(a) The exercise of a permit occurs when the property owner has performed substantial work and incurred substantial liabilities in good faith reliance upon such permit(s). Unless otherwise provided by law, such exercise of a permit constitutes the vested right to complete the work authorized by the permit. A permit may be otherwise exercised by a condition of the permit or corresponding legal agreement that specifies that other substantial efforts or expenditures constitutes exercise of the permit.
(b) Unless otherwise provided, permits that have not been exercised prior to a zoning code amendment which makes the approved use or structure of the permit nonconforming shall automatically be deemed invalid on the effective date of the zoning code amendment.
(Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).