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Planning board approves Wolverine Woods preliminary plat and frontage variance
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Summary
The board approved a two‑lot preliminary plat called Wolverine Woods and granted a variance to the borough frontage requirement after petitioners and staff said the road is maintained beyond the certified segment and upgrades are planned.
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Planning Board on July 3 approved the preliminary plat for Wolverine Woods, a proposal to divide a roughly 15.14-acre parcel into two lots, and granted a variance from the borough frontage requirement for Lot 1.
Planning technician Matthew Goddard told the board Lot 1 as proposed would have 30 feet of frontage on a borough-standard cul-de-sac where borough code 43.23.020 requires a minimum of 45 feet. Goddard said submitted soils and topographic information show each lot contains at least 10,000 square feet of buildable area and an additional 10,000 square feet of contiguous usable septic area. A variance request was filed and documented in the packet (exhibit pages 14–15).
Goddard said Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) raised no objection to the lot division but asked that future development of Lot 2 use a single access to Wolverine Road and that a driveway permit be obtained; ADOT also requested right-of-way dedication along Wolverine Road. Borough Public Works staff accepted the variance with a condition that a note be placed on the plat stating any further subdivision of Lot 1 would require Woods Drive to be upgraded to minimum residential standards.
Petitioners were represented by land surveyor Greg Hanson and by owner Kathy Ashmore Roberts. Roberts told the board she planned to divide the 15-acre parcel to give roughly 5 acres to her son and daughter-in-law and said the roadway in question is regularly maintained by the borough road contractor beyond the formally certified segment. Greg Hanson confirmed there are plans for the road contractor to upgrade that segment.
A board member moved to approve the preliminary plat and the frontage variance contingent on staff recommendations 1–7; another member seconded. No objections were recorded and the board chair announced the motion passed.
Why it matters: The board’s approval allows the owners to proceed toward final platting and eventual development subject to the stated conditions, including a plat note requiring roadway upgrades if Lot 1 is subdivided further and ADOT driveway permitting for Lot 2.
Details: The parcel lies south of the Matanuska River and west of North Mackenzie Drive, in the Lazy Mountain Community Council area. Staff’s recommendation cites consistency with borough code and Alaska statutes and includes 12 findings of fact and seven conditions of approval.
Next steps: Petitioners proceed with final plat requirements and any conditions imposed; future development of Lot 2 will require ADOT driveway permit and right-of-way dedication as requested by the state agency.
