Zoning Ordinance Update

I am writing to strongly oppose the proposed zoning update and any increases to residential density in Minnetonka. Most of us chose to live here specifically for the lower density, quiet neighborhoods, and green space that set Minnetonka apart from places like St. Louis Park, Hopkins, and Minneapolis.
Between recent frustrating decisions like the changes to the Purgatory Creek dog area and these sweeping zoning proposals, it feels like the current council is prioritizing political agendas and rapid expansion over the taxpayers who built this community.
Please listen to the majority of your established residents, drop the density increases, and focus on preserving the unique suburban character that makes Minnetonka our home.

I strongly oppose the proposed zoning revisions and agree with many of the other concerned citizens who have taken the time to submit similar concerns. Probably the most disheartening part of this is that it’s framed as an “update” when in reality the proposal are incredibly significant changes to the character of the City and what will be allowed - much more density than current ordinance allows (particularly for single family homes), as well as significant add’l judgment granted to City planners than currently exists. I STRONGLY suggest the City clarifies EXACTLY what is being proposed in these updates for property owners (all negative to existing owners in the City) in practical terms, not vague language about “modernization” or terms that underplay the significance. I would also like the City to be transparent about what is driving this. Why would existing property owners want more density in their neighborhoods? Again I strongly oppose these proposed changes and urge City leaders to act in the best interest of current City residents.

I am strongly opposed to this zoning change. Each suburb has developed its own identity over the decades. Minnetonka is not Plymouth, its not Eden Prairie, its not Orono and its not Wayzata. It has become what it is organically. Most residents chose this town for what it is not for what it isn’t. If I wanted more densely packed homes I’d have chosen to live elsewhere. I watched my Alma mater morph from its historical character to become just another 4 year school in line with most other colleges…it lost its identity. And for what? Minnetonka has a character most of us citizens like. We don’t want it to become just another Minneapolis, Richfield, Plymouth or Eden Prairie. I’ve always thought affordable meant affordable to the person buying; if I couldn’t afford to live in Minnetonka 22 years ago I wouldn’t have bought a home here. Let Minnetonka remain the Minnetonka we all liked when we moved here.

I am writing in support of the draft zoning ordinance. To put plainly, the euclidean model of large lot mcmansions has put the American suburb towards financial ruin. Low density equates to insufficient tax revenue per acre to maintain essential services, making cities like Minnetonka overly reliant on commercial real estate and sales tax revenue. When those fail, as we see in Minneapolis, the burden gets put right back onto homeowners. This zoning change, albeit nimble and still lacking density, is a necessary step. In the midst of the largest commercial real estate correction since the S&L crisis, this is a wise forward looking step towards financial sustainability.

I'm opposed to the draft zoning ordinance as it applies to residential neighborhoods.
As currently written in plain terms: a builder could tear down a single family home and put up a two family home in its place (or on smaller lots with less space between structures) without the rezoning, variance, or public hearing that would normally give neighbors a say.
Has anyone accounted for what that means for traffic and safety? Many of our neighborhoods don't have sidewalks. Adding units means adding cars, on streets that weren't designed for the volume and where people already walk in the road. These neighborhoods weren't built for multi-family housing, and this ordinance changes that without residents getting a real say on a lot-by-lot basis.
I hope the City Council and planning staff take into consideration what this will do to the overall landscape and future of Minnetonka. People didn't choose Minnetonka to trade green space and privacy for added density.

I believe this to be the wrong decision for Minnetonka. Having dealt with rental properties in my neighborhood (of which no kind of ordinance/zoning was ever enforced). This will bring more cars, more unkempt properties, out of city landlords, beautiful well maintained homes destroyed. I've watched it happen many times in my own neighborhood with rentals. If it passes, one more reason to leave Minnetonka and Hennepin county and head to another city, county or state.

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed zoning ordinance changes, specifically regarding the reduction of minimum lot sizes and the increase in population density. Minnetonka’s unique character, privacy, and property values depend heavily on maintaining our existing low-density, spacious neighborhoods. Forcing higher density, smaller lot dimensions, and more crowded housing onto our footprints will only strain local infrastructure and increase traffic. I urge the Planning Commission and City Council to reject these reductions and protect the established suburban identity of our community.

I believe this change would cause overcrowding and make areas to densely populated.

Very negative opinion regarding the proposed zoning changes. They will dramatically alter they look and feel of the city. The decisions are being made by an extremely small group of people, and would NEVER become policy if put on a ballot and voted for by the majority of residents. Also noted: public input discouraged by the steps necessary/identification required to register opposition.