Homer Planning Commission takes public testimony Aug. 5 on Rural Residential rezone

Public hearing set on rezoning proposal

Homer residents may testify on whether part of a Rural Residential neighborhood becomes a mixed office and housing district. The Homer Planning Commission will hold a public hearing Wednesday, Aug. 5, at 6:30 p.m. in the Cowles Council Chambers at City Hall, 491 E. Pioneer Ave. The meeting is also available by Zoom, Webinar ID 979 8816 0903, password 986062. Testimony is limited to three minutes per person.

The ordinance would amend the city zoning map and rezone a portion of the Rural Residential district to Residential Office. Homer City Code describes that district as intended for "a mixture of low-density to medium-density residential uses and certain specified businesses and offices, which may include professional services, administrative services and personal services." The measure would amend Homer City Code 21.10.030.

Past rezonings have drawn opposition

Homer has converted Rural Residential land before, including to the Central Business District and the Gateway Business District in 2006. A 2025 proposal to rezone Rural Residential land on Kachemak Drive to East End Mixed Use drew opposition from the Kachemak Bay Conservation Society, which cited wetlands and wildlife habitat.