The building official may grant a variance to the codes as permitted therein or, if the codes do not specifically provide for a variance procedure, the building official may nonetheless grant a variance from the use of materials or methods set forth in the codes when unnecessary hardship or a result inconsistent with the general intent of the codes to provide for the safety of occupants will occur as a result of its strict or literal interpretation. [Code 2004 § 7-1-7; Ord. 18-08 § 1; Res. 18-23.]