Council approves rezoning of Sunnybrook Road lot to R1-13.5 to allow garage rebuild

The Eden Prairie City Council on March 18 approved first and second readings of an ordinance to change the zoning of a single-family parcel at 12251 Sunnybrook Road from rural to R1-13.5, covering 0.78 acres.

City planning staff told the council the home is one of several older parcels still zoned rural; rezoning to R1-13.5 aligns the property with typical suburban single-family setbacks and would allow the homeowner to attach a garage and relocate an existing shed that currently sits at a 30-foot setback requirement.

Homeowner Cameron Sirk spoke to the council about past remodeling and the property’s current layout, saying the rural zoning explained why his backyard shed had to sit far from lot lines. He told the council he and his family have been connected to the property for years and that the rezoning would enable planned improvements.

Planning Commission members unanimously recommended approval after a public hearing. A council member moved to close the public hearing and approve both readings; council discussion noted that approving both readings at the same meeting requires unanimous approval of the members present, and the motion passed unanimously of those voting.

Staff advised that the R1-13.5 district has a 10-foot side-yard setback, a change from the rural setback that constrained prior work on the site. The owner was directed to proceed with building plans consistent with the R1-13.5 standards now that both readings passed.

The change is an ordinance; council adopted the first and second readings at the March 18 meeting and the rezoning will take effect per ordinance rules.