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2. Practical Difficulties. The Applicant for a variance shall establish that there are practical <br />difficulties in complying with the provisions of the Arden Hills Zoning Regulations. The term <br />"Practical Difficulties" as used in the granting of a variance means: <br />a. Reasonable Use. The property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner <br />not permitted by the Zoning Ordinance. <br />According to the Applicants, "meeting all front setback requirements and adjacent <br />property OHW setback requirements would overly restrict the available build area size <br />and shape and would not allow reasonable use for residential purposes. " <br />b. Unique Circumstances. The plight of the property owner is due to circumstances unique to <br />the property not created by the landowner. <br />According to the Applicant's written narrative, "as shown in the attached presentation, the <br />property size has been eroded over time due to highway easements which define the front <br />setback requirements. Additionally, the unique irregular lot shape, position on Round <br />Lake, and lot elevations restrict possible home placement. " <br />c. Character of Neighborhood. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character <br />of the neighborhood. <br />The Applicants have stated that the "essential character of the city will not be altered by <br />the new home's placement on our property. In fact, the proposal preserves the majority of <br />mature trees on the property, which help to define the character of the city. " <br />3. Economic Consideration. Economic consideration alone does not constitute a practical <br />difficulty. <br />The Applicants have stated that "the variance is not for purely economic reasons. Due to <br />position of mature trees, existing driveway location, and property elevation, the proposed <br />home location is the only practical solution to use our property to build a new home that <br />meets our family s needs. " <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 />Additional Review <br />Building Official <br />The Building Official has reviewed the plans and has no additional comments at this time. A <br />Building Permit will be required prior to any demolition or construction activity taking place. <br />Public Works Director/City Engineer <br />The Public Works Director/City Engineer has reviewed the plans and has no additional comments <br />at this time. PW permits will be required prior to any land disturbance or right-of-way work. <br />These items have been included in the draft recommended conditions of approval. <br />Page 6 of 9 <br />