In order that the provisions of this subchapter may be reasonably applied in instances where practical difficulties are apparent or unnecessary hardship will result from carrying out the strict letter hereof, or in cases where the applicant deems himself or herself aggrieved, appeal may be made to the City Council, and the Council shall have the power to vary, by resolution, the mandatory provisions hereof, or to modify or reverse the decision of the City Engineer or his or her authorized agents in any specific case in the manner that substantial justice is done and the spirit and purpose of this subchapter is upheld. The appeal shall be made in writing to the Council by filing with the City Clerk a written notice of the appeal, setting forth specific grounds or basis thereof. The notice must be filed within 30 days after the action appealed from. The City Clerk shall forthwith set the matter for hearing before the Council and cause notice thereof to be given to the applicant not less than five days prior to the hearing. At the hearing, the applicant shall show cause, on the grounds specified in the notice of appeal, why the action excepted to should not be approved. The City Council may continue the hearing from time to time and its finding on appeal shall be final and conclusive in the matter.
(1994 Code, § 12.04.050)