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CITY OF ORONO RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL NO. 7 103 2. The Property is located in the RR -1 B Zoning District. 3. The Property contains 1 acres in area and has a defined lot width of 220 feet. 4. Applicant has applied for the following variance: a. Side Yard Setback 5. In considering this application for variance, the Council has considered the advice and recommendation of the Planning Commission and the effect of the proposed variance upon the health, safety and welfare of the community, existing and 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. ANALYSIS: 1. "Variances shall only be permitted when they are in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the ordinance ...." The variance to allow construction of a home addition is in harmony with the zoning code; the requested setback variance on this Property is generally consistent with the intent of the ordinance. 2. "Variances shall only be permitted when the variances are consistent with the comprehensive plan." This statement is true; the requested variance is in line with the rural residential goals within the comprehensive plan. 3. "Variances may be granted when the applicant for the variance establishes that there are practical difficulties in complying with the zoning ordinance. 'Practical difficulties,' as used in connection with the granting of a variance, means that: a. The property owner in question proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner, however, the proposed use is not permitted by the official controls The variance request is residential in nature and are reasonable considering existing conditions of the property. b. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to his property not created by the landowner. the location of the existing home and the site configuration was not created by the owner, and c. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality. " The proposed addition is in the rear of the home backing up to a heavy wooded area. The visual impacts will be minimal from the street as well as from adjacent properties. The proposed addition will not alter the character of the neighborhood. 4. "Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties." Economic considerations have not been a factor in the variance approval determination.