The Zoning Board of Appeals, in addition to the general duties and powers conferred upon it by law, may, in specific cases and subject to Council approval, interpret and determine the application of the regulations herein established in harmony with their general purpose and intent as follows:
(a) Permit the erection of additional buildings or the enlargement of existing buildings or uses on the same parcel of land, or one contiguous thereto, each in the same single ownership of record at the time of passage of this chapter, for a legal nonconforming business or activity located in a district restricted against such use, where the enlargement or expansion of such business or activity will not be detrimental to or tend to alter the character of the neighborhood or district.
(b) Permit the erection and use of a building or an addition to an existing building of a public service corporation or for public utility purposes, in any permitted district to a greater height or of larger area than the district requirements herein established, and permit the location in any use district of a public utility building, structure or use if the Board finds such use, height, area, building or structure reasonably necessary for the public convenience and service and provided such building, structure or use is designed, erected and landscaped to conform harmoniously with the general architecture and plan of such district.
(c) Permit in residence districts the erection of temporary bulletins, memorial markers or other signs not used for purposes of commercial advertising, in excess of four square feet in surface area, under such temporary permit and conditions as will prevent them from becoming dilapidated or unsightly or a menace to the public health, safety or general welfare.
(d) Permit variations in the provisions in the Zoning Code for the erection and use of buildings on farms for normal farm purposes, requiring however, that such buildings shall conform to all the provisions of this Zoning Code insofar as is practicable.
(e) The Board, upon making various determinations, shall endeavor to protect adjoining property, to assure safety of pedestrians and convenience of traffic movements within the area under consideration, and may require the provision of curbs, guard rails, walls, fences or other landscape or protective features, and their maintenance, to further the purposes of this Zoning Code.
(Ord. 72-72. Passed 8-31-72.)