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Commission approves rear-yard setback variance for garage at 4517 Woodhill Road
Summary
The commission found unique lot orientation and limited buildable area justified a rear-yard setback variance for a large attached garage addition at 4517 Woodhill Road and approved the variance by a 5-0 vote; staff noted a small floodplain alteration would be administratively reviewed.
The Minnetonka Planning Commission on Aug. 21 approved a rear-yard setback variance allowing an 1,120-square-foot attached garage addition at 4517 Woodhill Road.
Planner Mr. Ingvalson described the property as just under one acre with limited buildable area because a portion of the site falls within the 100‑year floodplain. He said the applicant seeks to reduce the rear setback from 40 feet to 30.5 feet for an addition that would tie into an existing four-stall garage. "Staff found that the proposal meets all of the variance standards as outlined in the staff report resolution," he said, citing ordinance intent, comprehensive-plan consistency and practical difficulties created by the site’s orientation and buildable area.
Mr. Ingvalson noted that only 88 square feet (about 8 percent of the addition) would lie within the setback and that no tree removals are proposed. He also said the floodplain work is expected to be very small (about seven cubic yards) and eligible for administrative review.
Applicant Bruce Bollig, with Tom of Boyer Construction, said the addition is intended to preserve neighborhood character and provide interior storage for hobbies; Tom said the addition would create roughly three deep stalls rather than additional overhead doors. Commissioners asked about foundation and fill (Bollig: no fill; foundation matched to existing elevation), emergency access, parking, and drainage. Applicants described using gutters, a culvert and minor grading to route water to an existing pond and noted the design avoids excavation into the floodplain.
Commissioners praised neighborhood outreach and alternatives considered by staff and the applicant. Commissioner Minion moved to adopt the resolution approving the rear-yard setback variance; Commissioner Brink seconded. Roll call recorded five affirmative votes and the motion carried. Chair Maxwell said the decision is final but subject to a 10-day appeal process.
Staff will review the minor floodplain alteration administratively during permit processing.
