Kenai Peninsula Borough plat committee approves Hanger Subdivision, grants exceptions to lot and street rules

KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH — The Kenai Peninsula Borough Plat Committee on June 23, 2025, granted preliminary approval to the Hanger Subdivision (KPB file 2025-086) and approved two requested exceptions to borough platting rules by unanimous roll-call votes.

Staff told the committee the preliminary plat would divide two parcels into 23 parcels ranging from about 0.92 acres to 5.186 acres and would include dedications to McArthur Street, McArthur Court, Hanger Court and Buxtus Avenue; McArthur Street will be the primary access connecting to the Sterling Highway. The committee voted 5-0 to approve exceptions to KPB platting standards for lot dimensions and for cul-de-sac and block-length requirements and then approved the preliminary plat subject to staff recommendations and compliance with borough code.

The exceptions addressed two specific KPB code provisions. Staff described the request for an exception to KPB 20.30.190(a) on lot proportions (the minimum depth and 3:1 average-depth-to-width standard) for multiple lots and recommended approval, citing the subdivision’s existing runway alignment and other site constraints. The committee also considered an exception to KPB 20.30.100(a) and KPB 20.30.170 (cul-de-sac and block-length limits); staff recommended granting that exception as well. Staff asked the committee to place notes on the final plat identifying any exceptions and the committee meeting date when the exceptions were granted.

Dakota Reeves, identified as the applicant, told the committee the property was formerly a runway and landing strip and said the development is aligning the main road with the existing runway. Reeves said the layout allowed the project to retain trees and minimize new clearing, adding, “the runway is already cleared,” and “we're trying to leave as many trees that are already there.”

Commissioners made separate motions for the two exception requests and for final preliminary approval. The roll-call votes on the exceptions and on the preliminary-plat approval were all recorded as yes from Commissioner Morgan, Commissioner England, Commissioner Venuti, Commissioner Whitney and Commissioner Gillum; each motion passed unanimously.

Earlier in the meeting the committee approved a consent agenda that included the June 9 plat committee meeting minutes and two grouped plats: Cooper Subdivision (KPB file 2025-069) and Paradise South Subdivision (KPB file 2025-074). Those consent-agenda items were adopted by unanimous consent and incorporated staff reports and recommendations into the record.

No members of the public testified on the Hanger Subdivision during the public-comment period for the item. Staff’s written recommendations, the exception findings cited at the meeting, and the requirement to note exceptions on the final plat will be incorporated into the recorded plat documents as conditions of approval.

The committee adjourned after completing new business. The same Zoom session remained open for the Planning Commission meeting scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.