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Commissions Committees and Boards
The Code and Planning Committee is a committee of the Planning Commission that includes members from the Borough Assembly, the Ketchikan City Council and the Saxman City Council. This committee provides input and directs the staff of the Department of Planning and Community Development in the updating and rewriting of the comprehensive plan, Title 17 Subdivisions, and Title 18 Zoning. This committee meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month, starting at 6 PM.
Committee Membership
- Greg Poppen - Planning Commission
- Mike Medford - Planning Commission
- Sam Bergeron - Ketchikan City Council
- Frank Seludo - Saxman City Council
- Felix Wong - Borough Assembly
- Judith McQuerry - Borough Assembly
- AJ Pierce - Borough Assembly
- Bill Rotecki - Citizen Member
Comprehensive Plan Update
Why do we need a comprehensive plan?
Alaska Statutes require land use management for certain types of governments, in the case of the Ketchikan Gateway Borough, second class boroughs are required to address land use and platting regulations. In order to have zoning or land use regulations, a comprehensive plan is needed. The concept of a comprehensive plan is closely related to the economic prosperity of a community. A comprehensive plan is a planning tool for envisioning the future growth of a community. One of the most important aspects of a comprehensive plan is in addressing the constant change and evolution of a community. Comprehensive plans are often called land use plans; land use planning is an important part of a comprehensive plan, addressing land use issues associated with implementation tools and review processes specifically related to land use changes. Comprehensive plans are also prepared to address compatibility issues between varying land uses, management and preservation of natural resources, identification and preservation of historically significant lands and structures, and adequate planning for infrastructure needs. In other instances, comprehensive plans are utilized to address issues related to schools, recreation, and housing.
What is a comprehensive plan?
Comprehensive planning is an attempt to establish guidelines for the future growth of a community. As the term “comprehensive” suggests, this is an all-inclusive approach to addressing the issue of a community’s future growth. A comprehensive plan is a formal document produced through a visioning process. The document is official in nature, meaning that it is designed to be adopted into law by some form of local government. The document should then serve as a policy guide to decisions about community development, such as changes in zoning and the development of zoning regulations.
Below are links to comprehensive plan topic surveys created to gather ideas on specific focus areas.
Purpose of the Board
The Creek Street Historic District Board was established to provide advisory guidance to the Planning Commission or Zoning Administrator for all proposed development or improvement plans, policies, or programs referred to the chairman of the board by prospective applicants in order to determine their impact on properties or structures within the Historic District (HD) Zone, as it is defined within Borough Code Chapter 18.35.
Meetings
All meetings of the Board are in Assembly Chambers and are open to the public.
Ketchikan Gateway Borough - Creek Street Historic District Architectural Design Review Board Members Needed
Applications are being solicited from interested citizens to serve on the Borough Creek Street Historic District Architectural Design Review Board. There are two seats for Borough residents at large. The term of office is two years. Periodic meetings are scheduled for Noon on weekdays at the White Cliff Building in the Assembly Chambers. Letters of application may be submitted to the Platting/Zoning Clerk, 1900 First Avenue, Suite 126, or to the Planning Department email: Email the Planning Department.
Applications are being accepted at the Planning Department until filled. The Planning Commission will consider applications on an ongoing basis at its regular scheduled meetings. For more information, please call 228-6610.
Member | Seat |
---|---|
Bonnie Douglas | Property Owner |
Stephen Reeves | Property Owner |
Jody Nickel | Borough Resident |
Jennifer Bolshakoff | Borough Resident |
Michael Medford | Planning Commissioner, City Seat |
Responsibility
The Borough Planning Commission is authorized and directed to perform the duties and exercise the powers conferred upon said commission by the ordinances of the borough and the laws of the state. It shall be the duty of the Planning Commission to prepare, from time to time, plans for the systematic development and betterment of the entire borough as a place of residence and for business.
Meetings
The Planning Commission meets regularly on the second Tuesday of each month with the ability to meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month as needed. The filing deadline for a Planning Commission meeting is the Friday after the previous month's meeting.
Planning Commission Rules of Procedure (PDF)
Appeals
Decisions of the Planning Commission/Platting Board may be appealed within 15 days of the date of decision. Conditional use permits and variances may be appealed to the Board of Adjustment (Borough Assembly). Subdivision approvals may be appealed to Superior Court. Specific questions on appeals may be directed to the Department of Planning and Community Development.
Notification List
Click on the link below to subscribe to the Planning Commission list service. This list service provides notifications of meetings, publishing of dockets and packets, and notifications of Assembly meetings regarding Planning Commission cases that require review of the Borough Assembly.
Planning Commission List Service
Agendas & Minutes
Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
Membership
The members of the Planning Commission are appointed by the Borough Mayor, subject to confirmation by the Assembly. The Planning Commission consists of 7 members: 4 who reside within the Ketchikan city limits, and 3 who reside in the Borough outside the Ketchikan City limits. Appointments to City seats on the commission are recommended by the Ketchikan City Council. Annual appointments are made the first Assembly meeting in March. Chapter 2.40 KGBC Planning Commission
Current Vacancies
Applications for appointment are being accepted at the Office of the Borough Clerk to fill two Planning Commission positions for members residing within the corporate limits of the City of Ketchikan. The terms of office will begin March 2022 and end March 2025. Planning Commissioners are required to have resided within the Ketchikan Gateway Borough at least one year and to file a Public Official Financial Disclosure Statement within thirty (30) days after taking office in accordance with provisions of AS 39.50.
Applications may be submitted to the Borough Clerk's Office and must include a declaration of candidacy, a personal resume, and a statement of qualifications and interest. Recommendations for appointment will be made by the Ketchikan City Council and appointments will be confirmed by the Borough Assembly.
Application for City Seat on the Planning Commission
Additional Information and forms are available from the Office of the Borough Clerk: (907) 228-6605
Members
Picture | Member | Position | Term Ends |
---|---|---|---|
Sharli Arntzen | Commission Chair Boro (Outside City) Seat | March 1, 2024 | |
Jos Govaars | Vice Chair Boro (Outside City) Seat | March 1, 2023 | |
Joseph Mainardii | Boro (Outside City) Seat | March 1, 2024 | |
Jacquie Meck | City Seat | March 1, 2024 | |
Michael Medford | City Seat | March 1, 2023 | |
Michael Martin | City Seat | March 1, 2025 | |
Vacant | City Seat | March 1, 2025 |