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Commission recommends council deny oversized ADU at 15815 Minnetonka Boulevard
Summary
The Minnetonka Planning Commission voted 4–0 to recommend the City Council deny a conditional use permit for a proposed detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) that would exceed city size and height standards; staff said the project conflicts with the ADU ordinance’s intent to remain accessory in appearance and function.
The Minnetonka Planning Commission on March 26 recommended City Council deny a conditional use permit for a two‑story detached accessory dwelling unit at 15815 Minnetonka Boulevard, saying the proposed structure exceeds the city’s ADU size and height limits and runs counter to the ordinance’s intent.
Planning staff told the commission the proposal would replace an older detached ADU but would total about 2,300 square feet and rise 30 feet — well above the city code’s standard of 1,000 square feet or 35 percent of the principal structure and a height not to exceed the principal residence. Planner Ingleson said staff’s analysis found the ADU would "significantly exceed the height, percentage of the principal structure, and size limits" and recommended the commission forward a denial to council.
Owner Paul Fisher, who described the property as 1.35 acres, told commissioners his plan combines three functions — garage, pool support/screen porch and an upstairs ADU — and argued the lot’s size, placement of the building, screening and distances to neighboring structures would prevent adverse impacts. Fisher said four public comments had been submitted in support and that the structure would be set well back from neighboring homes.
Commissioners pressed the applicant about alternatives, including subdividing or siting a separate garage, and questioned framing and construction choices that increased building height. Builder Paul Cameron explained that modern truss framing and garage door clearance drive the finished height. Several commissioners voiced concern that approving an ADU so far above code could set a precedent; Commissioner Johnson said, "If you really want to, as a city, allow ADUs that are of that size, change the ordinance." Chair Waterman and other commissioners said the project appears to go well beyond the ordinance’s accessory intent.
Commissioner Johnson made the motion to recommend denial; the motion was seconded and carried with four affirmative votes. Staff confirmed the commission’s recommendation and noted the item will be heard by City Council on April 13.
The commission’s action is a recommendation only; City Council will make the final decision on the conditional use permit.
