02-18-2025 Planning Commission Packet (2)

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430 East Long Lake Rd Practical Difficulty Responses 1) The variance is in harmony with the general intent and purpose of the Ordinance: It’s helpful to keep in mind what variance is being requested. We seek permission to build an 8’ x 8’ pigeon coop on our property. The pigeons will remain in the coop and not be able to fly in and out of the coop. The pigeons will eventually number approximately 20 and will be kept as pets and may be traded among other pigeon keepers in the state. While the City classifies pigeons as farm animals, they are more like pets and will be closely contained in the coop. Thus, the variance request is analogous to a dog kennel kept by homeowners and is consistent with the general intent and purpose of the residential zoning for this piece of property. 2) The variance is consistent with the comprehensive plan: The keeping of unobtrusive pigeons that will not affect the quiet use and enjoyment of the neighbors’ property. 3) The applicant establishes that there are practical difficulties: a. The property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the official controls: The City does not allow farm animals on property less than two acres, and this property is .7 acres. Because the pigeons will be kept in the 8’ x 8’ coop, the variance will keep the pigeons in a reasonable manner that should not affect the character of the property or neighboring properties. b. There are circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner: The size of the property lot cannot be changed and is unique to this property. c. The variance will not alter the essential character of the locality: Just like a dog kennel, that would be an allowed use, the pigeon coop will not alter the essential character of the locality. In fact, the pigeon coop will be less intrusive because the pigeons do not bark or whine as dogs often do. 4) Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties: There is no economic reason for the request. The variance is being sought because the tenants are refugees from a war torn section of Ukraine. While in Ukraine, the father of the family used to raise pigeons for 50 years. He is now in the United States where he does not speak English. While he is relieved to be here and out of a war zone, he misses his homeland hobbies and is suffering the stress that any new immigrant in such circumstances would. Keeping pigeons would help him relieve his relocation stress by allowing him to continue a life-long hobby. 211