Skagway commission grants building-height variance for Hamilton Construction storage building

The Planning and Zoning Commission approved variance application 2024072 on Jan. 20, 2025, granting a building-height exemption for Lot 2B in the Skagway Commercial Subdivision Number 2 to Skagway Commercial Company LLC (listed in the record as Hamilton Construction).

The commission evaluated the application against the standards in SMC 19.04.060 (variance and conditional use permit standards) and adopted findings that: (1) the building can be protected by the Skagway Volunteer Fire Department because it is constructed of noncombustible materials (steel and concrete) or could have required suppression systems; (2) the height will not conflict with surrounding industrial land uses; and (3) adjacent properties’ view sheds and access to sunlight will not be unduly impacted. Commissioners moved to amend the main motion to include these specific findings and voted to approve the variance as amended.

Commissioner Alcott, who identified himself as having helped build a similar building in 2015, recommended adding a stipulation that the structure not be converted later to habitable second or third floors; commissioners discussed materials and intended use, noting the building will be used to store cranes and other heavy equipment. The permitting official and commissioners confirmed the building is steel and concrete with no combustible framing, and the commission recorded unanimous support for the variance by roll call (5-0).

The variance approval is limited to the use and structure described in the application; commissioners included findings about materials and fire-protection capability and discussed potential conditions at permitting to ensure the building remains non-habitable unless a future permit explicitly changes its use.