(A) Variances may only be granted in accordance with M.S. Ch. 462, as it may be amended from time to time. A variance may not circumvent the general purposes and intent of this chapter. No variance may be granted that would allow any use that is prohibited in the zoning district in which the subject property is located. Conditions may be imposed in the granting of a variance to ensure compliance and to protect adjacent properties and the public interest. In considering a variance request, the Board of Adjustment must also consider whether the property owner has reasonable use of the land without the variance, whether the property is used seasonally or year-round, whether the variance is being requested solely on the basis of economic considerations and the characteristics of development on adjacent properties.
(B) The Planning Commission shall hear requests for variances in accordance with the rules that it has adopted for the conduct of business and shall make recommendations to the City Council which acts as the Board of Adjustment. When a variance is approved after the Department of Natural Resources has formally recommended denial in the hearing record, the notification of the approved variance required in § 156.023 of this code shall also include the Board of Adjustment’s summary of the public record/testimony and the findings of facts and conclusions which supported the issuance of the variance.
(C) For existing developments, the application for variance must clearly demonstrate whether a conforming sewage treatment system is present for the intended use of the property. The variance, if issued, must require reconstruction of a nonconforming sewage treatment system in compliance with Ch. 154 of this code.
(Prior Code, § 12-328) Penalty, see § 156.999