<p>Pillarless mining is a crucial technique for minimizing coal resource waste and promoting green, sustainable mining practices. In ultra-close coal seam geological conditions, roadways in the lower seams frequently encounter severe roof strata damage and intense surrounding rock stress due to disturbances from upper-seam mining and pressure exerted by residual coal pillars. These challenges pose significant safety risks to pillarless mining operations. To address these issues, this study analyzed the stress and damage distribution characteristics in roadway surrounding rock under ultra-close seam conditions through geological exploration and theoretical modeling. Based on the principles of “low-disturbance roof cutting pressure relief” and “roof repair and anchoring”, a novel pillarless mining method for gob-side roadway formation by roof cutting in ultra-close coal seams (PMM-UCS) was proposed. The stress evolution laws within the stope under this method were systematically investigated, and engineering applications were conducted at Longmenta Coal Mine. Results demonstrate that, compared to conventional pillar-retained mining, the PMM-UCS substantially reduces both the magnitude and spatial extent of surrounding rock stress concentrations at the advanced and lagging faces, effectively shifting stress concentrations away from the roadway. This optimized stress distribution enhances stope stability and greatly facilitates the successful formation of roadways in pillarless mining. Field implementation showed favorable roadway retention with minimal deformation, an intact cross-section, and no significant structural failure, thereby satisfying the reuse requirements for subsequent mining operations.</p>