Planning commission approves variance to regularize existing setbacks at Natalia property

The Kodiak Island Borough Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4–1 on Dec. 17 to approve a variance allowing an existing structure at Lot 11, Natalia Subdivision, to remain in its current configuration despite several setback encroachments.

Chris French of the borough’s Community Development staff told commissioners the request seeks to regularize an existing, nonconforming structure and several small additions that further intruded into yard setbacks. French described the reported encroachments as: a west-side setback approaching 4.8 feet where five feet is required; an Arctic entry extending to within 2.4 feet at its closest point; an east-side encroachment ranging from about 2.4 feet to 6.5 feet; and a front-yard encroachment adjacent to Natalia Way as close as 9.7 feet to the required 25-foot front-yard line. Staff recommended approval, citing the lot’s irregular shape, constrained buildable area and surrounding retaining walls.

During questioning, staff said it had no confirmed dates for when the additions were constructed and that available property records did not show whether the additions predated 1980. Commissioners asked whether the encroachment affected dumpster locations; staff said it did not. The motion to approve the attached resolution (FY26-13) passed on a roll-call vote: Frazier — yes; Dagan — no; Craig — yes; Cleary — yes; Mangini — yes.

The commission’s action regularizes the existing structure’s status under current zoning; staff noted the decision was intended to “get a clean slate on the structure and have it be approved in its existing configuration.” No appeals or additional conditions were recorded in the hearing record; the staff report and the adopted resolution contain the commission’s stated findings for approval.

The commission closed the public hearing and resumed other business following the vote.