Minnetonka approves new subdivision and accessory dwelling permits
The Minnetonka City Council unanimously approved two development projects on August 7, clearing the way for a new two-lot subdivision on Oakland Road and an oversized accessory dwelling structure on Minnetonka Boulevard.
The council voted 5-0 to approve a conditional use permit for an accessory dwelling structure taller than the standard 12-foot height limit at 13511 Minnetonka Boulevard. The permit was handled as a routine matter on the consent agenda, meaning staff considered it straightforward and neither commissioners nor the public requested separate discussion.
In a second unanimous vote, the council approved preliminary and final plats for Oakland Woods Second Edition, a two-lot subdivision at 2213 Oakland Road proposed by Zander Homes. The project involves demolishing existing structures and creating two new residential lots. According to staff, the development meets all city requirements for subdivisions, wetlands protection, flood plains, and tree preservation without requiring any variances—a significant factor in the approval.
During discussion, applicant Eric Zander addressed concerns about stormwater management and erosion control. He explained that both lots will have sod ground cover and that rain gardens on the site will filter and manage stormwater runoff. "The grades won't be significantly different than any other lookout or walkout lot in Minnetonka or any other suburb," Zander said. Commissioner Brink praised the project as straightforward, noting it "meets all the code and regulatory requirements" with "no infringements into the wetlands or the flood plain."
Staff clarified that while specific home designs may change after approval, they must remain within the overall site impact parameters shown in the approved plans. Construction on the first home is anticipated to begin in spring 2027.
Looking ahead, the council announced that a draft update to the city's zoning ordinance will be introduced on September 3. The city is encouraging public engagement on the update through minnetonkamatters.com. The council also highlighted recent community initiatives, including a Youth Climate Action Fund supported by a Bloomberg Philanthropies grant, which will provide micro-grants for youth-led environmental projects.
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Votes (2)
Conditional Use Permit for Accessory Dwelling Structure more than 12 feet high at 13511 Minnetonka Boulevard
Moved by Shear [0:10:48] · Seconded by Brink [0:11:03]
This application for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) was included on the consent agenda, signifying that staff considered it a routine matter. Neither commissioners nor the public raised any concerns or requested its removal for individual discussion. The CUP pertained to an accessory dwelling structure exceeding the standard 12-foot height limit.
Preliminary and Final Plats of Oakland Woods Second Edition, a two-lot subdivision at 2213 Oakland Road
Moved by Johnson [0:29:55] · Seconded by Schumacher [0:30:17]
The proposal by Zander Homes involved subdividing a 1.93-acre property into two new lots, necessitating the demolition of existing structures. Staff confirmed that the project comprehensively met all city subdivision, wetland, flood plain, and tree protection ordinances, crucially not requiring any variances. Applicant discussion focused on engineering for site grading, stormwater management via rain gardens, and erosion control using sod. The applicant clarified that while specific home designs might change, they would remain within approved parameters, without requiring future variances. Construction for the first home is anticipated in the spring.
Notable Quotes (5)
The first item is a is number 7A, conditional use permit for accessory dwelling structure more than 12 feet high at 13511 Minnetonka Boulevard.
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend that the City Council adopt the resolution approving the preliminary and final plat for Oakland Woods Estate Second Edition at 2213 Oakland Road.
Yeah, absolutely. I mean, they'll both be they will still have ground cover on both of them which will be sod. So, you know, the the rain garden and storm water mitigation on site is designed to take that runoff and and obviously filtrate and and draw down the the storm water and you know, the grades won't be significantly different than you know, any other lookout or walkout you know, lot in Minnetonka or any other you know, suburb or city for that matter and so yeah, they'll have ground cover so erosion shouldn't be shouldn't be an issue.
No, it it looks like a good project. It's very straightforward. There aren't any variances being sought after that it's meeting all the all the code and regulatory requirements. No infringements into the wetlands or the the flood plain. Um and it meets the requirements for the trees too. So, I don't see any problems with this. Looks like a a good plan.
And that is when the Planning Commission and City Council approve a project that meets all of our minimum standards. Um we approve that with some conditions that basically say that the grading on this plan has to be substantially compliant with the grading that you're seeing here. The the overall impact to the site has to be compliant with this, but the specific home designs are things that um can move or change, but within that impact zone.
Ordinances & Resolutions (12)
City's overarching plan for development and land use
City's regulations governing land use and development, currently undergoing an update process
City's rules and standards for dividing land into smaller lots
Permits for land uses that may be appropriate in a zoning district but require special review and conditions
Detailed plans showing proposed development on a property, decided by the Commission
Applications for new or modified signage, decided by the Commission
Requests to deviate from strict interpretation of zoning ordinance requirements
Permits for expanding existing structures or uses
A grant program funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies for youth-led environmental projects
A two-stage approval process for subdividing land, requiring both initial and final plan acceptance
A formal expression of opinion or intention by an official body
A permit required for grading, utility installation, and other site improvements before building construction
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Community Engagement & Youth Climate Initiatives
Accessory Dwelling Structure Conditional Use Permit
Oakland Woods Second Edition Subdivision Preliminary and Final Plats
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