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ANALYSIS: <br />CITY OF ORONO <br />RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL <br />NO. 5 8 <br />1. "Variances shall only be permitted when they are in harmony with the general purposes <br />and intent of the ordinance..." <br />The proposed variance will be in harmony with the intent of the Zoning Code as the proposed <br />structure will be screened from view by the vegetation and natural berm that exists between <br />the Garage and North Shore Drive. <br />2. "Variances shall only be permitted... when the variances are consistent with the <br />comprehensive plan." <br />This statement is true; the variance would allow for the preservation of trees on the Property. <br />3. "Variances may be granted when the applicant for the variance establishes that there are <br />practical difficulties in complying with the zoning ordinance. 'Practical difficulties,' as used in <br />connection with the granting of a variance, means that: <br />a. The property owner in question proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner, <br />however, the proposed use is not permitted by the official controls. <br />The re -construction of the Garage in the proposed location is reasonable on this <br />wooded, 1.0 acre residential property. <br />b. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to his property not created <br />by the landowner. <br />The existing tree stands combined with the location of the existing (& proposed) <br />home on the Property result in a unique circumstance allowing for the Garage to <br />be almost completely screened from views off the Property. <br />c. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality. " <br />The garage will be screened adequately year-round, will be aesthetically <br />interesting and keeping with the style of the proposed home, and will screened <br />from views from off of the property. This condition is met. <br />4. "Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties." <br />The Owner has not requested consideration based on economic criteria. <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 />