Nonconforming buildings or structures may be structurally changed, altered, or enlarged in a way which increases nonconformity only with the approval of a variance by the zoning board of appeals in accordance with the provisions of article XI of this chapter and Section 5 of the City and Village Zoning Act (MCL 125.585). When considering such a request, the proofs the board shall accept as proof of practical difficulty, shall include the following:
(1) A board finding that failure to grant the relief requested would unreasonably restrict continued use of the property or would restrict valuable benefits that the public currently derives from the property as used in its nonconforming status.
(2) A board finding that the subject structure possesses historical significance and that the requested variance is necessary to maintain or enhance the utility or safety of the structure.
(Ord. No. 152, 5-1-2006)