06-15-2020 Planning Commission Packet

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Letter View PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES DOCUMENTATION FORM LA20-000039 1. The property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the Zoning Chapter. Response: We have lived in this home since purchasing it in December 2008. The house was built in the 60s, has a 2-car garage and a wrap around driveway. It is our intent to build a three car garage over a portion of the existing driveway and eliminate the balance of one of the two legs of the driveway. This results in a net reduction of hard cover on the lot. 2. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to his property not created by the landowner. Response: The lot is a triangle. We realize now that the shape of the lot is going to be a hindrance to adhere to the proper hard cover specifications required by the city of Orono. We believe that if the lot were a normal rectangular shape we would not have a need to be applying for this variance. 3. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality. Response: Contrary, the variance will allow us to not only overcome our currently hardship of lack of storage but will significantly enhance the curb appeal of the property. Both adjacent houses are multi-million homes. We believe that with the addition of the garage along with mindful landscaping, the curb appeal of our home will increase dramatically. 4. Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties if reasonable use for the property exists under the terms of the Zoning Chapter. Response: We rent a storage unit from Metro Storage in Mound for $200/month for a 10' X 15' unit. It is not a hardship to pay for this annually. John and I are getting older and it is becoming more difficult for us to load summer furniture and gear into a truck twice per year and take it to a rented storage unit in Mound. Your approval of this request would allow us to create necessary storage space and eliminate the need to rent a monthly storage space. 5. 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 1163.06, Subd. 2, when in harmony with this Chapter. Response: N/A 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 land is located. Response: N/A 7. The Board or Council may permit as a variance the temporary use of a one-family dwelling as a two-family dwelling. Response: N/A 8. The special conditions applying to the structure or land in question are peculiar to such property or immediately adjoining property. Response: N/A file:///C/Users/loakden/Downloads/Practical%20Difficulties%20Documentation%20Form%20(2).htm[6/11/2020 8:15:30 AM]