Staff recommends denial of grandfather rights for fourplex at 1545 Eielson Street

Sarah Bingham, planning staff for the Fairbanks North Star Borough, told the Oct. 1 administrative hearing that records do not establish a continuous four‑unit use predating the borough’s 1954 zoning change and recommended that the fourplex at 1545 Eielson Street not be found legal nonconforming. "We are recommending that this fourplex does not have legal nonconforming status for dwelling units," Bingham said after reviewing assessing records, building permits and a 1957 sewer connection permit that lists a single dwelling unit.

Owner Hugh F. Simcock testified that he has owned the property for 22 years, that three upstairs units appear original and that a basement apartment was remodeled following a 2004 fire. Simcock said he had not found original construction drawings or permits proving a four‑unit configuration before 1954 and said hiring an expert would be costly. Hearing officer Kellen Spielman treated the session as evidence gathering, asked the owner and his realtor to search for additional records, and said the department will issue an administrative determination within 15 days; any determination may be appealed to the planning commission by filing a notice of appeal and fee within 15 days after the decision is mailed.