Commission recommends code change to allow nonconsecutive lot/block numbering in rare cases

The Stillwater Planning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend City Council approve a text amendment to Chapter 23 (Land Development Code) that would give the Development Services director limited authority to approve nonconsecutive numbering of lots and blocks for major subdivisions in rare, complex circumstances.

David Barnes, Development Services director, presented the amendment to Section 203327, paragraph B12, explaining the code currently requires blocks and lots to be numbered consecutively throughout a subdivision. The proposed change would add language allowing nonconsecutive numbering "unless otherwise approved in writing by the development services director," to provide flexibility for large, phased, or otherwise complicated developments tied to other development mechanisms such as tax increment financing or district-based phasing.

Barnes told commissioners the change is intended for unusual situations and not a general waiver for arbitrary numbering: "We're not going to allow residential subdivisions to come in here with, some odd numbering system just because they want to... that we would wanna have that flexibility," he said. Staff recommended approving the amendment and said additional code updates will follow as part of a broader code diagnostic effort.

No members of the public spoke in the hearing. After considering alternatives to approve, deny, or table, the commission moved to accept staff findings and recommend City Council approve the proposed text amendment. The motion passed 5-0.

If adopted by City Council, the amendment would permit the director to approve nonconsecutive numbering in documented, limited circumstances; all other subdivision numbering requirements would remain in force.