The Soldotna City Council enacted an ordinance establishing standards for accessory dwelling units. The city seeks a more efficient and flexible use of existing residentially zoned land, housing stock, and infrastructure.
Director of Economic Development and Planning, John Czarnezki told the Soldotna City Council:
“Standards are proposed for several sections of existing code are modified to facilitate this new language. The intent of the ordinance is more efficient and flexible use of our existing residentially zoned land, more efficient and flexible use of our housing stock and our infrastructure. The benefits include a greater mix of housing options, increased property values and neighborhood stability. The proposed changes are especially timely considering current housing availability and changing demographics. As you are aware, the planning conducted a work session on accessory dwelling units on July 6 and unanimously approved resolution 2022-08 on August 3.”
Accessory dwelling units typically serve smaller households, can offer new housing options, provide neighborhood stability, and should increase property values, according to Czarnezki, who added that they could be especially needed with the demographic changes, family needs, and current economic conditions.
Czarnezki added:
“Similarly, the council held a work session on September 14 to review the planning commission’s recommendations. The city’s comp plan includes a goal to promote and encourage housing diversity for people of all ages, income, and household size. The attached ordinance provides an inclusive code amendment that would address this goal for the allowance of accessory dwelling units.”
The ordinance addresses the needs through the addition of a new sub-chapter of code, which includes general standards for accessory dwelling units, as well as other implementing sections, including permit expiration, variances, and violations.