Board allows 5-foot deck encroachment in Girdwood, citing snow and lot geometry; vote 4–1

In Case 2026-0045 the Anchorage Zoning Board approved a dimensional variance permitting an elevated front deck to encroach 5 feet into a 20-foot front setback in the Girdwood residential district by a 4–1 vote on April 16.

Staff’s analysis found several mandatory variance criteria were not fully met—particularly standards A, B and C—but also noted elevated decks are common in Girdwood to manage heavy snow. The Planning Department recommended conditions if the board approved the variance and explained the lot’s unusual shape (cul-de-sac frontage that produced two frontages on the same street) and subsurface utility constraints encountered when driving piles.

The applicant’s representative said the home is supported on piles and that subsurface obstructions and utility easements significantly limited pile locations during construction; the representative and the board discussed a letter from a nearby property owner (Kst LLC) stating no objection. Craig Bennett said snow accumulation and the lot’s frontage geometry constituted special physical circumstances and proposed approval.

Board debate focused on whether the encroachment was self-imposed by construction choices and whether subsurface utility conflicts justified the variance. One board member dissented; the motion passed with four votes in favor. Conditions from the staff packet were attached to the approval.

The variance permits the elevated deck (approximately 60 inches high) to remain as built subject to the conditions in the staff report; the decision can be appealed within 30 days.