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c. Character of Neighborhood. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood. According to the Applicant, the variance requested is in keeping with the character of the neighborhood. The design of the addition is four feet behind the front line of the existing garage and thus is four feet further from the property line so visibility at the corner intersection is maintained. The Applicant states that the garage addition fits with the neighborhood and will not stand out as a different type of visual design or feel. 3. Economic Consideration. Economic consideration alone does not constitute a practical difficulty. The Applicant states that the proposed variance is to increase the personal functionality of the building for their family, not to turn a profit of some kind. 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. Findings of Fact The Planning Commission reviewed this application at their September 6, 2023 meeting and have offered the following findings for your consideration: General Findings: 1. City Staff received a land use application for a variance request to the required R-2 Zoning District side yard setback for corner lots and the front yard setback at the Subject Property 1945 Edgewater Avenue. 2. A single-family dwelling is a permitted use within the R-2 Zoning District. 3. The garage addition will not impede sight lines or obstruct the clear vision area from the roadways since the existing building line along Prior Avenue will remain the same. 4. The existing detached garage is legal nonconforming with a side yard setback of 1.4 feet. 5. The proposed garage addition would have a side yard setback for a corner lot of 5.8 feet and does not increase the nonconformity of the lot. 6. The proposed garage addition would decrease the required front yard setback to 39.2 feet. Variance Findings: 1. Variances are only permitted when they are in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the ordinance. 2. The proposed garage addition would not alter the essential character of the neighborhood because the proposed design will fit with the neighborhood and will not encroach further into the existing garage's corner side yard setback. 3. The variance request is not based on economic considerations alone. Page 7 of 9