After a yearlong effort spanning two economic development directors, accessory dwelling units are now permissible under borough municipal code.
At its Dec. 12 meeting, the assembly unanimously approved a code change that will allow self-contained, smaller apartments or rentals to be built on the same piece of property as a single-family home.
The goal, wrote Economic Development Director Kate Thomas, is to “expand industry, bolster our economy and ensure that interested persons and residents can build their lives here.”
Wrangell’s housing shortage is an oft-discussed issue at municipal meetings, since it limits the community’s labor pool and its capacity to host independent travelers, conference attendees and other potentially lucrative visitors.
Expanding housing has long been a borough priority, and the push to design a code to accommodate accessory dwelling units coincides with the push to develop the Alder Top Village (Keishangita.’aan) residential subdivision.
After fielding several requests from residents to build mother-in-law apartments or small rentals on their properties, former Economic Development Director Carol Rushmore started work on the code change in 2022. “Because of our housing crush, this is a way for people who really want to do that to improve our housing situation,” she said at a 2022 work session. Thomas took over the effort when she became director in early 2023.
In prior years, residents hoping to build an additional unit on their properties would have to prove that their lot could be subdivided. Under the new code, they’ll just need a building permit, or a permit and Planning and Zoning Commission approval if they want to use the unit as a rental.
The units can’t exceed 800 square feet, must be separate from the primary residence and are generally only allowed in a side or back yard.
At the public hearing Dec. 12, Chris Buness, co-owner of real estate designer Stik Built Homes, spoke in support of the borough’s effort to expand housing options in town. Accessory dwelling units, she said, could alleviate the tight housing market while preserving the unique character of Wrangell’s neighborhoods.
Community member Bill Gaines expressed concern that a spate of new Airbnbs and small rental units would strain the borough’s utilities and overburden taxpayers. The code change, he suggested, may have an underlying “true cost” on the community’s limited resources.
The borough is already taking steps to accommodate the burden of any future population growth, from expanding the capacity of its water treatment plant to upgrading its barge ramp and parts of its power plant.
Assembly Member Bob Dalrymple was hopeful that the code change could help open up new housing, though he recognized that accessory dwelling units alone likely wouldn’t be enough to solve the problem. “I think this is a small step in addressing (the housing crisis) that is beneficial to the community,” he said.
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