Kenai Planning Commission weighs townhouse permit in rural zone

The Kenai Planning and Zoning Commission took up a public hearing June 24 on a proposal to build zero-lot-line townhouses and a six-family dwelling in a Rural Residential neighborhood. At least one nearby resident voiced opposition.

City code requires a conditional use permit for any five- or six-unit structure in the Rural Residential zone. Anything above six units is prohibited outright. Resolution PZ2026-19 asks the commission to grant that permit. The agenda notice does not identify the parcel address or include a staff recommendation.

Mark Hall, who lives at 310 High Bush and described himself as living across the street from the proposed site, testified against the project. "And when we start getting townhouses built in here with families that don't have any vested interest in where they're living at, things are going to be problems," Hall said. "We're going to have— it's a dead-end road right now. The traffic would be tremendous on that thing."

The commission's next meeting is scheduled for July 15. Residents who want to weigh in can submit written comments to [email protected] or sign up for in-person, telephonic, or virtual testimony by calling 283-8235. Remote participation is available through Zoom, with registration required. The city planner can be reached at 907-283-8237 for additional information.