Seldovia planning commission reviews $5,000 scope to kick off comprehensive zoning review

The Seldovia Planning Commission on April 15 reviewed a draft scope of work and cost estimate from the Alaska Municipal League (AML) to perform a comprehensive zoning review, with staff saying the estimated project cost would “not to exceed $5,000.”

The scope presented by staff lays out four phases: (1) an initial zoning alignment review comparing the zoning code with the comprehensive plan and housing goals, including a targeted review of residential uses permitted in commercial and industrial zones; (2) an expanded review tied to six pillars in the comprehensive plan (land use, housing, transportation, resilience, community/social resources and economy); (3) evaluation of overlay or alternative zoning approaches and recommendations for code clarity; and (4) review and meeting support, including up to two planning commission presentations and follow‑up revisions.

Commissioners pressed staff on what AML would actually deliver and how the commission and public would be involved. Staff said AML’s role is to analyze and identify gaps and provide written memoranda or summaries at the conclusion of each phase, and that AML would not rewrite the zoning code. “They’re going to identify gaps, provide recommendations, and then then we’d have to discuss those,” the chair said, summarizing expectations that the commission would review AML’s findings before any code changes.

Several commissioners asked whether the review would include on‑the‑ground field visits or rely on records and staff input. One commissioner said in‑person observation would be “really beneficial” and help AML better understand Seldovia’s unique context; staff said the draft scope did not list site visits and that travel costs would be billed separately, but staff will ask AML whether in‑person work could be included.

Timeline and budget questions followed. Commissioners suggested a 3–6 month planning window for the work; staff said they would ask AML for a timeline and clarify where public meetings would fit. Staff said the next step would be to circle back with AML and, if the commission wishes to proceed, bring back an action memorandum or resolution at the May meeting requesting council appropriation for the project, with work and billing anticipated to begin no earlier than July 1 pending council approval.

Why it matters: the effort is intended to align the zoning code with the community’s recently adopted comprehensive plan and to identify code clarity issues and opportunities (for example, accessory dwelling units, overlay districts and alternative development standards) before staff or the commission undertakes code drafting.

What’s next: staff will follow up with AML to clarify timeline, whether in‑person review or public engagement is included, and bring a memorandum or draft resolution to the commission in May to request council funding.