When is a certificate of hardship issued?

If owing to conditions especially affecting the structure but not generally affecting the William Street Historic District, and if failure to approve an application will involve substantial hardship, financial or otherwise, an application may be approved providing there is not substantial detriment to the public welfare and substantial derogation from the intent and purpose of the By-law. A public hearing is required. However, if a decision is not made within 60 days from the application, the approval of the certificate of hardship is deemed to have been granted.