Minnetonka City Council — Transcript
Thursday, April 24, 2025
Minnetonka Planning Commission Operations and Responsibilities
City Council Planning Updates
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Commercial Redevelopment and Signage Variance
Votes (3)
Consent Agenda Items 7A and 7B
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Banks [0:15:33] · Seconded by Commissioner Minion [0:15:36]
The consent agenda, comprised of routine items, was presented. Item 7A was a resolution for an expansion permit at 15817 Woodgate Road South, and Item 7B was a conditional use permit for an attached accessory dwelling unit at 4219 Oak Drive Lane. No commissioner or audience member requested a separate discussion or vote on either item, indicating broad agreement on their routine nature.
Item 8A: Conditional Use Permit for a detached accessory dwelling unit at 9597 Sandra Lane
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Minion [0:14:40] · Seconded by Commissioner Waterman [0:14:42]
Staff presented the application for a detached ADU on a 1.79-acre vacant site where a new home is also proposed. The ADU is over 1000 sq ft, 21 ft tall, and designed in a modern style compatible with the main home. It was on the non-consent agenda due to its uniqueness (being built concurrently with the main home) and size. Staff confirmed the property is entirely within Minnetonka and minimal tree removal is expected due to existing vegetation. The applicant, Maurice, confirmed that no significant trees would be impacted and protective measures were already in place. Commissioners supported the project, noting the large lot, ample screening, and the city's general support for ADUs. The public hearing drew no speakers.
Item 8B: Items concerning First International Bank and Trust at 10801 Wayzata Boulevard
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Minion [0:47:04] · Seconded by Commissioner Waterman [0:47:05]
This item involved a master development plan, site and building plan review, conditional use permit for a drive-thru, and a sign variance for First International Bank and Trust. The bank proposed significant exterior updates, including a new 45-ft tall portico and a unique drive-thru bridge over an underground garage entrance. A sign variance was requested to place two wall signs on the Wayzata Boulevard elevation due to limited visibility from Archwood Road, a situation staff noted as similar to a past approval for Mill City Credit Union. Commissioners raised questions about the monument sign, noise guidelines for the drive-thru (no PA system), potential traffic conflicts with the underground garage, and the 'retail' space use (confirmed as bank tellers). The applicant, Andy Fet, clarified that the two signs were for First International Bank and Trust and its subsidiary, Kodapay, and that the drive-thru stacking would be more than adequate. Commissioners expressed strong support, commending the architects for enhancing the building's aesthetic and visibility, and creating a positive asset for the city. An additional condition for 'do not block' signage at the drive-thru/garage interface was added to the resolution.
Notable Quotes (9)
A couple reasons. One of the big ones too is that it's a little bit unique to be having a accessory dwelling unit being built at the same time as a home. That's something we don't really run into a whole lot. So that size, those are sort of things we thought about when we brought on to put it on to take it off the consent agenda.
I agree with the staff's recommendation to approve to approve it. Um and tree removal. There will be no significant trees impacted whatsoever. And they were out today. Luke uh something or other with natural resources that's already been approved and it's already all uh all the significant trees are already all marked and protected.
I'm in support of this one. I think it it makes logical sense, Drew. I think it was a very good uh presentation and and packet. I thought it was very straightforward. I get why we would put it on the uh non-consent agenda. I was really just curious if there was any public feedback, which there isn't, but so I agree with everything you said. I mean, no variances. Um large lot, plenty of screening. This makes a ton of sense, and I know the city is supportive of ADUs.
And this is the probably unique most unique part of this application which we had a lot of conversations with the applicant about this and how they're going to add on some sort of drive-through component. Uh and this was actually staff's first recommendation was to go over the top of this garage with a bridge.
The only reason that's being a variance is required is because they again are on the same elevation. Um, after looking through, there's a couple other things too that I wanted to add that were not in your staff report. Um, just to get a little bit more of the visual understanding of what's going on out there. So, here's a look at that building from Weisetta Boulevard. You can see the existing Aramark sign. Uh, again, the applicant would be allowed to have a sign on this elevation, but as you move farther away to the east, uh, that that elevation really gets blocked pretty by that vegetation.
Chair Maxwell, Commissioner Henry, I can feel our city attorney breathing down my neck. And the answer to that would be no. We do not have the ability to add on addition conditions like those.
A lot of the goals with this project are related to kind of that uh presence that they want to create here in the Twin Cities. And this is really honestly a marketing opportunity for them as a company to be so close to the interstate. Um and they they really do invest in their facilities um and the customer experience.
The second logo that you see there, Kodapay, is a a separate company that's owned by First International Bank and Trust, and they will occupy a portion of this building. So really that honestly was the main driver for the desire to have two separate signs is there will be the you know first international bank is the main occupant and the owner of the building but they also own this code of pay company which will be in the building as well.
The one thing I was thinking about for this project was the signs and just just because you take a sign off one face doesn't mean you should just automatically be allowed to put move it to the other face. Um so thank you for pulling together that um example of a similar project in the area. Um and the fact that there's multiple tenants in the building helps me feel okay with that.
Ordinances & Resolutions (19)
City document that the Planning Commission recommends amendments to, balancing individual rights and community responsibilities.
City regulation that the Planning Commission recommends amendments to, balancing individual rights and community responsibilities.
City regulations that the Planning Commission recommends amendments to, balancing individual rights and community responsibilities.
Applications for which the Planning Commission makes recommendations to the City Council.
Applications for which the Planning Commission makes recommendations to the City Council; also refers to an approved 4-lot subdivision.
Applications for which the Planning Commission makes recommendations to the City Council; also makes final decisions unless part of a council-heard application. Specific CUPs for ADUs and a bank drive-thru were discussed.
Applications for which the Planning Commission makes final decisions.
Applications for which the Planning Commission makes final decisions.
Applications for which the Planning Commission makes final decisions.
Applications for which the Planning Commission makes final decisions.
General reference to a legislative act; specifically, one introduced to City Council concerning First International Bank and Trust.
Approved by the City Council for the 12620 Minnetonka Boulevard property (English Rose).
Item 7A: Approval to increase the height of an existing garage at 15817 Woodgate Road South.
Item 7B: Approval for a unit at 4219 Oak Drive Lane.
Item 8A: Approval for a unit at 9597 Sandra Lane.
Required for requests in the Planned I394 district when a variance or CUP is involved, specifically for First International Bank and Trust.
Required for development projects, specifically for First International Bank and Trust.
Requested by First International Bank and Trust to allow two wall signs on one building elevation.
Specific zoning district that triggers the Master Development Plan requirement.