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The proposed variance would reduce the street parking setback from the required 15 feet to 0 <br />feet. The side yard setback would be reduced from the required 10 feet to 4 feet. The number of <br />parking stalls, due to a more efficient design and removal of an access, will increase from 40 to <br />45 stalls. <br />OPINION <br />When considering this request it is important recognize the existing conditions on the site. <br />Approximately half of the existing parking stalls are located within the street right -of -way. By <br />relocating the parking stalls and granting the 0 foot setback the city would be decreasing the <br />nonconformity, improving pedestrian and vehicle safety, and providing additional off - street <br />parking. <br />FINDINGS <br />In considering all requests for Variance or appeal and in taking subsequent action, the City shall <br />make a finding of fact: <br />a. The variance shall be in harmony with the general purposes and intent <br />of the ordinance. <br />The proposed variance will reduce the existing non - conforming conditions <br />of the parking lot and allow for construction of a sidewalk and separation <br />from parked cars and moving traffic on Main Street. <br />b. The variance shall be consistent with the comprehensive plan. <br />The improvement of the Lake /Main intersection is identified in the City's <br />comprehensive plan. Relocation of the parking lot helps to improve <br />vehicular safety in the area. <br />c. There shall be practical difficulties in complying with the ordinance. <br />Practical difficulties means that the property owner proposes to use the <br />property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the ordinance. <br />The owner is only requesting the ability to maintain the parking for his use <br />that currently exists. Parking spaces are a reasonable use to service the <br />existing commercial use. <br />d. That the plight of the landowners is due to physical circumstances <br />unique to his property not created by the landowner. <br />The width of the property is not adequate to support the existing number of <br />parking stalls entirely on -site and still meet the zoning setbacks. This is in <br />part due to acquisition of right -of -way by Anoka County in the mid 80's. <br />e. The variance shall not alter the essential character of the locality. <br />2 <br />• <br />• <br />• <br />