Standards for approval

In granting a variance, the Zoning Board of Review, or Planning Board where applicable, shall require that evidence to the satisfaction of the following standards be entered into the record of the proceedings that:

• A. The hardship from which the applicant seeks relief is due to the unique characteristics of the subject land or structure and not to the general characteristics of the surrounding area; and is not due to the physical or economic disability of the applicant, excepting those physical disabilities addressed in the Rhode Island General Laws § 45-24-30(16);
• B. The hardship is not the result of any prior action of the applicant; and
• C. The granting of the requested variance will not alter the general character of the surrounding area or impair the intent or purpose of the Zoning Ordinance or the Comprehensive Plan upon which this chapter is based.