By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
The Sitka Planning Commission had a short meeting Wednesday night, approving a conditional use permit for a three-bedroom short-term rental at 2174 Halibut Point Road.
Interim Planning Director Lauren Moore reported on possible impacts on the R-1 neighborhood, but said she believes they can be mitigated through conditions, including reasonable check-in and check-out times, and quiet hours. She added guests will need to be advised to use caution on the steep driveway, which has a 25 percent grade.
“Guests need to make sure they’re driving safely and protecting other residents,” Moore said. But in general, she said, “We believe impacts can be mitigated.”
Moore also noted the effect of short-term rentals on long-term housing and home values, but also the permit’s compatibility with the comprehensive plan in contributing to the city’s economic development goals, and “allowing homeowners to participate in the tourism industry.”
Owner Adam Chinalski said after the meeting he and his wife are moving to a smaller home, and want to use the house for a short-term rental.
The permit and conditions were approved on a 3-0 vote, with Darrell Windsor, Randy Hughey and Taylor Colvin voting in favor. Colvin participated by teleconference. The Assembly recently appointed a fifth member to the commission, Victor Weaver.
Other items on the commission’s agenda were rescheduled.
Moore works for BHC Consultants, a Seattle-based company specializing in municipal services. She was hired to serve as interim planning director from Nov. 5 through Dec. 21. The last director, Mike Scarcelli, resigned this summer, and a new director is expected to come on board in January, Moore said. She said an assistant planner is also expected to be hired in January.
Reporting on other ongoing issues, Moore said a commission review of a permit for Greenleaf Inc. has been postponed until the city attorney looks at the parking plan on the site. The item is expected to be on the Jan. 2 meeting agenda.
