Planning commission forwards draft ordinance to authorize quasi‑judicial hearings and hearing officers

The Seldovia Planning Commission on March 4 reviewed a draft ordinance that would clarify quasi‑judicial hearings and add an option to use a professional hearing officer for quasi‑judicial decisions.

The clerk presented a memo (packet page 17) quoting the Alaska Planning Commission Handbook definition: the quasi‑judicial role involves an "official decision on the respective rights or claims of parties appearing before the body," and contrasts with advisory or legislative roles. The clerk noted quasi‑judicial activities include variances and conditional uses and that the draft ordinance mainly addresses the appeal process for the Board of Adjustment.

Commission discussion focused on two items: (1) whether to include a short definition of 'quasi‑judicial' in the zoning code's definition section so public reviewers can understand the term's meaning, and (2) whether adding an option for an administrative hearing officer would change existing practice. The city manager clarified that the ordinance adds an option, not a requirement, to use hearing officers for quasi‑judicial matters such as appeals.

Commissioner Allison moved to forward the draft ordinance to the city council; the motion was seconded and approved by recorded roll call (three affirmative votes). Commissioners also moved to add the quasi‑judicial definition to the code’s definition section and approved that update.

The commission did not adopt a hearing‑officer policy at this meeting; it recommended the ordinance and definition be sent to the city council for review and potential adoption.