The city council may authorize a variance from the regulations established in this title when, in its opinion, the applicant has shown undue hardship because of exceptional physical characteristics of the site, where such strict application would result in impractical difficulties or unnecessary hardship that would deprive the owner of the reasonable use of the land or building involved, and the variance is not in conflict with the public interest. The special circumstances or conditions must be particular to the site and not applicable generally to land or buildings in the city. In granting any variance, the city council shall prescribe only conditions that it deems necessary to or desirable for the public interest. A variance shall not be considered a right or a special privilege. (Ord. 165, 3-13-2001)