Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to require any change in the plans, construction or designated uses of any building for which a permit was duly issued and on which actual construction was lawfully begun prior to the adoption of this chapter and upon which building construction has been diligently carried on. ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION is hereby defined to be the actual placing of construction materials in their permanent position, fastened in a permanent manner, except that where a basement or cellar is being excavated, the excavation shall be deemed to be actual construction, or where demolition or removal of an existing structure has been substantially begun preparatory to rebuilding, the demolition and removal shall be deemed to be actual construction; provided that actual construction work shall be diligently carried on and the building completed within 18 months from the time this chapter becomes effective. Similarly, whenever a district shall be changed hereafter, the provisions of this section, with regard to previously issued building permits, shall apply to building permits issued for construction in the changed district prior to the time the amendment affecting the change becomes effective.
(Prior Code, § 12-5-1(d)) (Ord. passed 3-14-2022)