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Planning board approves Leslie Subdivision and arterial access variance
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Summary
The Fairbanks North Star Borough Planning Board approved SD002-26 (Leslie Subdivision) to split ~12.93 acres into two lots and granted VR005-26 allowing continued direct access to Sheep Creek Road through a shared driveway; approval included five revised conditions and a 9-0 vote.
The Fairbanks North Star Borough Planning Board on Oct. 15 approved SD002-26, the Leslie Subdivision, allowing roughly 12.93 acres northwest of the University campus on Sheep Creek Road to be split into two lots of about 10.21 acres and 2.72 acres.
The subdivision package included variance VR005-26 to permit direct lot access onto Sheep Creek Road, an arterial, by formalizing a shared driveway easement. George Stephan, planning officer and staff contact, recommended approval, saying the existing driveway offers adequate sight distance and that the Department of Transportation previously approved a pre‑construction driveway permit in 2006. "Driveway access point is located directly opposite Black Sheep Lane," Stephan said, noting the transportation planner had no objection to the variance.
Applicant Aaron Wilbur, the surveyor for Design Alaska Inc., confirmed the application and did not present additional testimony beyond the preliminary plat. Board member Levin moved to approve the subdivision adopting revised five conditions and five findings of fact; the motion was seconded and passed on a 9-0 vote.
Why it matters: the variance preserves the existing access that staff and borough reviewers judged to be the most practical option given site topography and surrounding railroad and roadway rights-of-way. One recommended condition requires a finalized DOT driveway permit before final plat approval.
The board’s action is final unless appealed to the Board of Adjustment; the decision may be appealed by filing written notice with the clerk’s office within seven days of the decision.
What’s next: staff will enter the revised five conditions into the record and proceed with final plat processing once the permit condition is satisfied.
