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Edina planning commission raises FAR threshold for 50th & France commercial district
Summary
The commission approved an amendment allowing buildings in the 50th & France district to rely on public ramps for parking up to a floor‑area ratio of 1.25, citing ramp capacity and incremental redevelopment opportunities; one commissioner abstained from the vote.
The Edina Planning Commission voted to amend the city's zoning code to increase the allowable floor‑area ratio that can rely on public ramps for parking from 1.0 to 1.25 in the 50th & France commercial district.
Staff planner Addison Lewis told the commission the provision dates to 1978 and was intended to share public ramp capacity among property owners. Lewis said staff analyzed ramp utilization and redevelopment potential in the district and recommended the 25% increase to allow modest expansions without requiring additional on‑site parking.
"We're recommending that the amount of FAR allowed before additional parking is required be increased from 1 to 1.25," Lewis said, adding that the change would have avoided a recent variance granted to the Americana restaurant and would allow similar modest expansions for other owners.
During public comment and discussion, resident Merriweather cited the staff table indicating "about 388 stalls at the time of peak demand are still available," a figure Lewis confirmed. Commissioners asked where new on‑site parking would be built if needed and noted the city's permitting process for signage and lighting.
Several commissioners praised the FAR table and said 1.25 was a conservative step; one commissioner said the data could support a higher threshold but that the smaller increase felt like a measured change.
The commission approved the amendment by roll call with eight ayes and one abstention (Commissioner Padilla recused from final vote on the amendment). The ordinance change will be incorporated into the zoning code according to the findings and conditions described in the staff report.
The commission did not attach additional conditions to the amendment itself; enforcement of signage, lighting and other site‑specific elements will continue through the city's permitting and variance processes.
