Planning Commission approves minor expansion at Morris Minnetonka Subaru

The Minnetonka Planning Commission on July 23 adopted a resolution approving a minor amendment to the master development plan for Morris Minnetonka Subaru at 12520 Wayzata Boulevard, authorizing an approximately 1,400‑square‑foot infill to the dealership’s service area. The decision was adopted by a 4–0 roll‑call vote; the approval is final but subject to a 10‑day appeal to city staff.

Planning staff recommended the amendment, describing the 4‑acre site as an existing two‑story, roughly 75,000‑square‑foot full‑service dealership with more than 300 parking spaces and noting the proposed fill will meet the city’s 50‑foot front setback and maintain the existing building height of about 25 feet. “Again, staff is recommending that the commission adopt the resolution [approving] a minor amendment to the master development plan for this building at 12520 Wayzata Boulevard,” the staff presenter said during the hearing.

Dan Burnham, the project architect, said the addition is intended to expand the service reception and repair area to accommodate higher service volume and will match the building’s existing materials and façade. “We’re just pulling that front facade of their service reception part…just expanding that just due to the, increase in volume that they’re seeing,” Burnham said. Commissioners noted that the site is significantly over‑parked and that the change represents a very small percentage of the overall building and site footprint; Commissioner Bridal said he had no problem approving the plan.

The commission approved the motion to adopt the amendment; staff reiterated that any party wishing to appeal must submit a written request to city staff within 10 days of the meeting. Because this item was a final decision by the commission, it will not go to the City Council unless an appeal is filed.