All districts
Variances may be granted for dimensional and performance standards, never for use regulations (use variances are prohibited, MCC 18.160.070). Unlike many Arizona cities' board of adjustment model, Maricopa's variance authority rests with a hearing officer, who reviews the zoning administrator's recommendation and may approve, conditionally approve, or deny the application after a public hearing (MCC 18.160.050). No variance may be granted based on an owner-imposed (self-created) hardship (MCC 18.160.030). The applicant bears the burden of proof for the required findings (MCC 18.160.060), which include that the special circumstances are preexisting and not self-imposed by the owner or applicant. A variance is not a vested right and is granted at the hearing officer's discretion.