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&.~f offer to help). After a heavy snowfall, the driveway can be cleaned only with a track-driven snow blower (other snow blowers cannot make it up the driveway), which is too heavy for me to operate. Due to the Northern exposure, ice forms easily on the driveway, remains on there quite long and sometimes proves to be quite treacherous. If there is even the smallest layer of ice on the driveway, it is nearly impossible for me to get up the driveway and into the garage with my Honda Civic. Before I leave the garage with my car, I have to ensure that no pedestrian or car is anywhere close, because I am not able to control the car from sliding down the driveway and into the street once I leave the "landing" in front ofthe garage. One day last winter, while the air temperature was 36 degrees, the ground was still frozen, which I (unfortunately) did not realize when I stepped on the driveway - I immediately lost my balance on the thin layer of ice that still existed and slid the entire driveway down on my stomach. With the exception of some abrasions on my legs, I was lucky enough not to hurt myself. Neighbors told us, however, that one ofthe previous owners broke an arm when she fell on the icy driveway in one winter. [1,2] I believe that the variance would not just keep with the spirit and intent of the Arden Hills Zoning Ordinance, but would even enhance such intent because it would allow a use of the property that is safer for anybody living there, as well as for the general public (i.e. people passing by the property as well as visitors to the property). The design of the new garage intends to make the new garage blend in with the existing structure and landscape, thereby reducing any potential negative aesthetical impact on my property and/or the entire street. [3] I am applying for the variance for safety, not for economic reasons. The house at 1486 Arden Oaks Drive provides with approximately 2,500 square feet more than enough living space for my partner and myself; if we ever felt that additional living space was needed, we could create such space in the basement at a far lesser cost. However, I hope that a level driveway will enable us to stay in the house for years to come, without concerns about being in the necessary physical condition to tackle the driveway in winter. [6] The variance would not create a land use not permitted in the area which is zoned as residential and would not alter the essential character of the neighborhood. [4, 51 The proposed use of the additional building as a garage is permitted within the zone. [7]