Planning Commission recommends rezoning of borough land along Chatanika River to remote recreation site

The Fairbanks North Star Borough Planning Commission on Feb. 11 recommended approval of Ordinance 2024-45, a borough-initiated rezoning that would convert about 459 acres southwest of the Elliott Highway and north of the Chatanika River from General Use (GU-1) to Remote Recreation Site (RRS).

Planning staff presented the request as the first rezoning to the recently created remote recreation district, describing it as borough-owned land intended for low-density, personal recreational parcels. "This request is our very first to rezone to the newly created remote rec site," said Steph, a planning staff presenter, during the staff report.

The rezone area, described in staff slides as largely undeveloped forest crossed by the Pete Simpson Memorial Trail, is designated in the comprehensive plan as rural settlement. Staff said the area lacks sewer, water and road service and is currently zoned GU-1. The proposed rezoning would limit permitted uses to low-impact recreational development, with a nominal minimum lot size of 3 acres and 50-foot setbacks on all sides, built to preserve a "remote" character. Staff also described a preliminary concept showing roughly 49 parcels in the design concept ranging from 5 to 10 acres, while noting the concept is not final and could…