ITEM TITLE:
Lot 1, Block 2, Northern Lights Phase II Subdivision
3207 Aurora Drive
Tabitha and Joshua Swierk
SUBMITTED BY: Rochelle Rollenhagen, Planning Director
FISCAL NOTES:
Expenditure Required: N/A
Unencumbered Balance: N/A
Funding Source: N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
Report Only
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
On February 13, 2019, Tabitha and Joshua Swierk spoke during the public comment period at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting about permitting concerns for the structure they purchased in 2018 at 3207 Aurora Drive in the Northern Lights Phase II Subdivision. The Commission requested this topic be placed on the next P&Z meeting agenda.
The City of Valdez Planning Department is unable to issue a Certificate of Occupancy for the residence at 3207 Aurora Drive until the owners can verify that required structural components of the building were installed per the approved building plans. Because the building permit (#07062) issued to the previous owner (Alberto Benvenuto) for the structure expired on August 15, 2008, the Swierk’s will need to apply for new building permits for any further construction on the structure.
Prior to the sale of this property and especially after the asking price of the property was decreased, the Planning Department had several inquiries on the unfinished home. All prospective buyers were informed equally of the unresolved septic and building permit concerns on the property. The Swierk’s were fully aware of these issues prior to the purchase of the home. The Planning Department worked closely with the Swierk’s to determine a solution to the incomplete septic system permit and were able to secure approval from the reviewing engineers and issue an Approval to Operate Certificate for the system on November 1, 2018. The department will continue to work with the owners on the steps necessary to issue a Certificate of Occupancy. For more information, see the attached report prepared by Building Inspector, Jay Yunker.