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City of Arden Hills Planning Commission Meeting for January 3, 2024 P:\Planning\Planning Cases\2023\PC 23-023, 1666 Oak Avenue – VAR Page 7 of 9 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, a covered front porch for a single-family home is a reasonable use of the Subject Property in the R-1 Zoning District because the design of the existing principal structure front entry does not mitigate the safety risks posed to inhabitants and visitors of the residence by ice accumulation. 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 Subject Property’s dwelling unit was constructed in 1965. The current property owners purchased the property in 2018 so they did not create the circumstances of the Subject Property’s nonconforming front yard setback. c. Character of Neighborhood. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood. According to the Applicant, the variance for the covered front porch would not alter the essential character of the neighborhood. The Applicant states that the porch would bring nostalgia, charm, and a theme of relaxation to the neighborhood. It will also have the useful function of providing shelter to the main entry. The property owners state that the front porch would help foster neighborhood connections and enhance the home’s aesthetic as the design will integrate into the existing front façade. 3. Economic Consideration. Economic consideration alone does not constitute a practical difficulty. The Applicant states that the proposed variance is not requested for economic reasons alone. 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 must make a finding as to whether or not the proposed application would adversely affect the surrounding neighborhood or the community as a whole based on the aforementioned factors. Staff offers the following findings for consideration: General Findings: