Planning commission grants preliminary approval for West Coho trust land survey, approves block-length exception

The Kenai Peninsula Borough Planning Commission granted preliminary approval to the Trust Land Survey 2025-07 (West Coho Subdivision) and approved an exception to block-length requirements after a staff report and without public testimony.

Staff said the proposal combines two parcels totaling 163.74 acres and divides them into seven tracts ranging from about 16.926 acres to 24.468 acres. Staff noted the proposal dedicates a portion of Goofy (Goobie/Goofy) Street and that 70 feet of right-of-way is proposed while the borough’s minimum street width is 60 feet. Because Goofy Street does not continue into the subdivision, staff recommended adding a cul-de-sac bulb at the street end. Staff also said the site’s parcel pattern and existing constructed access make compliance with block-length limits impractical and recommended granting an exception to the borough’s block-length standard.

Staff recommended placing notes on the final plat indicating any exceptions granted and recommended preliminary approval subject to staff recommendations and compliance with borough code. There was no public testimony recorded.

A motion to grant preliminary approval and a separate motion to grant the requested block-length exception were each seconded and passed by roll-call votes. Commissioners Morgan, Venuti, Whitney and Ken Gillum were recorded as voting yes on both motions. The commission’s action included instructions that any exceptions be noted on the final plat and tied to the adopted findings read into the record.