(A) The City Council may authorize a variance from these regulations when, in its opinion, undue hardship will result from requiring strict compliance. In making the required findings, the Council shall take into account the nature of the proposed use of the land involved, existing uses of land in the vicinity, and the probable effect of such variance upon traffic conditions and upon the public health, safety, convenience and welfare in the vicinity. No variance shall be granted unless the Council finds:
(1) That there are special circumstances or conditions affecting the land involved such that the strict application of the provisions of this chapter would deprive the applicant of the reasonable use of his land;
(2) That the variance is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a substantial property right of the applicant; and
(3) That the granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare, or injurious to other property in the area.
(B) Alternative equivalent compliance. A lighting plan which is an alternative to strict compliance with the requirements of this chapter may be approved by the City Council, if the Council finds that such plan is as good or better than a strictly compliant plan because it conforms to one or more of the following three standards:
(1) Latest adopted version of U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Sustainable Site Credit 8.
(2) Latest adopted version of Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) - International Dark Sky Association (IDA) Model Lighting Ordinance (MLO).
(3) Latest adopted version of Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) Commercial Rating Light Pollution Reduction section. Documentation for demonstrating compliance is as follows: Documentation establishing compliance with the selected method of alternative equivalent compliance shall be submitted with a request for approval of alternative equivalent compliance (USGBC LEED, IES MLO, or AEGB program). In addition, for non-residential lighting zones the applicant shall submit an affidavit sealed by a registered architect or engineer certifying the proposed plan's compliance with the selected method of alternative equivalent compliance.