PURPOSE OF CLASSIFICATION

 Classification of property is for review, plan implementation, and management purposes. 

The classification system designates the most appropriate uses for land and thereby guides borough management of such lands and implementation actions to provide for the identified uses.

 KPB 17.10.080 (A)

POLICY FOR MANAGEMENT OF BOROUGH LAND

It is the policy of the Kenai Peninsula Borough to manage all borough owned and municipal entitlement lands and resources to provide for:

1.   The efficient acquisition, management, classification, and disposal of borough lands;

2.   The promotion of orderly development;

3.   The protection and orderly management of the borough’s natural resources;

4.   The preservation of borough lands and resources for wildlife habitat, scenic value, recreational      needs, and historic needs;

5.   The retention of borough lands essential for health, safety, and education needs;

6.   The orderly disposal of lands and resources in a manner which is fair to all

KPB 17.10.010 (A)

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE

BETWEEN CLASSIFICATION AND ZONING?

Classification is borough policy regarding management and use of land for the time that it is owned by the borough. Once the land is sold, the classification goes away, and the use of the land is regulated by zoning and the choices of the owner.

Zoning is local law regulating uses of the land for any owner.

The majority of lands in the borough outside of city limits are in the Rural District, which is unrestricted except for the conditional uses of concentrated animal feeding operations, gravel pits larger than 1-acre, development in FEMA mapped floodplains, development within 50 feet of anadromous water, and correctional community residential centers.

Borough zoning code, Title 21, allows for the formation of more defined zones by local option among groups of similarly styled parcels.

THE CLASSIFICATION PROCESS

1.   Borough land is nominated for classification.

2.   A time schedule is set for public hearings

3.   Public notice is sent to all Landowners within ½ miles inviting public comment.

4.   Land is researched with respect to title, land characteristics, and surrounding features.

5.   A report is developed with an analysis considering observed values and potential uses.

6.   Public comments are received and attached to the report.

7.   A resolution is drafted to present the classification proposal.

8.   The Borough Planning Commission holds a public hearing at which the staff report is considered and direct public testimony is heard.

9.   The Borough Planning Commission makes a recommendation to the Assembly on the resolution.

10.  The Planning Commission minutes are sent to the Assembly along with the draft resolution.

11.  The Assembly’s Lands Committee is briefed on the resolution

12.  The Assembly holds a public hearing taking direct public testimony, deliberating on the matters, considering amendments, and voting on the final resolution.

13.  Land management updates land records to reflect the classification action.

14.  Land management established a management plan to carry out the intent of the classification.

15.  Land management take management actions accordingly.

ALTERNATIVELY:

Borough land can be classified based on a local land use plan adopted under the Borough Comprehensive Plan.

CLASSIFICATION TRUE OR FALSE

Classification amounts to zoning..........................................................................................False

Classification uses the same land use words as zoning........................................................True

Classification puts expectations on land managers...............................................................True

Classification guides the actions of land managers...............................................................True

Land managers perform land uses.......................................................................................False

Land managers can create conditions favorable for land uses..............................................True

Classification exists after land is sold...................................................................................False

All classified land is intended to be sold...............................................................................False

Everything about a property is known when land is classified.............................................False

Classification is a product of land capabilities and values.....................................................True

Land capabilities are physical characteristics........................................................................True

Values are realized by individuals and the public at large.....................................................True

Classification is a language to communicate choices & intentions........................................True

A large inventory of lands can be managed well without classification................................False

CLASSIFICATION OPTIONS

All borough lands shall be classified as one of the following:

• Agriculture
• Residential
• Commercial
• Heavy Industrial
• Light Industrial
• Recreation
• Preservation
• Government
• Resource Development
• Resource Management
• Institutional
• Utility/Transportation
• Waste Handling
• Rural
• Grazing

The classifications are specifically defined in KPB 17.10.250

All borough lands or interest in lands or resources not otherwise classified are undesignated lands.

KPB 17.10.080 (K) & (L)