§ 5-301. Purpose.

(a) In general.

The purpose of the variance procedure is to afford a property owner relief from certain regulations of this Code when practical difficulty exists.

(b) Application.

The Zoning Administrator, the Board of Municipal and Zoning Appeals, or the City Council may grant variances from the provisions of this Code pursuant to the standards set forth in this subtitle.

(c) Exceptions to variance procedure provisions: Signs.

The variance procedure provisions in this title do not apply to applications requesting an exemption from:

(1) the maximum quantity of signs;

(2) the location requirements of signs; or

(3) the types of signs allowed within a zoning district.

(d) Use may not change by variance.

The variance procedure provisions may not be used to authorize a use not otherwise permitted in the zoning district.

(e) Authority not exclusive.

The authority granted in this Subtitle 3 to the Zoning Administrator or the Board of Municipal and Zoning Appeals to grant a variance from provisions of this Code is not intended to limit any other authority that may exist elsewhere within this Code to provide relief or modification from the Code's requirements.