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5.3 Section 1013.02 states: Where there are practical difficulties or unusual hardships in the way of carrying out the strict letter of the provisions of this code, the city council shall have the power, in a specific case and after notice and public hearings, to vary any such provision in harmony with the general purpose and intent thereof and may impose such additional conditions as it considers necessary so that the public health, safety, and general welfare may be secured and substantial justice done. 5.4 State Statute 462.357, subd. 6 (2) provides authority for the city to "hear requests for variances from the literal provisions of the ordinance in instances where their strict enforcement would cause undue hardship because of circumstances unique to the individual property under consideration, and to grant such variances only when it is demonstrated that such actions will be in keeping with the spirit and intent of the ordinance. "Undue hardship" as used in connection with the granting of a variance means the property in question cannot be put to a reasonable use if used under conditions allowed by the official controls, the plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner, and the variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality. Economic considerations alone shall not constitute an undue hardship if reasonable use for the property exists under the terms of the ordinance.... The board or governing body as the case may be may impose conditions in the granting of variances to insure compliance and to protect" 5.5 Staff analysis of undue hardship factors is as follows: A. The property in question cannot be put to a reasonable use if used under conditions allowed by the official controls: Based on the placement of the principal structure on the parcel (not parallel with any property line), the homes floor plan configuration, and structural challenges, the Casper home is unable to reasonably expand without a variance. Requiring modifications to the design or a relocation of the proposed two level porch would involve unreasonable changes to the addition not anticipated by the home owner; removal of a useful deck; challenging structural modifications; and reduce the purpose and usefulness of the proposal. The Community Development Staff has determined that the property can be made more livable, useful, and put to a reasonable use under the official controls if the requested variance granted. B. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner: The principal structure is placed in a location that was best suited for the existing grade of the parcel. However, this location creates skewed building lines that are not parallel to property lines that in turn affects how and where additions can be placed without impacting minimum standards of the City Code. The Community Development Staff has determined that the plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner. PF3492 - ReA 072103 - Page 3 of 5