Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission approves rear-yard setback variance for Silver Birch Estates lot
Summary
The Fairbanks North Star Borough Planning Commission approved a variance allowing a 10-foot rear-yard setback instead of the required 25 feet for a hobby-shop accessory building at 443 Steel Creek Road (V2026-2). Staff found the request met Title 18 and Alaska statute criteria; the vote was 8-0.
The Fairbanks North Star Borough Planning Commission voted 8-0 on Jan. 13 to approve variance V2026-2, permitting a 10-foot rear-yard setback for an accessory hobby shop at Lot 12, Block A, Silver Birch Estates (443 Steel Creek Road). The applicant, Michael Koppy, had requested the variance because the lot’s slope and constrained buildable area make siting the shop at the standard 25-foot rear setback impractical.
Staff (contact listed as Anduin K. McElroy) presented the case and recommended approval after reviewing the three required decision criteria in Title 18 and Alaska Statute section 29. Staff’s report noted the lot’s 17% slope, existing driveway pad, a 30-foot public utility easement along the front lot line, and that the proposed shop would primarily affect one adjacent property. The report concluded, “this variance request does meet the 3 decision criteria for approval,” finding the request did not change the lot’s low-density character nor impair public health and safety.
A nearby resident, Maureen Meeks, testified that her property abuts the applicant’s and raised concerns about whether the term “shop” meant commercial activity, increased traffic or use of hazardous chemicals. The applicant responded, “Absolutely no commercial work will be done at that. It'd be a hobby shop,” saying he intends the structure for personal woodworking and vehicle maintenance and that hazardous chemicals would not be used.
Commission discussion focused on zoning definitions and site constraints. Commissioners confirmed accessory-building rules (an exception exists for small accessory buildings under 200 square feet), that the project meets the 10-foot minimum separation between buildings, and that no responding agency raised public-safety objections in the review. Commissioner Britney Smart moved to approve the variance adopting the staff report and eight findings of fact; her motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
The commission’s decision notice explains the ruling may be appealed to the Board of Adjustment. Appeals must be filed with the borough clerk (including appeal fee and cost bond) no later than 15 days after notification of the decision.
What’s next: the applicant may proceed consistent with the approved variance unless and until an appeal is filed and upheld.
