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Variances
in Douglas County
A variance is an exception to the
rules that are set forth in the Douglas County Zoning Ordinance. A variance
is necessary when a landowner wishes to build or develop his/her property
and the rules of the ordinance prohibit him/her from doing so. More information
about Variances can be found in Section
Six of the Ordinance
CAN
ANYONE GET A VARIANCE?
No. The courts have said that the applicant has a "heavy burden of
proof" to show that there are no other options available to them
and that following the ordinance would cause a "hardship" to
the property owner.
WHAT
IS A HARDSHIP?
A hardship is when the landowner has no other alternatives for
building or developing and the property can not be reasonably used if
under the rules of the ordinance are followed. In order to prove a hardship
there is a "findings of fact" questionnaire that must be completed
along with the variance application.
WHAT
IS A FINDING OF FACT?
“Findings of fact" are six (6) questions asked about the property
in question. It must be filled out at the time you apply for the variance.
This is one of the determining factors in deciding if you have a "hardship"
on this property. The "findings of fact" is given to the Board
of Adjustments for their review.
WHO
DECIDES IF I WILL GET A VARIANCE?
The decision is made at a public hearing, by the Board of Adjustments,
on whether a "hardship" has been demonstrated. The information
provided by the applicant will help determine whether a "hardship"
has been demonstrated.
WHO
IS THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT?
The Board of Adjustment is five (5) members appointed by the County
Board of Commissioners. The current Board of Adjustment members are
as follows:
| Gaylin Croonquist |
320-834-4997 |
This information
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| James Jensen |
320-846-3224 |
| Robert Mostad |
320-352-3272 |
| Dan New |
320-763-7903 |
| Les Zimmerman |
320-762-0668 |
Variance Forms
Variance Procedure-
Detailed instructions for applying for a variance
Variance Hearing-
A description of what happens during the variance hearing
Variance Application-
Forms to apply for a variance
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