(a) The Board of Appeals shall have such duties and powers as are set forth in the various sections of this Zoning Code. The Board shall adopt such rules and regulations as it may deem necessary to carry into effect the provisions of this Zoning Code. It shall hear and decide all questions brought before it by appeal from the refusal, granting or revocation of permits by the Commissioner of Buildings under the provisions of this Zoning Code or of any section of the Building Code. It shall also hear and decide all matters referred to it or upon which it is required to pass under this Zoning Code. Within its powers the Board may reverse or affirm, wholly or in part, or may modify the order, requirement, decision or determination appealed from and shall make such order, requirement, decision or determination as in its opinion ought to be made under the circumstances and to that end shall have all the powers of the officer from whom the appeal is taken and it may issue or direct the issuance of a permit.
(b) Where there are practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships in the way of carrying out the strict letter of the provisions of this Zoning Code, the Board of Appeals shall have the power in a specific case to vary the application of any such provision in harmony with the general purpose and intent of this Zoning Code so that the public health, safety, morals and general welfare may be secured and substantial justice done. (Ord. 350. Passed 7-6-44.)