05-21-2018 Planning Commission Packet

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FILE # LA18-000043 May 21, 2018 Page 3 of 5 anticipated traffic conditions, light and air, danger of fire, risk to the public safety, and the effect on values of property in the surrounding area. The Planning Commission shall consider recommending approval for variances from the literal provisions of the Zoning Code in instances where their strict enforcement would cause practical difficulties because of circumstances unique to the individual property under consideration, and shall recommend approval only when it is demonstrated that such actions will be in keeping with the spirit and intent of the Orono Zoning Code. Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties. Practical difficulties also include but are not limited to inadequate access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems. Variances shall be granted for earth -sheltered construction as defined in Minn. Stat. § 216C.06, subd. 2, when in harmony with this chapter. The board or the council may not permit as a variance any use that is not permitted under this chapter for property in the zone where the affected person's land is located. The board or council may permit as a variance the temporary use of a one -family dwelling as a two-family dwelling. According to MN §462.537 Subd. 6(2) variances shall only be permitted when: 1. The variance is in harmony with the general intent and purpose of the Ordinance. The lot width and lot area variances requested are consistent with the general intent of the Ordinance. The rear and side yard setback variances are in harmony with the purpose of the ordinance. The lot includes challenges with topography and the curved right of way and shoreline eliminating the building envelope of the property. 2. The variance is consistent with the comprehensive plan. The variances resulting in a permit for construction of a single family residence in a residential zone are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. 3. The applicant establishes that there are practical difficulties. a. The property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the official controls; The request to permit construction of the home on the substandard lot, in the proposed location within the rear yard setback seems reasonable as the property is steepness and to protect the 75 foot lakeyard setback. b. There are circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner; The sub -standard size of the Property was not the result of actions by the landowner. The location of the home with attached garage on the Property, the steepness of the lot, the curve of the shoreline, the narrowness and shallow depth of the buildable area of the property create difficulties for developing the Property and C. The variance will not alter the essential character of the locality. The lot area and width variances will not alter the character of the neighborhood. It does not appear that the setback variances to permit the new home will adversely impact the adjacent property owners. The neighboring parcel has a home much closer to the road than it proposed. Additionally City Code 78-123 provides additional parameters within which a variance may be granted as follows: 4. Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties. Economic considerations have not been a factor in the variance approval determination. 5. Practical difficulties also include but are not limited to inadequate access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems. Variances shall be granted for earth -sheltered construction as defined in Minn. Stat. § 216C.06, subd. 2, when in harmony with Orono City Code Chapter 78. This condition is not applicable.