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CAMPBELL KNUTSON ATTACHMENT <br />Pr��fes�i��n�l ,��s��ciati��n <br />Thomx.� J. Cai.��hell <br />R����er N. Knurs��n <br />Th�,ma• �1. Scott <br />Elli�,tt B. Knet�ch <br />Roseville Planning Commission <br />c/o Steven Sarkozy, City Manager <br />City of Roseville <br />2660 Civic Center Drive <br />Roseville, Minnesota 55 113-1 899 <br />Re: Variances <br />Dear Commissioner Members: <br />.�ttc�rnet�� at La��- <br />�6�1i -}��,�l�l�l� <br />Fa� �6�1� 4��-»>l� <br />March 1, 2000 <br />I�,�I l. ►.unnik <br />�n,lrc.i J1cLl„����Il P��eh�er <br />�tatrhe��� lk. Rr,�kl <br />l�,hn F. kell�� <br />\l;�ttli��« 1. F��li <br />\t.3r�_u�rite \1. A1cC.arrnn <br />.�.i .......,..;i�„ ..�.. <br />Given the upcoming review of a variance application for a proposed expansion of the Har <br />Mar Shopping Center it may be beneficial to review the current status of Minnesota law <br />regarding variances. As you know, a variance is a land use permit, specifically authorized by <br />state law and city ordinance, that authorizes a landowner to deviate from the requirements of the <br />zoning ordinance. <br />Under state law, a variance from the literal provisions of the ordinance may be granted in <br />instances where strict enforcement would cause undue hardship because of circumstances unique <br />to the individual property under consideration, and only when the use proposed meets the spirit <br />and intent of the ordinance. <br />The pertinent section of state law states, that the zoning authority may: <br />". .. hear requests for variances from the literal provisions of the ordinance <br />in instances where their strict enforcement would cause undue hardship <br />because of circumstances unique to the individual property under <br />consideration, and to grant such variances only when it is demonstrated that <br />such actions will be in keeping with the spirit and intent of the ordinance. <br />`Undue hardship' as used in connection with the granting of a variance <br />means the property in question cannot be put to a reasonable use if used <br />under conditions allowed by the official controls, the plight of the <br />landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the <br />landowner, and the variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character <br />of the locality. Economic considerations alone shall not constitute an <br />undue hardship if reasonable use for the property exists under the terms of <br />the ordinance. Undue hardship also includes, but is not limited to, <br />inadequate access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems. Variances <br />shall be granted for earth sheltered construction as defined in section <br />Suite 3 17 . Eagandale Office Center . 1380 C�,r�urate Center Cur��e . Ea�an, MN 55 13 1 <br />