11-1-9: VARIANCES:

   A.   Authority: Whenever the standards of this chapter place an undue hardship on a specific development proposal, the applicant may apply to the village zoning official for a variance. The village zoning official shall review the applicant's request for a variance and shall submit his recommendation to the board of trustees. The board of trustees may attach such conditions to the granting of a variance as it deems necessary to further the intent of this chapter.

   B.   Reasons For Granting Variance Request: No variance shall be granted unless the applicant demonstrates that:

      1.   The development activity cannot be located outside the SFHA.

      2.   An exceptional hardship would result if the variance was not granted.

      3.   The relief requested is the minimum necessary.

      4.   There will be no additional threat to public health or safety or the creation of a nuisance.

      5.   There will be no additional public expense for flood protection, rescue or relief operations, policing or repairs to roads, utilities or other public facilities.

      6.   The provisions of subsection 11-1-5A5 of this chapter are not met.

      7.   The provisions of subsection 11-1-6B of this chapter are not met.

   C.   Effects And Risks Of Approved Variances: The village zoning official shall notify an applicant in writing that a variance from the requirements of section 11-1-7 of this chapter that would lessen the degree of protection to a building will:

      1.   Result in increased premium rates for flood insurance up to amounts that may be as high as twenty five dollars ($25.00) for one hundred dollars ($100.00) of insurance coverage.

      2.   Increase the risks to life and property.

      3.   Require that the applicant proceed with the knowledge of these risks and that the applicant acknowledge in writing the assumption of the risks and liability.

   D.   Historic Landmarks: Variances to the building protection requirements of section 11-1-7 of this chapter requested in connection with the reconstruction, repair or alteration of a site or building included on the National Register of Historic Places or the Illinois Register of Historic Places may be granted using criteria more permissive than the requirements of subsection B of this section. (1999 Code § 12.17)