An application for a development permit under this chapter which is substantially complete shall be reviewed based upon the town ordinances which were in effect at the time that such application was initially made; provided, however, that an applicant with a pending application may elect to have such application reviewed based upon a town ordinance which was adopted between the date of the initial submission of the application and the date of the final hearing on such application. For the purposes of this section, an application is substantially complete if it meets substantially all of the applicable requirements for a development permit application as provided in this chapter. Further, in the event that any pending application shall become inactive, such application shall thereafter be reviewed based upon the town ordinances which are in effect when the application is next heard by the planning commission. For the purposes of this section, a Class A subdivision development permit application is inactive if it has not been heard by the planning commission for a period of one year; and all other subdivision development permit applications are inactive if they have not been heard by the planning commission for a period of six (6) consecutive months. Upon the request of the applicant, and for good cause shown, the director may direct that an application which has become inactive shall still be reviewed based upon the town ordinances which were in effect at the time that such application was initially made. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the town may adopt a new or amended law or regulation when necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health and safety and may enforce such law or regulation in relation to an application for a development permit application which is pending at the time such law or regulation is adopted. (Ord. 32, Series 1999)