Oakdale approves City Hall expansion and zoning updates
The Oakdale Planning Commission unanimously approved three major items on January 8, 2026, including a 27,141-square-foot expansion of City Hall and Police Department and amendments to the city's zoning code. All votes passed 6-0 with no dissent.
The Planning Commission elected new leadership and then moved through its agenda, approving changes designed to support the city's growth. The most significant decision was greenlighting a site plan amendment for the City Hall and Police Department expansion at 1584 Hadley Avenue North. City Planner Luke McClanahan explained that "the City needs modern facilities and additional space to better serve the community as Oakdale continues to grow."
The expansion project includes a new primary public entrance on 15th Street North and modifications to traffic flow patterns. Project officials determined that a new turn lane off 15th Street was unnecessary based on anticipated traffic volumes and would conflict with an existing turn lane serving northbound traffic on Hadley Avenue North.
The commission also approved zoning ordinance amendments that clarify and refine rules adopted last July. The changes include removing townhomes and courtyard cottages as permitted uses in residential R-2 districts, allowing light manufacturing in business B-2 districts, and establishing clearer standards for electronic signage and accessory structures. Community Development Specialist Max Lohse confirmed that "the ordinance amendments are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan" and recommended approval. Staff noted that existing permit applications would be handled separately from the new rules.
Looking ahead, the commission discussed a multi-year update to the city's 2050 Comprehensive Plan, which will guide development and infrastructure planning through 2050. The update will incorporate climate planning requirements from the Metropolitan Council and focus on redevelopment opportunities. The commission also previewed proposed amendments to the recreational vehicle storage ordinance, which would allow residents to park up to four RVs on residential lots—up from the current limit of one—and remove seasonal restrictions on where they can be stored.
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Votes (3)
Election of Commission Chair and Vice Chair
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner McCauley [Page 3] · Seconded by Commissioner Willenbring [Page 4]
Commissioners nominated and voted for the leadership positions for the upcoming calendar year, aiming to establish continuity and leadership for the Planning Commission's operations.
Public Hearing – Zoning Ordinance Amendments
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Willenbring [Page 5] · Seconded by Commissioner Diatta [Page 5]
Community Development Specialist Max Lohse explained the necessity of the proposed amendments following the comprehensive Zoning Code update in July 2025, detailing specific changes such as permitted uses in R-2 districts, light manufacturing in B-2 districts, and accessory structure requirements. Staff recommended approval, asserting consistency with the Comprehensive Plan. Public comment addressed the impact on pending permits, with clarification provided that existing applications would be handled separately.
Oakdale City Hall and Police Department Expansion and Renovation, 1584 Hadley Avenue North – Site Plan Amendment
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Willenbring [Page 7] · Seconded by Commissioner McCauley [Page 7]
City Planner Luke McClanahan presented the need for modern facilities and additional space for City Hall and the Police Department, detailing a 27,141 square foot expansion requiring a site plan amendment. Discussions covered compliance with zoning requirements, new access points, anticipated traffic flow, and public outreach efforts. The project manager, Michael Healy, provided an overview of architectural elements and site improvements. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions.
Notable Quotes (4)
The proposed changes include removing townhomes and courtyard cottages as permitted uses in the R-2 zoning district, allowing light manufacturing as a principal use in the B-2 zoning district, requiring higher exterior design standards for industrial uses in the B-2 district, clarifying that a Conditional Use Permit is required for electronic signage in non-residential zoning districts, correcting a reference in the zoning map amendment section, clarifying specific setback requirements for accessory structures, and including specific review criteria for oversized accessory structures and secondary garages.
The ordinance amendments are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and that staff recommends approval.
The City needs modern facilities and additional space to better serve the community as Oakdale continues to grow. Based on the size of the proposed building expansion, a site plan amendment is required.
The project team worked with the City Engineer and determined that a turn lane off 15th Street North for the new access was not warranted due to the anticipated traffic flow. A new turn lane is also not desired because it would conflict with an existing turn lane on 15th Street North serving traffic going northbound onto Hadley Avenue North.
Ordinances & Resolutions (19)
Multi-year update project serving as the official guide for land development and infrastructure planning through 2050, required by the Metropolitan Council.
City ordinance subject to proposed amendments for clarification and minor policy changes, adopted in July 2025.
Permit type mentioned in relation to electronic signage, oversized accessory structures, secondary garages, and a public comment regarding a pending application.
Required for the Oakdale City Hall and Police Department expansion project due to its size.
Official guide initiating the 2050 Comprehensive Plan update process and specifying required plan elements.
Existing planning document to be incorporated into or align with the Comprehensive Plan update.
Existing planning document to be incorporated into or align with the Comprehensive Plan update.
Existing planning document to be incorporated into or align with the Comprehensive Plan update.
Existing planning document to be incorporated into or align with the Comprehensive Plan update.
Existing planning document to be incorporated into or align with the Comprehensive Plan update, ensuring implementation aligns.
Existing planning document to be incorporated into or align with the Comprehensive Plan update.
Existing planning document to be incorporated into or align with the Comprehensive Plan update.
Existing planning document to be incorporated into or align with the Comprehensive Plan update.
Existing planning document to be incorporated into or align with the Comprehensive Plan update.
Existing planning document to be incorporated into or align with the Comprehensive Plan update.
External planning document to be cross-referenced by the Comprehensive Plan update.
Forthcoming external planning document to be cross-referenced by the Comprehensive Plan update.
Forthcoming external planning document to be cross-referenced by the Comprehensive Plan update.
Proposed amendment to the Oakdale Code of Ordinances relating to recreational vehicle storage, to be considered at a future meeting.
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Other Topics from This Document
Zoning Ordinance Amendments (January 8, 2026)
Oakdale City Hall and Police Department Expansion and Renovation
Recreational Vehicle Storage Ordinance Amendments (Proposed for April 2, 2026)
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