City of Minnetonka

The city of Minnetonka community development department ensures construction work and licensed business activities meet or exceed basic standards, and other programs offer important services to the community. Areas of responsibility include inspections, environmental health, building permits, planning and zoning (including reviews of proposed projects), licensing, and housing and redevelopment.

Community development staff work actively to educate residents and businesses about code compliance and to assist them in developing a safer, well-planned, and healthier community. We believe education must be a central focus in our work, and substantial effort is put into sharing clear, timely information with residents and businesses.

Planning and Zoning

The comprehensive plan is the city’s long-range guide to how property should be developed or redeveloped.

The zoning ordinance defines the current rights that owners have for their properties. The zoning ordinance regulates many aspects of land use, such as the type of use, sign regulations, grading permits, landscaping requirements and environmental regulations. Environmental regulations include ordinances that protect wetlands, steep slopes, trees, shorelines and floodplains. Zoning changes require review by the planning commission and approval by the city council, and the planning staff serves as liaison to the planning commission.

Learn more about planning.

Environmental Health

Environmental health is responsible for licensing and inspecting all food, beverage and lodging establishments in the city of Minnetonka, as well as public swimming pools and spas, and massage and tattoo facilities, and is responsible for coordinating the city’s nuisance violation program. Environmental health also investigates food-related complaints and suspected illnesses as well as air/water quality issues.

Learn more about environmental health.

Licenses

The city licenses on- and off-sale liquor establishments, food and lodging establishments, contractors, and certain other businesses. Inspection staff monitors licensees for code compliance.

Learn more about licenses.

Inspections

The city conducts plan reviews and fields inspections to ensure compliance with the State Building Code.

Learn more about inspections.

Permits

The city issues permits to ensure compliance with the State Building Code. Annual building permits amounted to $127 million in 2005.

Learn more about permits.