Are variances from the common permit criteria allowed?
Under certain circumstances, the local government may issue a variance from the common permit criteria. Any development that cannot meet the established criteria detailed in the CDC Manual may request a variance. A variance shall be any modification of the literal provisions of the CDC Manual when strict enforcement of the CDC process would cause undue hardship, owing to circumstances unique to the individual property on which variance from the process is requested. Variances may also be issued for public projects deemed to be in the overall regional public interest, as determined by the jurisdiction’s policy-making body. An Applicant seeking a variance must, like any other applicant, complete the CDC application form and undergo regional Review & Comment by signatories to the Interlocal Agreement. In addition, whenever a variance is requested, Preliminary Technical Review by USACE is required.
