The purpose of the Planning Commission is: (1) To review and approve or disapprove preliminary plats and plans for major subdivisions and to recommend changes to be incorporated in the final plats and plans thereof in order to insure compliance with the standards and requirements of KWC Code Article II; and (2) To consider applications for variations in or exceptions to the requirements of this article as hereinafter provided. Approval of a variation or exception by the planning commission shall be limited to cases of unusual situations or when strict adherence to the general regulations would result in substantial injustice or hardship.