(a) Any aggrieved person or any officer or agency of the political subdivision may appeal from a decision of the board of appeals to a court of competent jurisdiction.

(b) If, at the hearing, it appears to the court that testimony is necessary for the proper disposition of the matter, the court may take evidence or appoint a commissioner to take the evidence that the court directs and report to the court with his findings of fact and conclusions of law. These findings and conclusions constitute a part of the proceedings on which the determination of the court shall be made.

(c) The court may:

(d) It is not necessary to join the board of appeals as a party.

(e) An appeal under this subtitle has preference over all other civil actions and proceedings.

(f) An appeal may be taken to the Appellate Court of Maryland from any decision of the court of record reviewing the decision of the board of appeals.