Kenai planning commission approves three preliminary replats, leaves Aspen Creek permit under review after resident concerns

The Kenai Planning and Zoning Commission on March 26 recommended approval of three preliminary replats and continued review of a conditional use permit for Aspen Creek at 701 North Forest Drive after staff reported ongoing construction and residents raised concerns about nonemergency traffic using a subdivision access.

The replat approvals — PZ2025-05 (Black Gold Estates replat), PZ2025-15 (Bailey Estates replat) and PZ2025-16 (Highland Subdivision replat) — were recommended to the Kenai Peninsula Borough. Planning staff said each proposal meets the preliminary-plat submission and development standards referenced in Kenai Municipal Code Title 14 and related subdivision regulations.

Staff explained that PZ2025-05 would merge Lots 11, 12, 16 and 17 plus an unnamed 60-foot right-of-way in Black Gold Estates into a single parcel of approximately 0.937 acre with primary access from Wildwood Drive. Planning Director Buettner told the commission the city is awaiting documentation from the Kenai Native Association and a council determination that the unnamed right-of-way is not needed for a public purpose before the city can vacate that segment; staff recommended conditional approval pending completion of that process and conformance with federal, state and local regulations.

Alex Sto…