Section R. 281.179 - Variances and variance hearingsRule 9.
(1) A dimensional variance from these rules may be granted by the zoning review board after a public hearing or, in certain instances, by the zoning administrator as provided in subrule (3) of this rule to allow a modification from a standard that establishes an area, yard, height, floor space, frontage, setback, or similar numerical restriction, but only after substantive evidence establishes that there are practical difficulties in complying with these rules. A variance shall be permitted only when it is consistent with the general purposes and intent of these rules.(2) The zoning review board or zoning administrator shall consider all of the following factors in determining if there are practical difficulties in complying with these rules as specified in subrule (1) of this rule: (a) How substantial the variance is in relation to the zoning requirements.(b) Whether a substantial change will be effected in the character of the area or a substantial detriment created for adjoining properties.(c) Whether the difficulty can be overcome by some feasible method other than a variance.(d) Whether, in view of the manner in which the difficulty arose, the interests of justice shall be served by allowing the variance.(e) Whether the plight of the landowner is due to circumstances which are unique to his or her property and which are not created by the landowner.(f) Whether the variance may result in a material adverse effect on the environment.(3) For the purposes of these rules, the required hearing and review of a variance request by the zoning review board shall be waived for certain minor dimensional variances of principal uses, including legal nonconforming uses. Such variances shall be handled by the zoning administrator, who shall consider the provisions of subrule (2) of this rule in making a determination. The zoning administrator shall prepare a written finding of fact that details the reasons for approval or denial of the minor variance request. Minor variances are defined as reductions in setbacks for uses on any lawful lot that are not more than 25% of the normal dimensional requirements. Such uses shall include principal or accessory buildings or structures, including decks, porches, and steps.(4) A land use variance is a land or building use in contravention of any of the use requirements of these rules. The zoning review board may, after a public hearing, grant a variance upon a finding of unnecessary hardship, which may be found upon substantial evidence being submitted that all of the following factors exist: (a) The property cannot be used in a manner that is consistent with existing zoning.(b) The hardship results from the application of these rules to the applicant's property.(c) The hardship of which the applicant complains is suffered by his or her property directly and is not shared by others.(d) The hardship is not the result of the applicant's own actions.(e) The hardship is peculiar to the applicant's own property.(5) In determining whether reasonable use may be made of the property as zoned, a reasonable economic return may be a factor that could be considered, but only if the applicant is in compliance with the provisions of subrules (1) to (4) of this rule. Whether any weight shall be given to the economic return factor shall be dependent on a determination that the owner has been deprived of all beneficial use of his or her property under existing zoning.(6) For a land use variance, the zoning review board shall, after finding that unnecessary hardship exists, also find that, based on adequate evidence, the proposed use meets all of the following conditions:(a) The use will be consistent with and in accordance with the general objectives of the Upper Manistee River natural river plan.(b) The use will be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained so as to be consistent with and appropriate in appearance with the existing or intended character of the natural river district and the use will not change the essential character of the natural river district.(c) The use will be adequately served by existing essential public facilities and services, such as highways, police and fire protection, drainage structures, refuse disposal, and sanitation facilities, or the persons or agencies that are responsible for the establishment of the proposed use may adequately provide essential services.(d) The use will not involve uses, activities, processes, materials and equipment, and conditions of operation that will be detrimental to any persons, property, or the environmental quality of the district because of the excessive production of noise, smoke, fumes, glare, or odors or require the outdoor storage of raw materials or discarded materials produced in the use processes.(e) The use will be consistent with the intent and purposes of these rules.(f) The use or the structures to be used will not cause an overcrowding of the land or an undue concentration of population that may result in degradation to the river and district.(g) The use plot area is sufficient, appropriate, and adequate for the use and the reasonable anticipated operation and expansion thereof.(7) Upon receipt of an application for a variance, the zoning review board shall conduct a hearing on the request, except as provided in subrule (3) of this rule. The hearing and notice procedure shall follow the procedure established for special use applications by the provisions of R 281.178. A decision shall be made within 30 days after the final hearing to approve or deny the variance request. The zoning review board shall keep complete and detailed records of all its proceedings, which shall include the minutes of its meetings, its findings, and actions taken on each matter heard by it, including the final order. Reasons for the decision shall be in writing. The board shall record the vote of each member on each question. If a member is absent or fails to vote, the board shall indicate such fact. All records shall be open for public inspection. The concurring vote of at least 4 of the 7 voting members of the zoning review board shall be necessary to effect a dimensional variance in these rules. The concurring vote of at least 5 of the 7 voting members of the zoning review board is required to grant a land use variance in these rules. If the required concurring vote for approval of a variance is not achieved, then the variance is considered to be denied.(8) The zoning review board shall not issue a land use variance when the district allows the use as a special use.(9) The effect of any variance shall be to create a nonconforming land use, lot, or structure that is then subject to R 281.180, which regulates continued use.(10) The zoning review board or the zoning administrator may impose conditions on an applicant before granting a variance. Such conditions shall be in writing. The zoning permit issued for the project for which the variance was approved is not valid until the applicant accepts the conditions in writing.(11) An application for a variance that has been denied by the zoning review board or zoning administrator shall not be submitted for reconsideration unless, in the opinion of the zoning administrator, the application is significantly different in scope from the application that was denied or new and significant facts, and conditions exist which might result in favorable action upon resubmission.Mich. Admin. Code R. 281.179