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Resolution No. 2025-XX Page 2 of 4 1. There is no special circumstances applicable to the subject property, including size, shape, topography, location or surroundings, which would deprive the subject property of privileges not otherwise at variance with the intent and purpose of the provisions of this Chapter. There exists no special circumstances applicable to the subject property including size, shape, topography, location or surroundings (i.e., property’s physical characteristics), that would justify the granting of the minor exception or that would prohibit the property owner from placing the required utility lines underground. Rather, the location of the existing power pole is such that the undergrounding and trenching of the utility lines is viable and not obstructed by the property’s physical characteristics and, in fact, the amount of undergrounding and trenching of the utility lines would be limited. Moreover, to underground the required utility lines, the property owner does not have to traverse any adjacent properties or public rights-of-way, necessitating easements or encroachment permits, as the power pole is located on a shared property line and accessible by the property owner. Lastly, the property owner has stated that denial of the minor exception would lead to delays to the project construction timeline, trenching challenges due to the location of existing utility lines, and additional project costs due to required four- panel upgrades. However, none of these identified concerns meets the definition of special circumstances or physical hardships due to the property’s physical characteristics. Therefore, the granting of the minor exception would instead constitute a grant of special privilege, contrary to the intention of the minor exception application and contrary to the SAMC. 2. That the granting of a minor exception will adversely affect the General Plan of the city. The subject property has a General Plan Land Use Designation of Low Density Residential (LR-7), which is implemented with the Two Family Residential (R-2) zoning designation. The granting of a minor exception would adversely affect the City’s General Plan in that a waiver from undergrounding requirements would be in direct conflict, and create inconsistency, with the Urban Design Element, Goal UD-1 (Physical Character), which requires improvement of the physical character and livability of the City to promote a sense of place, positive community image, and quality environment. A second electrical drop of the property would be contributing to “visual clutter” because an overhead connection already exists for the primary duplex residence