Anchorage Zoning Board of Examiners and Appeals Meeting - May 15, 2026

The Municipality of Anchorage Zoning Board of Examiners and Appeals held a regular meeting on May 15, 2026, with all nine members present. Key actions included approval of the consent agenda, a vote to grant a dimensional variance for a deck encroachment, and the introduction of three new board members.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from April 16, 2026, were approved unanimously.
• Resolutions 2026-002, 2026-005, 2026-006, and 2026-007 were approved as a consent agenda with no items removed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public testified during the meeting. The planning department reported receiving three public comments in support of the variance case (Case 2026-0032), with no opposition. The Taku/Campbell and Sandlake Community Councils did not provide comments.

Discussion Items

• Case 2026-0032 – Variance Request (James Fowler and Cynthia Taco): The applicant requested a dimensional variance to allow a deck to remain two feet into the required five-foot side setback in the R2A district. The deck was originally built by a previous owner; the current owner rebuilt it in the same footprint in 2019 and added a hot tub in 2020. The encroachment was discovered when closing a permit for a carport. Staff found that standards A, B, D, E, F, G, and H were substantially met, but standard C (hardship not self-imposed) was partially met because the current owner replaced the deck voluntarily. The property is a corner lot with only 13 feet between the house and property line at the side, and the deck serves as the functional rear yard. The applicant argued that the original dilapidated deck would have needed replacement and that the neighbors had no objections. Board members discussed the unique geometry of corner lots and the practical need for the deck. A motion to grant the variance subject to conditions on pages 4–5 of the staff report was made and seconded.

Key Outcomes

• Variance Granted: On a 9-0 vote (no abstentions), the board approved Case 2026-0032, allowing the deck to encroach two feet into the side setback. The approval is subject to conditions listed in the staff report. The board found that the partial satisfaction of standard C was outweighed by other standards met and the lack of community opposition.
• Code Change Discussion: Board member Jonathan Lang raised a question about a proposed code change to allow unroofed decks under 30 inches into side setbacks (currently only allowed in front/rear). Staff agreed to follow up on the status of that change, noting it would reduce unnecessary variance requests.
• New Member Introductions: Three new board members (John Watka, Mark Mazley, and Chris Shute) introduced themselves, expressing commitment to the board. The chair noted that this was the first time since September 2021 that the board had a full membership.