(A) Purpose. Pursuant to M.S. § 462.357, Subd. 6, as it may be amended from time to time, the City Council, acting as a Board of Appeals and Adjustments, may issue variances from the provisions of this zoning code. A variance is a modification or variation of the provisions of this zoning code as applied to a specific piece of property.
(B) Review standards.
(1) Variances shall only be permitted:
(a) When they are in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the chapter; and
(b) When the variances are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
(2) Variances may be granted when the applicant for the variance establishes that there are practical difficulties in complying with the zoning code. Practical difficulties, as used in connection with the granting of a variance, means that:
(a) The property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the zoning code;
(b) The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner;
(c) The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality; and
(d) Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties.
('72 Code, § 356.45) (Ord. 1988-602(A), passed 8-22-88; Am. Ord. 2024-1304, passed 7-29-24)