A. The Board of Adjustment may vary certain requirements of this Ordinance, in harmony with the general purpose of these regulations, where unnecessary hardships would result from carrying out the strict letter of the Ordinance.

B. Despite the above and pursuant to 15A NCAC 02B .0233 and 15A NCAC 02B .0267, a “major variance” from the requirements of Sec. 8.5, Riparian Buffer Protection Standards, including where incorporated by reference, shall be granted only by the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission. A “minor variance” may be granted by the approval authority in accordance with paragraph 8.5.12, Variances.

C. No variance shall be granted that would have the effect of allowing a use not permitted in the use table in Sec. 5.1, Use Table, by Sec. 8.4, Floodplain and Flood Damage Protection Standards, or elsewhere within this Ordinance.