(A) In order that the spirit of this Code may be observed and substantial justice done the Village Board may, upon application, grant a variation (variance) from the strict application of the Code; provided that, variations of use restrictions (permitted, special, or accessory) shall not be permitted. Variances may be used only in the case of an exceptionally irregular, narrow, shallow, or steep lot or other exceptional physical condition, whereby such strict application would result in such difficulty or unnecessary hardship as would deprive the owner of any reasonable use of the land or building involved, but in no other case. In no case shall a variance be considered for a circumstance that is within the control of the applicant, i.e. a self-imposed hardship and staff shall not forward same to the Planning Commission. Variances under these conditions also includes signage.
(B) A variation may be granted by the Village Board upon making a finding of fact that, owing to special conditions, a literal enforcement of the provisions of this Code would result in unnecessary extreme and undue hardship which would deprive the owner of the property for which the variation is sought of all practical use of the property.
(C) An application (see § 151.340) shall be submitted for a variance to the village staff, and the application along with a staff advisory report will be forwarded to the Planning Commission for consideration as herein provided. The application shall be accompanied by a non-refundable fee. (See Chapter 34.)
(D) Every application for a variance shall include adjoining zoning, history of the area relating to zoning issues, effect on comprehensive plan and any past zoning approvals or denials on the same issue. The application shall contain, at minimum, the following:
(1) Name and address of the applicant;
(2) Location of the structure/use for which the variance is sought;
(3) Relationship of the structure/use to existing structures/uses on adjacent lots;
(4) Specific section(s) of this Code containing the regulations which, if strictly applied, would cause a serious problem;
(5) Certification that the reason for the variance is not self-imposed;
(6) Certification from the applicant's design professional detailing the exceptional nature of the case and expressing his or her professional opinion that the request will not adversely impact public utilities, traffic circulation, drainage or public safety; and
(7) Any other pertinent information that the village staff may require.