Last Weekend to Apply to Fill Vacancy on the Wayzata City Council

The City of Wayzata is seeking a resident to fill a vacancy on the City Council. This opportunity comes as Councilmember Jeff Parkhill steps down on September 23, 2025, as he and his family relocate out of state. The appointed individual will serve the remainder of his term, which concludes on December 31, 2026. The Council anticipates making the appointment in October.

City Council Members are responsible for setting policies and priorities that guide the City, including matters related to public safety, development, sustainability, and city services. The role requires commitment of time, collaboration with fellow Council Members and staff, and a focus on serving the community. Prior government experience is not required. 

To apply, click here to fill out an application by Monday, September 8, 2025 @ 8:00 a.m. 

For questions, contact City Clerk Kathy Leervig at (952) 404-5303 or kleervig@wayzata.org.

Jeff Parkhill's Farewell Open House

Join us in celebrating Jeff Parkhill's 8+ years of dedicated service to the City of Wayzata on Tuesday, September 23rd at 5:45p.m. at Wayzata City Hall and to wish Jeff and his family well as they begin their next chapter, celebrating his contributions to our extraordinary city! 

Light refreshments will be provided. All are welcome. 

Event Details:
City Hall Address: 600 Rice Street E, Wayzata, MN 55931 
Time of Open House: Tuesday, September 23rd from 5:45-7:00 p.m.

Public Safety Update from Police Chief Jamie Baker

Public safety is a top priority in Wayzata. Thanks to the dedication of our 26 full and part-time police professionals, our community is a very safe place to live. As our community evolves, so do our public
safety needs.

You can watch a recent update from Police Chief Jamie Baker on crime trends, traffic enforcement, and nuisance violations like exhibition driving here: Click here to watch the PD update

Short-Term Rental Ordinance Update

On Wednesday, August 6, City Council discussed the findings of public engagement sessions held with Short-Term Rental (STR) owners/operators and surrounding neighbors/neighborhoods during the Council Workshop session. The goal of the workshop item was to inform, clarify, and discuss potential ordinance amendments regulating STRs. The Council sought additional information from staff and navigated significant discussion topics to provide staff with initial direction. 

City Council directed staff to draft an ordinance for first reading to significantly limit, or prohibit STRs within the community. The Council cited their commitment to residents and preservation of community character as determining factors in their initial direction. 

A draft ordinance is anticipated to be reviewed by the City Council on September 9 for a first reading. The public will be able to provide comments on the draft ordinance, which will be available in the City Council agenda packet. 

Click here to view materials and information

Subdivision Ordinance Update

On June 17, 2025, City Council discussed the potential to amend the subdivision ordinance to allow reduced right-of-way requirements. Staff presented information on the current code requirements, State Fire Code minimums, and discussions of a recent development. Council resumed their discussion of the subdivision ordinance during their August 19 workshop session, where staff provided the Council with a historical context of approved/historical subdivisions within Wayzata.

City Council directed staff to draft an ordinance that would apply to subdivisions up to five lots, require a 40-foot right-of-way with a 20-foot minimum road width without curb and gutter, 10% grade, and allow the city to determine whether a public or private roadway was appropriate for the development.

A draft ordinance is anticipated to be reviewed by the City Council on September 9, 2025, for a first reading. The public will be able to provide comment on the draft ordinance, which will be available in the City Council agenda packet.

Amendments to City Code Chapter 810 - Swimming Pools

During regular permit review, staff identified several potential corrections to improve code legibility, resolve conflicts, and simplify ordinance administration related to private swimming pools in Wayzata. A public hearing and review by the Planning Commission is not required for these amendments as pools are regulated by Chapter 810 of City Ordinance, which is not part of the zoning code. Staff recommends the City proactively amend due to regular concerns or issues found during permit review. 

Staff is proposing four amendments to the Swimming Pool ordinance outlined below:

1. Remove a conflict in code where pools require a fence surrounding the pool to be 5' in height where code prohibits fences to exceed 4' in height on corner lots, essentially prohibiting pools on corner lots without a fence height variance.
2. Amend setback requirements for mechanical equipment for a pool to align with other accessory structures (and mechanical equipment for a home) within the property's zoning district.
3. Allow pool covers in lieu of fences when they meet ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) requirements, which is permitted by the IBC (International Building Code). 
4. Reorder the pool setback provision so it is easier for the public and contractors to locate in the code. 

Proactive amendments such as those proposed are intended to be non-controversial and allow for regular updates to City Ordinance as needed to ensure ordinance remains up to date. If the Council or the public expresses concern, the amendments can be scheduled for additional discussion at a later date. 

The first reading is scheduled for City Council review on September 9, 2025. All materials and proposed language will be available in the City Council packet. 

Klapprich Park Improvements Update

The Klapprich Park construction is currently underway and is expected to continue until late fall of 2025. The site contractor recently completed irrigation and laid sod on the field. Additional landscaping will be installed along the northwestern hillside over the next 2-3 weeks. A new water main connection to the warming house is currently planned for September 10 which will close Park St E for part of the day. Construction of the warming house has also begun, starting with the demolition of the main warming house gathering space. 

At the August 19 City Council meeting, the Council reviewed and discussed neighborhood concerns related to the construction and specific components of the Klapprich Park project. Following this discussion, the Council directed staff to proceed with the project as previously approved, with the addition of enhanced landscaping along the hillside north of the playground. 

More information and updates will be added to the Klapprich Park project webpage. 

701 Central Avenue North 

Xcel Energy has submitted a new application for two Conditional Use Permits (CUP) to install a 123-foot-tall monopole at their substation at 701 Central Ave N to mount a private Long-Term Evolution (pLTE) antenna that will allow Xcel to communicate with their equipment.  The antenna will not provide public commercial telecommunications. The pole replaces an existing, shorter pole at the site. This item is scheduled for Planning Commission consideration and Public Hearing on September 8.

Xcel Energy had recently withdrawn a previous application from Spring 2025 proposing a 140-foot-tall monopole in the same location for the same purpose.

For information on all development projects, please visit the development project webpage. 

Comments are welcome on all projects. Submit any feedback to publiccomment@wayzata.org.

547 Harrington Rd

Owner, Craig Swanson, and applicant, Kyle Hunt, have submitted a development application requesting a lakeshore setback variance. The applicants are seeking a 152.5-foot variance which would allow a home to be constructed at 108 feet from the ordinary high-water line, which closer to the lakeshore than permitted by ordinance. The public hearing was held on August 18, 2025. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the variance request 5-1. The item is scheduled to be reviewed by the City Council on September 23, 2025.

For information on all development projects, please visit the development project webpage. 

Comments are welcome on all projects. Submit any feedback to publiccomment@wayzata.org.

Dark Skies Event on September 26

Experience the magic of the night at our Dark Skies Event on Friday, September 26, from 7:00–9:00 p.m. at City Hall Park (600 Rice Street East, Wayzata). 

Enjoy an engaging talk about the Dark Sky program and how lighting impacts our community, learn about nocturnal birds, explore the stars and planets through telescopes with the University of Minnesota Universe in the Park, join in on family-friendly activities, and enjoy snacks under the night sky! Bring your own binoculars for an additional opportunity for a guided tour of the sky!

If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we will gather instead on Friday, October 3. Let’s come together to celebrate the beauty of our starlit skies!

Hosted by the Energy & Environment Committee

Submit a Photo to the Picture Wayzata Photo Contest

Send in your photos to the Picture Wayzata Photo Contest and win a Muni gift card! Photos will be voted on by the public on the City’s Facebook Page to determine the winners.

First, second, and third top votes will receive gift cards to the Wayzata Bar & Grill. In addition, winning photographs will be featured on the City of Wayzata photo contest winners web page. The contest will run July 15 - December 15.

Click here to view contest rules and/or submit a photo

School Bus Safety Reminder

As a reminder, there is a zero-tolerance policy for speeding in school zones, crosswalks, and for school bus stop arm violations. WPD officers will be monitoring these zones, so please be mindful.

When you see a school bus slowing down or stopping, it’s not just the bus that you need to have your eyes on – but the surrounding area too. Children often cross the street when boarding or getting off the bus. This is why you must stop for school buses, and don’t attempt to pass.

Notification of Road Closure for James J. Hill Days 

Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025: Lake Street E will be closed from Barry Ave S to Edgewood Court for carnival setup. 

Friday, September 5th - Sunday, September 7th, 2025: Lake Street E will be closed from Puralima Cantina (between Superior Blvd and Broadway Ave S) to Edgewood Court.

Beach and Marina access will be available via Ferndale Road S. Please follow the posted detour.