The Kenai Planning & Zoning Commission on Nov. 12 voted to approve Resolution PZ2025‑30, recommending a conditional use permit (CUP) for a small automotive sales business at 4586 Kenai Spur Highway after a staff report and public testimony.

Staff report: Planning Director Kevin Buettner told the commission the applicant seeks to operate a small, low‑intensity vehicle sales business with a maximum of 10 vehicles on a southeast portion of the 4586 property. Staff concluded the proposed use can meet the conditional use criteria enumerated in the Kenai Municipal Code (staff cited KMC 14.20.150(a) and related criteria) because the proposal is limited in scale, proposes buffering and landscaping, has access to utilities and a paved state road, and would not, as proposed, impair adjacent properties.

Applicant presentation: The applicant, who identified herself in testimony as Lauren Lindsey and gave her address as 4586 Kenai Spur Highway, described the business (Summit 106 Auto Sales) as a small, appointment‑only operation with no vehicle servicing on site, minimal downward‑facing lighting and modest signage. Lindsey said she planned to begin with about five vehicles and would never exceed a maximum of 10 vehicles on display.

Public testimony: Dozens of neighbors and several longtime residents, including Sherry Innes and Diane Chaplin, testified during the hearing. Opponents said the area is zoned residential and warned that allowing a car lot at the entrance to several subdivisions would change the area’s rural character and could open the door to additional commercial activity. Supporters and neighbors who spoke in favor said the applicant presented a tidy plan and that the proposal included safety and visibility improvements.

Commission action and vote: After commissioners reviewed the staff findings and public comments, the commission determined the CUP criteria were met. Commissioner Woodard moved to recommend approval of Resolution PZ2025‑30; the commission voted in favor and the resolution passed. Staff noted a 15‑day period during which an aggrieved party may file an appeal with the clerk’s office.

What was approved: Resolution PZ2025‑30 approves a site‑specific conditional use permit allowing the operation of a small automotive sales business at 4586 Kenai Spur Highway with a limit of up to 10 vehicles, subject to compliance with applicable federal, state and city regulations and an on‑site inspection upon request.

The action is a council recommendation/administrative land‑use approval rather than a rezoning; the CUP is site‑specific and does not change the underlying residential zoning of adjacent properties.