The Planning Commission voted unanimously to retain Dallas as chairperson and Tom as vice chairperson, with no competing nominations. The leadership decision came early in a meeting focused on the commission's 2025 priorities and a major zoning code update project.

The most significant discussion centered on a comprehensive overhaul of Oakdale's zoning and subdivision code, which hasn't been substantially updated since 2010. Working with Twin Cities-based planning consultants H KGI, the commission is reviewing proposed changes to residential zoning districts, building material standards, and parking requirements. The update would consolidate some residential zones—for example, merging current R2 and R3 districts into a single R2 zone while creating a new R3 district that allows smaller lots with 50-foot widths and reduced setbacks.

Public input gathered through an online questionnaire informed the proposed changes, which address housing types, accessory structures, and development flexibility. The commission also reviewed revised exterior building material standards and discussed a proposed parking table that would adjust space requirements based on land use. During this discussion, commissioners examined underutilized parking lots across the city at locations including Canvas Health, Home Furniture, and retail complexes with Taco Bell and Cub stores, suggesting the city may have excessive parking requirements in some areas.

The Planning Commission also discussed its 2025 work plan, which includes an upcoming small area plan for the 12th in Geneva area and preparatory work for the city's next comprehensive plan update. The city council will need to approve the work plan at a future meeting.

Draft ordinances from the zoning code update are expected in April, with potential adoption in May. A March Planning Commission meeting is also scheduled to address a single conditional use permit application.