HomeMy WebLinkAboutNarrative 1 Zoning Ordinance Amendments Narrative
The City of Edina is experiencing an unprecedented increase in the number of homes being torn down
and rebuilt. In 2012, the City issued 98 building permits for homes torn down and rebuilt. This is up
significantly from 2011 in which the total was 52. In 2010 there were 31; 2009, 14; 2008, 32; and 2007,
52. While this trend continues all over the City of Edina, Morningside has experienced a larger portion of
the activity.
Background
In 2006-2008, when the City was experiencing an increase in the number of tear down and rebuilds, the
City Council, Planning Commission and staff attempted to address the issue. Here is a summary of what
took place then.
Current Issues
In addition to the tear down and rebuild of large home issue, other issues of concern include, grading,
drainage, tree removal, building of large retaining walls and nuisances from construction projects
(including when multiple projects occur on the same block).
In response to the concern about inconveniences and nuisances that neighbors of construction projects
have to live with, staff has implemented the requirement of a construction management plan for new
home tear down and rebuild projects. The construction management plan is intended to hold builders
accountable for their construction project, and attempt to minimize impacts on adjacent properties. An
Ordinance has been adopted by the City Council to give staff the ability to monitor and enforce the
construction management plan.
The Planning Commission is also currently working these issues. In late 2012, a subcommittee was
appointed to review the issues. The subcommittee interviewed impacted residents, builders, and city
staff. In early 2013, the Planning Commission held public meetings, gathered input from residents, had a
work session with the City Council, and used "Speak Up, Edina!" to solicit input.
The goal of the Planning Commission is to draft an Ordinance to address these issues, and present it to
the City Council for consideration. The goal of the Ordinance is to balances the interests of the residents
who wish to sell their properties, the residents who wish to redevelop and/or remodel their homes and
property, the residents who wish to remain in their neighborhoods, buyers who wish to relocate to Edina,
and the broader interests of the entire city and its populace.