First Land Use Hearing, How to convince city to Approve Variance?

[Andrew Hinton]

I purchased a vacant property and planned to develop a certain number of units that requires a variance. However, the language in the Baltimore City Zoning Code says the following:

In order to grant a variance, the case must be made that "because of particular physical surroundings, shape, or topographical conditions [...] an unnecessary hardship or practical difficulty, as opposed to a mere inconvenience, would result".

It goes on to say that the purpose of the variance is not based exclusively on a desire to increase the value or income potential of the property.

The basement unit I have designed is very important to the financial success of the project but I'm having trouble explaining why it will also result in an unnecessary hardship or practical difficulty other than economic reasons.

Any suggestions?