(a) Any assignment or transfer, or both, of a valid building permit for which construction has not started shall be subject to the approval and consent of the council. Such approval and consent shall not be unreasonably withheld; provided that the assignee or transferee, or both, agrees in writing to the following:
(1) To comply with the plans and specifications upon which the building permit was issued in the absence of any subsequent amendments to any applicable existing laws and ordinances as indicated in subdivision (2); or
(2) To comply with the terms of any subsequent amendments to the land use ordinance, building code, as well as all other relevant laws, ordinances, and rules that would affect any one or more of the following: the development’s height, floor area, lot coverage, fire safety, or land use.
(b) The stricter requirements prescribed in subsection (a)(2) shall not be applicable in situations in which the permit holder can offer documented evidence to the council that the permit holder has made, in good faith, a substantial and material change in position in reliance upon the issuance of the building permit.
(c) This section shall not apply to:
(1) One- and two-family dwellings that are not part of a larger development; or
(2) Projects that do not exceed $500,000 in valuation.
(Sec. 18-5.6, R.O. 1978 (1983 Ed.)) (1990 Code, Ch. 18, Art. 5, § 18-5.6) (Am. Ords. 93-59, 96-50, 00-39)