The Edina Planning Commission approved two development requests during its January 15 meeting, including a front yard setback variance and a subdivision creating a conservation easement.

The commission unanimously approved a variance for 5115 and 5121 Lake Ridge Road, allowing construction of a new home with a 30-foot front setback instead of the required 46 feet. The property owners plan to demolish an existing home and build new on the combined lots near Mirror Lake. The variance was necessary due to conflicting setback requirements from both the lake and street.

In a more complex decision, commissioners approved a preliminary and final plat for properties at 5229 and 5235 Highwood Drive and 6012 Pine Grove Road. The subdivision will create an outlot that becomes a conservation easement, preserving mature oak trees on steep slopes. The city will purchase the outlot for $150,000, with costs recovered through assessments to seven neighboring properties over time.

The commission also reviewed a sketch plan from Opus Group for a five-story office building at 5100 Eden Avenue. The 112,000-square-foot building would replace a smaller existing structure and serve as Opus's new headquarters. Commissioners provided feedback on building orientation, pedestrian access, and ground-floor activation before any formal application.

The meeting concluded with adoption of a parking advisory communication outlining future parking initiatives for the city, including audits of commercial districts and updates to parking ordinances over the next decade.