Skagway planning commission approves accessory dwelling unit above garage on Block 59, Lot 4

On May 8, 2025, the Skagway Municipality Planning and Zoning Commission voted 3-0 to approve conditional use permit application 2025030 from Rodney and Stacy Fairbanks to build an accessory dwelling unit above an existing garage at Block 59, Lot 4 in the Residential General zone.

The commission opened a public hearing for the Fairbanks application and received a presentation from the applicants and a building-code review from the borough. Rodney Fairbanks, an applicant and property co-owner, said he reviewed the permit record, determined the existing garage has a standable attic and appropriate setbacks, and plans to remove interior walls, install engineered trusses and add stairs on the north side to create a second-story dwelling. "I submitted public records request to obtain the permit record for our property and reviewed it and saw that our garage is sturdy for a second story to be added," he said.

Emily Deach, borough manager and acting building official, said she reviewed the application and "looked through code and found that it met all of the requirements." Commissioners asked about the foundation and load capacity; the applicant located the original plans and told the commission the footer is 8 inches thick and 16 inches wide and the slab is 4 inches thick, which he said is allowed under residential code.

The commission closed the public hearing with no members of the public offering testimony in opposition. Commissioners then moved to approve the conditional use permit by proposed resolution and amended the motion to include required findings: that the use will protect public health, safety and welfare; will not permanently or substantially injure lawful uses of neighboring properties; will generally be in harmony with the comprehensive plan, the coastal management plan and other officially adopted plans; and will not substantially decrease property values or be out of harmony with neighboring property. Each amendment passed on voice/roll call and the final approval passed 3-0.

The commission did not specify additional conditions beyond the findings incorporated into the resolution. The next steps for the applicants are to complete any required building-permit applications and inspections before construction begins.