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help in addressing these factors, however, unsubstantiated opinions and reactions to a request do not form a legitimate basis for a variance decision. The City Council may impose conditions when granting variances as long as the conditions are directly related and bear a rough proportionality to the impact created by the variance. For instance, if a variance is granted to exceed the front setback limit, any conditions attached should presumably relate to mitigating the effect of the encroachment. 4. Variance Requirements — Section 1355.04, Subd. 4 The Applicant requests a variance to construct a garage addition to the north and south sides of their existing detached garage that would impede on the required front yard setback and the required side yard setback on a corner lot in the R-2 Residential District. The City Council will need to make a determination utilizing the following variance findings and criteria on whether there are practical difficulties with complying with the zoning regulations. If the Applicant does not meet all the factors of the statutory test, then a variance should not be granted. Variances are only permitted when they are in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the ordinance. Purpose and Intent. The variance request shall comply with the purpose and intent of the provisions of the City's Zoning Regulations and with the policies of the City's Comprehensive Plan. The variance request for 1945 Edgewater Avenue is for a proposed garage addition. The Subject Property is zoned R-2, Single and Two Family Residential District and is guided as Low Density Residential on the Land Use Plan. 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 Applicant, the purpose of the garage addition is so that the garage can fit two parked vehicles. The inside width of the existing garage is approximately 18 feet and can fit two cars but there is not room to open the car doors to enter or exit the vehicle. The proposed addition will allow for both of the residents' vehicles to be parked in the garage while being accessible. Additional storage of tools and equipment will also be possible. 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, the current garage was built and located where it is long before they owned the property. The Applicant purchased the property in 2023 and the Subject Property was built in 1952. Page 6 of 9