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PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES DOCUMENTATION FORM <br />LA25-000035 <br />1. The property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the Zoning Chapter. <br />Response: Use of the property will remain as a single-family residence <br />2. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to his property not created by the landowner. <br />Response: The current landowner purchased the house 1992 and is the third owner of the property. The parcel at 880 Partenwood Road is of a unique size and <br />shape on Partenwood Road and in this part of the community. Evidence of the influence of this unique tapered trapezoid shape parcel is demonstrated by the <br />unique design solution for the original house that is not like any other nearby residence. <br />3. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality. <br />Response: The addition will not be visible from the street and will not encroach into the 75’ OHWL setback. The materials and appearance of the addition will <br />match the design of the existing house. <br />4. Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties if reasonable use for the property exists under the terms of the Zoning <br />Chapter. <br />Response: The owner does not seek this variance for economic considerations. The owner acknowledges that as the only possible location for an addition to <br />their residence, they may undertake a greater expense to relocate the electrical service entrance and heating and cooling condenser connections at this location <br />to do their best to comply with the ordinance. <br />5. Practical difficulties include, but are not limited to, inadequate access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems. Variances shall be granted <br />for earth-sheltered construction as defined in Minnesota Statutes, Section 116J.06, Subd. 2, when in harmony with this Chapter. <br />Response: Not applicable <br />6. The Board of Appeals and Adjustments or the Council may not permit as a variance any use that is not allowed under this Chapter for <br />property in the zone where the affected person's land is located. <br />Response: The use of the property as a private residence will not change if the variance is granted. A private one-family residence is allowed as a primary use <br />within the LR-1B zoning district. <br />7. The Board or Council may permit as a variance the temporary use of a one-family dwelling as a two-family dwelling. <br />Response: Not applicable <br />8. The special conditions applying to the structure or land in question are peculiar to such property or immediately adjoining property. <br />Response: The parcel at 880 Partenwood Road is of a unique size and shape on Partenwood Road and in this part of the community. Evidence of the influence of <br />this unique tapered trapezoid shape parcel is demonstrated by the unique design solution for the original house that is not like any other nearby residence. <br />9. The conditions do not apply generally to other land or structures in the district in which said land is located. <br />Response: The parcel at 880 Partenwood Road is of a unique size and shape on Partenwood Road and in this part of the community. Evidence of the influence of <br />this unique tapered trapezoid shape parcel is demonstrated by the unique design solution for the original house that is not like any other nearby residence. <br />10. The granting of the application is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a substantial property right of the applicant. <br />Response: Mrs. Gray is presently in a wheelchair and must travel over 85’ from a stair lift to her bedroom. This distance and the challenge presented by the <br />current two story configuration of living spaces within the house impacts her safety and enjoyment of the house, property and neighborhood. Both Mr. and Mrs. <br />Gray’s quality of life and ability to remain living in the house are impacted by the current multi-floor living configuration. With this variance and the addition, living, <br />bathing and sleeping spaces can be added on the main floor to allow full enjoyment of the property and increase safety by always having help near at hand if <br />required. <br />11. The granting of the proposed variance will not in any way impair health, safety, comfort, morals, or in any other respect be contrary to the <br />intent of the Zoning Code. <br />Response: The use and occupancy of this one-family home will not change. All renovations and additions will be designed to comply with applicable codes and <br />regulations. <br />12. The granting of such variance will not merely serve as a convenience to the applicant but is necessary to alleviate demonstrable difficulty. <br />Response: Without this variance and addition to the home, it is very likely that the Grays will not be able to continue to live in the home due to Mrs. Gray’s <br />mobility condition. <br />95