Minnetonka City Council — Transcript
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Story
Minnetonka Planning Commission approves three property development requests
Votes (3)
Expansion permit for construction of a new garage at 3706 Farmington Road
Dissent: None
Moved by Henry [24:43] · Seconded by Minion [24:47]
The property, predating zoning, sought to expand its 24x24 ft garage to 26x30 ft while maintaining existing non-conforming side (8ft) and front (32ft) setbacks. Staff found the request reasonable, noting it would not alter neighborhood character and would enhance the property. The applicant confirmed the proposal, clarified that the driveway expansion would improve runoff, and explained a well on the property limited the garage's original planned size. A neighbor expressed full support, particularly appreciating the removal of a leaning tree. The commission approved the permit, citing its reasonableness, the maintenance of setbacks, and neighborhood support.
Rear yard setback variance for a garage addition at 4517 Woodhill Road
Dissent: None
Moved by Minion [42:47] · Seconded by Brink [42:49]
The applicant sought a variance to reduce the rear setback from 40ft to 30.5ft for a 1,120 sq ft attached garage addition. Staff identified unique circumstances, including the property's orientation towards a private drive rather than the public road (impacting rear yard definition) and limited buildable area due to a large flood plain. Staff noted that only a minimal portion of the addition (88 sq ft) was within the setback and presented alternatives that would have been more impactful. The applicant highlighted working with staff and neighbors (who provided letters of support) to develop the most positive plan. The commission unanimously approved the variance, acknowledging the practical difficulties and the project's minimal impact on neighborhood character.
Resolution amending and replacing the existing conditional use permit for cemetery use of the existing properties at 33000 and 3228 Woodlon Avenue
Dissent: None
Moved by Waterman [56:11] · Seconded by Henry [56:13]
The Groveland Cemetery Association sought to amend its Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow for a cremation garden, including columbariums and cremation plots, in addition to existing in-ground burials. The cemetery, in operation since the 1880s, sought to adapt to evolving burial trends. Staff found the proposal reasonable, consistent with existing cemetery use, and that it would not alter the neighborhood's character. The applicant elaborated on phasing the project, using permeable pavers, and managing parking through an agreement with the adjacent school. The commission voted to recommend approval to the City Council, recognizing the need for diverse burial options and the appropriate use of space.
Notable Quotes (9)
staff finds that the request is reasonable um as the garage would again maintain the existing non-conforming setbacks, would be located roughly 50 ft from Farmington Road. The proposal would not alter the character of the neighborhood and would actually allow for the enhancement of the neighborhood um given the uh reconstruction would uh have new siding, roof and paint.
the driveway will actually help with runoff, uh from going to the neighbor as well by, uh, slightly raising the elevation and getting water going to where it's supposed to go instead of towards the neighbor's home as it is currently. So, the driveway will actually help with what we're doing from a runoff standpoint as well.
we just want to go on record that we are fully supportive of the change of this. It's out our bedroom window and but it's not a big deal. So for whatever that's worth, we're fully supportive.
So there's really two things that staff saw that are unique about this property. Number one is that that orientation... And then the other part of it that is uh bit unique is the buildable area... but there isn't that much buildable area on it because that large flood plane.
staff did look to see what could be done here, meeting code... The middle option is something that could be approved with just a building permit... So sign encroaching significantly more than what's being proposed.
I did work with the staff quite a bit and we've bounced this around for quite a round and this has been the most positive plan we got. uh the detached uh nobody liked it and I and I'm very much about keeping character to neighborhood and that type of thing.
Tonight, the current proposal keeps elements of those previous conditional conditional uses permits, excuse me, um but does ask to include a cremation garden. Currently, those past approvals were for inground burials. This proposal is asking to include arrangements for cremations. The proposed cremation garden would have a walkway in an existing open area and it'll be near an existing tree, one of them listed for the tree preservation, but it won't have a significant impact on the critical root zone area. So, it's not considered a tree loss. So, this proposal proposing no tree removals.
this request is something that um is really uh in line with the evolving trends in burials. There's more and more people being cremated today than there used to be. And all of our original plans were uh full plots and we've tried to do some accommodations to use the space and have come to the conclusion that we need to consider colariums as another option for um how we handle the the demand for the burials.
One thing about a cemetery is it's a business model that is guaranteed to fail. Eventually it will because we'll run out of space. And we've been trying to build up a um a um like a perpetual care fund.
Ordinances & Resolutions (10)
City plan outlining development guidelines
City regulations for land use and development
City regulations for dividing land
Permit for modifying land within a flood plain
Variance for removing more trees than typically allowed by code
Permit for expanding an existing structure
Permit required for construction
Permit required for changes to a driveway at the right-of-way
Variance to reduce the required rear yard setback
Permit for uses not automatically allowed in a zoning district but may be approved with specific conditions