The Wayzata City Council has approved the first reading of Ordinance 847, introducing amendments to the city’s design standards and zoning ordinance. The proposed updates, which follow a comprehensive rewrite in 2021, aim to clarify regulations, enhance administrative efficiency, and refine existing urban design principles.
City officials noted that after three years of implementing the standards, staff have identified areas where minor adjustments can improve clarity and streamline processes. The Planning Commission reviewed these changes in a November 18 workshop before providing a recommendation to the council.
One of the key updates addresses massing breaks in buildings located between Lake Street and Wayzata Bay. The new language ensures that these breaks serve as midblock connections, offering pedestrian views of Lake Minnetonka when possible. This amendment allows developers to demonstrate whether such views are feasible based on site conditions.
The ordinance also refines requirements for upper-story stepbacks. Previously, the regulation applied to the highest occupiable story of a building, which created inconsistencies for future developments. Under the new language, stepbacks will apply at the third story and above, ensuring uniformity across multifamily and commercial buildings.
Rooftop mechanical equipment regulations also saw changes. In the Lake Street and Bluff districts, mechanical equipment is now prohibited from extending above the roof deck, addressing concerns about the city’s scenic views. Additionally, the ordinance introduces a “notch” provision, allowing equipment to be integrated into upper-floor recesses, provided it remains screened from view. Meanwhile, in the Wayzata Boulevard district, the city relaxed restrictions on rooftop equipment for commercial buildings, aligning standards with market needs while maintaining a 25% rooftop coverage limit for such equipment.
A notable procedural change includes revisions to the design deviation process. Minor deviations, such as adjustments to bicycle parking and material selection, will continue to be administratively approved. However, deviations related to rooftop mechanical equipment will now require council approval to ensure public oversight on significant alterations.
City officials emphasized that these changes align with Wayzata’s comprehensive plan and broader urban design goals. The amendments now move to a second reading before becoming official. If adopted, the new standards will apply to future applications processed after the ordinance’s effective date.
