Mat-Su Planning Commission advances multifamily design standards rewrite

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Planning Commission on Monday approved a resolution to modernize multifamily development design standards, a move that could reflect the borough's response to growing housing demand in the Mat-Su.

The resolution would amend the borough code chapter governing multifamily development design standards. Planning Director Alex Strachan leads the rewrite for staff. The commission scheduled a public hearing for June 15.

The proposed changes would align permitting requirements and design standards with the scale and complexity of development projects, according to the commission's consent agenda. The current one-size-fits-all approach applies the same standards to all multifamily developments above a density threshold, regardless of project size.

MSB 17.73 currently applies to all multifamily developments that meet or exceed the chapter's density threshold, including new developments and certain structural additions of 300 square feet or more. The borough's multifamily permit process uses administrative review and includes a $500 application fee plus $25 for each unit beyond five.

The commission approved the resolution on its consent agenda without discussion. The June 15 public hearing will allow residents and developers to comment on the proposed ordinance before it advances to the borough assembly.