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CITY OF ORONO RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL NO. 66 2. "Variances shall only be permitted . . when the variances are consistent with the comprehensive plan." The requested variances result in residential improvements which are consistent with the comprehensive plan. 3. "Variances may be granted when the applicant for the variance establishes that there are practical difficulties in complying with the zoning ordinance. `Practical difficulties,' as used in connection with the granting of a variance, means that: a. The property owner in question proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner, however, the proposed use is not permitted by the official controls. It is reasonable to rearrange the pool patio within the lake yard in order to reduce the total hardcover impact and make the patio more functional; it is reasonable and minimal to permit a small pool shed for the storage of pool chemicals, equipment, and accessories near the pool within the side street yard as well; the encroachment into the wetland setback is a relocation of the previously existing driveway area and is reasonable; it does not encroach into the required 25 -foot MCWD buffer. b. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to his property not created by the landowner. The Property contains a large wetland which separates the dry buildable land near the lake from the remaining dry buildable land, limiting options for development. Further, the narrowness of the buildable area in the lake yard portion of the Property and the floodplain elevations limit usability of the land. c. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality." The proposed variances result in a changed pool patio and driveway as well as a small shed for pool equipment within the street side yard. There is currently a fence along the street side yard which will be replaced with vegetative screening. The character of the neighborhood should not be adversely impacted by the proposed variances. 4. "Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties." The Applicant has not requested variances based on economic considerations. 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.