Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Edina public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 issues in zoning with low priority
Dual public hearings at commission and council
Edina holds two public hearings on many land-use items — one at the commission, one at the council — even though state law only requires one. A past effort to streamline to a single hearing failed after resident pushback, and the extra hearing doubles cost and effort for applicants.
Residential setback variance, 6512 Belmore Lane
The homeowners need an 18-foot variance to add a porch because their 1952 house already sits far in front of the setback line set by their neighbor's deep 1941-era lot. It shows how older Edina homes can require variances for almost any addition.
82 Woodland Circle setback variance request
Homeowners at 82 Woodland Circle want to add a front porch with columns and a deep overhang that would sit about 13.5 feet closer to the street than the required setback. They say the porch would shelter visitors from rain, snow and ice at the exposed front door, and shade sun-baked front rooms. Neighbors are all single-family homes on R-1 zoned lots, and the property backs up to Minnehaha Creek.
Cannabis Retail Regulation
Edina caps cannabis stores at five (the state minimum), all three open stores have passed compliance checks, and zoning keeps them 500 feet from schools, places of worship and day cares.