Planning staff previews zoning‑ordinance update, surveys and July events

Planning staff briefed the Minnetonka Planning Commission on June 26 about ongoing work to update the city’s zoning ordinance and related outreach.

Staff said two public surveys are underway: a visual-preference survey available on Minnetonka Matters that shows photos of local housing types and setback options, and a phone survey to be administered by Morris Leatherman to about 250–300 households to achieve statistical significance on zoning questions. Staff encouraged commissioners and residents to take the visual-preference survey and said planning staff will be at Summerfest with a zoning tent where residents can try the survey and talk with staff.

Staff also reported that calibration work with the city’s consultant is nearing completion; calibration compares current zoning districts and uses to possible future configurations. Staff said they will return to the community work group and staff work group when that phase is complete. The commission was reminded of a combined Planning Commission/City Council/EDAC tour scheduled for Thursday, July 31 (meet at Ridgedale Commons Park at 5 p.m.).

On other items staff noted that the city-subsidized Home Energy Squad visits (free audits) end June 30; the audit program will continue but without the city subsidy thereafter. Staff also provided brief updates on a postponed Polk Residence agenda item and on recent City Council approvals of matters the commission had previously recommended.

No action was requested; staff requested the commission’s help in promoting public outreach for the ordinance work and upcoming events.