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Planning commission approves variance to build into 20-foot setback on Parcel 04515303
Summary
The Kenai Planning and Zoning Commission voted to grant a variance allowing construction 10 feet into an existing 20-foot setback on a 0.46-acre corner lot, with staff and the applicant saying the change will reduce driveway conflict points and improve visibility; neighbors expressed traffic and density concerns.
The Kenai Planning and Zoning Commission voted to grant a variance permit allowing construction 10 feet into the existing 20-foot setback along the north side of Parcel 04515303.
Director Buettner presented the staff report and recommended approval, saying the 0.46-acre corner lot has double frontage and that treating the north side as a side setback (the 5-foot standard) would eliminate a secondary driveway and reduce a traffic conflict point. Buettner said the request meets the variance-review criteria in Kenai Municipal Code and noted that staff mailed notices to property owners within 300 feet and published notice in the Peninsula Clarion on 05/08/2026.
Jonathan Coats, the property owner and applicant, told the commission he will remove trees that currently obstruct sightlines, comply with city landscaping requirements and that the obstructions predate his ownership. “There are already trees obstructing view within that 10 feet,” Coats said, adding that building provides an opportunity to rectify visibility while meeting code requirements.
Nearby resident Nathan Valentine said many children play near the intersection and voiced concern that adding two multifamily buildings would increase traffic and preferred more single-family homes. “I would like to see more single unit dwellings going up,” Valentine said. Realtor Katie Way, who sold the parcel, said the proposed use is allowed under current zoning and that the new buildings will not be closer to the road than existing trees.
Commissioners discussed the right-of-way (about 60 feet in that area), agreed that eliminating the secondary access should improve traffic control and visibility, and noted local demand for more multifamily housing. After discussion, a motion to grant the variance was made and seconded. The commission recorded five yes votes and approved the application. The clerk noted a 15-day appeal period for aggrieved parties to file with the clerk’s office.
The commission’s approval allows the applicant to proceed subject to conditions in the staff report, including compliance with federal, state and local regulations and submission of required landscape and site plans before construction.
