In exercising the powers mentioned in § 11-4-17 as to appeals, the board of adjustment may, in conformity with the provisions of this chapter, reverse or affirm, wholly or partly, or may modify the order, requirement, decision, or determination appealed from and may make such order, requirement, decision, or determination as ought to be made, and to that end shall have all the powers of the officer from whom the appeal is taken. As to all other decisions, the board of adjustment may make initial determinations as provided by statute and applicable zoning ordinance.
SDCL 11-4-22