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Laurel Wand Architecture 1718 Logan Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55403 612 874 1086 1 p laurei@lauretuttand.com I e M 2090 Shoreline Drive Orono, MN 55391 Variance Application Practical Difficulties Form January 18, 2017 4. "Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties if reasonable use for the property exists under the terms of the Zoning Chapter." Economic considerations are not a part of this application and pose no practical difficulty to the continued use of the property by the current property owner. Reasonable use of the property will continue into the future with the next generation of the family that owns the property. The new cabin will be used by the children and grandchildren of the current owner. It will be a more up-to- date version of the existing cabin, with amenities to match the main house, but the use of the property will not change. The existence of two cabins on the property might be considered "non -conforming", according to the current zoning ordinances related to the LR -1A classification, in the sense that both dwellings have been used by siblings of the original owners and are equal in that regard. With the death of the original family members, one might consider the existing "2 -story wood frame house" as the principal residence, and the smaller "cabin" as a guest house or accessory structure but they were historically used by two separate but related families. The proposed new cabin wit[ be used by the offspring of the remaining family owner and heir. It will not be used as a rentable unit. The new structure is meant to replace, not increase, the number of residences or accessory structures on the property. The size of the property is approx. two times the size of the minimally required property for the current zoning classification. "Practical difficulties 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 Minnesota Statutes, Section 116J.06, Subd. 2, when in harmony with this Chapter." N/A. Not applicable. 6. "The Board of Appeals and Adjustments or the Council may not permit as a variance any use that is not allowed under this Chapter for property in the zone where the affected person's [and is located." The property will continue to be used as a one -family residential property, for seasonal recreation. The zoning classification is LR -1A. The proposed changes to the property do not seek to atter this classification or impact other properties located in the same zone. The property owner seeks to replace an existing cabin with a new cabin, with a slightly larger footprint, in essentially the same location on the property. It will be used in the same way that the original structure has been used, by family members for the summer months of each year. The total square footage of the footprint of the new structure, along with the square footage of the two existing accessory structures, does not exceed the maximum at[owabte for a property of this size. The total hardcover on the property will be increased by approx. 0.58% or about 1/2 percent. This constitutes a negligible impact on the property. A separate Conditional Use Permit will be sought