(A) The zoning board of appeals shall not recommend the variation of the regulations of this chapter, as authorized in § 153.203, unless it shall make findings based upon the evidence presented to it in each specific case that:
(1) The property in question cannot yield a reasonable return if permitted to be used only under the conditions allowed by the regulations in the district in which it is located.
(2) The plight of the owner is due to unique circumstances.
(3) The variation, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality.
(B) For the purpose of implementing the above rules, the board shall also, in making its determination as to whether there are practical difficulties or particular hardships, take into consideration the extent to which the following facts favorable to the applicant have been established by the evidence:
(1) The particular physical surroundings, shape, or topographical condition of the specific property involved would result in a particular hardship upon the owner, as distinguished from a mere inconvenience, if the strict letter of the regulations were carried out.
(2) The conditions upon which the petition for a variation is based would not be applicable, generally, to other property within the same zoning classification.
(3) The purpose of the variation is not based exclusively upon a desire to make more money out of the property.
(4) The alleged difficulty or hardship has not been created by any person presently having an interest in the property.
(5) The granting of the variation will not be detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to other property or improvements in the neighborhood in which the property is located.
(6) The proposed variation will not impair an adequate supply of light and air to adjacent property, substantially increase the congestion in the public streets, increase the danger of fires, endanger the public safety, or substantially diminish or impair property values in the neighborhood.
(C) The zoning board of appeals may recommend to the city council that the conditions and restrictions be imposed upon the premises benefited by a variation which may be necessary, to comply with the standards set forth in this section to reduce or minimize the injurious effect of the variation upon other property in the neighborhood, and better to carry out the general intent of this chapter.
('69 Code, App. A, § 10.5-3)