Assembly rezones Pleasant Places subdivision to allow larger lots on northern parcels

The Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly on July 24 approved a rezone that shifts about 35 acres in the Pleasant Places subdivision from Rural Estates 4 (RE4) to Rural Estates 2 (RE2) with a groundwater protection overlay. Staff from the borough’s community planning department reported the request is owner-initiated to accommodate a conditional replat that moves a center lot line, enlarges northern lot sizes and reduces southern lot sizes; the change preserves low-density development where sewer is not available. Planning staff said the rezone conforms to the regional comprehensive plan and the Salcha–Badger Road area plan and that the Planning Commission recommended the rezone 7–0. Why it matters: The change is intended to allow four homes to proceed with property configurations that make utility connections (a power drop) more economical. The applicant told the assembly he had secured signatures of neighbors and said the rezone would not add new lots beyond the four planned homes. Assembly action and votes: Assemblymember Haney moved the ordinance; the assembly adopted the rezone by unanimous roll call, 9–0. Next steps: The conditional replat has been approved by the planning board; the rezone clears the way for the applicant to complete land division and utility connections consistent with borough development code and groundwater protections.