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.