All districts
A variance provides relief from LDC development standards where special circumstances peculiar to the land or building would otherwise create an unnecessary hardship, the hardship is not self-created, and the variance will not adversely affect adjacent property owners or public policy. Use variances are prohibited; all other properties are eligible to seek dimensional relief. Variances for single-family homeowners are heard and decided by the Board of Adjustment; variances for multi-family and non-residential properties are heard and decided by the Planning and Zoning Board (LDC 155.303(C)-(D)). Variance proceedings are quasi-judicial (LDC 155.304), with sworn testimony, cross-examination, and a decision that must rest on substantial competent evidence in the record. Appeals of a Board of Adjustment or Planning and Zoning Board decision go to the City Commission (LDC 155.303(E)).