What is one condition under which the BZA can grant a variance?

The Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) grants variances primarily when strict application of regulations creates exceptional hardship for a property owner. This means that if adhering to zoning regulations would impose a significant and unreasonable burden on the use of the property, the BZA may find it justifiable to allow for a variance. The emphasis here is on the specific and extraordinary nature of the hardship faced by the property owner, which should be unique to the property itself and not something that is common to all properties in the area. This rationale aims to ensure that property owners can have reasonable use of their land while still maintaining the integrity of zoning laws intended for public welfare.

In contrast, neighborhood support, declining property values, or the focus on public space do not inherently satisfy the legal criteria for granting a variance. While these factors may influence the decision-making process, they do not substitute for the necessity of demonstrating that an exceptional hardship exists that warrants a deviation from established zoning regulations.