(A) Request for variance. A utility requesting a variance from one or more of the provisions of this article must do so in writing to the Village Engineer, Director of Public Works or the Community Development Director as appropriate and as a part of the permit application. The request shall identify each provision of this article from which a variance is requested and the reasons why a variance should be granted.
(B) Authority to grant variances. The Village Board shall decide whether a variance is authorized for each provision of this article identified in the variance request on an individual basis.
(C) Conditions for granting of variance. The Village Board may authorize a variance only if the utility requesting the variance has demonstrated that:
(1) One or more conditions not under the control of the utility (such as terrain features or an irregular right-of-way line) create a special hardship that would make enforcement of the provision unreasonable, given the public purposes to be achieved by the provision; and
(2) All other designs, methods, materials, locations or facilities that would conform with the provision from which a variance is requested are impracticable in relation to the requested approach.
(D) Additional conditions for granting of a variance. As a condition for authorizing a variance, the Village Engineer, Director of Public Works or the Community Development Director as appropriate may require the utility requesting the variance to meet reasonable standards and conditions that may or may not be expressly contained within this article but which carry out the purposes of this article.
(E) Right to appeal. Any utility aggrieved by any order, requirement, decision or determination, including denial of a variance, made by the Village Engineer under the provisions of this article shall have the right to appeal to the Village Board, or such other board or commission as it may designate. The application for appeal shall be submitted in writing to the Village Clerk within 30 days after the date of such order, requirement, decision or determination. The Village Board shall commence its consideration of the appeal at the Board’s next regularly scheduled meeting occurring at least seven days after the filing of the appeal. The Village Board shall timely decide the appeal.
(Ord. 2009-05-22, passed 5-4-2009)