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Letter View Practical Difficulties Documentation Form (1).htm[3/15/2018 1:13:32 PM] PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES DOCUMENTATION FORM LA18-000019 1. The property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted bythe Zoning Chapter. Response: The current house and property conditions do not allow for building options to the north or south as this would require additional variances and impact the current neighboring home/lot. This lot is a non-conforming lot and cannot be redeveloped without triggering more variances. The lot as it exists is bestsuited for the same/similar structure as was originally built on the property. The retention of this type ofhistorical lake Minnetonka home, with its lakeside front porch, also remains the main goal of thehomeowners. The intention is build a new version of the home that has been there. 2. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to his property not created by thelandowner. Response: The Hill In order to safely utilize the property, it could be argued that the house and garage should not be movedaway from the lake towards the street. In order to maintain enough acceleration space to get cars up thedriveway to the Casco Point Road, it would be undesirable to move the house backwards on the site (as it isalready difficult during extreme weather conditions) Moreover, because of the steep slope of the hill at the street side of the property, it is unrealistic (as well as undesirable) to place a new garage within this area, as it possible a car coming down the hill could slide into the structure if not given enough space. 3. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality. Response: The clients goal is build a very similar home to what is currently on site. Stlye and size aresimilar in nature. We have considered both neighbors and their views to the lake in our design. We aremoving the home back from its current position by 3.5'. We are also reducing the massing of the porch area vs. what is currently the porch area. The existing porch has more walls than windows and has a large roof on the 2nd story covering it. On the proposed new home, we have narrowed up the porch, as well as making it all windows, which will allow for less house massing. We also have significantly scaled back the 2nd story roof structure to make it less impactful from a visual standpoint. 4. Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties if reasonable use forthe property exists under the terms of the Zoning Chapter. Response: The cost of remodeling this home to bring it up to 2018 standards does not make financial sense compared to the value of a new home. 5. Practical difficulties include, but are not limited to, inadequate access to direct sunlight forsolar energy systems. Variances shall be granted for earth sheltered construction as defined inMinnesota Statutes, Section 116J.06, Subd. 2, when in harmony with this Chapter. Response: Not applicable 6. The Board of Appeals and Adjustments or the Council may not permit as a variance any usethat is not allowed under this Chapter for property in the zone where the affected person's landis located. Response: Not applicable 7. The Board or Council may permit as a variance the temporary use of a one-family dwelling asa two-family dwelling.