A.
Where the subdivider alleges that extraordinary hardships or particular difficulties may result from strict compliance with these regulations, he/she may request variances or exceptions to the regulations so that substantial justice may be done and the public interest secured, provided that such variance 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 subdivider to the Village Clerk-Treasurer at the time when the preliminary plat or certified survey 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 Clerk-Treasurer 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 Clerk-Treasurer shall refer the matter to the Plan Commission with a written report and recommendations from the 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.[1]
B.
The Plan Commission shall not recommend, nor shall the Village Board grant, variances 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:[2]
(1)
Failure to grant the variance 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 variance is based are unique to the property for which the variance 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.
A variance may be granted by the Village Board, upon receiving a positive recommendation of the Plan Commission, to permit a parcel to be created by a proposed land division in the extraterritorial jurisdiction when it is shown that the application satisfies the following standards:
(1)
A finding of fact must be made that the purpose of the proposed parcel is to be a lot for a dwelling unit which is to be occupied by a person who, or a family at least one member of which, earns a substantial part of his or her livelihood from farm operations on the parcel, and/or contributes work which is substantially needed in the farm operation, and is the parent or child of the farm operator or the spouse of the farm operator; and
(2)
A finding of public interest must be made that the proposed parcel and development design are reasonable upon consideration of these factors:
(a)
The potential for conflict with agricultural use.
(b)
The need of the proposed development for a location in an agricultural area.
(c)
The availability of alternative locations.
(d)
Compatibility with existing or permitted development on adjacent lands.
(e)
The productivity of the lands involved.
(f)
The location of the proposed development so as to reduce to a minimum the amount of productive agricultural land converted.
(g)
The need for public services created by the proposed development.
(h)
The availability of adequate public services and the ability of affected local units of government to provide them without a reasonable burden.
(i)
The effect of the proposed development on water or air pollution, soil erosion, and rare or irreplaceable natural resources.
D.
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 Clerk-Treasurer to notify the Plan Commission and the subdivider.
E.
Variances from the strict application of this chapter may also be granted in accordance with this chapter in the case of planned developments, provided that 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, Chapter 510, Zoning, and the Comprehensive Plan.