(A) Effect on valid building permits and vested rights. Unless the owner consents, this chapter does not apply to the completion of the development of buildings or uses for which either:
(1) Building permits have been issued pursuant to G.S. § 160A-417 prior to the effective date of this chapter so long as the permits remain valid and unexpired, pursuant to G.S. § 160A-418, and unrevoked, pursuant to G.S. § 160A-422; or
(2) A vested right has been established pursuant to G.S. § 160A-385.1 and such right remains valid and unexpired pursuant to G.S. § 160A-385.1.
(B) Other approvals granted prior to the effective date. Variances, special use permits, subdivision plats, site plans and other similar development approvals that are valid on the effective date of this chapter will remain valid until their expiration date if applicable. Development may be completed in accordance with such approvals even if such building, development or structure does not fully comply with the provisions of this chapter. If development is not commenced and diligently pursued in the time allowed under the original approval or any extension granted, then the building, development or structure must meet the standards of this chapter in effect at the time of any re-application.
(C) Applications in process prior to effective date. Applications for building permits, variances, special use permits, subdivision plats, site plan approvals and other similar development approvals that were submitted in complete form and are pending approval on the effective date of this chapter must be reviewed wholly under the terms of this chapter. Any re-application for an expired approval must meet the standards of this chapter in effect at the time of re-application.
(D) Violations continue. Violations of the previous ordinance which remain in violation of this chapter will continue to be a violation and be subject to penalties and enforcement action under §§ 152.095 through 152.099 and 152.999 of this chapter. The adoption of this chapter does not affect nor prevent any pending or future action to abate violations of previous ordinances.
(Ord. passed 3-5-2018)