The Edina Planning Commission unanimously approved a 7-foot front yard setback variance for 8 Woodland Road at their September 25 meeting, allowing property owners Heather and Travis Wells to replace a structurally failing garage with a new addition.

The variance request involved replacing an elongated breezeway and garage built in 1941 with a new structure that includes basement, main floor and second floor additions. Assistant Planner Aer explained the existing garage already encroaches into the required setback due to the property's location on a cul-de-sac, where front yard requirements are calculated using the average setback of adjacent homes.

The new addition will maintain the same non-conforming setback as the existing structure while adding a second story above the garage area. Staff recommended approval, noting the proposal would not alter the neighborhood's essential character and that neighboring property owners at 7 and 9 Woodland Road submitted letters supporting the request.

Commissioners discussed the practical difficulties of building a conforming garage on the curved street, with Commissioner Swift noting that the city's setback formula works well for straight streets but can be problematic for cul-de-sacs. The commission also approved their 2026-2027 work plan, which includes a new initiative to study food truck regulations in the city.

Commissioners Smith and Padilla will lead the food truck study to examine how mobile vending could bring activity to areas of the city with limited restaurant options. The commission canceled their October 15 meeting due to no agenda items but will meet again October 29.