The Stillwater Planning Commission handled a mix of routine approvals, a code revision, and one contested rezoning at its November 4 meeting. Commissioners approved four items by unanimous vote, recommended approval of two map amendments to City Council, and adopted a text amendment to the Land Development Code clarifying front-yard setback exceptions on blocks with large platted right-of-way.

Key votes and outcomes (motion tallies as announced at the meeting):

- Final plat — Richmond Road & Highway 177 addition (1500 East Richmond Road): Commission accepted findings and approved the final plat (motion passed 4-0). Staff noted the developer plans to pave Richmond Road from Perkins Road to Jardot and complete waterline improvements; staff said earlier erosion concerns had been mitigated. (Provenance: staff presentation 00:06:09 — vote recorded 00:11:08.)

- Map amendment MA 25-15 — 711 South Ramsey Street (RSS to RTM): Staff recommended and the commission voted to recommend City Council approve the rezoning (motion passed 4-0). The change aligns with the future land-use map. (Provenance: staff presentation 00:12:02 — motion/vote 00:15:xx.)

- Map amendment MA 25-13 — 998 South Murphy Street (rezoned to Commercial General, CG): Commission recommended City Council approval (motion passed 4-0). Staff said the change aligns with an earlier preliminary PUD and the future land-use map. (Provenance: staff presentation 00:15:28 — vote 00:19:xx.)

- Map amendment MA 20-512 — 802 Southwestern Road (RSS to O): Denied by the commission (motion passed 4-0 to not approve); see separate article for full coverage. (Provenance: staff presentation 00:20:10 — motion/vote 01:10:43.)

- Text amendment (Stillwater City Code, Chapter 23, Land Development Code): Commission recommended that City Council approve amendments clarifying when front-yard setback reductions apply on blocks with 100-foot platted right-of-way and expanding the exception to additional zoning districts; motion passed 4-0. Supporters at the meeting said the change will reduce the need for variances in older, platted parts of town. (Provenance: staff presentation 01:13:46 — vote 01:18:xx.)

Other actions and housekeeping:

- Planning Commission 2026 meeting schedule: approved (motion passed 4-0).

- Preliminary plat for 2002 East McElroy Road: withdrawn by the applicant at the meeting and removed from consideration.

- Meeting minutes (October 21): accepted (motion passed 4-0).

What staff said about infrastructure on the Richmond Road final plat: Development Services Director David Barth told the commission the developer intends to pave Richmond Road for its full mile from Perkins Road to Jardot, said temporary repairs were being made for heavy truck traffic, and that the developer would complete drainage and erosion-control measures; staff reported no new complaints after recent rains.

What’s next: Items the commission recommended for approval will be forwarded to City Council for final action. The denied rezoning at 802 Southwestern Road was the subject of extensive public comment; the applicant may revise the proposal, seek council consideration, or choose an alternate site.