Homer Title 21 Update

Working Together to Improve Homer’s Zoning Code

The Public Review Draft is Here! We need your feedback, Homer.

The Public Review Draft of the Homer Title 21 Code Revision is now available for community review. This draft reflects months of analysis, community and City Council input, and numerous Planning Commission deep dive work sessions.

The Comment Period is Open through May 15, 2026. We encourage you to check out the materials below and share your feedback.

Review the Draft and Supporting Materials

Use the resources below to review the proposed updated code. Whether you prefer a full read-through or want to focus on specific topics, these materials are designed to help you navigate the draft efficiently.

Updated April 15, 2026: Key files have been revised to improve navigation, formatting, and clarity, including the addition of titles and tables of content.

Note: All documents are available for review via hard copy at the Homer City Hall (491 E. Pioneer Avenue) and the Homer Library (500 Hazel Avenue).

Key Files

1. How to Navigate the Public Review Draft of the Revised Code – March 2026 – 3.2 MB
A step-by-step guide to help you understand the structure of the draft code and quickly find topics of interest.

2. Public Review Draft Revised Code (Full) – March 2026 – 2 MB 
The complete proposed Title 21 code presented in a clean format without tracked changes.

3. Public Review Draft Revised Code (Full – Redline Version) – April 2026 – 2.3 MB 
The full draft code with edits visible, showing proposed changes from the existing code.

PLEASE READ: An Important Note About This Resource: The redline version is intended to show substantive changes to the code, but it does not track all edits. Some sections that were moved have not been shown as deleted and reinserted, in order to keep the document readable. A small number of edits were not captured during the initial tracking process and are being corrected as part of ongoing updates. To improve clarity where content has been reorganized, a summary of moved and renamed sections has been included with the redline version.

4. Proposed Table of Allowable Uses by District – March 2026
A consolidated table showing proposed permitted, conditional, and prohibited uses across all zoning districts.

5. Proposed Table of Dimensional and Intensity Standards – March 2026
A summary of proposed development standards, including setbacks, height limits, lot coverage, and other key metrics by district.

6. Proposed Updated Zoning Map – March 2026
A map showing the proposed zoning districts across Homer, reflecting how the updated code would apply geographically.

Submit Your Comments

We want to hear from you. Please share your comments, questions, and suggestions by May 15, 2026.

Purpose

The City of Homer is revising its zoning policies, found in Title 21 of the City Code. Zoning code governs how land in a municipality is used and establishes rules on how properties function. Zoning is a tool to achieve the intent and future land use goals set by the comprehensive plan. A well-written code provides the Planning Commission and staff with tools to effectively regulate development, protect and enhance the community, and clearly communicate development processes and requirements to applicants, such as residents, builders, developers, and businesses.

Thank you to everyone who joined for the Community Open House on Thursday, November 6th, 2025 and everyone who participated virtually between December 12th and January 16th!

Check out the Open House materials below.

Project Goals

The following are preliminary goals developed for the Title 21 update, based on input from City staff and the Homer Planning Commission.
These goals will be further refined as the project progresses.

Streamline development processes and increase predictability

Increase code clarity and flexibility

Better align the code with community plans

Consider natural hazards and preserve natural features

Simplify, reorganize, and add visuals to make the code more user friendly

Timeline

On November 24, 2025, the Homer City Council adopted the 2045 Homer Comprehensive Plan — the culmination of a two-year planning effort built through collaboration, conversation, dedication, and a lot of hard work. The 2045 Homer Comprehensive Plan is on its way to the Kenai Peninsula Borough for adoption, which is anticipated in early 2026. To learn more about the Homer Comprehensive Plan Update, visit HomerCompPlanUpdate.com.

JAN - MAR 2025
  • Compile background and gather initial feedback
  • Review existing code and identify updates
APR - NOV 2025
  • Staff, legal team, PC review of draft code
  • Gather stakeholder and public input on potential changes
DEC - SPRING 2026
  • Conduct Planning Commission work sessions on key topics
  • Refine draft code for public review
SPRING - SUMMER 2026
  • Release Public Review Draft for comment
  • Analyze and respond to feedback
  • Prepare public hearing draft and initiate adoption process

Ongoing: Monthly updates and/or work sessions with the Planning Commission and City Council

Related Resources

Project Documents

Background Documents

Stakeholder Engagement

Planning Commission and City Staff Completed Meetings

City Council Progress Reports

E-Newsletters

About the Team

Who is Leading the Process?

The City of Homer is leading the process. The Homer Planning Commission is helping advise and steer the update. Technical assistance and code drafting is provided by a planning consultant team, Agnew::Beck and Stantec.

  • Agnew::Beck serves as the project’s lead consultant, managing stakeholder involvement, public engagement, and revised code approval. Agnew::Beck is also the lead consultant on the Homer Comprehensive Plan Update.
  • Stantec leads code review and development of code revisions, as well as producing maps and final code language for approval.