ACTION ALERT
The City of Homer is updating its zoning policies, found in Title 21 of the City Code. Zoning codes determine how land is used and set rules for property functions within a municipality. Effective zoning aligns with the comprehensive plan’s vision for future land use. A well-crafted code equips the Planning Commission and staff to regulate development, protect and enhance the community, and clearly communicate requirements to residents, builders, developers, and businesses.
The City sponsored an Open House on the code changes last month, which included the following topics:
Open House Posters: here
Open House Presentation Slides: here
Homer News Story: here
If you missed the in-person event, or if you attended but have more to say, you can visit the Virtual Open House to share your comments, questions, and feedback on the proposed changes. The Virtual Open House is open through January 16, 2026.
Before the open house, the Planning Team met with builders, developers, realtors, and business owners, which is why the proposed code changes already include pro-development language. Now it’s time for your voice to be heard!
Planning Commission Title 21-Focused Work Sessions
From December 2025 through January 2026, the Planning Commission will hold a series of meetings on the proposed code changes. These meetings are crucial for public input because they offer your best opportunity to influence the process before the draft code is written, after which it will be harder to make changes.
Below are the work session dates, topics, and links to the City’s website for information on how to join and submit comments.
Work Session #1: December 3, 2025
Time: 4-6:20 pm Work Session ahead of Regular Meeting
Focus: Housing and District Changes
Learn More: View the agenda packet and video of the work session here.
Work Session #2: December 17, 2025
Time: 5-8 pm Planning Commission Work Session
Focus: Development Process (includes conditional use permits and administrative flexibility).
To reduce approval times and provide greater predictability for developers, this change would limit CUP requirements to only those developments with the most significant community impacts. The Planning Team suggests this will give the Planning Commission more time to focus on other priorities, though these have not been clearly defined. CUPs would be reserved for specific uses.
Learn More:Click here to view the calendar with connectivity information and instructions to submit comments.
Work Session #3: January 7, 2026
Time: 4-6:20 pm Work Session ahead of Regular Meeting
Focus: Environmental Features (slopes, wetlands, etc.)
While the planning team’s proposals seek to increase development, there are currently no recommendations in the Code amendments to protect open space, wetlands, or watersheds within or affected by the City. It is vital for the public to attend this meeting and advocate for these community values.
Learn More: Click here to view the calendar with connectivity information and instructions to submit comments.
Other Ways to Contribute Your Input
Submit a virtual comment card here to share your ideas.
Contact the team:
City Planner, Ryan Foster, 907-299-8529, rfoster@ci.homer.ak.us
Project Manager, Shelly Wade, 907-242-5326, shelly@agnewbeck.com
Submit Comments on the Draft Rules
Finally, you can review and share your comments when the public review draft of the Title 21 Code is released (anticipated late January 2026).