The Wayzata City Council approved first readings of two ordinances Tuesday aimed at addressing home design standards and setbacks in residential areas following extensive community engagement.

Ordinance 846 reduces side setback requirements for driveways from 10 feet to 3 feet in most residential districts, designed to encourage builders to place garages at the rear of homes rather than prominently in front. The ordinance also increases front yard setbacks for garages in the R3A district from 20 feet to 25 feet. City Planner Valerie Quarrels said the changes emerged from community concerns about the pace and character of single-family redevelopment in core neighborhoods.

Ordinance 847 makes administrative adjustments to design standards, including clarifications on building massing breaks, rooftop equipment screening, and the deviation appeal process. The changes are intended to improve administrative efficiency while maintaining design quality standards that have guided development since a major overhaul in 2021.

Both ordinances followed months of community engagement including surveys, workshops with builders and residents, and Planning Commission review. Quarrels noted that community feedback showed residents prefer homes that appear smaller and more charming with front yard orientation while de-emphasizing garages and driveways.

A third ordinance addressing rental property training requirements was tabled after Council Member Park Hill requested time to personally assess the training program's necessity. The council also recognized departing commission members Lisa Stockton and Paulie Anderson for their community service, with Stockton receiving formal recognition for her four-plus years on the Planning Commission.