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FILE # LA20-000039 <br />June 15, 2020 <br />Page 3 of 4 <br /> <br />goal of the ordinance is to reduce improvements and bring the property closer to the <br />allowed regulations. <br />2. The variance is consistent with the comprehensive plan. The proposed project to <br />remodel an existing home on a substandard lot and bring the lot closer to conformance <br />with city regulations is consistent with the comprehensive plan. <br />3. The applicant establishes that there are practical difficulties. <br />a. The property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not <br />permitted by the official controls; The request to permit an addition to the home <br />on a substandard lot meeting all setback requirements and lowering the <br />existing hardcover totals appears to be reasonable as the property’s reduced <br />size and existing improvements. <br />b. There are circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner; <br />the existing home and substandard lot are unique and not created by the <br />property owner. and <br />c. The variance will not alter the essential character of the locality. The variance is <br />requested in order to permit an addition to the home designed to fit the <br />character of the neighborhood according to the submitted information. <br />Additionally City Code 78-123 provides additional parameters within which a variance may be <br />granted as follows: <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 />6. The board or the council may not permit as a variance any use that is not permitted under <br />Orono City Code Chapter 78 for property in the zone where the affected person's land is <br />located. This condition is not applicable, as single family home is an allowed use in the <br />LR-1C District. <br />7. The board or council may permit as a variance the temporary use of a one-family dwelling <br />as a two-family dwelling. This condition is not applicable. <br />8. The special conditions applying to the structure or land in question are peculiar to such <br />property or immediately adjoining property. The property’s substandard width and area <br />as well as the existing home create difficulties and are peculiar. <br />9. The conditions do not apply generally to other land or structures in the district in which <br />the land is located. The applicant is working to keep the existing home which currently <br />exceeds city hardcover requirements. The existing conditions are unique to this <br />property and the proposed project would bring the overall hardcover for the property <br />closer to conforming to the City regulations. <br />10. The granting of the application is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a <br />substantial property right of the applicant. Granting the hardcover variance s necessary <br />for the preservation of the property. <br />11. The granting of the proposed variance will not in any way impair health, safety, comfort <br />or morals, or in any other respect be contrary to the intent of this chapter Granting the <br />requested variances in this unique situation is not contrary to the intent of the zoning <br />chapter. <br />12. The granting of such variance will not merely serve as a convenience to the applicant, but <br />is necessary to alleviate demonstrable difficulty. The variance does not merely serve as