The Wayzata City Council voted this week to approve the final plat and development agreement for the Ferndale Bluffs project at 565 Ferndale Road West, marking a key milestone for the three-lot residential subdivision following months of review and negotiations.
Alex Sharpe, the city’s Community Development Director, presented the item to the council, outlining the procedural history and the reason the final plat appeared as a standalone agenda item rather than on the consent calendar. While final plats are typically routine, Sharpe explained that this application included a revised preliminary plat—an uncommon step—prompted by earlier conditions placed on the project, including flexibility related to roadway width. To ensure transparency, staff brought the matter forward for full council discussion.
The approved plan includes three single-family lots and associated outlots, with elements of the outlots incorporated into the primary parcels as outlined in the development agreement. Council members reviewed the final configuration, which reflects the revised preliminary plat previously requested by the city.
As part of the approval, the council formally acknowledged that the applicant has filed a notice of dispute regarding the proposed park dedication fee. The approval apparently allows the project to move forward while directing city staff to continue working with the applicant to resolve that issue at a later date.
The council approved Resolution 05-2026 on a 3–1 vote, with MacDonald dissenting. No discussion or questions of staff preceded the vote.
In parallel with the land use action, the Ferndale Bluffs matter has also seen a settlement reached between the parties involved, bringing closure to outstanding disputes connected to the project. City officials noted that the agreement clears the way for the development to proceed under the approved terms, subject to final resolution of the park dedication issue.
With final plat approval now in place, the Ferndale Bluffs development moves from the entitlement phase toward implementation, adding to the evolving residential landscape along Ferndale Road West.
Stay tuned for any further developments.
