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author: SAllison

date: D:20260422081012-05'00'

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## MINUTES

## OF THE EDINA CITY COUNCIL

## WORK SESSION

## COMMUNITY ROOM, CITY HALL

## TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026

## 5:30 P.M.

## 1.0 CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m.

## 2.0 ROLL CALL

Answering roll call were Members Agnew, Jackson, Risser, and Mayor Hovland. Pierce arrived at

5:36 p.m.

Staff in attendance: Scott Neal, City Manager; Ari Lenz, Assistant City Manager; Addison Lewis,

## Community Development Coordinator; Cary Teague, Community Development Director; Chad

## Millner, Public Works Director/City Engineer; Stephanie Hawkinson, Affordable Housing Manager;

Jesse Meyer-Ruude, I.T. Supervisor; and Sharon Allison, City Clerk.

Also present: Michael Stein, ZoneCo, City’s consulting partner (virtual), David Alkire, Chair of

Planning Commission to give PC’s feedback.

## 3.0 MEETING TOPICS

## 3.1 ZONING AND SUBDIVISON ORDINANCE UPDATE – R-1 ANALYSIS

Manager Neal introduced the topic and shared that it was presented to the Planning

Commission (PC) and Chair Alkire was present to share the PC’s feedback. Neal said staff were

asking for feedback, no decision.

Planning Coordinator Lewis shared the current zoning ordinance was adopted in 1970 and that

the vision, housing market and development in the R-1 zoning districts were different today. He

said in the last 5-10 years, the issue was amplified and an audit was done in 2024 in preparation

for the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Key findings were the need for approval for simple

development projects, overly specific allowed uses and standards, and front yard setback

standards that created barriers and are burdensome. In addition to aligning with the Comp Plan,

he said this was an opportune or an ordinance that was simply and efficient as possible, easy to

understand, administer and amend, and uses plain language that reduces the potential for

erroneous or controversial interpretations. In addition to simplifying, other goals are updating

or creating new zoning districts, add development incentives, update permitted, conditional and

accessory uses, definitions, etc.

Council asked about timing, and staff indicated recommendations are anticipated later this year

or early next year. Council expressed interest in establishing clear guiding principles to inform

zoning decisions, including considerations such as sustainability, tree canopy, and neighborhood

character. Council noted that shared principles would provide consistency and help guide

decision-making when disagreements arise. There was also discussion about differences across

neighborhoods, including lot configurations, sidewalk presence, and tree canopy, and the need

to apply standards equitably while recognizing these variations.

Council asked about impervious

surfaces and environmental impacts, with staff noting that additional analysis may be addressed

in future phases of the work.

Consultant Michael Stein introduced a proposal to create R-1 subareas based on existing

neighborhood characteristics such as lot size, width, and depth. The intent is to better align

standards with existing conditions, simplify administration, and improve predictability for

residents. Front yard setbacks and nonconformities were identified as key issues, with

significant variation across neighborhoods often resulting in the need for variances. Examples

were discussed illustrating the current cost and complexity of subdivision and variance

processes, with staff noting that the proposed changes aim to reduce financial burdens and

increase predictability for property owners. Staff described proposed adjustments to reduce

setback creep and minimize the frequency of variances while maintaining neighborhood

character.

Feedback from the Planning Commission was noted as positive, particularly regarding improved

clarity and reduced costs for residents navigating the zoning process. Questions were raised

about infrastructure capacity, such as sewer systems, with staff confirming these factors are

evaluated during subdivision review. Council expressed general support for the direction of the

work.

## 4. ADJOURNMENT

Mayor Hovland adjourned the meeting at 6:36 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

## James B. Hovland, Mayor

Minutes approved by Edina City Council, April 21, 2026. Audio copy of the work session available.