The Stillwater Planning Commission votes against recommending approval for a religious organization's request to operate in a residential neighborhood, following strong opposition from nearby residents.

The Planning Commission voted 2-1 Monday to recommend denial of KLife's application for a Specific Use Permit that would have allowed the youth ministry to operate at 1307 N. Husband Street. The recommendation now goes to the City Council for final consideration.

Neighbors express concerns about ongoing activities at the property despite lacking proper permits, with some reporting multiple weekly gatherings of up to 40 people.

"Having this organization right in the middle of our block does not preserve the integrity of our neighborhood," said Renee Ruhl, who lives directly next door to the property. "This particular group has been disrespectful by disregarding the zoning process and holding events without the SUP."

The property, which includes a single-family home and a recently constructed 80-by-40-foot accessory structure described as a "metal barn," sits in an area zoned for residential use. Religious institutions require a Specific Use Permit to operate in such zones.

Photos taken on May 20, 2025 show the residential home at 1307 N. Husband Street along with the newly constructed metal building on the east portion of the property. In September 2024 a permit was issued to widen the driveway entrance on N. Husband Street. – Photos by Chris Peters

Property owner Matthew Clark defends KLife's activities, saying they benefit the community by providing a place for youth to connect.

"Stillwater KLife is no different than any other nonprofit in the community. We are seeking and searching for locations to hold an opportunity to connect with young kids," Clark said. "I have asked and scoured this town for a place that we can do this at a cost, at a fiscally responsible level, and there is none."

Several neighbors present photographic evidence of KLife activities occurring on the property since last year, despite city officials confirming such gatherings are not permitted without the SUP.

"I live next door and have witnessed ongoing KLife activities since September 2024," Ruhl said. "The largest event was held on Sunday, May 4 from 4 to 6 p.m. It consisted of about 30 kids and adults playing baseball, cornhole and loud music in the front yard. It was very loud."

Photos submitted with public comments show attendees of KLife's May 4, 2025 youth event. The event was promoted on KLife's social media and website.

Don Ruhl, who also lives next door, notes that many activities occur early mornings, evenings, or weekends when city code enforcement isn't typically working.

"We saw things like cars lined up right on the property line in the grass for football games at the high school," he says. "We have the party that happened a few weeks ago. This is very intrusive for us."

Neighbors also express concern about the property's current condition, with several mentioning tall weeds and unmaintained grounds. Tom Hennessy presents photographs showing overgrown vegetation around the property.

"This shows the photo from the east side of the property. If you would turn around, which were you on site, you would look down Randolph Court to homes that are very nice, very nice homes," Hennessy says. "This is a very nice residential neighborhood in which this appears clearly not being kept up."

Property owner and applicant, Matthew Clark makes his case to Stillwater Planning Commissioners to approve the special use permit. – Photo by Chris Peters

When questioned about the property's condition, Clark acknowledges the maintenance issues.

"We're just in a season of... the weather has sort of presented some challenges related to that area," Clark says. "At this point, there's really nothing more than we've been spending time doing other things this season of life with our kids. And as a result, it has not been top of priority."

City staff confirms they received a complaint about the property's condition the day before the meeting, and code enforcement has issued a notice giving the owner seven days to address the tall grass and weeds.

If approved, city staff recommended commissioners require a variance from the Board of Adjustment for the accessory structure, which currently has a 5-foot setback but would need a 15-foot setback for any other use.

Several neighbors express concern that KLife would be exempt from noise ordinances if granted the permit, placing the burden on residents to file complaints.

"We as neighbours have been told that if we find activities on this site to be noisy or intrusive, we can contact the police department and file a complaint," said Elaine Ackerson, who lives down the street. "That honestly places a burden on us to monitor, contact the police, request that a formal complaint be filed and then follow up through that process."

On loud music prohibitions, Stillwater City Code does provide exemption for noise regulations for “Church related activities conducted on church property at times other than between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.” 

Barbara Miller, who lives across the street, questions Clark's statements about the organization's activities.

"He also said that it would be mostly indoors and it would be very quiet and yet he doesn't have heating or air conditioning," Miller said. "So that would imply that at certain times of year people are going to have to be outside."

In making their recommendation against approval, Planning Commission Chair Jana Phillips cites concerns about compatibility with the neighborhood.

"It does not seem to be much of a fit to me," Phillips said. "By the time that this SUP would have to meet commercial requirements, it's really going to become almost like a spot zoning. It's going to be one little piece of property in the middle of a very consistent neighborhood and feel very commercial."

The City Council will make the final decision on the permit application at their June 16, 2025 meeting.

📺 Watch the Planning Commission Meeting

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