<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".22" citation="COMAR 09.12.66.22" title_num="09" subtitle_num="12" chapter_num="66" heading="Variances.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Application for Variance.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>An affected owner may apply to the Commissioner for a variance from any regulation adopted under Business Regulation Article, Title 3, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>An application for variance shall be in writing and shall include:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The name and address of the applicant;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Identification of the regulation from which the applicant seeks a variance;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>The location, equipment, and practices involved;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>A detailed statement of the applicant’s reasons for requesting a variance;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>A statement of the steps the applicant has taken and will take, with specific dates when appropriate, to protect the public against the specific hazard covered by the regulation; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(f)">
        <text>Any request for a hearing.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Posting of Notice.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Immediately on filing a request for a variance pursuant to Business Regulation Article, §3-314, Annotated Code of Maryland, an applicant shall post notice of the application at the place or places where a certificate of inspection is required to be posted.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The notice shall include:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The name and address of the applicant;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The date on which the application was filed;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Identification of the regulation from which the applicant seeks a variance;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>The location, equipment, and practices involved; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Notice to the public and affected employees of their right to participate in the proceeding.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The notice shall be maintained until the commencement of the proceedings.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Order of Variance.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>After investigation, on-site inspection, and such hearing as the Commissioner may direct, the Commissioner may grant a variance from a regulation under this chapter if:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>It is evident that action is necessary to prevent undue hardship; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Existing conditions prevent practical compliance and the reasonable safety of the public can, in the opinion of the Commissioner, be ensured.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>An order of variance may require such special conditions as are reasonably necessary to ensure public safety.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>A declaration, act, or omission of the Commissioner or the Commissioner’s authorized representative, other than a written order authorizing a variance as permitted above, may not be construed to exempt, either wholly or in part, expressly or implicitly, any owner from full compliance with the terms of any regulation under this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Modification, Revocation, and Renewal of Order of Variance.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The Commissioner may modify, revoke, or renew an order of variance in the same manner prescribed for the issuance of an order of variance.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>An order of variance may not be modified or revoked unless affected parties are informed of the proposed action and afforded an opportunity to:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Submit written data, views, or arguments regarding the proposed action; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Request a hearing on the proposal.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>