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Planning commission backs ordinance to add homeless shelters to conditional-use rules
Summary
The commission voted to recommend an ordinance amending MSB 17.60 to require conditional-use permits and standards for homeless shelters located outside borough cities, including setback, parking, security and other standards.
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Planning Commission on May 5 approved Resolution 25-06, recommending that the assembly adopt an ordinance amending MSB 17.60 to add homeless shelters to the borough’s conditional-use permit process for unincorporated areas.
Planning Director Alex Strahan told the commission the ordinance, requested by Assembly Member Sumner, inserts homeless shelters into the borough’s existing conditional-use code (MSB 17.60) and applies standards similar to other conditional uses. Those standards include minimum separation distances from schools, recreation centers and certain alcohol-related facilities, increased setbacks, minimum parking, requirements for a security plan and lighting that prevents glare on adjacent properties, landscaping, wastewater and fire marshal approvals. Strahan said decisions by the planning commission on such conditional uses would remain appealable to the borough Board of Adjustments and Appeals.
Commissioners asked where the proposed language originated; Strahan said standards had been drawn from existing sections of borough code and adapted to address likely impacts of shelter uses, including traffic and proximity to alcohol-related uses. Commissioner Lynn McCabe expressed concern about potential negative outcomes if shelters were not carefully sited; Strahan said the intent is to “get out in front of it” and establish review standards.
Public testimony was not offered on this resolution at the meeting. Commissioner McCabe moved the motion to advance Resolution 25-06; Commissioner Kurt Scoggin seconded. With no further discussion and no objections, the commission approved the resolution unanimously.
Strahan said the ordinance was referred by the assembly for a 60-day review; the planning commission recommendation will go back to the assembly for final action.
