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Edina planning commission approves front-yard setback variance for 20 Circle West
Summary
The Edina Planning Commission unanimously approved a front-yard setback variance for a proposed house at 20 Circle West after staff recommended approval due to lot constraints created by a pond and neighboring setbacks; no members of the public commented at the hearing.
The Edina Planning Commission unanimously approved a front-yard setback variance for a proposed new home at 20 Circle West after a staff recommendation and brief deliberation by commissioners.
Planning staff member Carrie described the proposal to demolish the existing house and build a new two-story home generally within the existing footprint. She said a pond behind the property triggers a 50-foot setback measured from the ordinary high-water elevation and that the home to the south establishes about a 40-foot front setback, leaving a constrained building pad. "Staff is recommending approval of the requested front front yard setback variant subject to the findings and conditions that are outlined in the staff report," Carrie said.
During questioning, a commissioner asked whether the pond had a history of flooding. Carrie and the applicants said they were not aware of any flooding issues and pointed to topography showing the house sits higher than the pond.
The chair offered phone-in instructions for remote public comment; no callers joined and there were no in-person public commenters. A commissioner moved to close the public hearing and, after a second, commissioners deliberated briefly. Commissioner Claire said the proposal "is reasonable" given the curvature of the road and neighboring setbacks and expressed support. Another commissioner moved to approve the variance; the motion was seconded and a roll call vote recorded affirmative votes from Commissioners Nelson, Padilla, Smith, Day, Felt, Henman, Brennan and the chair. The commission approved the variance request for 20 Circle West.
Staff noted that the new home would not encroach closer to the street than the existing house, that the proposed rear patio would meet the 50-foot setback, and that approval was conditioned on the findings and conditions in the staff report. The commission then moved to other business, including member announcements and routine staff updates.
In closing, Carrie told commissioners that two planning items—the Salvation Army project and an EV charging station—are scheduled for public hearings on June 2, a parking ordinance amendment is set for public hearing June 16, and the commission's next meeting is June 24 (the June 10 meeting was canceled).
