Valdez Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting – April 22, 2026

The Valdez Planning and Zoning Commission held a regular meeting on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. All commissioners were present except Commissioner Metroca, who was excused. Commissioners Raditic and Moulton participated via phone. The meeting focused on the proposed repeal and reenactment of Title 16 (Subdivision Code) and a temporary land use permit for Alyeska Pipeline Service Company.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the April 8, 2026, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting were approved without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Hearing on Title 16: No members of the public appeared to address the commission during the public hearing on the proposed repeal and reenactment of Title 16. The hearing was closed.
• Temporary Land Use Permit #26‑07: Peter Nagel, representing Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, spoke briefly. He confirmed that the winter work has concluded, mobilization for summer work is scheduled for May, and the specific permit activity is planned for August, extending slightly into September.

Discussion Items

• Temporary Land Use Permit #26‑07: The commission considered a motion to approve a temporary land use permit for Alyeska, covering an approximately 2.5‑acre portion of Tract B & E, Section 34, ASCS 98‑30 (Brown’s Creek), owned by the City of Valdez. The permit was described as similar to a previous approval. The motion passed unanimously (6‑0, with one absent).

• Proposed Repeal and Reenactment of Title 16 (Subdivision Code): This was the main agenda item. Kate (Community Development Director) and Dave Whitfield (RM Consultants) presented a summary of the year‑and‑a‑half‑long process, highlighting key changes: alignment with the comprehensive plan and Title 17, improved clarity, administrative approval for minor plats (creating no more than two lots), a formal variance process, a process for public way vacations, updated snow storage standards requiring deeding to the city, and updated monumentation reflecting current survey practices. The consultants noted that the rewrite was reorganized to ease reading and that the public comment period included valuable input from a local surveyor.

  Commissioners raised several points:

  • Snow storage dedication vs. deeding: Commissioner Wade objected to the new requirement that snow storage lots be deeded (title transferred) to the city, preferring the original “dedicated” language. He argued that deeding removes property rights and summer use opportunities. Other commissioners, including Chair Hayes and Commissioner Goodrow, supported the clearer process to ensure adequate snow storage. After discussion, Commissioner Faggerberg moved to change “deeded” to “dedicated” throughout the code. The motion passed 4‑2 (Commissioners Wade, Faggerberg, Raditic, and Moulton in favor; Chair Hayes and Commissioner Goodrow opposed; Commissioner Metroca absent).
  • Cross slope maximum: Commissioner Goodrow noted that the code set a minimum road cross slope of 2% but no maximum for gravel roads, which can cause difficulties for snow plowing and grading. He proposed adding “and not greater than six percent.” The motion passed unanimously (6‑0).
  • Variance criteria: Chair Hayes expressed concern that the new criteria (including that the variance need not be self‑imposed) would be too restrictive compared to the existing code’s flexible waiver provision. He preferred the original language. The discussion did not result in a motion to change.
  • Timelines: Commissioner Moulton noted that the new code extended maximum review times (e.g., 10 business days for acceptance, 30 days for preliminary plat, 60 days before public hearing, 30 days after hearing), potentially increasing the total process from 90 to 130 days. He worried this could slow projects and allow favoritism. Staff explained that the times are maximums and that the intent is to provide flexibility, especially for public notice and complex cases. No motion to change was made.
  • Automatic approval: Commissioner Moulton pointed out that the old code had an automatic approval if the commission failed to act within 60 days, while the new code only provides a right of appeal. Staff stated this was intentional to ensure decisions are made by a reviewing body. No amendment was proposed.
  • Other minor points: Commissioner Faggerberg questioned the definition of “adjacent” (including lots separated by an alley or minor street), the meaning of “offense” for non‑compliance, and a semicolon in the draft. A typo in the variance criteria (“in accordance and is consistent”) was acknowledged. The date February 8, 1965, in the compliance section was noted as possibly related to the original subdivision code; staff agreed to research it further.

Key Outcomes

• Recommendation to City Council on Title 16: The commission voted (6‑0, Commissioner Metroca absent) to recommend that City Council repeal and reenact Title 16 as amended. The two amendments adopted were:
  1. Add a maximum cross slope of six percent for gravel roads (carried 6‑0).
  2. Change snow storage requirements from “deeded to the city” to “dedicated to the city” (carried 4‑2).
• Temporary Land Use Permit #26‑07: Approved unanimously (6‑0).
• Upcoming Items: The Community Development Director reported that the next code revision (Title 15 – Building Code) is nearing completion. Additionally, staff is working on a formal recommendation regarding desired bathroom locations at Rogue Lake and Valdez Glacier Lake, to be developed in coordination with the Parks and Recreation Commission.
• Commission Business from the Floor: Commissioners expressed appreciation for the work on Title 16 and the consultants’ and staff’s efforts. The meeting was adjourned.