Any surface mining permit granted pursuant to this title shall become null and void if the surface mining operations authorized by the permit are not commenced within three years from the effective date of the permit or within the time limit set in the conditions of approval, provided that such time limit shall not exceed three years. Once commenced, all authorized surface mining operations shall be pursued diligently to completion.
(`78 Code, § 19.08.150.) (Ord. 2386 § 1 (part), 1999.)