The Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment, when acting
upon applications for preliminary or minor subdivision approval or
for preliminary site plan approval, shall have the power to grant
such exceptions from the requirements for subdivision or site plan
approval as may be reasonable and within the general purpose and intent
of the provisions of this chapter if the literal enforcement of one
or more provisions of this chapter will exact undue hardship or is
impracticable because of peculiar conditions pertaining to the land
in question. If such exception is granted, it shall be done by a resolution
of the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment, setting forth
the reasons for the exception and demonstrating that the exception
will not have an adverse effect upon surrounding properties, the neighborhood
or the Town in general.
Site plan approval shall expire one year after Planning Board
or Zoning Board of Adjustment action if actual, substantial, continuing
construction, in addition to excavation and demolition, is not in
progress, unless the applicant seeks and is granted an extension of
time from the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment; except
that a site plan granted in connection with an application for preliminary
major subdivision approval shall be in force for a period of three
years. An applicant whose site plan approval has expired may resubmit
a site plan.