The Kodiak Island Borough Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4–0 on Sept. 17 to forward zoning amendments to the assembly that would make it easier to open child care facilities in more zones and align borough definitions and parking rules with state standards.

The changes matter because childcare availability directly affects workforce participation and housing stability in Kodiak; the amendments aim to reduce local zoning barriers while leaving licensing to the state.

Community Development Director Chris French and borough staff drafted the code changes and presented them to the commission; Manager Amy Williams explained the recommended edits to the assembly Thursday. The proposal allows in-home child care in residential districts — including rural residential, single-family and multifamily districts — and permits child care centers in two-family and multifamily areas when located in nonresidential buildings such as schools or churches. The draft also incorporates parking requirements and definitions based on Alaska state regulations.

Assembly members voiced support for the planning commission’s recommendation. Assembly member Beau thanked staff and commissioners for “getting us up to speed” and said the change will help the borough be ready if local providers move to expand services.

The zoning amendment will next be considered by the assembly; staff noted state licensing and background-check procedures remain the authority of state agencies and can affect how quickly new providers can begin serving children.

What happens next: Planning and Zoning has forwarded the recommended text; the assembly will consider the ordinance at a future meeting and community members may testify during the public hearing process.