Public Notices

Michael and Lindsay Williams, property owners, have applied for a variance under MSB 17.65 for a parcel located on Shepards Island, Big Lake, Alaska (Tax ID# 6272000L007). The property currently contains a 320-square-foot cabin on 0.57 taxable acres. The proposed new structure will be situated as close as 52.5 feet from Big Lake, with a total of 1,176.5 square feet located within the 75-foot waterbody setback area. 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, September 15, 2025, 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 interested parties 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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 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 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 August 8, 2025, 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.