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According to MN §462.537 Subd. 6(2) variances shall only be permitted when: l. The variance is in harmony with the general intent and pu r pose of the Or dinance. The variances are minimal and generally consistent with the intent of the ordinance. This criterion is met. 2. The variance is consistent with the comprehensive plan. The requested variances are consistent with the residential goals within the comprehensive plan. This criterion is met. 3. The applicant establishes that there are practical difficu lt ies. a. The property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonab le manner not perm itted by the official controls; The minimal additions to the cabin are reasonable on this wooded, 2+ acre residential property. This criterion is met. b. There are circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner; The property's orientation at the point of the island; the separation between the subject cabin and the neighboring cabins; the existing tree stands combined with the elevation and setback of the existing cabin on the property in relation to the lake result in a unique circumstance allowing for a the cabin additions to be almost completely screened from views off the property; and c. The variance will not alter the essentia l character of the locality. The cabin additions will be screened adequately year-round, will be keep i ng with the style of the cabin, and will screened from views from off of the property. This condition is met. Additiona ll y City Code 78 -123 provides add itional parameters within wh ich a variance may be granted as follows: 4. Economic cons iderations alone do not constitute p r act ica l difficulties. Economic considerations have not been a factor in the variance approval determination. 5. Pract ical d ifficulties also include but are not limited to inadequate access to d i rect sunl ight for solar energy systems. Var iances sha ll be granted for earth -sheltered construction as defined in M i nn. Stat.§ 216C.06, subd. 2, when in harmony with Orono City Code Chapter 78. This condition is not applicable. 6. The board o r the counc i l may not perm it as a variance any use that is not permitted under Orono City Code Chapte r 78 for property i n the zone where the affected person's land is located . This condition is not applicable, as the use for a residential cabin is an allowed use in the RS District. This criterion is met. 7. The boa rd or council may permit as a variance the temporary use of a one-fami ly dwell ing as a two-family dwelling. This condition is not applicable. 8. The spec ial condit ions app lying to the structure or land in questio~ are peculiar to such property or immediate ly adjo i ning property. The property is an existing lot of record and contains a large number of mature trees for screening. The topography of the property increases as it moves away from the lake and the owner feels the proposed additions to the cabin are logical and will not adversely impact adjacent properties. This criterion is met. 9. The cond itions do not app ly generally to other land or structures in the d istrict in wh ich the land is located. The property is situated at the northwestern most point of the island. The applicant's proposal does not appear to be out of character with the area. This criterion is met. 10. The grant i ng of the applicat ion is necessa ry for the preservation and en j oyment of a substant ial property right of the applicant. This statement is true. 11. The granting of the proposed var iance w ill not in any way impair health, safety, comfort o r mora ls, or in any other respect be contrary to the intent of this chapter. The proposed cabin additions will not impair the health, safety, comfort or morals of the public. This criterion is met. 12. The grant ing of such variance will not mere ly serve as a convenience to the applicant, but is necessary to all eviate demonstrab le difficulty. This statement is true.