The provisions of this article shall not apply to any land use,
improvement or development for which final approval shall have been
obtained prior to the effective date of this article from the local
governmental authority or authorities having jurisdiction over such land
use. As used in this section, the term "final approval" shall mean the
issuance of a building permit or other authorization for the
commencement of the use, improvement or development for which such
permit or authorization was issued or in those local governments which
do not require such permits or authorizations, the actual commencement
of the use, improvement or development of the land.