Minnetonka council approves Tonka Flats subdivision, permits floodplain alteration and four new lots

The Minnetonka City Council voted April 21 to approve the preliminary and final plat and a floodplain alteration permit for a four‑lot subdivision at 15917 Minnetonka Boulevard, a roughly 3‑acre parcel where more than 1 acre falls within the 100‑year floodplain.

Planning staff described the site as containing about 200 trees (primarily box elder, green ash and mulberry) and two landlocked basins that function as floodplain storage areas. Planner Courtney Thomas told the council the floodplain alteration proposal would add outlet pipes from both basins into the city storm sewer on Tonka Wood Road and would fill a small area on Lot 3 to create a regular buildable area while preserving equivalent floodplain storage elsewhere on the site.

Thomas said the plan meets city code and engineering standards: adding outlets lowers the floodplain elevation for the landlocked basins, and the project preserves required floodplain storage volume after the small fill and pipe installation. The Planning Commission reviewed the application and recommended approval. Councilmember Wilburn moved to adopt the staff resolution approving the preliminary and final plat and the floodplain alteration permit; Councilmember Romilly seconded. The council’s roll-call vote was unanimous.

Council conditions and discussion: as part of the approval, council added conditions to preserve required tree protections and to require paved turnaround areas for all Tonka Wood Road driveways so vehicles can exit facing forward onto the arterial. Council members discussed the site’s tree-covered character and floodplain constraints and acknowledged resident letters requesting different housing types; staff said the proposed four-lot configuration met current zoning and tree/floodplain protections while reducing the two landlocked basins’ elevations via engineered outlets.

Why it matters: the action changes a vacant, wooded parcel into four buildable lots while engineering a solution that outlets previously landlocked floodplain basins to the city storm system. The decision illustrates how the city balances neighborhood tree preservation, floodplain management and private development rights.

Implementation notes: the applicant must install outlet pipes, preserve required tree protection and construct paved driveways with turnarounds on Tonka Wood Road; building permits and tree-removal permits will reflect the council’s conditions.