76-5-405. Variance for obstruction or nonconforming use. (1) The department or the responsible political subdivision may issue permits for the establishment or alteration of artificial obstructions and nonconforming uses that would otherwise violate 76-5-401 through 76-5-404. The application for the permit must be submitted to the department or the responsible political subdivision and contain the information that the department requires, including complete maps, plans, profiles, and specifications of the obstruction or use and watercourse or drainway.

(2) Permits for obstructions or uses to be established in the designated flood plain or designated floodway of watercourses must be approved or denied within a reasonable time by the department or the responsible political subdivision. Permits for obstructions or uses in the designated flood plains or designated floodways are conclusively considered to have been granted 60 days after the receipt of the application by the department or the responsible political subdivision or after a time that the department or the responsible political subdivision specifies, unless the department or the responsible political subdivision notifies the applicant that the permit is denied. The responsible political subdivision shall send to the department a copy of each permit granted pursuant to 76-5-406 and this section.

(3) The department or the responsible political subdivision may issue the permit with reasonable conditions. The permitted obstruction or use must be maintained in compliance with the permit.