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LA26-000001 <br />17 February 2026 <br />Page 3 of 4 <br />2. The variance is consistent with the comprehensive plan: <br />The proposed variance to allow for a single-family residential use in RR-1B zoning district is <br />consistent with the comprehensive plan. This criterion is met. <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: <br />The applicant has proposed a reasonable building. Although the building is bisected by the <br />average lakeshore setback, its development in this location should not impact the views <br />of its neighbors. This criterion is met. <br />b. There are circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner: <br />The property is mostly unbuildable due to wetlands and the floodplain. Most homes <br />located near this wetland are located closer to Brown Road South than the ordinary high <br />water level (OHWL). Property sizes in this area tend to be larger, where viewsheds can be <br />better preserved. The applicant has proposed a reasonable home location considerate of <br />wetlands and the floodplain that does not impact sightlines of its neighbors. This criterion <br />is met. <br />c. The variance will not alter the essential character of the locality: <br />A variance will allow for a new home to be consistent with and contribute to the residential <br />character of the area. This criterion is met. <br />Additionally, City Code 6.12.530 provides additional parameters within which a variance may be <br />granted as follows: <br />4. Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties: <br />Economic considerations are not a practical difficulty supporting the variance request. This <br />criterion is met. <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. 17, when in harmony with Orono City Code Chapter <br />78: <br />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: <br />This condition is not applicable <br />7. The board or council may permit as a variance the temporary use of a one -family dwelling as <br />a two-family dwelling: <br />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: <br />Many properties in the area abut Long Lake Creek and contain the OHWL of Lake Minnetonka. <br />