The environmental review process operates according to rules adopted by the Environmental Quality Board. Normally, no construction can begin on a project subject to review until the review process has been finished. However, the rules provide a variance procedure under which a project can be allowed to proceed with limited construction if the Environmental Quality Board determines that the variance conditions are met. The variance conditions are set forth in Minnesota Rules, part 4410.3100, subparts 4 – 8. The proposer of the project has the burden of demonstrating that the variance is justified.
The variance procedure rules allow for a public comment period (lasting 20 days) for any interested persons to comment on whether a variance should be granted.
Past applications
Maplewood Development and Construction, Inc - Application received August 6, 2026
Status: Variance denied - October 21, 2026
Associated materials