(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, each application for a variance submitted pursuant to ORS 454.657 must be accompanied by a fee, the amount of which shall be determined by a fee structure adopted by the Environmental Quality Commission as described in ORS 454.745. The moneys received are continuously appropriated to meet administrative expenses of the hearings and appeals.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, an applicant for a variance under this section is not required to pay the fee specified in subsection (1) of this section if, at the time of filing the application, the applicant:
(a) Is 65 years of age or older;
(b) Is a resident of this state; and
(c) Has an annual household income, as defined in ORS 311.666, of $15,000 or less.