By Sentinel Staff
Assembly members will continue discussions Tuesday on ATV rules and a short-term rental moratorium among other business.
Kevin Knox and Kevin Mosher introduced both items at the last Assembly meeting.
The one-year moratorium on short-term rental conditional use permits in residential zones passed on first reading March 8 and will be up for final reading Tuesday.
ATVs that meet certain specifications are allowed on Sitka’s roadways, but Mosher and Knox are introducing an ordinance aimed at prohibiting “the hire of the APV.” The ordinance is intended to include “renting/leasing for driving, tours, passenger carrying, load carrying, freight carrying, pushing, and towing.”
The substitute ordinance will be up for first reading Tuesday. It replaces an ordinance the Assembly considered two weeks ago, but Knox and Mosher withdrew it from consideration saying they wanted to make sure it was clear that the ATVs can be used for many commercial purposes. The purpose section says:
“ .... the intent is to prohibit certain commercial uses on the public roadways, both municipal and state, within the city and borough, not off public roadways if permitted by municipal, state, and federal law. This prohibition does not apply to uses of an APV for a business activity or employment activity when the APV is not under hire, including, but not limited to, driving to and from the business/employment or load carrying for the business/employment.”
One business owner said he wants to use this form of transportation to get his workforce around town in a more efficient manner.
On the short-term rental ordinance up for final reading sponsors Knox and Mosher said their intent is to “protect the availability and affordability of housing in Sitka.”
Last week the Planning Commission reviewed the ordinance but split 2-2 on whether they supported the measure. Those opposed asked whether it would help with housing affordability and long-term rental availability. Those in favor said they would like time to consider whether additional criteria is needed in consideration of conditional use permits for short-term rentals.
Other business at the Assembly meeting includes appointments to city committees, boards and committees, liquor license renewals and a tidelands permit for a personal use dock at 1401 and 1403 Halibut Point Road.
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at Harrigan Centennial Hall.
