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74 on the west side of the garage would require significant modifications to the structure to allow for a door access to the attic. c. Allowing the proposed staircase will have no impact on the essential character of the locality. If the stairway was five feet off the side property line, it would not require a variance. The stairway is narrow and will not detract from the visual aesthetic of the neighborhood. The neighbor to the north is not opposed to the proposed staircase. d. The basis for the practical difficulties is that the garage is already constructed five feet from the side lot line and does not allow for steps to be constructed in a way that would comply with the Zoning Code. The other options available would either result in a parking space being lost within the garage or require that significant modifications be done to the garage to accommodate for the second story door. e. If the variance is granted the use of the property would remain the same land use as it is today. The comprehensive plan guides this area for single family use and adding the stairway will not alter that use. f. The proposal would not change the use of the property or create a disruption to the Single -Family Residential District. The current use as a single-family home is consistent with the City Code. g. The proposal seeks to make an improvement to the property by allowing the property owners to make use of the space above their garage. The proposed stairway would not be detrimental to the neighboring property. h. The proposal would not negatively impact adequate light or air from reaching the property or adjacent properties. The proposed stairway will extend only four feet from the side of the garage and be nine feet high. In addition, the space below the steps will not be enclosed, allowing light and air to pass through the steps and around the posts. Although the steps will be within the required setback from the side lot line, they should not prevent adequate light or air from reaching adjacent property. Allowing the variance is in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the City's Code relating to preventing congestion in public streets. The project will have no impact on congestion. Allowing the requested variance will not result in overcrowding of the land or an undue concentration of structures. The stairway would not impact the amount of impervious surface on the property. The stairway will not be higher than the existing principal structure and are not significant in terms of massing. Although the stairway will be within the required setback from the side lot line, they will not result in an overcrowding of structures. The adjacent property owner has also stated his support for the proposed variance.