Planning Board Approves Variance for Groff Estates Subdivision in Meadowlakes
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Summary
The Planning Board approved a variance and preliminary plat allowing Lot 1 of Groff Acres to be divided into two lots (Groff Estates); staff cited geotechnical reports and an inability to widen an existing 30-foot easement as reasons for the variance. A neighboring property owner raised a driveway/easement concern.
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Planning Board on Dec. 18 approved a variance and preliminary plat allowing Lot 1 of Groff Acres to be divided into two lots and recorded as Groff Estates, a 45.08-acre parcel in the Meadowlakes Community Council area.
Planning staff member Chris Kerlin reported that 19 public notices were mailed on Nov. 25, 2025, and that the petitioner submitted a geotechnical report and a topographic narrative. The engineer’s test hole reached 12 feet with no groundwater encountered, and staff concluded Lot 2 will meet the borough’s minimum contiguous usable building and septic areas. Kerlin said there were no objections from borough departments, utilities, or the public at the time of the staff report and recommended approval of the variance from MSP 43 21 20 (legal access) and the preliminary plat.
Board discussion clarified that the paved road providing access at the location has a 30-foot easement and that Title 43 requires a minimum 50-foot right-of-way or easement for existing roads. Board members said the variance was necessary because it is impossible to dedicate additional right-of-way at this location due to an existing utility easement.
Neighbor Diana McGuire, who said she owns the property adjacent to the proposed lots, asked whether a future driveway could be placed within the utility easement she co-owns. Kerlin responded that the subdivision action creates the lot and that the precise driveway location has not been determined as part of the plat approval.
The board adopted the motion to approve the variance request and the preliminary plat. The transcript records the approval but does not name a recorded mover or seconder. Staff had recommended approval with five findings of fact and seven conditions.
Next steps include final plat processing and any conditions imposed by staff; issues related to driveway placement and easement use would be determined through subsequent permitting or private agreements.
