Zoning Ordinance Update
In 2023, the city hired a consultant to analyze Minnetonka’s existing zoning ordinance and assess its effectiveness in achieving the goals outlined in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The consultant's report identified sections of the ordinance that need updating, and the city council decided to move forward with a complete rewrite of the zoning ordinance.
What is a zoning ordinance?
Zoning is set of rules that govern what can and cannot be built in the city. It’s a tool to protect the public health and safety of a community. Zoning ordinances help people understand how they can use property and the type of buildings that can be constructed there. Check out our video to learn more.
In 2023, the city hired a consultant to analyze Minnetonka’s existing zoning ordinance and assess its effectiveness in achieving the goals outlined in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The consultant's report identified sections of the ordinance that need updating, and the city council decided to move forward with a complete rewrite of the zoning ordinance.
What is a zoning ordinance?
Zoning is set of rules that govern what can and cannot be built in the city. It’s a tool to protect the public health and safety of a community. Zoning ordinances help people understand how they can use property and the type of buildings that can be constructed there. Check out our video to learn more.
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Calibration
Share Calibration on Facebook Share Calibration on X (formerly Twitter) Share Calibration on Linkedin Email Calibration linkFollowing 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.
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.
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Community workgroup meeting - Feb. 26, 2025
Share Community workgroup meeting - Feb. 26, 2025 on Facebook Share Community workgroup meeting - Feb. 26, 2025 on X (formerly Twitter) Share Community workgroup meeting - Feb. 26, 2025 on Linkedin Email Community workgroup meeting - Feb. 26, 2025 linkThe 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.
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.
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Council appoints community workgroup
Share Council appoints community workgroup on Facebook Share Council appoints community workgroup on X (formerly Twitter) Share Council appoints community workgroup on Linkedin Email Council appoints community workgroup linkAt 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.
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.
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Applications for Community Workgroup
Share Applications for Community Workgroup on Facebook Share Applications for Community Workgroup on X (formerly Twitter) Share Applications for Community Workgroup on Linkedin Email Applications for Community Workgroup linkThe 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 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.
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Draft Documents
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Workgroup Meetings
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June 24 2026 Community Workgroup Meeting Agenda (84.3 KB) (pdf)
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May 27 2026 Workgroup Meeting Agenda and Packet (9.64 MB) (pdf)
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Community Workgroup Meeting Sept 10 2025 Agenda (110 KB) (pdf)
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Community Workgroup Meeting Sept 10 2025 Packet (1.45 MB) (pdf)
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Feb. 26 2025 Community Workgroup Meeting Minutes (132 KB) (pdf)
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Feb. 26 2025 Meeting Agenda (80.1 KB) (pdf)
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2024 Zoning Diagnostic Report (2.55 MB) (pdf)
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Workgroup Kick-Off Meetings
Zoning Ordinance Update has finished this stageJanuary 2025
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Community Workgroup Meeting
Zoning Ordinance Update has finished this stage- Meeting date: Feb. 26, 2025
- Meeting agenda
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Calibration Phase
Zoning Ordinance Update has finished this stageFebruary-May 2025
New zoning standards and uses will be developed, zoning districts will be drafted and the new code’s style and structure will be laid out.
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Workgroup Codification Phase
Zoning Ordinance Update has finished this stageJune-March 2026
A draft ordinance will be provided for workgroup review. Revised drafts may be written based on these reviews.
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Community Workgroup Meeting
Zoning Ordinance Update has finished this stage- Meeting date: Jan. 28, 2026
- Staff to present an update on work completed since Sept. 2025.
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Community Workgroup Meeting
Zoning Ordinance Update has finished this stage- Meeting date: May 27, 2026
- Consultant to provide summary of draft sections.
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Community Workgroup Meeting
Zoning Ordinance Update has finished this stage- Meeting date: June 24, 2026
- Group discussion related to May consultant presentation.
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Public Review Codification Phase
Zoning Ordinance Update is currently at this stageSummer 2026
A draft ordinance will be provided for public review, and public engagement will be conducted. Revised drafts may be provided based on the engagement and feedback. Formal public hearings will be conducted at planning commission and city council meetings.
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City council introduction
this is an upcoming stage for Zoning Ordinance Update- Meeting Date: Tentatively scheduled, Oct. 5, 2026
- Action: Introduce the ordinance and refer it to the planning commission
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Planning Commission Public Hearing #1
this is an upcoming stage for Zoning Ordinance Update- Meeting Date: Tentatively scheduled, Oct. 8, 2026
- Action: Open and hold a public hearing
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Planning Commission Hearing #2
this is an upcoming stage for Zoning Ordinance Update- Meeting Date: Tentatively scheduled, Nov. 5, 2026
- Action: Continue the public hearing, recommend the city council either adopt the ordinance or refer it back to staff for changes
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City Council Meeting
this is an upcoming stage for Zoning Ordinance Update- Meeting Date: Tentatively scheduled, Nov. 23, 2026
- Action: Either adopt the ordinance or refer it back to staff for changes
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August 11 2026
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August 13 2026
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August 25 2026
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August 27 2026
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September 08 2026
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September 10 2026
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September 22 2026
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September 24 2026
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City Planner
Phone 952-939-8292 Email sthomas@minnetonkamn.gov -
Phone 952-939-8282 Email jwischnack@minnetonkamn.gov
