Planning commission approves 12‑cabin recreational lodge at 1045 Rold Ave., bars on‑site fish cleaning

The Soldotna Planning and Zoning Commission on Aug. 6, 2025 approved Resolution PZ2025‑011, granting a conditional‑use permit for a 12‑cabin recreational lodge at 1045 Rold Avenue as amended to prohibit on‑site fish cleaning. The final vote to adopt the resolution as amended was 4 yes, 2 no.

Staff described the proposal as a two‑phase development on approximately 4.96 acres with six cabins in the first phase and six in the second, wetlands and streams on site, and no nearby sewer or water. Director Mitchell told the commission that the applicant would need Department of Environmental Conservation permits for septic and wells and wetland protections before building and that those approvals are separate from the city's CUP process. "If they're near the stream, they also need to get wetland permit protections as well," Mitchell said.

Nearby residents objected during public comment. Bruce Skolnick, who identified himself as living at 145 South Boundary Street, said the project raised safety and neighborhood‑character concerns — traffic on a blind corner, possible increases in trash that could attract bears, and a lack of personal contact from the applicant. "I'm concerned about the creek...we don't want anything disturbed," Skolnick said, adding he and neighbors submitted a written comment letter.

Kathleen Rolfe, across the street from the site, told the commission the area is quiet residential land and questioned density expectations and how the operation would affect the night sky and wildlife habitat. "This is a business...I am very concerned about the fact that they say there will be somebody there to make sure there's quiet time, but only up to a certain early evening," Rolfe said.

Applicant Laura Anderson, who said she lives in Wasilla and is a schoolteacher, described the proposal as a modest, owner‑operated lodge for personal use during summers and rejected fish cleaning as part of her plan. "I said absolutely no fish cleaning because that just has problems in it," Anderson said, adding she intends to monitor trash and wildlife and prefers a "quaint, upscale" operation.

Commissioners debated technical constraints and enforcement. Staff noted rural‑residential minimum lot size is 40,000 square feet and said approval of the CUP would not allow the applicant to occupy the cabins until all necessary septic, well and wetland permits are obtained. On enforcement, Mitchell said the operation plan, quiet hours and nuisance mitigation would be enforced first by the operator, then by notice of violation and, if noncompliance continued, commission consideration of CUP revocation.

Before the final adoption, the commission adopted an amendment — moved and seconded on the record — explicitly stating that fish cleaning on the premises is prohibited; that amendment passed 6–0. The final resolution, including the amendment and updated "whereas" clauses documenting the July 2 and Aug. 6 hearings and staff follow‑up, was adopted by a 4–2 vote. The minutes record that commissioners who voted no were asked to state code standards they found unmet.

What happens next: the applicant must secure requisite state permits for septic, wells and wetlands before building permits or occupancy will be granted; staff said complaints about operation could lead to a notice of violation and eventual revocation of the CUP if problems persist.