A hardship variance may be granted because of practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship upon finding by the city council that:

(1)

There are extraordinary and exceptional conditions pertaining to the particular piece of property in question because of its size, shape, or topograpy.

(2)

The application of this chapter to this particular piece of property would create personal practical difficulty and/or unnecessary personal hardship. Such circumstances must be extraordinary, exceptional and well documented. The burden of proof shall be upon the individual requesting a variance. All such variances may be limited to 12 months' duration.

(Code 1995, § 17.60.010)

From time to time variances as to lot size, setbacks, area requirements, yard requirements, density requirements and use requirements may be granted by the city council. It is the purpose of this section to allow certain variances as may be appropriate. In considering such a variance the city council shall at all times consider and evaluate any request for a zoning variance utilizing the following criteria:

(1)

The continued integrity of the zoning classification.

(2)

The benefit to the applicant as well as any detriment to the adjoining landowners and other neighbors.

(3)

The existence of other zoning variance in the same neighborhood or area.

(4)

The purpose of the zoning variance.

(5)

The affect of the proposed variance on water supply, traffic, public safety, and the extension of other public utilities.

In granting any variance the city council may impose such restrictions and conditions of the variance as are appropriate.

(Code 1995, § 17.60.010)