Seward planning commission keeps rainwater catchment in subdivision code rewrite

Rainwater catchment and cisterns will remain an option for Seward subdivisions beyond the reach of city water. The Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to recommend a subdivision code rewrite keeping that option, after rejecting a motion to strike it.

Commissioner Nathaniel Charbonneau made the motion. It failed on his lone vote.

"I feel that this section here allows contractors to build a substandard home that is essentially a dry cabin, yet charge premium in-town prices," Charbonneau said.

Commissioner Rhonda Hubbard disagreed. "I know people up in the hills that do have these systems and they work well for them," she said.

Community Development Director Daniel Meuninck said the provision targets "those developments across the bay that are potential housing areas that don't have any near connection to city water."

City Planner Courtney Bringhurst said new subdivisions must connect to public water. Waivers require both a distance of more than 400 feet and infeasible topography.

The rewrite also widens streets from 50 to 60 feet of right-of-way, sets new lighting standards, and gives the electric utility director sole say over underground lines.