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CITY OF ORONO RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL NO. 7408 3 B3. “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 request for variances supporting construction of a new residence on the substandard lot is reasonable. b. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to his property not created by the landowner. The substandard lot size is an existing condition, there is no available land with which to make the Property more conforming. The restricted roadway and substandard lot size are challenges not created by the owners. There should be consideration for variances for the Property which is substandard in area and hardcover requirements. The project has been designed with an effort toward limiting the additional hardcover without sacrificing functionality; and c. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality.” The variances are requested in order to permit construction of a new home in a conforming footprint, which is reasonable. B4. “Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties.” Economic considerations have not been a factor in the variance approval determination. B5. “Practical difficulties also 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 Minn. Stat. § 216C.06, subd. 2, when in harmony with Orono City Code Chapter 78.” This condition is not applicable. B6. “The board or the council may not permit as a variance any use that is not permitted under Orono City Code Chapter 78 for property in the zone where the affected person's land is located.” This condition is not applicable, as a single-family residence is an allowed use in the LR-1C District. B7. “The board or council may permit as a variance the temporary use of a one-family dwelling as a two-family dwelling.” This condition is not applicable. B8. “The special conditions applying to the structure or land in question are peculiar to such property or immediately adjoining property.” The Property’s substandard size and parking difficulties also apply to many of the properties in the immediate neighborhood. The