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Kenai Peninsula Borough planning panel grants two building‑setback encroachment permits
Summary
On Feb. 10, 2025, the Kenai Peninsula Borough Planning Commission unanimously approved two building‑setback encroachment permits for properties in Shlerath and Echo Hill subdivisions after staff found the encroachments did not create safety or maintenance issues.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough Planning Commission on Feb. 10, 2025, unanimously approved two building‑setback encroachment permits for residential properties, citing staff findings that the encroachments do not create safety hazards or interfere with road maintenance.
Staff told the commission that the first petition, KPB file 2025‑006, concerns a house on Lot 5A, Shlerath Subdivision, that extends roughly 2.4 to 4 inches inside the 20‑foot building setback along Fritsch Street (recorded on the applicant's 2024 as‑built survey as approximately 0.2 feet). Staff said the portion of Fritsch Street adjacent to the lot is privately maintained, the encroachment does not obstruct sight lines where the road currently ends, and the encroachment would not affect potential future road development or maintenance. The staff report cited the Kenai Peninsula Borough Code standard for building setback encroachment permits (KPB Code 20.10.110) in recommending approval.
The commission adopted Planning Commission Resolution 2025‑2 granting the encroachment permit. Commissioners Fikes, Morgan, Venuti, Gillum, Oppenheimer, Whitney and Brantley voted yes; the motion passed unanimously.
The second petition, KPB file 2025‑008, concerned Lot 4C, Block 1, Echo Hill Subdivision No. 2. Staff said the house on the lot complies with the setback but an existing garage encroaches about 2 feet into the 20‑foot setback along Independence Avenue. Staff reported the parcel is on relatively flat terrain with the road on the high side, which the staff analysis said helps keep the garage out of drivers’ sight lines. Independence Avenue is maintained by the Kenai Peninsula Borough Road Department. Based on the code standards, staff recommended approval subject to compliance with KPB Code 20.10.110(f) and (g). The commission adopted Planning Commission Resolution 2025‑3 approving the permit; the vote was unanimous (Fikes, Morgan, Venuti, Gillum, Oppenheimer, Whitney, Brantley: yes).
Jason Young, representing Edge Surveys and the landowner for the Echo Hill application, told the commission, “Staff review and findings summarized it pretty well. Just here to answer questions.” No public testimony was offered on either item.
In other business the commission’s plat committee reported three plats reviewed and approved on the consent agenda. Director Ruffner reminded commissioners that the borough’s new material site (gravel pit) ordinance took effect in January and that a code training will be provided at the next meeting; Ruffner also said he will be absent for about a month for a scheduled leave.
The commission adjourned after brief commissioner comments thanking staff for concise reports and efficient meetings.
