Edina City Council — Transcript
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Residential Front Yard Setback Variance
Commercial Site Plan and Variances for Dental Office
Commissioner Training and Work Sessions
Votes (2)
Variance request for 6512 Belmore Lane
Dissent: None
Moved by Brian [Approx. 00:11:34] · Seconded by Unknown [Approx. 00:11:46]
The property at 6512 Belmore Lane, a unique site at the intersection of Belmore Lane and Arthur Lane, requested an 18-foot front yard setback variance to allow for a 324 square foot porch addition. Staff noted the existing home's location made the lot unbuildable to current code without the variance. Discussion included the history of Edina's zoning ordinance, with significant overhauls in the 1970s or '80s, and how this project would be code-compliant under proposed zoning updates for a standard 30-foot setback. Staff confirmed the variance met criteria, ensured reasonable use, and would not alter the neighborhood's essential character.
Site plan with variances for a dental office at 7300 Metro Boulevard
Dissent: None
Moved by Jimmy [Approx. 00:30:40] · Seconded by Unknown [Approx. 00:30:57]
The proposal involved a 5,000 square foot dental office (Kids R Grins Pediatric Dentistry) at 7300 Metro Boulevard, seeking variances for a 10-foot first floor ceiling height (reduced from 20-foot requirement) and a 10-foot side yard setback (reduced from 20-foot requirement). This was a re-application of a similar project approved two years prior, which had expired. The new plan featured increased green space, including rain gardens. Staff supported the variances, noting the district typically does not have 20-foot ceiling heights and the reduced setback still allowed ample separation from adjacent buildings while optimizing green space and avoiding existing drive aisle disturbance. The project's smaller size also led to the elimination of a traffic demand management plan condition. The applicant clarified the reduced size was based on operational needs, allowing for sufficient dental chairs.
Notable Quotes (7)
So, this house this lot is basically unbuildable to meet city code requirements.
This wouldn't alter the essential character of the neighborhood. Um again, the front yards the the true front yard setback to the house is not impacted with the addition off the back.
This would be code-compliant and they could go right to building permit.
The proposal this evening is very similar. It's also a dental office but it is smaller in size. This one is 5,000 square feet. They've actually increased the green space on the site from the previous approval but the variances requested are the same with that 10 foot um first floor ceiling height and then the 10 foot side yard setback.
Again, the same findings essentially as the previous approval. The nearest building to the south is 70 ft away. So uh city code, 20 ft is the required setback. So 40 ft separation would be typical for two office buildings. So this being 70 ft away, um they're still greater than what would normally be required by code. And again, it's not disturbing those existing drive aisles. Um and we're getting increased green space.
Uh the reason for decreasing the size from 6,000 sq ft to 5,000 sq ft was based on uh fit plan of the number of operatories that would be necessary. The um the previous plan that was approved uh had an additional meeting room, and uh there was one other room that wasn't necessary in in my fit plan.
Being that one was just completed 2 years ago with that previous request, I checked in with the consultant that did the study. He said he couldn't imagine any changes to the previous study. The building actually got smaller, so the um the number of trips generated would be less.
Ordinances & Resolutions (14)
The official list of items to be discussed at the current meeting.
Record of a previous meeting's proceedings.
Form for public commenters to register their details.
Official request for an exception to zoning requirements regarding a front yard setback.
Municipal regulations governing property development.
Guiding document for city development and land use.
Document prepared by city staff recommending action on an agenda item.
Specific regulations governing land use and development standards, subject to potential updates.
Official request for development approval including exceptions to standard requirements for a commercial project.
Specific zoning classification for the property at 7300 Metro Boulevard.
Action taken to divide a parcel of land into smaller lots.
Analysis of vehicular impact and parking needs for a development.
A planning document to reduce traffic congestion and encourage alternative transportation.
A regulatory rule from the Department of Natural Resources, discussed for future training.