Alabama § 45-49-261.09 - Powers of Board of Adjustment.

§ 45-49-261.09. Powers of Board of Adjustment.

(a) The board of adjustment shall have all of the following powers:

(1) To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is error in any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by an administrative official in the enforcement of the zoning regulations adopted pursuant to this part.

(2) To hear and decide special exceptions to the terms of the zoning regulations adopted pursuant to this part.

(3) To authorize upon appeal in specific cases the variance from the terms of the zoning regulations as will not be contrary to the public interest where, owing to special conditions, a literal enforcement of the provisions of the zoning regulations will result in unnecessary hardship and so that the spirit of the ordinance or regulations required shall be observed and substantial justice done. The foregoing provisions shall not authorize the board of adjustment to approve a use not permitted by the zoning regulations.

(b) In exercising its authority, the board may, in conformity with this part, reverse or affirm, wholly or partly, or modify the order, requirement, decision, or determination appealed from and make the order, requirement, decision, or determination as should be made and, to that end, shall have all the powers of the officer from whom the appeal is taken. The concurring vote of a majority of the members of a board of adjustment shall be necessary to reverse any order, requirement, decision, or determination of any administrative official or decide in favor of the applicant on any matter upon which it is required to act or to approve a variance from the terms of the zoning regulations adopted pursuant to this part.