If the case of a child who has at least 1 sibling is otherwise before a local board, the local board may evaluate the child’s placement in a foster family home or foster family group home that would allow the child and 1 or more siblings to remain or be placed together, but would also require obtaining a variance from 1 or more licensing rules or statutes under section 8b of 1973 PA 116, MCL 722.118b. If the local board determines that such a placement would be in the child’s best interests and that the variance from the particular licensing rules or statutes would not jeopardize the health or safety of a child residing in the foster family home or foster family group home, the local board shall recommend the variance to the department of consumer and industry services as provided in section 8b of 1973 PA 116, MCL 722.118b.