Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Permits topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission approves second food vendor at Tongass Avenue and a minor setback variance
Summary
The commission approved a conditional use permit for an additional mobile food vendor at 1101 Tongass Avenue and granted a variance allowing a modular residence to remain with a 4.8‑inch rear-yard encroachment; both actions carried by recorded roll calls.
The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Planning Commission on July 3 approved two separate items: a conditional use permit to allow a second mobile food vendor at 1101 Tongass Avenue, and a variance to permit a modular residence to remain with a minor rear-yard encroachment at 2542 South Tongass Highway.
Staff presented Case 25047 and recommended approval for the additional mobile food vendor, noting the site is in a heavy industrial zone adjacent to Cruise Ship Berth 4, that vendors already operate at the deck with seating and garbage collection, and that the use is permitted with a conditional use permit. Staff said the property currently allows vendors to operate up to two hours without a permit and anticipated minimal impacts. Commissioners asked about circulation and restroom facilities; staff said restrooms are not required on the property but the building has been used by patrons. The commission adopted the staff recommendation (resolution 45 23 a) and voted to approve the permit (roll recorded as yes votes).
In Case 25040, staff described a modular home placed near the top of a sloping lot and reported an encroachment of approximately 4.8 inches into the required rear-yard setback. Staff said the encroachment qualified as a minor variance but objections elevated the matter to the full commission; staff nevertheless recommended approval because moving the structure would require demolition of an exterior wall. The applicant, Valerie Stanley, explained the site constraints and said the as‑built survey showed the minor discrepancy. Commissioners noted the encroachment was ‘‘minuscule’’ and approved the variance (motion carried by roll call, six yes votes).
Both actions were adopted during the meeting and recorded for the public record. The mobile‑vendor permit will be monitored as part of standard conditional‑use follow‑up and the variance was approved with the understanding that appeal rights are available within 15 days.
