Zoning Ordinance Update

Minnetonka Summer Fest

Zoning is a way communities regulate how property can be used to preserve public health and maintain community vitality, all while meeting the city’s long-range goals.

This summer, the public offered input in several ways:

• City planning staff met with many of the more than 6,000 Summer Fest attendees. People asked questions about zoning and shared their opinions on things like housing types, lot sizes and the amenities they’d like to see near their neighborhoods.
• In July, community members took our visual preference survey on Minnetonka Matters, sharing their thoughts about housing types and how close buildings should be allowed from property lines.
• Also in July, the city’s consultant, Morris Leatherman Co., conducted a phone survey of 300 Minnetonka residents. Participants were asked about their preferences for different kinds of housing, lot sizes and commercial development, such as stores and offices.

Opportunities for input

This fall, you are invited to engage with the city and talk all things zoning at the Fire Department and City Open House Oct. 7.

The city-council appointed community workgroup will meet:

• Wed. Sept. 10, 6 p.m.
• Minnehaha Room, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd

The workgroup meeting is open to the public, but is not a forum for public comment. The meeting will be recorded but not televised.

Minnetonka property owners are invited to guide the future of Minnetonka zoning by sharing what you think looks best in our community. Take our survey to share your preferences when it comes to residential development. The feedback will help guide the city’s current zoning ordinance update.

Following workgroup meetings in February, the city's zoning consultant has been calibrating Minnetonka’s zoning districts and uses. This involves reviewing existing zoning districts, as well as exploring potential new or different districts. Additionally, calibration includes assessing the various land uses allowed in each district, including permitted, accessory, and conditional uses. The community workgroup will meet again at the completion of this work.

The community workgroup met on Feb. 26. The city's consultant presented information about the existing zoning ordinance and diagnostic report. Group members then shared comments on zoning issues, particularly on issues related to housing. The group then conducted a preference survey focused on setbacks and housing diversity.

At its Feb. 10 meeting, the city council appointed the following zoning ordinance update workgroup members:

• Brad Wiersum
• Kimberly Wilburn
• David Allen
• Derrick Banks
• Linda Cohen
• Alex Hanson
• Lee Jacobsohn
• Sandra Johnsons
• Ashley Pattain
• Katie Semersky

The first meeting of the community workgroup is Wednesday, Feb. 26 from 6-8:30 p.m. in the council chambers.

The community workgroup will consist of current and former members from various city boards and commissions, as well as one resident and one resident business owner chosen at-large. The workgroup will meet in-person beginning in January 2025 and as called together over the following 18 months. All workgroup members will be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council.

The city is seeking residents and resident business owners interested in serving on the community workgroup. Ideal candidates should have a basic understanding of zoning and its role as a regulatory tool.

The application deadline is Dec. 31, 2024.