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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 Applicant, the proposed garage addition would be used for car protection, <br />storage, and a work area. <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, the plight of the property owner is due to circumstances <br />unique to the property due to the setback from the street. This circumstance was not <br />created by the landowner. <br />c. Character of Neighborhood. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character <br />of the neighborhood. <br />According to the Applicant, the proposed addition will conform with the existing home and <br />will be constructed with similar material to match the existing home. <br />3. Economic Consideration. Economic consideration alone does not constitute a practical <br />difficulty. <br />The Applicant states that the proposed addition is to accommodate the needs of the <br />homeowner and is not for economic reasons only. <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 />Findings of Fact <br />The Planning Commission must make a finding as to whether or not the proposed application <br />would adversely affect the surrounding neighborhood or the community as a whole based on the <br />aforementioned factors. Staff offers the following findings for consideration: <br />General Findings: <br />1. City Staff received a land use application for a variance request to the required R-1 Zoning <br />District side yard setback for corner lots at the Subject Property 1784 Gramsie Road. <br />2. A single-family dwelling is a permitted use within the R-1 Zoning District. <br />3. The proposed addition would have a decreased side yard setback for a corner lot of 23.33 <br />feet. <br />Page 5 of 7 <br />