Spearfish Planning Commission Regular Meeting - July 7, 2026

The Spearfish Planning Commission met in regular session on July 7, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the Council Chambers of City Hall and via Zoom. All seven members (Tysdal, Bordewyk, Wilde, Duncan, Davison, Byrum, Moths) were present. Community Development Director Peter Wysocki, Assistant Planning Director Jaymia Ecker, and Planning Technician Vasiliki Pistoftzian were also present. The meeting was adjourned at 5:10 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approve Agenda: Approved 6-0.
• Approve Minutes (6/16/2026): Approved 6-0.
• Conflicts of Interest: None declared.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jeremy Smith made a public comment regarding the amended Planning Commission Bylaws. He questioned the order of public comment in the proceedings and how it applied to non-public-hearing agenda items, noting a discrepancy between the drafted procedures and past meeting flows. The Commission discussed that the chairperson has discretion to take public comment outside of public hearings.

Discussion Items

• Minor Plat (F.1): Staff recommended approval of a minor plat in the ETJ at 500 Thoen Stone Road (Applicant: Bradley Limbo). Commissioner Wilde expressed opposition, arguing the plat did not conform to zoning yard setback requirements and that a variance for the setbacks had not been secured. He stated he could not support a non-compliant plat. Commissioner Moths shared this concern. The motion to recommend approval to City Council passed 4-2, with Wilde and Moths voting nay. A public hearing is scheduled for City Council on August 3, 2026.
• Rezone HI to C2 (F.2): Staff presented a request from Richard Clayton (Camp K9) to rezone property at Maitland Road and Aspen Drive from Heavy Industrial (HI) to Highway Service Commercial (C2). The proposed project includes a dog daycare/boarding facility, a medical spa (personal service establishment), and staff housing. Discussion included concerns about spot zoning and permitted uses. The Commission voted 6-0 to set a public hearing for the rezone for July 21, 2026.
• Adoption of Amended Bylaws (F.3): Community Development Director Peter Wysocki presented proposed amendments to the Planning Commission Bylaws. The Commission discussed giving the presiding member (Chair or Vice-Chair) a vote, the order of proceedings, and adoption of a 5-minute time limit for public comment on non-agenda items. The attendance policy was discussed but intentionally left out of the bylaws. A motion to adopt the bylaws with the revisions discussed passed 6-0.

Key Outcomes

• Minor Plat (F.1): Recommended for approval to City Council (4-2 vote). City Council public hearing set for August 3, 2026.
• Rezone (F.2): Public hearing set for July 21, 2026 Planning Commission meeting (6-0 vote).
• Planning Commission Bylaws (F.3): Amended bylaws adopted (6-0 vote).

Departmental Discussion & Updates

• Engineering Design Standards: The City Council adopted the new Engineering Design Standards and seven related ordinances on July 6, 2026, by a unanimous vote. The standards will become effective 28 days after adoption.
• Art in Public Places Committee: Commissioner Amy Davison was officially appointed to the committee. The first meeting will be scheduled later in July or early August to adopt bylaws.
• Title XV Code Rewrite: The scope of work with Clarion is near finalization. Two Planning Commission members will be sought to participate in an advisory committee.