In hearing a petition requesting an appeal or allowance of a variance, the board of adjustments shall call the petition at the public hearing. Upon the call of the petition, the petition shall be read by the Chairman of the board and at the conclusion thereof, the chairman shall hear and receive any evidence or sworn testimony presented by the petitioner or his authorized agent or attorney. At the conclusion of the petitioner’s presentation, the Chairman shall first ask for any public comments from those in support of the petition and secondly from those in opposition to the petition. Any relevant and material evidence or sworn testimony presented by interested individuals either in favor of or in opposition to the petition shall be received by the Chairman provided however that said evidence or sworn testimony is properly identifiable for the record. Lastly, the Chairman may ask for a recommendation from a representative of the Department of Planning and Development. [Code § 12.36-9.]