(1) A qualified elector may file a petition with the board of adjustment alleging that there are great practical difficulties or unnecessary hardship in the way of the elector carrying out upon the elector's lands the strict letter of the land use regulations prescribed by ordinance approved by the supervisors and asking the board to authorize a variance from the terms of the land use regulations in the application of the regulations to the lands occupied by the petitioner.
(2) Copies of the petition must be served by the petitioner upon the presiding officer of the supervisors of the district within which the petitioner's lands are located and upon the department.