To avoid undue hardship, nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to require a change in the plans, construction or designated use of any building or premises on which an application for a permit was filed with the Planning Commission prior to the date of adoption of the zoning code or amendment thereto, providing that the application meets all zoning and other requirements in effect on the date of the application. The permit issued pursuant to applications made before the date of adoptions of the code shall be valid only if it is exercised within one year of the date of issuance of the permit. "Exercised" as set forth in this section, shall mean that a binding contract for the construction of the main building or other main improvements are under construction, or that prerequisite conditions involving substantial investments shall be under contract, in development or completed. When construction is not a part of the use, "exercised" shall mean that the use is in operation in compliance with the conditions set forth in the permit. Building/zoning permits are not required for routine maintenance, repairs, and renovations not increasing the size of a structure.
(Ord. 99-6, passed 7-19-99)