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According to the Applicants' application, the sunken topography of the front yard is <br /> unique. <br /> C. Character of Neighborhood. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character <br /> of the neighborhood. <br /> According to the Applicants' application, the existing neighborhood has homes with a <br /> variety of different front yard decks, porches, and patios and the proposed variance will <br /> not alter the character of the neighborhood. The sunken courtyard has been a <br /> neighborhood feature for many years. <br /> 3. Economic Consideration. Economic consideration alone does not constitute a practical <br /> difficulty. <br /> The proposed variance is not based on economic consideration. <br /> 4. Access to Sunlight. Inadequate access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems shall be <br /> considered a practical difficulty. <br /> A solar energy system is not proposed. <br /> Findings of Fact <br /> The Planning Commission reviewed this application at their May 6, 2020, meeting and have <br /> offered the following findings of fact for your consideration: <br /> 1. City Staff received a land use application for a request to build a replacement deck for a <br /> single-family dwelling at the Subject Property 1741 Venus Avenue. <br /> 2. A deck on a single-family detached dwelling is a permitted use in the R-1 district. <br /> 3. The proposed walkway is necessary as the means of egress out the front door of the house. <br /> 4. The Subject Property is non-conforming with the R-1 districts standards for minimum lot <br /> length and area requirements. <br /> 5. The Subject Property is nonconforming due to the sunken elevation of the front yard. <br /> 6. The proposed deck and walkway would encroach into the front setback a combined twenty- <br /> eight(28)feet. <br /> 7. The proposed development of the subject parcel would conform to all other requirements <br /> and standards of the R-ldistrict. <br /> 8. A variance may be granted if enforcement of a provision in the zoning ordinance would <br /> cause the landowner practical difficulties. <br /> 9. Variances are only permitted when they are in harmony with the general purposes and <br /> intent of the ordinance. <br /> City ofArden Hills <br /> City Council Meeting for August 10, 2020 <br /> P:TlanningTlanning Cases1202W20-0041741 Venus Avenue Tourdot Variance EC Packet <br /> Page 5 of 7 <br />