Minnetonka Planning Commission Moves to Overhaul Forty-Year-Old Zoning Laws
A sweeping update aims to simplify development, promote diverse housing, and integrate modern environmental standards across the city.
Minnetonka’s Planning Commission took a significant step on October 8, 2026, advancing a proposal to repeal and comprehensively replace the city’s Minnetonka Zoning Ordinance of 1986. The move marks a pivotal effort to modernize land use regulations, streamline development processes, and align the city’s code with its current comprehensive plan and evolving community needs.
The proposed ordinance is designed to simplify the complex regulatory landscape that has accrued over nearly four decades. Key objectives include allowing for more diverse housing options, such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and two-unit dwellings, and implementing up-to-date environmental and village center standards throughout Minnetonka.
This comprehensive update was crucial to untangle nearly four decades of accumulated amendments, ensuring our zoning code is a clear, user-friendly document that truly reflects Minnetonka's vision for the future. It’s about making our city more adaptable and responsive to present-day demands.
City Planner Susan Thomas, who presented the staff reports and a detailed briefing on the zoning updates, highlighted the ordinance’s focus on clarity and efficiency. The existing 1986 ordinance has undergone numerous amendments, creating a fragmented and sometimes challenging framework for developers and residents alike.
Modernizing for Diverse Housing and Environmental Goals
One of the most impactful changes within the new ordinance is its approach to housing. By explicitly allowing ADUs and two-unit dwellings, Minnetonka aims to increase housing affordability and diversity, providing more choices for residents at various life stages and income levels. This aligns with broader regional trends seeking to address housing shortages and enhance community inclusivity.
Our goal with this new ordinance is to foster a more resilient and inclusive community. By allowing for diverse housing types like accessory dwelling units and two-unit dwellings, we're responding directly to the evolving needs of our residents and promoting housing accessibility while maintaining Minnetonka's unique character.
Other Topics from This Document
Ordinance repealing and replacing Section 300, the Minnetonka Zoning Ordinance of 1986.
The city is replacing its 1986 zoning ordinance to simplify development processes, align with the comprehensive plan, allow more diverse housing (including ADUs and two-unit dwellings), and implement modern environmental and village center standards.
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