(A) When unnecessary hardships would result from carrying out the strict letter of a requirement of this chapter, the Planning Board and the Board of Commissioners shall vary the requirement of this chapter upon a showing of all of the following:
(1) Unnecessary hardship would result from the strict application of the requirement. It shall not be necessary to demonstrate that, in the absence of the variance, no reasonable use can be made of the property.
(2) The hardship results from conditions that are peculiar to the property, such as location, size, or topography. Hardships resulting from personal circumstances, as well as hardships resulting from conditions that are common to the neighborhood or the general public, may not be the basis for granting a variance. A variance may be granted when necessary and appropriate to make a reasonable accommodation under the Federal Fair Housing Act for a person with a disability.
(3) The hardship did not result from actions taken by the applicant or the property owner. The act of purchasing property with knowledge that circumstances exist that may justify the granting of a variance shall not be regarded as a self-created hardship.
(4) The requested variance is consistent with the spirit, purpose, and intent of the regulation, such that public safety is secured and substantial justice is achieved.
(B) In considering a variance, the Planning Board and the Board of Commissioners shall follow quasi-judicial processes as set forth in § 151.026. Appropriate conditions may be imposed on any variance, provided that the conditions are reasonably related to the variance.
(Ord. passed 6-21-21)