The hearings officer or planning commission may authorize variances from the requirements of this title where it can be shown that, owing to special and unusual circumstances related to a specific piece of property, the literal interpretation of this title would cause an undue or unnecessary hardship, except that no variance shall be granted to allow the use of property for purposes not authorized within the zone in which the proposed use would be located. In granting a variance, the city may attach conditions which it finds necessary to protect the best interests of the surrounding property or neighborhood and to otherwise achieve the purposes of this title. (Ord. 1952 § 1(4), 2006)