(a) Council may grant individual variances beyond the limitations prescribed by this chapter whenever it is found, upon presentation of adequate proof, that compliance with any of the provisions of this chapter, or with any regulation or order with respect thereto, would impose unreasonable hardship. In granting a variance, Council may impose such conditions as the policies of this chapter require.
(b) A variance granted pursuant to this section shall be granted for a period of time, not exceeding one year, as specified by Council at the time of the grant of such variance and upon the condition that the person who receives such variance shall make such periodic progress reports as Council specifies. Such variance may be extended for periods up to six months by affirmative action of Council, but only if satisfactory progress has been shown. Council may, in the case of construction, grant a variance for the duration of the project and a contract letting agency, public or private, may apply for such variance.
(c) If requested by the petitioner or if deemed desirable by Council, a public hearing shall be held prior to the issuance of any variance for the purpose of allowing a person to present evidence with respect to the requested variance. Notice of such hearing shall be promulgated by Council in the form of a news release at least ten days prior to the hearing.
(d) The petition shall be accompanied by a fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00).
(e) Governmental agencies are exempt from the payment of such fee.
(Ord. 77-83. Passed 9-20-83.)