January 8, 2026, by the Seward Folly Staff

The Seward Planning and Zoning Commission has voted to recommend Seward City Council remove citywide parking minimums, ending the requirement for new developments to include a set number of off-street parking spaces. The decision followed five work sessions and a regular meeting focused on parking, with Commissioner Hornseth drafting the substitute code recommendations. The proposal now goes to the City Attorney for review. After receiving legal input, a public hearing will be held before the City Council makes the final decision. A review of the parking issue appeared in the December 4, 2025, edition of the Seward Folly, titled “Seward Debates Future of Parking Requirements.”

Photos from the Peninsula Clarion

Commissioner Hubbard introduced two amendments to the substitute resolution, both of which passed. The first requires single-family homes on lots larger than 3,000 square feet to provide two parking spaces. The second requires duplexes and multi-family dwellings to provide one parking space per unit. A third amendment, also approved, ensures that the Harbor Commercial and Central Business District, areas already exempt from parking minimums, remain unaffected by the first two amendments.

In other business, the Commission approved its 2026 priorities, which are listed on page 89 of the January 6th meeting packet. Priorities include working on local housing solutions, evaluating standards for duplexes, multi-family units, and temporary workforce housing, encouraging public participation in the Comprehensive Plan update, modernizing parking codes, and recommending updates to marijuana establishment regulations and other land use codes. The Commission also aims to streamline development processes, update subdivision and rezone procedures, improve neighborhood accessibility and safety for seniors, partner on flood mitigation, review management plans for city-owned lands and marine areas, and provide training for commissioners.

During public comment, developer John Wisel suggested the Commission clarify rules about awnings, designate downtown parking for motor coaches, and review ADA parking requirements downtown. He also recommended clearer guidance on parking for motor homes, RVs, boat trailers, and storage containers in residential areas, and asked whether garage space counts as a parking spot. Wisel further recommended that the Commission address standards for derelict buildings, including definitions, allowed duration, and next steps for abandoned properties.