The Kenai City Council enacted an ordinance that amends the official zoning map by rezoning certain parcels of land southeast of Beaver Loop Road along Basin View Way, Kim N Ang Court, Cub Court, Ames Road, and Dolchok Lane from rural residential to rural residential-1. The city received a rezone application changing the zoning to rural residential-1 with a petition of most property owners in the affected area in accordance with Kenai Municipal Code amendment procedures.
Both zoning districts have the same intent per municipal code for low density residential development in outlying and rural areas in a form which creates a stable and attractive residential environment. The differences between both zoning districts includes that there are more principal permitted uses allowed in the RR district, a total of six, than the RR-1 district, a total of four. Secondly, there would be more opportunities for conditional use permit applications in the RR district, a total of 55, versus the RR-1 district, a total of 20.
City Manager Paul Ostrander added:
“As far as the conditional use permits that are existing in the area that’s proposed to be rezoned, they will be considered a nonconforming use, but they will allow to continue to operate, although they will not be allowed to expand, with one caveat, they are actually permitted to apply for conditional use permit to allow an expansion of those activities on their property. They are considered a nonconforming use, but again, they can continue to operate.”
The intended reason for the rezoning provided in the application includes:
- Protect the rural, open quality of the residential neighborhood.
- Preserve the residential character of a low-density neighborhood environment.
- Maintain the value of property, both monetary and non-monetary (quality of life for residents, use and enjoyment of their property).
- Consistent with the City Comprehensive plan, specifically protect the livability of the existing neighborhood.
Those who came to testify before the Kenai City Council say that the rezoning would align with the current low density residential character of the neighborhood.
Click here for more information (NOTE: look for Ordinance 3295-2022).
