What body is empowered to grant a variance from zoning ordinances under specific conditions?

The body that is empowered to grant a variance from zoning ordinances is the Board of Adjustments. This specialized board generally has the authority to hear appeals and make exceptions to zoning regulations, allowing for flexibility in specific circumstances where adhering strictly to the rules would result in practical difficulties or unnecessary hardship for a property owner.

The function of the Board of Adjustments is to maintain the integrity of zoning laws while also considering individual cases where a variance may be justified. The criteria for granting a variance typically include considerations such as unique property characteristics, the impact on surrounding properties, and ensuring that the variance is in keeping with the intent of the zoning ordinance.

Other entities like the Zoning Board, City Council, and Planning Commission have different roles. For instance, the Zoning Board might focus more on the overall regulatory framework, while the City Council is primarily involved in legislative decisions and policy-making. The Planning Commission usually handles the planning and development aspect of land use but does not typically grant variances, which is specifically the purview of the Board of Adjustments.