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 on which actual construction
was lawfully begun or an affirmative governmental act has been obtained as set forth
in Section 36.2-108 prior to the effective date of adoption or amendment of this chapter and upon which
actual construction has been carried on diligently. "Actual construction" is hereby
defined to include the placing of construction materials in a permanent position and
fastened in a permanent manner; except that where demolition or removal of an existing
structure has been substantially begun preparatory to new construction, such demolition
or removal shall be deemed to be actual construction, provided that work shall be
carried on diligently until the completion of the new construction involved, within
any time limit set by a zoning permit or building permit issued under regulations
in effect before passage of this chapter.
