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strict enforcement cause to the individual property under consideration, and to grant such variances only 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" 5.10 The property in question cannot be put to a reasonable use if used under conditions allowed by the official controls: The Olson's home is set back approximately 66 feet from the front yard property line and the parcel slopes from the northwest to the southeast, which slope begins near the front of the home. Constructing into the slope can be achieved, but is difficult and costly, and would possibly impact the parcel's drainage pattern and vehicle access to the rear yard. The option to construct a detached accessory building in the front yard becomes the most reasonable and practical solution. Given the current site conditions the Community Development Staff has determined that a detached accessory building is a reasonable and practical request. However, the location and size of the accessory building must be changed. The structure must be set back a minimum of 30 feet from the front property line (northwest) and 7 feet from the side yard (north) property line, and the size must be reduced to 832 sq. ft. so that total accessory building square footage is below the size of the house footprint. The Community Development Staff has determined that the property can be made more livable and put to a reasonable and practical use under the official controls, if variances are granted. 5.11 The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner: The Olson parcel has a unique slope that complicates the construction of structures on the parcel. Those additions constructed directly adjacent or attached to the existing home will require special care, unique design, increased cost, earth removal and drainage pattern changes. The Olson home was originally constructed in 1940 and lies approximately 66 feet from the front propeliy line (similar to most structures along the south side of Old Highway 8 from County Road C2 to Troseth Road). New home construction or an addition to the Olson home would be required to meet a 40 foot front yard setback (does not apply to accessory buildings) The City Planner has determined that locating a detached accessory building in the front yard is a reasonable and practical solution to the Olson's unique situation. 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 (change in type of lot and setback application because of frontage road). PF3549 - ReA 032904 - Page 5 of 5