Public Notice

MSB 17.65 - Variance for a parcel located on Middle Caswell Lake, Alaska Tax ID# 6070000L1051

Paul and Elizabeth Knecht, property owners, have applied for a variance under MSB 17.65 for a parcel located on Middle Caswell Lake, Alaska (Tax ID# 6070000L1051). The property is used for outdoor recreation on 0.23 taxable acres. The owners are proposing a new structure to be built and will be situated as close as 32 feet from Middle Caswell Lake. Per borough code, structures are required to maintain a minimum setback of 75 feet from a waterbody. Approval of this variance would allow the owners to construct the proposed residence within the required setback distance.

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing concerning the application on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Borough Assembly Chambers located at 350 E. Dahlia Avenue in Palmer. Planning Commission members may not receive or engage in ex-parte contact with the applicant, other parties interested in the application, or members of the public concerning the application or issues presented in the application.

Application materials may be viewed online at www.matsugov.us by clicking on “All Public Notices & Announcements.”  For additional information, you may contact Rebecca Skjothaug, Current Planner, by phone: 907-861-7862.  Provide written comments by e-mail to rebecca.skjothaug@matsugov.us, or by mail to MSB Development Services Division, 350 E. Dahlia Avenue, Palmer, AK 99645.

The public may provide verbal testimony at the meeting or telephonically by calling 1-855-290-3803.  To be eligible to file an appeal from a decision of the Planning Commission, a person must be designated as an interested party.  See MSB 15.39.010 for the definition of interested party.  The procedures governing appeals to the Board of Adjustment and Appeals are contained in MSB 15.39.010-250, which is available on the Borough home page: www.matsugov.us, in the Borough Clerk’s office, and at various libraries within the borough.

Comments are due on or before May 1, 2026, and will be included in the Planning Commission packet.  Please be advised that comments received from the public after that date will not be included in the staff report but will be provided to the Commission at the meeting.