Stayton — The State Planning Commission on Aug. 25 approved a preliminary partition that will divide 0.68 acres at 650 West High Street into three lots, with the existing house remaining on the largest lot and two new vacant lots to be created.

Ross Boxler, the applicant, told the commission that water, sewer and other services are available to the new lots and that lot sizes and dimensions would meet city code. Planning staff recommended approval and included conditions requiring sidewalk replacement on Evergreen Avenue and other standard public‑works improvements.

Why it matters: The decision allows an infill lot division in a medium‑density zone and clears the way for a subsequent building permit process and recordation steps. The commission noted the parcel’s previous partition history and that one larger lot was intentionally left at approximately 14,374 square feet so the owner may seek an additional partition in a later calendar year.

Key facts and procedure

- Proposal: A preliminary partition will split a 0.68‑acre parcel at 650 West High into three lots; existing single‑family house remains on Lot 1 (about 14,374 sq. ft.), with two additional lots of approximately 7,000 sq. ft. and 8,033 sq. ft.

- Services and improvements: Staff and the applicant said utilities are available nearby. The commission’s draft order includes a condition to replace the sidewalk on Evergreen Avenue; High Street improvements were covered by an existing non‑remonstrance (non‑remonstrance certificate) signed earlier by the applicant.

- Nonconforming setback: Staff noted an existing house with an 18‑foot setback where 20 feet is required; because the partition will not create new nonconformities, staff recommended approval.

- Public comment: Staff reported no public comments were filed in response to mailed notices. The commission moved to approve the draft order and the preliminary partition; the motion carried on an affirmative vote.

Next steps

The commission approved the preliminary plan and the draft order. The applicant and city will complete any engineering and public‑works conditions required for final partition approval and recordation. If the owner pursues further partitioning of the larger lot, that would come as a separate application in a subsequent calendar year.

Process note: The commission closed the public hearing on the partition and moved directly to deliberation and action; the approval included the standard conditions described in the staff report.