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Zoning board approves variance allowing Koski workshop to remain after survey discrepancy
Summary
The Anchorage Zoning Board granted Patrick Koski a variance to legalize an existing workshop that encroaches 2 feet into a 20-foot rear setback, citing original survey evidence and neighbor support; the decision was unanimous 5–0 and subject to conditions in the staff report.
The Anchorage Municipality Zoning Board of Examiners and Appeals on April 16 approved a variance allowing an existing workshop owned by Patrick Koski to encroach 2 feet into the required 20-foot rear setback.
Staff had recommended denial, telling the board that the application failed to meet the legal threshold for undue hardship because the discrepancy between a 2003/2006 survey and a 2025 survey appeared to be a technical measurement issue rather than a physical constraint. Planning staff also noted the staff report contained inconsistent zoning references that should be corrected.
Koski told the board he relied on earlier surveys and neighbors when building the workshop and only learned of the 2-foot discrepancy when preparing to sell the home. "I couldn't in good conscience not do something about it," Koski said, describing the delay to his sale and the hardship of moving plans. The board also read a phone comment from a caller identified as Spencer, who said the encroachment did not negatively affect the neighborhood.
Craig Bennett moved to approve the variance, explaining that earlier surveys and community comments supported granting the request; the motion was seconded by Mr. Lang. The board found that, on balance, the relevant standards could be met and approved the variance subject to the conditions listed on pages 4–5 of the staff report. The motion passed 5–0.
The variance allows legalization of the portion of the workshop that encroaches 2 feet into the rear setback. The board noted clerical errors in the staff packet (zoning table and year references) and asked staff to correct those references in the record. The decision is subject to any appeal rights under municipal code; parties have 30 days from mailing of the decision to file an appeal to superior court.
The board moved on to two additional variance cases and completed its agenda that evening.
