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Wrangell planning commission approves variance, short-term rental CUP transfer, and two preliminary plats
Summary
At its May 11 meeting the Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved an after-the-fact front-yard setback variance for Paul and Ellen Zahorik, approved transfer of a short-term rental CUP for Solvay Gillen, and granted preliminary plats for the Morelli replat and the Case Avenue replat (Dan Nore Subdivision), including a variance to lot-width standards.
The City and Borough of Wrangell Planning & Zoning Commission on May 11 approved several routine land-use items by unanimous vote.
The commission granted an after-the-fact variance for Paul and Ellen Zahorik to reduce the required front yard setback from 20 feet to 6 inches on Lot 18AA (Plat No. 2020-7). Staff said the action involved replacing a temporary nonconforming structure with a permanent foundation, and that during permitting the structure was found to conflict with a State-owned right-of-way; the variance was necessary because neither the Borough nor the State could authorize an encroachment into the right-of-way. Staff noted topographic and shoreline constraints limited alternative placement options.
The commission approved the transfer of an existing Conditional Use Permit allowing continued operation of a short-term rental/bed-and-breakfast at Lot 11, Block A, Dewey Heights Subdivision, following sale to Solvay Gillen. Staff reported the property has operated as a bed and breakfast since about 2005 and recommended establishing an administrative record for CUP transfers because current borough code does not clearly address transfer procedures.
The Commission also approved the preliminary plat for the Morelli – CBW Replat, creating Lots B-1 and A-2A (Plat Nos. 2025-3 and 2019-7), after staff noted two title issues had been resolved. Separately, the Case Avenue Replat (a subdivision of Lot 6A of the Dan Nore Subdivision) creating Lots 5A-1 and 6B-2 was approved along with a variance to minimum lot width standards due to existing access easements and topographic constraints; staff said access easements serving adjoining lots will remain preserved and that shared access and maintenance agreements will be required among benefiting property owners.
All motions recorded in the transcript were approved unanimously. The Commission also approved its April 9, 2026 meeting minutes and discussed scheduling a tentative June 18, 2026 meeting, pending staff travel and agenda needs.
