To avoid undue hardship, nothing in this Ordinance shall be deemed to require a change in the plans, construction, or designated use of any Building or development on which actual construction was lawfully begun prior to the effective date* of adoption or amendment of this Ordinance and upon which actual Building construction has been carried on diligently. Where demolition or removal of an existing Building has been substantially begun preparatory to rebuilding, such demolition or removal shall be deemed to be actual construction, provided that the work shall be carried out diligently. Actual construction is hereby defined as work done which is beyond the preparation state where the changes or additions are made permanent.
[*Clerk’s note: References in the text of the Code to “...the effective date of this Ordinance...” or to “...the effective date of the Zoning Ordinance...” are references to Ord. No. 900 which was effective July 25, 1979.]