Valdez Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting – March 25, 2026

The Valdez Planning and Zoning Commission met on March 25, 2026, at 4:15 PM (local time). All commissioners were present except Commissioners Figerberg and Fedro. Commissioner Moulton and Director Huber participated by phone. The meeting covered approval of minutes from four prior meetings, three new business items involving land use permits and leases, a report on a previously issued permit, and commission discussions on restroom facilities and scrap metal storage.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The commission approved minutes from four meetings: May 28, 2025; January 14, 2026; January 28, 2026; and February 11, 2026. A correction was made to the February 11, 2026 minutes to properly spell the name of a public commenter. All minutes were approved unanimously without further comment.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public addressed the commission on non-agenda items.

Discussion Items

• Temporary Land Use Permit 26-06 (Valdez Stay in Play): The applicant requested approval for a temporary land use permit to operate a business from a 1,400-square-foot portion of tract A at 1500 Airport Road (Alaska State Land Survey 79-116). Discussion centered on restroom facilities for staff and the potential precedent for other tour operators to leave trailers overnight. Commissioner Moulton noted that at least one other operator expressed interest in similar arrangements after learning of this application, raising concerns about cumulative impacts on parking space. The applicant responded that increased use might drive future infrastructure improvements. Staff noted the area is subject to glacial outburst flooding but stated communication with the applicant would occur. No conditions were added for restroom provision.
• Lease Recommendation for Colville Inc. (1940 Mineral Creek Loop Road): The commission considered a recommendation to city council for a lease of approximately 1.9 acres of city-owned parcel ATS 564. The applicant seeks to use the land for parking, minimal encroachment onto city property. Discussion included flood risk from tidal action and king tides; staff reported that in 25 years of prior use by Big State Logistics, flooding had not affected the main gravel portion. The commission expressed support.
• Private Waterline Easement for Valdece Holdings LLC: The commission considered a recommendation to city council for a 10-foot-wide private waterline easement over city-owned Parcel B in Northern Light Subdivision. Commissioner Wade asked why the easement was private rather than public. Director Huber explained that the easement serves seasonal water service for the adjacent KOA campground and was the preferred solution after coordination with the city manager and public works.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on Temporary Land Use Permit 26-06: Motion to approve carried (5 ayes, 2 absent).
• Vote on Lease Recommendation for Colville Inc.: Motion to recommend approval to city council carried (5 ayes, 2 absent).
• Vote on Private Waterline Easement for Valdece Holdings LLC: Motion to recommend approval to city council carried (5 ayes, 2 absent).

Reports & Director’s Update

• Temporary Land Use Permit 26-02 (Valdez Adventure Alliance): Staff reported on a previously issued permit for a bat bike race at multiple city-owned locations. No action was required, and no outcome information was available.
• Community Development Director’s Report: Director Huber announced that the Title 16 code update will be on the next regular meeting agenda.
• Commission Business: Commissioner Wade raised the need for permanent restroom facilities at high-traffic tourist areas such as Rogue Lake and the glacier, suggesting a facility similar to Allison Point. Director Huber agreed to discuss the recommendation with the city clerk and manager and report back. Commissioner Moulton reported rumors about issues at the scrap metal yard near Old Town, including that the planned barge shipment may not be able to access Harris Landing boat launch. Director Huber noted that the fall barge was canceled but a summer collection with a fall shipment is planned; she will follow up with the city manager. The chair thanked staff for catching up on minutes, and the meeting was adjourned.