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POLICY H2 • 10/12/05 g. Whether the shape, topographical condition or other similar characteristic of the tract is such as to distinguish it substantially from all of the other properties in the zoning district of which it is a part, or whether a particular hardship, as distinguished from mere inconvenience to the owner, would result if the strict letter of the Chapter were carried out. Staff finds that the characteristics of the property do not distinguish it substantially from other B-1 properties in Falcon Heights. However, it should be noted that the number of B-1 properties in the city is very small and each one has particular characteristics not shared by the others. 1372 Larpenteur's uniqueness lies in its .tie to the adjacent lot. Under the present circumstances no entry can be legally built on the west side because the building is only 5 feet from the property line, although there appears to be over 50 feet of available space. Furthermore, a west entry would be impractical because the west side faces away from both the parking lot and the two adjacent streets and an x-ray facility is located at that end of the building. Requiring the owner to place the entry at the rear (north) would create a hardship in that it would face only the parking lot and have the effect of the business "turning its back" on the street. h. Whether the variance is sought principally to increase financial gain to the owner of the property, and to determine whether a substantial hardship to the owner would result from a denial of the variance. Staff finds that the variance is not sought principally to increase financial gain to the owner. The proposed entrance is a reasonable amenity for a successful neighborhood business. Denial of the variance will require the owner to choose a plan that either turns away from the public or creates inconvenience for customers. i. Whether the conditions which give rise to the application for the variance arose after the adoption of this Chapter of the Code of the City of Falcon Heights or any amendment thereto which placed the tract in a zoning district different from what it was under the Chapter. In the consideration of this item, the City shall make diligent inquiry as to all changes in the property and shall refuse to grant the variance if the problem is one that can be solved through a proper application of a conditional use permit or an amendment of the Zoning code. Financial hardship shall not be a basis for the granting of a variance when the owner purchased the property in reliance on a promise that a variance would be granted, and the City shall dismiss the appeal if it shall appear that the property was purchased on such reliance.