Homer Title 21 Update
Working Together to Improve Homer’s Zoning Code
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.
Current Happenings
Planning Commission Work Sessions
The project team will be meeting with the Planning Commission in December 2025 and January 2026 for targeted discussions around some of the proposed changes in the code. See below for dates and topics. Want to listen in or share your comments? Click on the links to visit the City’s website with information on how to join and how to 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: Click here to view the calendar with connectivity information and instructions to submit comments
Work Session #2: December 17, 2025
- Time: 5-8 pm Special Meeting
- Focus: Development Process (includes conditional use permits and administrative flexibility)
- 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.)
- Learn More: Click here to view the calendar with connectivity information and instructions to submit comments
Thank you to everyone who joined for the Community Open House on Thursday, November 6th, 2025!
Check out the Open House materials below. Stay tuned for a summary of results, photos, and next steps, including additional ways to provide feedback if you missed the event.
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
This project is Phase 2 of a two-phased community development effort. Phase 1 is the update to the City’s Comprehensive Plan, currently being finalized. To learn more about the Homer Comprehensive Plan Update, visit homercompplanupdate.com
Launch Phase 2
Project kickoff
Develop work plan
Background Review
Compile inputs
Gather initial feedback from Planning Commission and City staff
Code Audit
Review existing code
Identify needed updates
Stakeholder Dialogues and Code Structure
Meet with key stakeholders to gather input
Proposed code type and structure
Code Drafting
Draft early version of revised code
Staff and legal team conduct review of draft code
Public Review Draft and Finalize Code
Gather input from public on potential changes, including November Open House
Conduct Planning Commission work sessions on key topics
Adopt Code
Share Public Review Draft of Revised Code
Consider and incorporate revisions based on feedback
Initiate code adoption process
Ongoing: Monthly updates and/or work sessions with the Planning Commission and City Council
Related Resources
Project Documents
Background Documents
- Homer City Code: Current Title 21
- Homer Comprehensive Plan: find the most current draft here
Planning Commission and City Staff Completed Meetings
- November 5, 2025: Planning Commission Regular Meeting
- October 15, 2025: Planning Commission Regular Meeting
- August 27, 2025: Homer & Harbor Advisory Commission Work Session
- July 16, 2025 Regular Meeting – Use Standards, Sign Code, Administrative Flexibility
- June 18, 2025: Planning Commission Regular Meeting – Conditional Use Permits (CUPs), Land Uses, Housing Types, Zoning Districts
- May 21, 2025: Planning Commission Work Session – Emerging Stakeholder Engagement Themes and Land Uses Discussion
- May 7, 2025: Planning Commission Regular Meeting – Brief Stakeholder Engagement Update
- April 16, 2025: Code Audit Review and Planning Commission/Staff Decisions Discussion
- March 5, 2025: Planning Commission Regular Meeting – Schedule, Roles, Examples, and Priority Areas for Code Update
- February 6, 2025: Staff Listening Session
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.
