Planning and Zoning roundup

In a brief meeting last week, Wrangell’s Planning and Zoning Commission approved a pair of requests, following a public hearing.

Commissioners decided to hold a request by Isobel Brophy of Greystone Holdings to allow for up to four apartments at a property on Evergreen Street.

In her background report, Economic Development Director Carol Rushmore pointed out the building had already been making use of three units for some time – possibly since the late 1990s – but without the necessary permits for a multi-use structure. Attempts to require compliance were not consistently pursued on the property, finally noticing the current owner of the violation in June. Greystone Holdings has owned the property since 2010. A fourth unit on the property remains unfinished, and is currently in use primarily for storage.

Citing a need for rental space identified by a city-wide housing survey conducted this spring, staff recommended approving the request provided it met certain criteria. Rushmore noted that during the years it has operated as a triplex the city has been unaware of complaints from neighbors, and that the property was unlikely to adversely affect traffic flow or utility usage.

Planning and Zoning decided to hold off on a decision until a more thorough site plan could be submitted, pointing out there were other structures on the lot which it wanted to know more about.

Commissioners approved a variance application for a reduction in side yard setback on rural residential property, requested by Bruce Ward.

Ward is seeking to construct a new residence on the Shoemaker Loop Road. However, roughly a third of the property is unbuildable due to right of way easements. The eight-foot setback reductions he wanted would give him more space to build on the property.

The commission’s next meeting is scheduled for September 1 at 7 p.m.