(A) When practical difficulties, special conditions or unnecessary hardships would result from carrying out the strict letter of this chapter, the Board of Adjustment shall have the power to vary or modify any of the regulations or provisions of this chapter relating to the construction or alteration of buildings or structures or the use of land. Waivers and modifications associated with the approval of a subdivision plat shall be subject to the provisions of § 153.378, rather than this section.
(B) The request for a variance for a use expressly, or by inference, prohibited in the district involved, shall not be granted.
(C) The Board of Adjustment may grant a variance only after having first held a public hearing on the matter. When unnecessary hardships would result from carrying out the strict letter of these zoning regulations, the Board of Adjustment shall vary any of the provisions of the zoning regulations upon a showing of all of the following:
(1) Unnecessary hardship would result from the strict application of the zoning regulations. 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 zoning ordinance, such that public safety is secured and substantial justice is achieved.
(D) The Board of Adjustment, in granting a variance, may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards in conformity with this chapter provided the conditions are reasonably related to the variance. Violation of the conditions and safeguards, when made a part of the terms under which a variance is granted, shall be deemed a violation of this chapter and shall be punishable as prescribed in § 153.999 of this chapter.
(E) Unless otherwise authorized by the Board of Adjustment, any order of the Board of Adjustment in granting a variance shall expire, if a building permit or certificate of occupancy (for a use if a building permit is not required) has not been obtained within one year from the date of the Board of Adjustment’s decision.
(Prior UDO, § 15.3) (Ord. ZTA-3-2013, passed 10-3-2013; Ord. passed - - ) Penalty, see § 153.999