(1) To hear and decide appeals made for exceptions to, and variations in, the application of resolutions, ordinances, rules and regulations, measures or orders of administrative officials or agencies governing zoning and building in the Municipality, as may be required to avoid injustice and avoid unreasonable hardship, subject to such procedures as shall be established by Council, and subject further to such reasonable standards as shall be prescribed by Council, including, but not limited to, the existence of practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships in the strict interpretation of the aforesaid ordinances, resolutions, rules and regulations, measures and orders; provided that the granting of such exceptions or variances will be in harmony with the general purpose and intent thereof.