By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
An Assembly work session tonight aims to clear up misconceptions and explain the various options for non-traditional housing in Sitka.
“There are some misconceptions about what is and isn’t allowed in our building code, and in the planning and building departments,” said Assembly member Kevin Knox, who is working on the affordable housing issue as a member of the Assembly. He organized the work session.
The session begins at 5 p.m. at Harrigan Centennial Hall, just before the regular Assembly meeting at 6.
Knox said today the work session is intended for the public, the Assembly, and those working on options for smaller-home projects to discuss accessory dwelling units, the Community Land Trust affordable housing project on the old city shops property, and so-called “tiny homes.”
“It will give the Assembly a chance to ask questions, or provide input, on how we as an Assembly can take action or help move things forward,” he said. “We can have a dialogue with staff and members of the public who are working on these kinds of programs.”
Affordable housing has been identified as a priority in the Comprehensive Plan, although Knox notes the issue is complex and “defining what is affordable is a relatively subjective issue to grapple with.” The work session will go into options for smaller homes, and starter homes.
“Focusing on these smaller homes or this market is in no means a comment on a singular priority; rather, just an attempt to address one of many housing needs in our community,” he said in a memo to staff and fellow Assembly members.
Knox said a number of projects are taking aim at the affordable housing question in Sitka through different avenues.
“Tiny homes” – which may be as small as 230 square feet – are being built in Sitka, and they are permitted if they are on a permanent foundation and hooked up to city utilities, Interim Planning Director Scott Brylinsky said. If they’re on wheels, they’re considered temporary and may be occupied for only 180 days in a calendar year.
Knox said in his memo to the Assembly: “Tiny homes are allowed to be built and utilized, but we do need to change some building codes to allow them as a permanent residence.”
Knox said more work is being done in another area, accessory dwelling units, to make the permitting process more “streamlined.”
Accessory dwelling units meeting certain requirements are allowed in Residential 1 and 2 zones, but in many cases require a conditional use permit.
Community Land Trust Project Manager Randy Hughey, Sitka Conservation Society Director Andrew Thoms, and Sitka High School construction teacher Mike Vieira are scheduled to attend the work session.
Hughey, CLT board president Doug Osborne and director Mim McConnell plan to give a presentation.
“I want the current Assembly members to understand what a land trust is, how it functions,” Hughey said. “When it was formed, it was an almost entirely different Assembly. Our purpose is to explain the land trust model of ownership and why the model fits the circumstance of Sitka. It’s one of the pieces of the puzzle of affordable housing; it’s not the only solution. It’s one model that makes sense in Sitka.”
