Where the strict enforcement of the provisions of this chapter will present great practical difficulties or work unnecessary hardships, or will be materially detrimental to the preservation of a property right, the city council, upon application in writing, may grant a variance of the provisions of this chapter for any establishment regulated under this chapter, existing on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, upon such conditions and for such length of time, not exceeding one year, as may be required, if the city council is satisfied that the granting of such variance will not endanger the public health, safety or welfare.
(Prior code § 6.08.480 (Ord. 349 § 34, 1951))