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���p CITY OF ORONO <br /> RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL <br /> ��,tR wG�� NO.�j_% ��— <br /> kESHo� <br /> 2. "Variances shall only be permitted . . . when the variances are consistent with the <br /> comprehensive plan." Residential entrance monuments at the required setback are <br /> 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 difficutties,'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 reasonab/e manner, <br /> however, the proposed use is not permitted by the o�cial controls. <br /> The entrance monument improvement itself is reasonable, given an appropriate <br /> location. The existing placement is unreasonable and does introduce unnecessary <br /> structures in close proximity to a street, inherently increasing risk to the traveling <br /> public. <br /> b. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to his property not created <br /> by fhe landowner. <br /> The narrowness of the private road serving a total of 10 residences was not created <br /> by the Applicants. The entrance monuments were recently constructed and could <br /> have been constructed to meet the required setback. The placement of the <br /> monuments on the Property was created by the Applicants. Alternative to placing <br /> the structures within the drive circle, the structures could be placed on the outside <br /> of the drive, and back, meeting setback goals. <br /> c. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality." <br /> There are entrance monuments similarly situated throughout the City. The <br /> character of the neighborhood is not driven by the placement of minor, accessory <br /> structures. The City received public comment stating that approval of the variance <br /> to permit the substandard setback will adversely impact the character of the <br /> neighborhood. <br /> 4. "Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties."The relocation of the <br /> entrance monument structures adds cost to the Applicants. Economic considerations may <br /> not be 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 /> 3 <br />