12-07-22 PC Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 6 of 10 The Applicants have stated “the new home proposed will still be in keeping with the spirit and intent of setback requirements. In the front, the proposed home generally meets the 40’ setback requirement, especially when the nature of the highway easements which define the setbacks are considered, and is positioned similarly to neighboring homes which are set at less than 40’. In the rear, the new home is well back from the 75’ minimum OHW setback, is positioned as far from the lake as possible given the lot shape and tree locations, and will not obstruct the neighboring home’s lake view.” The land use will remain single family residential as zoned. 2. Practical Difficulties. The Applicant for a variance shall establish that there are practical difficulties in complying with the provisions of the Arden Hills Zoning Regulations. The term “Practical Difficulties” as used in the granting of a variance means: a. Reasonable Use. The property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the Zoning Ordinance. According to the Applicants, “meeting all front setback requirements and adjacent property OHW setback requirements would overly restrict the available build area size and shape and would not allow reasonable use for residential purposes.” b. Unique Circumstances. The plight of the property owner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner. According to the Applicant’s written narrative, “as shown in the attached presentation, the property size has been eroded over time due to highway easements which define the front setback requirements. Additionally, the unique irregular lot shape, position on Round Lake, and lot elevations restrict possible home placement.” c. Character of Neighborhood. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood. The Applicants have stated that the “essential character of the city will not be altered by the new home’s placement on our property. In fact, the proposal preserves the majority of mature trees on the property, which help to define the character of the city.” 3. Economic Consideration. Economic consideration alone does not constitute a practical difficulty. The Applicants have stated that “the variance is not for purely economic reasons. Due to position of mature trees, existing driveway location, and property elevation, the proposed home location is the only practical solution to use our property to build a new home that meets our family’s needs.” 4. Access to Sunlight. Inadequate access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems shall be considered a practical difficulty. A solar energy system is not proposed.