Sec.15-41-35. Waiver. Hearing

The department may, at its own discretion, reduce the physical standards stated in section 15-41-31 upon finding, after a hearing, that exceptional circumstances or conditions exist. The applicant shall initiate the hearing by filing a petition for such a reduction of standards or the department may, on its own motion, request the applicant to file a petition. Any such petition shall be filed by the applicant along with the request for approval of an airport or alteration or extension of any existing airport. Any petition for a reduction of standards shall be sworn to by the applicant and shall contain a clear and concise statement of the facts, together with a plea that such standards be reduced and that the proposed airport or alteration or extension of an existing airport be approved in the public interest.