(a) Requests for Variances. Where the Subdivision, Condominium or Certified Survey Map Developer (as applicable) alleges that extraordinary hardships or particular difficulties may result from strict compliance with these regulations, he/she may request variations or exceptions to the regulations so that substantial justice may be done and the public interest secured, provided that such variation or exception shall not have the effect of nullifying the intent and purpose of this Chapter. Application for any such variance shall be made in writing by the Subdivision, Condominium or Certified Survey Map Developer (as applicable) to the Village Administrator at the time when the Preliminary Plat or Certified Survey Map is filed for consideration, stating fully all facts relied upon by the petitioner, and shall be supplemented with maps, plans, or other additional data which may aid Village officials in the analysis of the proposed project. The plans for such development shall include such covenants, restrictions or other legal provisions necessary to guarantee the full achievement of the plan. The Village Administrator may request that the Village Engineer, Village Attorney or other officials review each situation to ensure that the request is consistent with the requirements and standards of this Chapter. The Village Administrator shall refer the matter to the Plan Commission with any written recommendations from Village staff. The Plan Commission shall make a recommendation to the Village Board. The previous granting of variances or exceptions in the same or similar circumstances shall not of itself constitute grounds for the granting of a variance or exception, nor shall strictly financial rationale.
(b) Variance Criteria. The Plan Commission shall not recommend, nor shall the Village Board grant, variations or exceptions to the regulations of this Chapter unless it shall make findings based upon the evidence presented to it in each specific case that:
(1) Failure to grant the variation may be detrimental to the public safety, health or welfare or injurious to other property or improvements in the neighborhood in which the property is located;
(2) The conditions upon which the request for a variation is based are unique to the property for which the variation is sought and are not applicable generally to other property;
(3) Because of the particular physical surroundings, shape or topographical conditions of the specific property involved, a particular hardship to the owner would result, as distinguished from a mere inconvenience, financial hardship or self-imposed hardship, if the strict letter of the regulations were carried out.
(4) There would be no costs (present or future) to the Village resulting from the granting of the variance or exception.
(c) Plan Commission Recommendation; Village Board Action. Any recommendations for variances or exceptions by the Plan Commission must be approved by a majority vote of the Plan Commission and shall be so endorsed by the Secretary and transmitted to the Village Board. The Village Board, if it approves, shall do so by resolution adopted by majority vote and shall instruct the Village Administrator to notify the Plan Commission and the subdivider.
(d) Planned Unit Development Platting Variances. Variances from the strict application of the platting requirements of this Chapter may also be granted in accordance with this Chapter in the case of Planned Unit Developments provided the Village Board, upon review and recommendations from the Plan Commission, shall find that the proposed development is fully consistent with the purpose and intent of this Chapter, Zoning Ordinances, and the Village Comprehensive Plan.