The purpose of this Section is to provide for the establishment of site-specific vesting plans pursuant to G.S. 160D-108.1 in order to ensure reasonable certainty, stability, and fairness in the land-use planning process, secure the reasonable expectations of landowners, and foster cooperation between the public and private sectors in the area of land-use planning in recognition that Town approval of land-use development typically follows significant landowner investment in site evaluation, planning, development costs, consultant fees, and related expenses. Vested rights may also be established pursuant to G.S. 160D-108 or by application of common law principles.