Rolla Planning and Zoning Commission recommends driving-range permit with road upgrades and daylight-only operations

The Rolla Planning and Zoning Commission on Aug. 12 recommended that the City Council approve a conditional use permit to allow a golf driving range at 1905 Country Ridge Road, voting 6-0 to forward the permit with conditions including a three-year expiration, a pre-opening inspection, daylight-only operations and required road upgrades to meet fire-access standards.

City Planner Tom Coots presented the staff report during the commission’s public hearing on CUP25-02 and distributed a written letter from McBride Homes to commissioners for consideration. Commissioners focused on access and safety questions, asking who owns the entrance and gravel access road, how much of the road must be widened, and which party would be responsible for long-term maintenance.

Residents raised traffic and access concerns during public comment. Tim Davis, a resident of 1858 Country Ridge Road, said he “doesn’t have an issue with the driving range” but is “mostly concerned with the amount of additional traffic it will create.” Amy Davis, who also lives at 1858 Country Ridge Road, said her “concern is the traffic off Osage Drive and the gravel drive is not currently wide enough for two cars to pass by each other.” Commissioners discussed those concerns alongside staff recommendations on signage, netting, hours and lighting.

Commissioner Janece Martin moved, and Commissioner Monty Jordan seconded, a motion to recommend approval “with the conditions of the staff report as amended.” Recorded conditions attached to the recommendation include:

- The conditional use permit expires three years after approval unless an extension is granted by the Planning and Zoning Commission. - After construction and before commencement of the use, the Community Development Director (or designee) must inspect the site for compliance with the permit and applicable city codes. - The use is limited to daylight hours; the addition of site lighting is prohibited. - Any expansion to add tee boxes, outdoor lighting, or new buildings/structures requires approval of an amended conditional use permit. - The gravel access road must be improved, constructed and maintained to comply with IFC Appendix D (fire access road requirements); in lieu of a mid-way turnaround the road must be constructed to a 26-foot width.

A roll-call vote on the motion recorded ayes from Commissioners Nathan Chirban, Kevin Crider, Steve Davis, Monty Jordan, Janece Martin and Don Morris; none voted no and Commissioner Monte Shields was absent. The commission’s recommendation now goes to the Rolla City Council for consideration.

No other new business or citizen comments were recorded. The meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.; minutes were prepared by Cindy Brown. The Planning and Zoning Commission’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025.