Wayzata City Council — Transcript
Monday, September 28, 2026
Variance Application for 16005 Holtridge Road West
Development Activities Update
Votes (1)
Variance Application for 16005 Holtridge Road West: Front Yard Setback and Lot Coverage
Dissent: Commissioner Ankeny, Commissioner Severson, and Chair Cameron voted against the initial motion to approve the variances.
Moved by Commissioner Vanly [0:57:38] · Seconded by Commissioner Ankeny [0:58:39]
The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing and subsequent discussion on a variance application. The applicant detailed the need for a 16 ft front yard setback variance along Crosby Road and a 2.17% lot coverage variance to facilitate a 2,627 sq ft addition for multi-generational living, including a two-car garage. The unique conditions of the corner lot, smaller-than-minimum lot size, and large right-of-way on Crosby Road were presented as justifications, along with the impracticality of alternative expansion directions. A neighbor expressed strong opposition, citing the owner-created plight, dramatic alteration of neighborhood character, and the speculative nature of the lot coverage request. Commissioners debated the reasonableness of the requests, potential visual impact, and consistency with the comprehensive plan, with differing views on the necessity and appropriateness of the proposed setbacks. A motion to approve the variances failed in a 3-3 tie. Subsequently, a motion to table the decision until the next meeting was approved to allow for a fuller commission vote.
Notable Quotes (6)
The applicant is seeking a variance of 16 ft from the required 45 ft front yard setback. um that is required along Crosby Road which would allow for a minimum setback of 29 feet from the property line. And then a lot coverage variance. Uh the applicant is seeking a variance of 2.17% from the required maximum lot coverage of 15% in the R1 zoning district.
the really the the main purpose of of this entire addition um is to kind of have a home that we can uh not only for our expanding family um but also for my uh my parents to come um essentially retire and um live without needing to go to you know as they as they age uh and become less mobile. um somewhere that they can age in place rather than go to assisted living.
The main reason for this extension and the location of the extension is that we would like to add uh twocar garage.
In this case, the plight of the land owner is entirely created by the landowner and the proposal would dramatically alter the neighborhood's essential character. um the property that unique to the property although there are two front yard setbacks which are inconvenient. There are no conditions on the property that diminish reasonable use.
My point in all of this is that I don't think these are outrageous variances. They're not extreme. They're not excessive. Uh and they fit within the desires of our comprehensive plan.
I don't have a problem with the lot coverage. I think you know they're what they're asking for would be lot coverage that they would have if they had a 1acre lot. And I don't think that's unreasonable at all. I think where I get a little hung up on the um setback variance just going closer to Crosby.
Ordinances & Resolutions (11)
City's guiding plan for single-family one-acre zoning.
Classifies Crosby Road as a major collector roadway.
Outlines the standard variance requirements and review criteria for the Planning Commission.
Local publication where the public hearing notice was published.
Future review stage for impervious surface coverage and ADU compliance for the variance project.
An approved plan for the variance project, to be re-reviewed at the building permit stage.
Cited by a neighbor regarding economic considerations not constituting practical difficulties for a variance.
Defines the determination of blight for properties.
An economic development tool, the creation of which is linked to blight determination.
Department that provided a grant for contamination cleanup at the 200 Lake site.
Permit issued for the Trapper's Cabin project.