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Anchorage Planning Board approves subdivision, variance and 20-foot right-of-way vacation for Midtown parcel
Summary
On March 5 the Anchorage Planning Board unanimously approved a request to combine 10 lots into two, grant a variance for an approximately 168–169-foot flag lot where the code limit is 120 feet, and vacate a 20-foot segment of West 20 Sixth Avenue; staff found no objections from reviewing agencies and the Midtown Community Council.
The Anchorage Planning Board on March 5 voted 5-0 to approve a request to subdivide 10 lots into two lots, grant a variance for an approximately 168–169-foot flagpole portion of a proposed lot, and vacate a 20-foot segment of West 20 Sixth Avenue that lies within the parcel south of West 20 Fifth Avenue and Arctic Boulevard.
Staff told the board the applicant seeks the subdivision and right-of-way vacation to align property boundaries with the site’s current and potential future use, and to incorporate the vacated portion of the undeveloped right-of-way into the proposed Lot 7A for access and parking. Planning Department staff recommended approval of the vacation, the variance, and the preliminary plat subject to the conditions listed on pages 7–8 of the staff report.
The matter drew limited public discussion. No members of the public testified and the Midtown Community Council submitted no comments, staff said. Planning Department staff reported no objections from reviewing agencies. Mike Russinski, a consultant with Professional Technical Services representing Tim Brooks and Alaska Behavioral Health, confirmed that an ownership omission on the mailed application was a clerical error and said he had no substantive additions to staff’s presentation.
Staff explained the need for a variance because the proposed flagpole length—described in the staff report as approximately 168–169 feet—exceeds the code maximum of 120 feet. Staff found that shortening the flagpole would create a prohibited dead-end alley, that existing buildings limit any practical reconfiguration, and that granting the variance would not change public access or traffic circulation. For the vacation, staff concluded the right-of-way is excess to the traveling public, largely functions as internal paved area for parking/driveway, and would not affect wider traffic circulation.
Board members asked about addressing and utilities. Planning staff said addressing will be handled during final plat routing and that the addressing agency will notify the petitioner of any address change if the vacation is approved. On water utilities, the petitioner said an as-built survey showed a service line just short of 5 feet (about 4.95 feet) and that Anchorage Water & Wastewater (AWU/AEW) had indicated that meets requirements, so staff and the petitioner did not anticipate utility conflicts on final plat.
Motions and votes: Brenda Butler moved to approve the variance (citing the criteria and conditions in the staff report); Kevin Cross seconded. The board voted 5-0 in favor. Kevin Cross moved to approve the 20-foot vacation of the East-West segment of West 20 Sixth Avenue subject to the staff condition; Patrick Jones seconded. The board voted 5-0. Patrick Jones moved to approve the preliminary plat to subdivide 10 lots into 2 lots for 24 months subject to conditions C1–C5 on pages 7–8 of the staff report; Butler seconded. The board voted 5-0.
Appeal and next steps: Planning staff noted that any party of interest wishing to appeal must first file a written notice of intent to appeal with the planning director within seven days of the board’s decision per AMC 21.03.050, and may file a full appeal within 20 days following approval of the written findings of fact and decision. The petitioner will complete the final plat routing, including addressing and agency sign-offs, to implement the approvals.
Votes at a glance
• Variance (flagpole length exceeding code maximum): motion moved by Brenda Butler, seconded by Kevin Cross; outcome approved 5-0 (Skyler Quinn — yes; Brandy Pennington — yes; Patrick Jones — yes; Brenda Butler — yes; Kevin Cross — yes).
• Vacation (20-foot segment of West 20 Sixth Avenue): motion moved by Kevin Cross, seconded by Patrick Jones; outcome approved 5-0 (same vote roster).
• Preliminary plat (subdivide 10 lots into 2; 24-month approval): motion moved by Patrick Jones, seconded by Brenda Butler; outcome approved 5-0 (same vote roster).
