Variances

A Variance request is required when a local agency has determined that a variance from Minnesota Rules 8820 for State Aid Operations Rules is necessary and justified. The agency shall submit a written request, meeting requirements in Minnesota Rules 8820.3300 to MnDOT. Once a completed variance request is received, a duly appointed Variance Advisory Committee will be convened to investigate the variance request and provide a recommendation.

Variance submittal

Your District State Aid Engineer (DSAE) should be your first contact on any variance requests being considered.

To submit a formal variance request, the local agency must complete and submit the Design Element Variance Justification Checklist (Word) along with required attachments to their DSAE. Please include Mark Vizecky in correspondences for informational purposes.

Monday, December 2, 2024
Monday, March 3, 2025
Monday, June 2, 2025

Variance Committee

Variance requests are reviewed by a five-member Variance Advisory Committee made up of city council persons, county board members, city engineers, and county engineers. The Committee meets quarterly to consider requests and provides recommendations to the Commissioner for either approval or denial.

The Variance Advisory Committee meetings dates are:

Thursday, December 19, 2024
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Thursday, June 26, 2025

Variance Advisory Committee meetings

Members of the public may attend the Variance Advisory Committee meetings by contacting Scott Smith at scott.a.smith@state.mn.us, prior to the meeting date for meeting location or online access.