The connection and intersection spacing distances specified in this chapter are minimums. Greater distances may be required by the department on individual permits issued in accordance with chapter 468-51 WAC to provide desirable traffic operational and safety characteristics. If greater distances are required, the department will document, as part of the response to a connection permit application in compliance with chapter 468-51 WAC, the reasons, based on traffic engineering principles, that such greater distances are required. Nonconforming permits may be issued in accordance with chapter 468-51 WAC allowing for less than minimum spacing where no other reasonable access exists, or a variance connection permit may be issued where it can be substantiated by a traffic analysis, to the satisfaction of the department, through the permit application process that allowing less than the minimum spacing or more than the maximum number of connections, would not adversely affect the desired function of the state highway in accordance with the assigned access classification, and would not adversely affect the safety, maintenance or operation of the state highway.