(a) Generally. The Board of Zoning Appeals shall have the following powers, and it shall be its duty to: hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is an error of interpretation made by the Building Inspector in the enforcement of this Zoning Ordinance, the Building Code, or the Property Maintenance Code, or any amendment thereto.
(b) Exceptions. In hearing and deciding appeals, the Board shall have the power to grant an exception in the following instances:
(1) Interpretation of Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Maps. Where the street layout actually on the ground varies from the street layout as shown on the Zoning District Map, the Board may interpret provisions of this Zoning Ordinance.
(2) Reconstruction on nonconforming structure or use. Where a nonconforming structure or a structure occupied by a nonconforming use has been damaged to an extent of more than fifty percent (50%) of the current replacement cost, the Board may permit reconstruction where it finds an owner would incur undue hardship requiring a continuance of the nonconforming structure or use.
(3) Performance Requirements. Where a decision is needed as to whether an industry should be permitted within the "I-1" or "I-2" Industrial District because of the methods by which it would be operated and because of its effect upon uses within surrounding zoning districts. (Pertains to performance requirements only.)
A. The Board shall have the power to authorize issuance of a Certificate of Compliance for uses that are subject to performance requirements as set forth in this Zoning Ordinance in Section 1175.03 provided they are accompanied by: a plan of proposed construction of development; a description of the proposed machinery, processes and products; and specifications for the mechanisms and techniques to be used in meeting the performance requirements.
B. The Board may require the applicant to furnish the expert opinion of consultants qualified to advise as to whether a proposed use will conform to the performance requirements. A copy of such reports shall be furnished to the Board.
(4) Changes in nonconforming uses. The Board may authorize substituting a nonconforming use for another nonconforming use provided no structural alterations except those required by law or ordinance are made. However, in an "R", "AR" or WBC-1 District, no change shall be authorized by the Board to any use which is not a permitted or conditional use in any "R", "AR” or WBC-1 District, and in a "C" District or “WBC” District no changes shall be authorized to any use which is not a permitted or conditional use in any "C" District or “WBC” District.
(5) Temporary use permits. A temporary use permit may be granted where the temporary use of a structure or premises in any district where such temporary use shall be for a period of more than ninety days is proposed for a purpose or use that does not conform to the regulations prescribed elsewhere in this Zoning Ordinance for the district in which it is located, provided that such use be of a temporary nature and does not involve the erection of a substantial structure. A temporary use permit for such use shall be granted in the form of a temporary and revocable permit, for not more than a six-month period, subject to a six months' renewal and such conditions as will safeguard the public health, safety, convenience and general welfare.
(6) Extension and construction completion periods. The Board may authorize, for good cause shown, extension of the time period provided for the completion of structures in the Building Code. However, the Board may not authorize extension of the period for greater than a one-year extension of time subject to one-year renewals and such conditions as well safeguard the public health, safety, convenience and general welfare.
(c) Area Variances. The Board shall have the power to hear and decide appeals and authorize variances from the provisions or requirements of this Zoning Ordinance. In authorizing a variance, the Board may attach conditions and require such guarantee or bond as it may deem necessary to assure compliance with the objective of this Zoning Ordinance. The Board may grant a variance in the application of the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance when it is determined that practical difficulty exists based on the following factors:
(1) Whether the property in question will yield a reasonable return or whether there can be any beneficial use of the property without the variance;
(2) Whether the variance is substantial;
(3) Whether the essential character of the neighborhood would be substantially altered or whether adjoining properties would suffer a substantial detriment as a result of the variance;
(4) Whether the variance would adversely affect the delivery of governmental services (e.g. water, sewer, garbage).
(5) Whether the property owner purchased the property with knowledge of the zoning restriction;
(6) Whether the property owner's predicament feasibly can be obviated through some method other than a variance; and,
(7) Whether the spirit and intent behind the zoning requirement would be observed and substantial justice done by granting the variance.
(d) Interpretation of District Map. In case of any questions as to the location of any boundary line between zoning districts, a request for interpretation of the Zoning District Map may be made to the Board which shall interpret the Map in such a way as to carry out the intent and purpose of this Zoning Ordinance.
(e) Extension of Nonconforming Use. The Board shall have the authority to grant an extension of a structure or the expansion of the use of a lot devoted to a nonconforming use upon a lot occupied by such structure or use, or on a lot adjoining, provided that such lot was under the same ownership as the lot in question on the date such structure or use became nonconforming, and where such extension is necessary and incidental to the existing use of such structure or lot. However, the floor areas or lot areas of such extensions shall not exceed, in all, 100 percent (100%) of the area of the existing structure or lot devoted to a nonconforming use.
(f) Variances to the Building Code. The Board shall have the power to hear and decide appeals and authorize such variances from the provisions or requirements of the Building Code, Chapter 1305 of the Codified Ordinances for one, two and three family dwellings, and Section 1301.07 Demolition or Moving Buildings, as will not be contrary to the public interest. In authorizing a variance, the Board may attach conditions and require such guarantee or bond as it may deem necessary to assure compliance with the objective of the Building Code. The Board may grant a variance in the application of the provisions of the Building Code for one, two and three family dwellings after hearing expert independent testimony on the application only if all of the following findings are made:
(1) There are unique circumstances or conditions present by which strict conformity to the provisions of the Building Code would create significant hardship for the property owner or contractor performing services for the property owner;
(2) The unique circumstances or conditions were not created by the property owner or contractor performing services for the property owner; and,
(3) The variance, if authorized, shall not, in any way endanger the health, safety or welfare of the building occupants or the general public. Such determination shall be based on independent expert testimony.
(g) Variances to the Property Maintenance Code. The Board shall have the power to hear and decide appeals and authorize such variances from the provisions or requirements of the Property Maintenance Code, Chapter 1311 of the Codified Ordinances. Variances may be granted only when the Board determines that strict scrutiny to the provisions of the Property Maintenance Code would create significant hardship for the property owner, and the variance, if authorized, would not endanger the health, safety or welfare of the general public. Variances to the Property Maintenance Code, if authorized, are applicant specific and do not pass to future property owners or occupants.
(Ord. 62-2021. Passed 03-21-2022.)