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AN AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 117, WHICH IS KNOWN AS THE ZONING AND SUBDIVISION OF LAND CHAPTER OF THE CITY CODE OF RAMSEY, MINNESOTA. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 117 -53 (VARIANCES) OF THE RAMSEY CITY CODE. The City of Ramsey ordains: SECTION 1 AUTHORITY This ordinance is adopted pursuant to and under the authority of the City Charter of the City of Ramsey. SECTON 2 AMENDMENTS City Code Section 117 - 53 is amended as follows: ORDINANCE #11 -10 CITY OF RAMSEY ANOKA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Sec. 117 -53. - Variances. (a) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide for deviations from the literal provisions of this chapter in instances where their strict enforcement would cause undue hardship or practical difficulty because of circumstances unique to the individual property under consideration, and to grant such variances only when it is demonstrated that such actions will be in keeping with the spirit and intent of this chapterterms of this chapter including restrictions placed on nonconformities. Variances shall only be permitted when they are in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the ordinance and when the terms of the variance are consistent with the comprehensive plan. Variances may be granted when the applicant for the variance establishes that there are practical difficulties in complying with this chapter. Practical difficulties, as used in connection with the granting of a variance, means that the property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the zoning ordinance; the plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner; and the variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality. Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties. (b) General provisions and standards. (1) The planning commission shall serve as the board. However, any action of the board may be appealed to the council by any affected person if notice of such an appeal is received by the zoning administrator within ten days of the final action of the board. (2) Review criteria. Conditions governing considerations of variance requests: a. In considering all requests for a variance and in taking subsequent action, the city staff, the board and the council shall make a finding of fact that the proposed action will not: 1. Impair an adequate supply of light and air to adjacent property. 2. Unreasonably increase the congestion in the public street. Ordinance #11 -10 Page 1 of 5