Planning Commission approves variance to keep existing parking/steel structure encroaching on Slide Ridge Road lot

The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve a major variance (Resolution 45-32A) for Case 25057, allowing an existing parking/steel structure to remain and encroach into required front and side yard setbacks on Tract USS 3387 near Slide Ridge Road.

Planning Director Frank Maloney told the commission that the property lies in an RL zone and staff reviewed variance criteria including whether the request was caused by the applicant, whether it would permit an otherwise prohibited land use, and whether the variance would simply relieve an inconvenience. Maloney said removal of the structure would cost in excess of $10,000 and that one encroachment affected access to the structure; based on those findings, "staff recommended approval of the variance" (Frank Maloney, Planning Director).

The applicant, identified for the record as Ronald Larry Elmeland Sr., was present and answered commissioners' questions about site conditions. Commissioners discussed the six-month condition tied to obtaining a zoning permit: Maloney explained that the variance must be utilized with a zoning permit within six months of approval or the variance would expire, and staff typically monitors these matters but the code does not require proactive notice. Maloney said a failure to obtain the zoning permit would leave the property noncompliant and prevent the issuance of new permits until resolved.

Commissioner Govitayo observed that many variances reflect changes to code that occurred after structures were built and expressed support for approval. After brief additional discussion about drainage and what lies beyond the setback, Commissioner Shaw moved to adopt Resolution 45-32A; the motion was seconded and, on roll-call, the commission recorded six yes votes and approved the variance. The commission's decision will be transmitted to borough staff for implementation.

The commission chair also reminded attendees that decisions may be appealed within 15 days and that variances and conditional use permits may be appealed to the Board of Adjustment.