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Gopher State Storage Site Plan and Variance Page 5 three story building with a maximum height is allowed on in the zoning district as well as the use proposed. Placing a building in that location is a reasonable use of the property. b. Unique Circumstances. The plight of property owner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner and; The property has constraints due to the natural features on the property and the limited buildable area on the site. The right-of-way easement further limits the buildable area if all setback were meet, creating a very small area to build. The right-of-way easement was required to be dedicated with the approval of the previous site plan, creating a new setback requirement for the site. The building is 39 feet from the west front property line. c. Character of Neighborhood. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood. The new proposed three story building would be in line with the existing buildings on the property. There are homes in the area that are a similar distance from Highway 61 as the proposed building. However, because of the scale of the building it is much taller than the adjacent buildings, it is not in character with the surrounding area. Because of the buildings proximity to the road the height of the building is not in character of the surrounding area. Staff recommends a few items be considered for the building to be more in character with the surrounding area: 1. The building could be lowered to two -stories making it more proportionate to the existing building and surrounding buildings. 2. Refine the architecture and building materials to be cohesiveiblend in with the existing buildings on the property. It is in staff's opinion that the variance, if granted, would not be in character of the surrounding area. Because the variance would not be in character of the surrounding area, it is in staff's opinion that there is not practical difficulties in meeting the ordinance standard. (3) Spirit and Intent. The granting of the variance would be in keeping with the spirit and intent of this chapter and with the policies of the City's Comprehensive Plan. The spirit and intent of the ordinance is to have buildings a reasonable distance from the property lines and roads. The new proposed three story building would be in line with the existing buildings on the property. There are homes on the area that are a similar distance from Highway 61 as the proposed building. Allowing a building to be setback to align with the existing buildings would meet the spirit and intent of the ordinance. (4) Prohibited Use. The variance, if granted, shall not have the effect of allowing any use prohibited in the district. The use is allowed in the zoning district.