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�pNp CITY OF ORONO <br /> RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL <br /> NO. 71 14 <br /> -kES H o0' <br /> G <br /> 2. "Variances shall only be permitted . . . when the variances are consistent with the <br /> comprehensive plan." The number and type of variances proposed to develop this <br /> nonconforming lot of record are consistent with the comprehensive plan. The request to <br /> permit construction of the home on the substandard lot is reasonable. <br /> 3. "Variances may be granted when the applicant for the variance establishes that there are <br /> practical difficulties in complying with the zoning ordinance. 'Practical difficulties,' as used in <br /> connection with the granting of a variance, means that: <br /> a. The property owner in question proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner, <br /> however, the proposed use is not permitted by the official controls. <br /> The request to permit construction of the home on the substandard lot is a <br /> reasonable use of the residentially zoned property. <br /> b. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to his property not created <br /> by the landowner. <br /> The substandard size is an existing condition,the Owners have attempted to acquire <br /> additional land via purchase or easement and have been unsuccessful. Therefore <br /> there is no available land with which to make the Property more conforming. The <br /> restricted driveway access and lack of off-site parking availability are challenges not <br /> created by the Owners. There should be consideration for variance approvals from <br /> the lot width and area requirements. The house and hardcover have been designed <br /> with an effort toward limiting the additional hardcover without sacrificing functionality. <br /> c. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality." <br /> The variances are requested in order to permit construction of a home, which is <br /> reasonable on a residentially zoned property. The Property is situated in a <br /> residential district located between two commercial marinas.The variances will not <br /> change the essential character of the locality. <br /> 4. "Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties." Economic <br /> considerations have not been a factor in the variance approval determination. <br /> 5. "Practical difficulties also include but are not limited to inadequate access to direct sunlight <br /> for solar energy systems. Variances shall be granted for earth-sheltered construction as <br /> defined in Minn. Stat. § 216C.06, subd. 2, when in harmony with Orono City Code Chapter <br /> 78."This condition is not applicable. <br /> 3 <br />