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CITY OF ORONO <br />RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL <br />NO. 6779 <br />setback variances requested for the home and porch are reasonable considering the <br />depth, and buildable width of the Property. <br />2. "Variances shall only be permitted . . . when the variances are consistent with the <br />comprehensive plan." The variances resulting in a permit for construction of a single family <br />residence in a residential zone are consistent with the Comprehensive 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 />The request to permit construction of the home on the foundation of the existing <br />home within the side setback, front setback, and wetland setback, appears to be <br />reasonable as the Property's narrow width and depth (due to the wetland) creates <br />a difficulty. <br />b. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to his property not created <br />by the landowner. <br />The sub -standard size of the Property was not the result of actions by the <br />landowner. The location of the home and garage on the Property, the high water <br />table, the narrowness and shallow depth of the buildable area create difficulties for <br />developing the Property. <br />c. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality." <br />The lot area and width variances will not alter the character of the neighborhood. <br />It does not appear that the setback variances to permit the new home will adversely <br />impact the adjacent property owners. <br />4. "Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties." Economic <br />considerations have not been a factor in the variance approval determination. <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." This condition is not applicable. <br />