Minnetonka Planning Commission approves rear-yard variance for garage addition at 15020 Tammer Lane

The Minnetonka Planning Commission voted unanimously Dec. 4 to approve a rear-yard setback variance allowing a two-story, 20-by-40-foot garage addition at 15020 Tammer Lane.

Planning staff presented the recommendation and told commissioners the project required five affirmative votes to pass. "The project does need, 5 affirmative votes to be approved," planning staffer Miss Thomas said, and she recommended the commission adopt the resolution approving the variance based on practical difficulties tied to the lot and existing easements.

Staff summarized the proposal as an addition to a house built in 1983 on a parcel just over a half-acre in the northwest quadrant of the city near the I-394 interchange. The first-floor space would be used for a garage; the second floor would contain a bedroom and bathroom but no cooking facilities. Staff said the variance would reduce the required rear-yard setback from 37 feet to 26 feet and that the addition would be approximately 85 feet from the nearest neighboring structure, separated by vegetation.

Commissioners asked staff several clarifying questions during review. Commissioner Minyon asked about pool equipment and proximity to the property line; Miss Thomas estimated the pool equipment sits about 7 feet from the property line and confirmed the pool structure itself is already closer to the line. Commissioner Henry asked whether driveway improvements are allowed over utility easements and about the city’s baseline garage-sizing guidance; Miss Thomas said owners may improve easements "at their own risk" and explained the commission has a written policy that a two-car garage is a reasonable starting point but that each variance is evaluated case by case. Commissioner Banks asked why the two-story addition — with a bedroom and bath above — would not be classified as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU); Miss Thomas replied that an ADU must include cooking facilities in addition to sleeping and sanitation, and this proposal lacks a kitchen.

Several commissioners voiced support before the vote. "I think this looks good," Commissioner Waterman said, citing the separation from neighboring structures and the staff findings. Commissioner Henry and Commissioner Minyon also supported the variance, noting the site’s unique shape, existing easements and minimal impact on adjacent properties.

Commissioner Hansen moved and Commissioner Henry seconded the resolution to approve the rear-yard setback variance for the garage at 15020 Tammer Lane. The commission voted unanimously in a roll call; the motion carried. Chair Maxwell advised that the decision is final and that any appeal must be submitted in writing to city staff within 10 days.

Votes at a glance: The commission also approved a consent-item front-yard setback variance for a garage at 4241 Winchester Court by unanimous vote earlier in the meeting. Both decisions were recorded as final actions subject to the standard 10-day appeal window.

The commission had no other business and adjourned. Its next scheduled meeting is Dec. 18.