(a) The Administrative Board for Planning and Zoning Appeals shall have the power to hear and decide applications for variances and appeals from the interpretation of this chapter.
(b) The Board's decision on appeals shall be limited to alleged errors in the interpretation of this chapter.
(c) The Board shall have the power to vary the general and specific requirements of this chapter, provided that one of the following provisions is found to exist:
(1) There are exceptional or extraordinary circumstances or conditions applying to the property, or to the intended use of the property, that do not apply generally to other properties or classes of uses in the same zoning district.
(2) Such variance is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of substantial property rights possessed by other properties in the same zoning district and in the same vicinity.
In addition to the conditions set forth in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) hereof, the authorizing of such variance must not be of substantial detriment to adjacent property and must not materially impair the purposes of this chapter, the Zoning Code or the public interest.
(d) Appeals from the Board shall be to the Court of Common Pleas, as provided by the statutes of the State.
(e) The fee for an application for a sign variance shall be one hundred dollars ($100.00), and shall be accompanied by a drawing showing the exact size and location of the proposed sign and a statement of the type of sign and the type of construction thereof. The application and information shall be filed with the Code Enforcement Officer, on forms to be provided by the City, at least ten days before the regular Board meeting date at which it is intended to be heard.
(f) Sign variances, if granted, shall expire and be of no force and effect after the expiration of twelve months from the date thereof, unless the beneficiary of such variance has obtained a permit and actually erected the sign for which the variance was received.
(Ord. 82-7. Passed 2-9-82; Res. 19-88. Passed 4-26-88; Ord. 00-1. Passed 2-8-00; Ord. 05-5. Passed 3-8-05.)