Valdez Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting - February 11, 2026

The Valdez Planning and Zoning Commission met on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The primary agenda item was a public hearing and deliberation on Conditional Use Permit 25-03 (CUP 25-03) submitted by Pulseline Adventures, LLC to establish a helipad at a location on state land near Mile 11.5 of the Richardson Highway. After extensive public testimony and commission discussion, the motion to approve with conditions failed 2-4, resulting in denial of the permit.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bill Gibson (Director of Ground Operations, Pulseline Adventures): Addressed concerns from a letter received from a concerned member of the public. He explained the primary reason for the site is safety—halving the distance to refuel for operations in the Browns Creek area. He estimated the helipad would be used 6–10 times per season. He addressed noise (Airbus A Star helicopter, faint at 0.4 miles), environmental safeguards (double-walled fuel trailer, spill kit, never refueling at the site), and stated that the site would always be attended. He emphasized that the flight path avoids residences and that they work well with other public land users.
• Matthew Brunton (representing Chugach Mountain Institute): Urged denial of the permit. He stated that expanding heli infrastructure worsens documented conflicts with human-powered users, including video evidence of helicopters overflying ski tours in avalanche terrain. He argued that safety margins are removed for non-motorized users, that the permit would displace quiet recreation, and that the State of Alaska has no regulations for heli-skiing on these state lands. He called for limits, accountability, and recognition that the landscape is overburdened.
• Scott Carruthers (Valdez resident since 1998): Opposed the permit, citing his property is 0.4 miles from the site and within 1,500 feet. He noted the area is used for dog walking, snow machining, and is critical habitat for mountain goats and golden eagles. He argued the site violates rural residential zoning intended to maintain quiet and discourage commercial noise. He referenced a prior denial of a heli operation at Swan Pond and questioned the applicant's property ownership.
• Jessica Tran (elementary school teacher, representing Chugach Mountain Institute Foundation): Opposed the permit, citing equity and sustainability concerns. She stated that heli-skiing serves a small, affluent group while impacts (noise, safety risk, displacement) are borne by others. She argued that approving infrastructure locks Valdez into a high-impact model, and each approval sets a precedent that makes future denials harder. She urged denial to protect quieter, safer, and more inclusive uses of public land.

Discussion Items

• Commissioner Discussion on CUP 25-03: Commissioner Raditic made a motion to approve the permit as presented, seconded by Commissioner Moulton. Discussion followed regarding:
  • Location suitability: Commissioners noted the site is near the only groomed trail for local residents (used by skiers, snowshoers, dog walkers, fat bikers) and is also within 0.4 miles of a resident's property. Commissioner Wade expressed concern about the trailhead intersection.
  • Safety vs. convenience: Commissioner Goodrow stated the main reason for the site is to save money, not safety, and that applicants already have fueling at the airport and Blueberry Lake.
  • Conditions considered: The commission discussed and voted on several amendments, all of which passed:
    1. Restroom facility: Motion to add condition requiring a restroom (blue room) at the site. Passed 5-1 (Commissioner Goodrow nay).
    2. Time limit and use cap: Motion to limit permit to one year and a maximum of ten days of use within that year. Passed 5-1 (Commissioner Goodrow nay).
    3. Findings amendment: Motion to change staff's findings to reflect that there IS pedestrian impact (contrary to original findings that there was not). Passed 6-0 (Commissioner Metroca absent).
  • Final vote on amended motion: Motion to approve CUP 25-03 with the added conditions and amended findings. The vote was 2-4 (Ayes: Commissioner Raditic and Commissioner Fagerberg; Nays: Commissioner Moulton, Commissioner Wade, Commissioner Goodrow, and one other—Commissioner?—; absent: Commissioner Metroca). Motion failed.
• Clarification on denial findings: The commission agreed that the denial is based on criteria 4G and 7B/D (pedestrian/user conflicts), as discussed during the meeting.
• Community Development Director’s Report: Director announced the housing needs assessment report is available online. The Title 16 subdivision code revision draft will be released for public comment at the end of the week, with a future public hearing before the commission.

Key Outcomes

• CUP 25-03 Denied: The conditional use permit for a helipad proposed by Pulseline Adventures was denied after a motion to approve with conditions failed 2-4. The denial is based on findings of conflicts with pedestrians, cyclists, snow machiners, and other users, as specified in criteria 4 and 7 of Title 17.
• Conditions (not applied): Although not adopted, the commission had proposed conditions including a restroom, a one-year permit term, and a limit of ten days of use.
• Next Steps for Applicant: Commissioners encouraged the applicant to work with city staff and potentially seek an alternative location for future consideration.
• Upcoming Code Revision: The subdivision code revision (Title 16) will be released for public comment shortly; the commission will hold a future public hearing before making a recommendation to City Council.
• Meeting adjourned after commission business from the floor and appreciation for the discussion.