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Edina council grants impervious-surface variance for 5605 McGuire Road, reversing Planning Commission denial
Summary
After hearing staff explain a unique shared-driveway circumstance, the Edina City Council approved an impervious-surface coverage variance for 5605 McGuire Road. Council members said the situation was disproportionately affecting the homeowner and that the planning process functioned as intended.
The Edina City Council on Jan. 7 approved an impervious-surface coverage variance (resolution 2024-120) for property owners at 5605 McGuire Road, reversing a Planning Commission 5–3 denial. Staff and the council noted that a shared driveway located partly on the property created unique circumstances that pushed the lot 2.8 percentage points above the city's impervious-surface limit.
Director Carrie Teague summarized that the site would meet ordinance limits if the shared driveway were not counted toward the property's coverage: "If that driveway weren't there, they would meet the ordinance," she said. Several council members described the case as a clear example of unique circumstances and fairness to the homeowner; Member Agnew moved approval and Member Jackson seconded. The council adopted the variance by voice vote and recorded the matter as carried.
Council Member Pierce and others acknowledged the Planning Commission's role and said that advisory process informed the council decision. The council's approval allows the homeowners to proceed with a new patio and related improvements.
