Plat committee grants preliminary approval for Stormwater Works Tract 1, approves street‑layout exception

The Kenai Peninsula Borough Plat Committee voted to grant preliminary approval to the Stormwater Works Tract 1 preliminary plat (KPB file 2025-073) and to approve an exception to borough street‑layout requirements at its June 9, 2025 meeting.

The preliminary plat would subdivide a 38.973‑acre parcel into two parcels of about 11.902 acres and 26.5 acres and includes dedications for cul‑de‑sacs along Spruce Lane and Turnview Place. Staff said Turnview Place dedication stops at the extent of developed land on the west because land south of Tract L‑3 is reserved for moose habitat by Moose Habitat Inc. and that a portion of Tract B is wetlands intended for inclusion in a wetland preservation project by the City of Homer.

Staff noted the KPB roads director had recommended extending Spruce Lane to the east limits of the plat but recommended a compromise to extend the bulb of Spruce Lane only to the west boundary of Tract A‑1 to provide a full 60‑foot access consistent with the Turnview extension. The surveyor requested an exception to KPB 20.30.030, the borough's proposed street‑layout requirements; staff reviewed the request and recommended granting the exception with findings tied to the applicable standards. Staff recommended granting preliminary approval subject to staff recommendations and compliance with KPB code and placing notes on the final plat indicating any exceptions granted.

No members of the public spoke on the item. Commissioner Venuti disclosed he had voted on the matter previously and recused himself from the committee vote. The committee then voted to grant the street‑layout exception and to approve the preliminary plat based on staff recommendations. The roll calls indicate four votes in favor (Commissioners Morgan, Whitney, England and Gillum) and one recusal (Commissioner Venuti).