(a) 
The city council may authorize a variance from the regulations when, in its opinion, undue hardship will result from requiring strict compliance. In granting a variance, the city council shall prescribe only conditions that it deems necessary to or desirable in the public interest. In making the findings hereinbelow required, the city council shall take into account the nature of the proposed use of the land involved, existing uses of land in the vicinity, the number of persons who will reside or work in the proposed subdivision, and the probable effect of such variance upon traffic conditions and upon the public health, safety, convenience and welfare in the vicinity. The building official shall first review the request for a variance and make a written recommendation to the city council.
(b) 
No variance shall be granted unless the city council finds:
(1) 
That there are special circumstances or conditions affecting the land involved such that the strict application of the provisions of this article would deprive the applicant of the reasonable use of his land;
(2) 
That the variance is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a substantial property right of the applicant;
(3) 
That the granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare, or injurious to other property in the area; and
(4) 
That the granting of the variance will not have the effect of preventing the orderly growth and development of other land in the area in accordance with the provisions of this article.
Such findings of the city council, together with the specific facts upon which such findings are based, shall be incorporated into the official minutes of the city council meeting at which such variance is granted. Variances may be granted only when in harmony with the general purpose and intent of this article so that the public health, safety and welfare may be secured and substantial justice done. Pecuniary hardship to the owner, standing alone, shall not be deemed to constitute undue hardship.
(Ordinance 3-06 adopted 8/12/03)