October 28 Planning Commission Agenda to Discuss Juneau Hydropower Permit

October 21, 2025 – News

The City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) Planning Commission will be considering a Conditional Use Permit hearing for Juneau Hydropower, Inc. (JHI) at its upcoming meeting on October 28 at 6 p.m. The full agenda and meeting materials are available at juneauak.portal.civicclerk.com.

JHI’s submitted Conditional Use Permit application (Case No. USE20250010) includes a proposal to construct a 280-foot-wide, 111-foot-high hydroelectric dam and associated infrastructure across the natural outlet of Sweetheart Lake in Gilbert Bay south of Juneau.  The northern extension of the proposed project would deliver hydroelectric power from the current terminus at the Lena Point Substation to Cascade Point, Echo Cove, and continue to Kensington Mine in Berners Bay. The Planning Commission will evaluate the proposed development for conformance with the CBJ Land Use Code.

CBJ began soliciting public comments on JHI’s Conditional Use Permit request on October 7, 2025. Additional comments can be sent to [email protected] until noon on October 24. All submitted comments will be forwarded to Planning Commissioners for review before the public hearing on October 28.

The Planning Commission will consider two rezoning cases, an ordinance amending the Title 49 Land Use Code regarding reasonable accommodations, the Title 49 zoning map, and rules related to subdivisions on arterials at the October 28 meeting. The rezonings include changing 3.79 acres at 5200 and 5220 Commercial Boulevard from Industrial to Light Commercial (Case No. AME2025 0002); and upzoning 4.03 acres at 7170 Glacier Highway from D-18 to Light Commercial (Case No. AME2025 0003).

Members of the public can attend the Planning Commission meeting in-person at City Hall Assembly Chambers, or online via the webinar link below:

  • Zoom Webinar: https://juneau.zoom.us/j/85421744892
    • Webinar ID: 854 2174 4892
  • Call-in Option: 1-253-215-8782

Hearing results will be posted online on October 29, 2025.

More information about these and other projects is available at juneau.org/community-development/short-term-projects.

For more information, contact the Community Development Department at (907) 586-0715.