolution of the City Council Recognizing the Intrinsic Value of View Scape on Private Property in Relationship to the Installation of Utilities.

E.         Resolution 06-131, A Resolution of the City Council Rescheduling the Steep Slope Ordinance Development as a top Priority for the Advisory Planning Commission and            Planning Staff.

                 

COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE

 

Members of the audience may address the Commission on any subject.  The Chair may prescribe time limits.

 

None.

 

COMMENTS OF THE COMMISSION

 

Commissioners may comment on any subject, including requests to staff and requests for excused absence.

 

Commissioner Hess commented it is nice to finish early.

 

Commissioner Foster attended the Kachemak City Council meeting and a presentation was given for trails in the Bear Creek area.  There will be a city subdivision in that area with access through Kachemak City.    Two years ago a proposal for a 50 home subdivision came before the Commission.  There was concern the developer needed to work with Kachemak City and its residents.  The Kachemak City Council has a lot of questions and concerns and is adamant the subdivider should pay for the paving and fund the City of Homer’s maintenance costs of the road.  There is concern of the impact of the road and drainage.  There are a number of residents near Bench Circle that are concerned as the same developer has cut every tree.  The Mayor said the decision of supporting the project will be based on the project going on right now.

 

Commissioner Zak commented the realtors were in town last week and Commissioner Minsch did a good job of planning.  They were all Alaska planners and happy with our community.  Mary Toll spoke today at the Board of Realtors.  One topic was the legality of putting a lot up for sale that is in the process of being divided.  The Borough attorney will make the decision.  There are a lot of people with listings.

 

Commissioner Minsch said as long as she has been in real estate it is not legal; if a lot does not exist you cannot sell it.  The community, realtors and city staff were at the meeting last week.  She asked if a meeting could be scheduled before the worksession.

 

The worksession on October 4, 2006 is scheduled for 5 p.m. to discuss the agenda.

 

Chair Kranich said it was a good meeting.  The Commission needs to continue on the Marine Commercial and Marine Industrial and Gateway issues.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

Notice of the next regular or special meeting or work session will appear on the agenda following “adjournment.”

 

There being no further business to come before the Commission the meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.  The next Regular Meeting is scheduled for October 4, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. in the Cowles Council Chambers.  There will be a work session at 6:00 p.m. prior to the meeting. 

_____________________________

JO JOHNSON, DEPUTY CITY CLERK

 

Approved: ____________________



[1] Motion was made prior to reading of the staff report.