The function of the Board shall be:
(a) To review and determine appeals de-novo from decisions of the Administrative official in the enforcement of the provisions of this Zoning Ordinance and upon such appeal may reverse or affirm, wholly or partly, or may modify, any such order, requirement, decision or determination.
(b) To make variances from the provisions of this Zoning Ordinance in cases where the strict application of the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance would result in practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship.
(1) No variance from the provisions or requirements of this Zoning Ordinance shall be authorized by the Board unless the Board finds beyond reasonable doubt that all of the following facts and conditions exist:
A. That there are exceptional or extraordinary conditions applying to the property, that do not apply to other properties or classes of uses in the same zoning district.
B. That such variance is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of substantial property rights possessed by other properties in the same zoning district and in the same vicinity.
C. That the authorization of such variance will not be of substantial detriment to adjacent property and will not impair the purposes of this Zoning Ordinance or the public interest.
D. That such variance shall in no manner or guise be construed to mean a change of use but shall mean only a variation or modification from the provisions of this Zoning Ordinance.
(c) To interpret the provisions of this Zoning Ordinance where there is doubt as to meaning or application.
(d) To grant conditional zoning permits for the use of land, buildings or other structures if such permits for such uses are provided for in the Zoning Ordinance. The following general conditions shall be considered in reviewing applications for conditional zoning permits:
(1) The proposed conditional use is properly located in relation to a comprehensive consideration of land uses for the Village.
(2) The proposed use will be designed, constructed, operated and maintained so as to be harmonious and appropriate in appearance with the existing or intended character of the general vicinity and that such use will not change the essential character of the same area.
(3) The proposed use will not be hazardous or disturbing to neighboring uses.
(4) The use will not be detrimental to the development or impair the value of the surrounding public streets or roads.
(5) The proposed use will be in compliance with the regulations of the Lorain County Board of Health and State Health Board.
(6) Said use will have vehicular approaches to the property which shall be so designed as not to create an interference with traffic on surrounding public streets or roads.
(e) To exercise such other powers as may be granted to the Board by this Zoning Ordinance, amendment thereto or by the general laws of Ohio as provided in the Ohio Revised Code as amended.
(Ord. 462. Passed 6-7-71.)