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The Planning Commission 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. 3. Variance Requirements — Section 1355.04, Subd. 4 The Applicant requests a variance to construct a principal structure and detached garage addition to the east elevation of their existing principal structure and attached garage that would impede on the required side yard setback on a corner lot in the R-1, Single Family Residential District. The Planning Commission 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 1511 Dawn Circle is for a proposed attached garage and upper level addition. The Subject Property is zoned R-1, Single 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 proposed principal structure and attached garage addition would provide for residential living and storage space in line with the existing use of the property as a single family dwelling. The addition of these spaces on the property would not be permitted by the Zoning Ordinance. 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 property is on a corner lot which was not a circumstance created by the Applicant. Corner lots have a required 40 foot side yard setback which is greater than the 10'125' required for non -corner lots within the R-I zoning district. On a non -corner lot, the attached garage addition would conform with the R-1 requirements. c. Character of Neighborhood. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood. Page 5 of 8