Minnesota § 14.055 - RULE VARIANCES; STANDARDS
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 14.055 — RULE VARIANCES; STANDARDS, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 14.055. RULE VARIANCES; STANDARDS
Subdivision 1.Authority.
A person or entity may petition an agency for a variance from a rule adopted by the agency, as it applies to the circumstances of the petitioner.
Subd. 2.General terms.
The following general terms apply to variances granted pursuant to this section:
(1) the agency may attach any conditions to the granting of a variance that the agency determines are needed to protect public health, safety, or the environment;
(2) a variance has prospective effect only;
(3) conditions attached to the granting of a variance are an enforceable part of the rule to which the variance applies; and
(4) the agency may not grant a variance from a statute or court order.
Subd. 3.Mandatory variances.
An agency shall grant a variance from a rule as applied to the particular circumstances of the petitioner, if the agency finds that the application of the rule, as applied to the circumstances of that petitioner, would not serve any of the purposes of the rule.
Subd. 4.Discretionary variances.
An agency may grant a variance if the agency finds that:
(1) application of the rule to the petitioner would result in hardship or injustice;
(2) variance from the rule would be consistent with the public interest; and
(3) variance from the rule would not prejudice the substantial legal or economic rights of any person or entity.
Subd. 5.Rules.
An agency may adopt rules under section 14.389 establishing general standards for granting mandatory or discretionary variances from its rules. Section 14.389, subdivision 5, applies to these rules. An agency also may grant variances based on standards specified in other law.
Subd. 6.When not applicable.
This section and section 14.056 do not apply if another state or federal law or rule authorizes or requires the granting of variances by an agency or in certain circumstances.
History:
NOTE: The Office of Administrative Hearings has been renamed the Court of Administrative Hearings. This terminology change will be implemented in the 2026 Statutes. Laws 2025, chapter 39, article 2, sections 17 and 68.
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 14.055
What does Minnesota Statutes § 14.055 cover?
Section 14.055 ("RULE VARIANCES; STANDARDS") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 14.055?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 14.055" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 14.055 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.