Planning Commission recommends City Council approve Oakland Woods Estates 2nd edition subdivision

The Minnetonka Planning Commission on Aug. 6 voted to recommend that the City Council approve the preliminary and final plat for Oakland Woods Estates 2nd edition, a proposed two‑lot subdivision at 2213 Oakland Road.

Staff planner (voice 6) told the Commission the 1.93‑acre site contains two wetlands and a mapped 100‑year floodplain but ‘‘the proposal would meet the subdivision ordinance standards and has no variances required.’’ Staff said the site contains 53 protected trees and that proposed removals—13 high‑priority trees and 7 significant trees—are at the city’s allowable thresholds. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions listed in Exhibit B of the resolution.

Applicant Eric Zender of Zender Homes (voice 7) answered commissioner questions about grading, erosion control and timing. Zender said the north lot will be lowered ‘‘roughly 2 feet’’ and that ‘‘the rain garden and the stormwater mitigation on‑site is designed to take that runoff and obviously filtrate and and draw down the stormwater.’’ On timing he said, ‘‘I would anticipate probably, more of like a spring build, on as the 1st 1.’’

Commissioner Johnson moved to recommend Council approval and Commissioner Schumacher seconded. The Commission approved the recommendation on a roll call (affirmative votes recorded for Johnson, Shear, Shoemaker, Brink and the Chair). Staff and the Chair emphasized this action is a recommendation to City Council, with the Council scheduled to consider the item at a later date.