Minnetonka City Council — Transcript
Thursday, July 9, 2026
Planning Commission Leadership Election
Accessory Structure Development and Zoning Compliance
Balancing Individual Rights and Community Responsibilities in Land Use
Votes (4)
Election of Officers
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Banks [00:05:07] · Seconded by Commissioner Shoemaker [00:05:57]
Due to vacancies, an election was held for Chair and Vice Chair of the Planning Commission. Staff clarified the procedural requirements from the bylaws and the roles of each officer position. Commissioner Minion was nominated for Chair and Commissioner Johnson for Vice Chair. Both accepted their nominations and were elected unanimously.
Conditional Use Permit with a setback variance for an accessory structure in excess of 12 ft high at 16801 Excelsier Boulevard
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Johnson [00:23:30] · Seconded by Commissioner Shoemaker [00:23:55]
The applicant sought approval to demolish an existing 1958 detached garage and build a larger, taller garage (22x24 ft, 16 ft midpoint height) in the same location. This required a CUP for height and a setback variance (13.3 ft side, 10 ft rear vs. 16 ft requirement). Staff recommended approval, citing structural issues with the old garage, lack of viable alternative locations on the site due to utilities and topography, and the new structure's architectural compatibility. The applicant emphasized the need for modern vehicle accommodation and storage. Commissioners inquired about the impact of nearby road reconstruction and future ADU potential (which would require a new CUP). The proposal was deemed the least impactful option.
Conditional use permit to allow accessory structures in excess of 1,000 square foot at 4915 Highland Road
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Brink [00:39:46] · Seconded by Commissioner Johnson [00:40:19]
The applicant requested a CUP to build a 384 sq ft greenhouse on a 4.7-acre property, which would bring the total accessory structure square footage to 2,712 sq ft, exceeding the 1,000 sq ft limit. Staff recommended approval, noting the substantial size of the property and that the total accessory square footage remained subordinate to the main home. The applicant clarified the greenhouse would be for personal use, primarily for early season planting, and would use supplemental lighting due to tree cover. A commissioner expressed concern about setting a precedent for approving oversized structures based solely on property size, but ultimately supported the project due to its specific characteristics and minimal impact.
Conditional use permit for an accessory structure in excess of 1,000 square ft at 12600 Orchard Road
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Banks [00:53:23] · Seconded by Commissioner Sher [00:53:34]
The applicant sought a CUP to demolish an existing 24x24 ft garage and build a new, larger 24x48 ft garage (1,152 sq ft), exceeding the 1,000 sq ft limit, in a similar footprint. Staff recommended approval, noting the proposed garage would remain subordinate to the principal house in both footprint and total area, and met all other CUP standards (height under 12 ft, setbacks met, no tree removal). The applicant highlighted the structural issues with the old garage and the desire for a single, versatile workspace rather than multiple smaller accessory structures, also considering future resale and the city's strategic plan for durable construction.
Notable Quotes (10)
your bylaws, uh require that the commission hold an election at least once a year uh for officers. The bylaws also allow you to hold an election anytime there is a quorum of people.
the chair, and I think, uh, Chair Waterman talked about this at his last meeting, really, uh, it's a slightly different role than the planning commissioner in that your job is to ensure that our meetings run effect effectively, efficiently, keep everybody on task.
My garage was built in 1958. There are structural issues that do not make it possible to even remotely not have a full tear down.
At this current point in time, my garage does not fit a large SUV or pickup truck, which is problematic in this day and age. So, the expansion of the garage to accommodate larger vehicles is a necessity as far as also future resale.
It's a reasonable request. The proposal reuses the existing garage location. The garage is proposed at a reduced width compared to a standard 24x4 garage. This is seen as a compromise for the setback variance request and the proposed location is the least impactful.
I love growing things and I'm a ma been a master gardener many many years have managed green houses owned green houses in the past so it's for me it's just more of a love a heart thing.
I do want us to be cautious about stating that we're okay with this because of the size of the property because um there's no we don't want to set a precedent. Um and and unless there is, you know, a calculation where we can say, well, if the size of the property is, you know, a certain size, um then um you know, we would approve something over the,000 square ft.
this is 4.7 acres. the location that it's sitting in is really tucked away, not only because of the trees, but because of the way the topography lays and the way the home is laid out. Um, I don't think the neighbors will really know that it's there. I don't think it'll impact anybody else around them.
the garage, there's no chance of like trying to reconstruct anything there. Um, as far as the size... the biggest reasoning is from the medical side with the uh thought process and again I know I put it in a proposal um in regards to family being able to utilize the garage instead of as we've seen, you know, at past meetings also where we want to propose this and then propose an like a work room in the backyard and then propose a shed, etc. This kind of takes care of all that concept in one.
The setup of this garage allows us very usable space not only interior but as you'll see exterior it straightens the uh curb lines out for lack of better terms... it should have been probably from the beginning. But then additionally with the garage being built as such, regardless whether the new owners decide to use the house as is... they would still be able to keep that garage and utilize it, you know, as a garage instead of doing a tear down on that.
Ordinances & Resolutions (8)
Planning Commission's internal rules governing officer elections
Type of permit required for specific land uses not universally allowed by zoning
Permission to deviate from standard setback requirements
Formal document adopted by the City Council to approve actions recommended by the Planning Commission
Guiding document for land use and development decisions in the city
Regulations governing land use, structure size, and placement within the city
Rules governing the division of land into lots
A proposal for a six-story senior rental building reviewed by the City Council