§ 5-4. Limitations on granting variances.

The Planning Department may make an affirmative decision on a variance request only on:

(1) a showing of good and sufficient cause;

(2) a determination that failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional hardship due to the physical characteristics of the property (for which determination, increased cost or inconvenience of meeting the requirements of this Division I does not constitute an "exceptional hardship");

(3) a determination that the granting of a variance for development within a designated floodway, or within a Special Flood Hazard Area with base-flood elevations but no designated floodway, will not result in increased flood heights beyond that which is allowed by this Division I;

(4) a determination that the granting of a variance will not result in additional threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense, nuisances, fraud or victimization of the public, or conflict with existing local laws;

(5) a determination that the structure or other development is protected by methods to minimize flood damage; and

(6) a determination that the variance is the minimum necessary to afford relief, considering the flood hazard.