(A) Duration of development approval. Unless a different period is specified by this chapter or other specific applicable law, including for a development agreement, a development approval issued pursuant to this chapter expires one year after the date of issuance if the work authorized by the development approval has not been substantially commenced. Local development regulations may provide for development approvals of shorter duration for temporary land uses, special events, temporary signs, and similar development. Local development regulations may also provide for development approvals of longer duration for specified types of development approvals. Nothing in this section limits any vested rights secured under G.S. § 160D-108 or G.S. § 160D-108.1.
(B) If after commencement the work or activity is discontinued for a period of 12 months after commencement, the development approval shall immediately expire. The time periods set out in this section shall be tolled during the pendency of any appeal. No work or activity authorized by any development approval that has expired shall thereafter be performed until a new development approval has been secured. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to limit any vested rights secured under G.S. § 160D-108. For similar state law provisions, refer to G.S. § 160D-403(c).
(Ord. 23-241, passed 7-18-2023)