Assembly directs staff to curb commercial tour-vehicle use at Rotary Beach and other borough parks

The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly on March 30 directed staff to implement a near-term policy to limit commercial vehicle activity at several borough-managed recreation sites and to study more formal permitting options for future seasons.

Public Works Director Morgan Berry told the assembly staff had observed a rise in commercial vans and buses using Rotary Beach and Southpointe Higgins, in some cases blocking travel lanes or damaging property. "We've had buses that have parked where they inhibited the passage of vehicles through Rotary Beach," Berry said, and staff recommended a "light touch" this year using signage under existing borough code with targeted field-staff enforcement rather than a full permitting program.

Tour operator Mary Stevenson (public comment) urged designated loading/unloading spaces and a short-term turnaround to avoid fines without a workable plan. Neighbors and residents, including Barb Lander, urged preserving local access to beaches and parks and called for restrictions on commercial activity at neighborhood sites.

Assembly members discussed options including limited weekend bans, time-of-day restrictions, a small number of designated commercial stalls, and the trade-offs of a permit program. Some members favored immediately using signage and existing code to limit commercial activity this season, with a staff study of permitting and enforcement for 2027. "Let's try signage first and then tighten rules if it doesn't work," one member said during deliberations.

Staff said the borough will rely on signage and existing field staff for enforcement this season and will return with proposed language, site-specific recommendations and a timeline for any permit or fee-based regime to be considered for next year. The assembly gave forward direction to move the policy as presented during the work session and asked staff to report back with implementation details and enforcement options.