A road authority, or a private contractor authorized by a road authority to do so, may issue a variance permit if it determines the public interests will be served. A variance permit issued under this section may allow any vehicle, combination of vehicles, load article, property, machine or thing to move over any highway or street under the jurisdiction of the road authority without violation of any of the following:
The fee for issuance of a variance permit under this section is the fee established under ORS 818.270 (Fees for permits). No fee shall be charged for issuance of a permit to the federal government, agencies of the State of Oregon, cities or counties.