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Hearing officer to issue decision on Bridal Roots LLC grandfather‑rights request within 15 days
Summary
At a Dec. 4 administrative hearing, planner Jimmy Dixon reviewed the zoning history and permit records for Bridal Roots LLC at 2575 Goldstream Road; applicant Kyle Wendler testified Bridal Roots has operated continuously since 2017. The hearing officer will issue a written determination within 15 days.
Fairbanks — The Fairbanks North Star Borough heard GR2026-055 on Dec. 4, a request from Kyle Wendler on behalf of Bridal Roots LLC for affirmative recognition of legal nonconforming use (grandfather rights) for a commercial marijuana establishment at 2575 Goldstream Road. The hearing officer said he will issue an administrative determination within 15 days.
Planner Jimmy Dixon summarized the site's regulatory history, saying the lot was created by Plat 98-7 in 1998 and a zoning permit (No. 17766) for a commercial marijuana retail establishment was granted June 6, 2017, when the use conformed to Title 18 standards. Dixon said a 2023 replat altered property lines and made the commercial lot adjacent to a principal dwelling unit, creating the present nonconformity question. "Grandfather means the use was legally established prior to an effective ordinance or change that made it nonconforming," Dixon said.
Dixon told the hearing that the borough sent 69 Dear Property Owner (DPO) letters to neighbors; staff received one phone call requesting general information and no written public comments.
Applicant testimony: Kyle Wendler, participating by phone, said he and partners subdivided and purchased half the lot to secure an acre and to avoid encroaching on an adjacent business parking lot. He confirmed the establishment has not ceased operations for 36 months or longer and "has been in operation since 2017 continuously." The continuity of operation is a key fact the officer will weigh in his determination.
Timing and appeals: Hearing officer Kellen Spillman closed public testimony and said a written administrative determination will be mailed and emailed within 15 days of the hearing. He also reminded parties that the determination may be appealed to the Planning Board by filing a notice of appeal and fee with the borough clerk's office no later than 15 days after the date of the determination.
Authorities and references: Staff referenced Title 18 standards and zoning permit No. 17766 (2017). Dixon noted Plat 98-7 (1998) and the 2023 replat as part of the chain of title and lot‑configuration changes.
Next steps: The borough will issue its written decision within 15 days; if an adverse determination is issued, the applicant may appeal to the Planning Board under the borough's appeal procedures.
