Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago

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Making decisions on variances to shoreland and floodplain standards is one of the most important jobs of boards of adjustment and the planning staff advising them. Learn how to apply Minnesota’s statutory variance criteria and write better variance findings that stand up to potential appeals. Recommended for local planning staff and boards of adjustment members.
Presenters: Dan Petrik and Ricky Hoffman

Helpful related websites:
• DNR Variance Guidance page - dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/shoreland/variances.html
• Shoreland Rules – Statement of Need and Reasonableness (SONAR) - files.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/shoreland/sonar-shoreland.pdf
• DNR Shoreland management main page - dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/shoreland/index.html
• DNR Floodplain management main page - dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/floodplain/index.html
• DNR Area Hydrologist map/contacts - files.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/area_hydros.pdf?20220630-36
• MN Floodplain Management Quick Guide - files.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/floodplain/2022-mn-floodplain-mgt-quick-guide.pdf


dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/shoreland/other-land-use-training.html