(a) The Board of Zoning Appeals shall hear requests for variances where it is alleged that the provisions of this Zoning Chapter inflict unnecessary hardship upon the applicant. The Board of Zoning Appeals may grant a variance provided the following findings are made, where relevant, in a given case:
(1) That there are unique physical circumstances or conditions, including irregularity, narrowness, or shallowness of lot size or shape, or exceptional topographical or other physical conditions peculiar to the particular property, and that the unnecessary hardship is due to such conditions, and not the circumstances or conditions generally created by the provisions of the Zoning Chapter in the neighborhood or district in which the property is located;
(2) That because of such physical circumstances or conditions, there is no possibility that the property can be developed in strict conformity with the provisions of the Zoning Chapter and that the authorization of a variance is therefore necessary to enable the reasonable use of the property;
(3) That such unnecessary hardship has not been created by the appellant;
(4) That the variance, if authorized, will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood or district in which the property is located, nor substantially or permanently impair the appropriate use or development of adjacent property, nor be detrimental to the public welfare; and
(5) That the variance, if authorized, will represent the minimum variance that will afford relief and will represent the least modification possible of the regulation in issue.
(b) In granting any variance, the Board of Zoning Appeals may attach such reasonable conditions and safeguards as it may deem necessary to implement the purposes of this act and the Zoning Ordinance.
(c) Special Exceptions. The Board of Zoning Appeals shall hear and decide requests for all special exceptions as provided in this Chapter and in accordance with such standards and criteria contained in this Chapter. In granting a special exception, the Board of Zoning Appeals may attach such reasonable conditions and safeguards, in addition to those expressed in the Chapter, as it may deem necessary to implement the purposes and intent of this chapter.