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CITY OF ORONO RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL No. 669 17) b. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to his property not created by the landowner. The location, size, and orientation of the home on the Property were not the result of actions by the Applicants. The portion of the neighboring home to the north is a one-story garage set back sufficiently to allow for light, air, and open space between the two homes. c. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality." The proposed additions to the home will not alter the character of the neighborhood. The existing home garage is set back 36 feet from the paved roadway of Smith Avenue and it does not appear that a second story addition will adversely impact the neighbor to the north. Further, the existing home is lower on the hill than Smith Avenue, and when compared to properties to the north, further reducing the impact. 4. "Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties." The Applicants have not indicated economic reasons for their variance request. 5. "Practical difficulties also include but are not limited to inadequate access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems. Variances shall be granted for earth -sheltered construction as defined in Minn. Stat. § 216C.06, subd. 2, when in harmony with Orono City Code Chapter 78." This criterion is not applicable. 6. "The board or the council may not permit as a variance any use that is not permitted under Orono City Code Chapter 78 for property in the zone where the affected person's land is located." The proposed additions are residential in nature and are permitted. This criterion is met. 7. "The board or council may permit as a variance the temporary use of a one -family dwelling as a two-family dwelling." This criterion is not applicable. 8. "The special conditions applying to the structure or land in question are peculiar to such property or immediately adjoining property." The Property is a corner lot with a defined front yard on Smith Avenue. The home (according to Hennepin County) was constructed in 1947 and is in a nonconforming location on the Property. The proposed improvements will not increase the footprint nonconformity within either setback. 9. "The conditions do not apply generally to other land or structures in the district in which the land is located." The topography, which drops off steadily as you move east, the