Wasilla council introduces ordinance to repeal Downtown Overlay District, schedules Nov. 24 hearing

On Nov. 10 the Wasilla City Council introduced Ordinance serial number 25 37, which would repeal the Downtown Overlay District (Wasilla Municipal Code chapter 16.59) and amend related zoning code sections. The ordinance was introduced for a public hearing to be scheduled Nov. 24.

Councilmember Graham explained he moved the item to new business to give the Planning Commission and staff an opportunity to provide more specific detail in the staff report about the Planning Commission’s concerns and the basis for their recommendation. Councilmember Johnson said he broadly supported removing the overlay but cautioned that certain prohibited uses (cited in the current code at 16.55.025) should be explicitly reviewed so council knows what regulations would govern downtown after repeal.

Planning staff noted that if an overlay district is removed the property reverts to the underlying zoning district and its permitted and prohibited uses, and that the Planning Commission’s recommendation included whereas clauses articulating their reasoning. The council approved setting the public hearing date and will consider detailed staff reports and Planning Commission minutes at the Nov. 24 meeting.

The introduction does not change land‑use rules; it merely schedules the formal hearing where council will consider public testimony and a final vote.