Homer planners approve cabins and commercial buildings with stormwater plans required

The Homer Planning Commission approved eight new cabins on Lake Street and two commercial buildings on Ocean Drive on Oct. 7, requiring a stormwater management plan for each project.

Both permits passed unanimously, according to draft written decisions.

Drainage came up during the meeting. Boyd Walker, who owns the property south of the Lake Street site, told commissioners a drainage ditch proposed there was never built, and he described flooding. He asked that the ditch be installed and that the area not be used for snow storage.

Commissioner Smith warned that runoff sheeting off one of the sites turns to ice in winter. Commissioner David Schneider said future permits should be viewed "through that lens," according to unapproved minutes.

City code requires a stormwater plan when impervious surfaces, existing and proposed together, cover more than 60% of a lot, City Planner Ryan Foster said. Homer's draft zoning code would require engineered plans for far smaller projects.

The Lake Street project, from Scott and Stacy Lowry at 3756 Lake Street, also adds a garage. It must have an engineered community sewer design worked out with the state Department of Environmental Conservation, and downlit outdoor lights.

The Ocean Drive project at 1316 and 1330 Ocean Drive, from John Bouman, requires vacating the lot line between the two lots. Work at 1330 Ocean Drive started without a zoning permit and is under a stop-work order. Foster's staff report calls the permit a key step toward lifting it.

The commission is scheduled to adopt its written decisions Wednesday, Nov. 4. Either can be appealed to a hearing officer within 15 days after the decisions are distributed.