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Variances and Planned-Unit Developments Chapter 917 Application Reviews Page 917-19 Director; 3. Setback dimensions/measurements including separation between structures; 4. Parking and access locations, dimensions, and paving, striping and curbing details; 5. If deemed necessary by the Community Development Director, a survey may be required with the application in addition to a site plan. D. Criteria for Approving a Variance 1. A variance may be approved only if these criteria are met: a. The request is in harmony with the purposes and intent of this ordinance b. The variance is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. c. The applicant can demonstrate that there are “practical difficulties” in complying with the regulation(s) in question. Determination of whether practical difficulties exist shall be based on the following: 1. The property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner permitted by this ordinance; 2. The plight of the land owner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner; 3. The variance will maintain the essential character of the locality. 2. Practical difficulties include, but are not limited to, inadequate access to direct sun light for solar energy systems. 3. Economic considerations alone shall not constitute a sufficient basis for a Variance if reasonable use for the property exists under the regulation. 4. Variances shall be granted for earth-sheltered construction as defined in Minnesota Statutes 216C, Subd. 14, when in harmony with this ordinance. 5. The City Council may impose conditions in the granting of a variance. Such conditions must be directly related to and bear a rough proportionality to the impact created by the variance. E. City Staff Review and Recommendation The Community Development Director is authorized to review and provide recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council in accordance with the procedures and standards of this Chapter. At the discretion of the Community Development Director, the Development Review Committee may provide advice on Variances. F. Planning Commission The Planning Commission shall adopt findings and recommendations for the City Council on the proposed variance. G. City Council The City Council shall hold a public hearing on the variance. After considering the Planning Commission recommendation, the City Council may adopt the variance or any part thereof in such form as it deems appropriate. Approval of a variance shall require a majority vote of the City Council.