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CITY OF ORONO <br /> RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL <br /> �; NO. 6654 <br /> `�KESHO�� <br /> the requested variances are consistent with the residential goals within the comprehensive <br /> plan. <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 /> Installation of solar panels on the existing cabin is a reasonable use of the <br /> Property, the existing setbacks of the cabin create practical difficulties and <br /> necessitate variances. <br /> b. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to his property not created <br /> by the landowner. <br /> The cabin's location lakeward of the average lakeshore setback line and within the <br /> required 30-foot side setback; the separation between the subject cabin and the <br /> neighboring cabins; and the existing tree stands combined with the topography <br /> result in a unique circumstance not created by the landowner allowing for the cabin <br /> and therefore the Solar Panels to be almost completely screened from views off <br /> the Property. <br /> c. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality." <br /> The Solar Panels will not be visually obtrusive and will screened from views from <br /> off of the Property adequately by existing vegetation and the topography. <br /> 4. "Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties." The Owners have <br /> not requested consideration based on economic reasons. <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. 2, when in harmony with Orono City Code Chapter <br /> 78." Orono's code permits only roof mounted solar panels to be constructed. Placement <br /> on the roof of the nonconforming cabin is the only location where solar panels are <br /> permitted on the Property. <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." The Solar Panels are a permitted use; this criterion is met. <br /> 3 <br />