Assembly approves two Old Harbor rezonings to support municipal, business and industrial uses

The Kodiak Island Borough Assembly unanimously approved two ordinances on June 5 rezoning portions of US Survey 4793 Tract E in Old Harbor to allow industrial and business uses tied to proposed lots created by concurrent subdivision actions.

Manager Amy Williams told the assembly that the Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing April 16 and recommended approval 5-0 for both rezone requests. The rezone requests accompany subdivision cases S25-007 (industrial rezone to correspond to proposed Lot 1 of 0.54 acres) and S25-006 (business rezone for proposed Lot 1 of 1.14 acres).

The industrial rezone (Ordinance FY2025-17) changes zoning from R-1 (single-family residential) to I (industrial). Williams said the industrial zoning was requested because the current R-1 designation does not permit seafood processing, and the City of Old Harbor requested the rezone to allow that use.

The business rezone (Ordinance FY2025-18) also changes R-1 to B (business). Williams explained the business zoning would allow the existing structure to meet a 15-foot setback from the proposed right-of-way of Tsunami Road rather than the 25-foot setback required under R-1. Williams said the structure would be used as a government office for the City of Old Harbor, offices for Old Harbor Native Corporation and as the community tsunami shelter.

Sixty-nine notices were mailed to adjoining property owners for each rezone; Williams reported no one spoke at the Planning and Zoning public hearing and no phone calls or in-room comments were received during the borough public hearings. The assembly voted by roll call to adopt each ordinance; both motions passed unanimously.