(1) An application for an authority (other than an owner-builder permit) or
for renewal of an authority is to nominate one of the following terms of
duration for the authority (the
"nominated term" )--
(a) 1 year,
(b) 3 years,
(c) 5 years.
(2) The
Secretary may grant or renew an authority for the nominated term or a shorter
term than the nominated term if satisfied that it is in the public interest to
do so.
(3) If an application for renewal of an authority has been made but
the application is not finally determined by the Secretary before the expiry
of the authority, the authority (if not suspended or sooner cancelled)
continues in force until the application is finally determined.
(4) If an
authority is granted or renewed for a shorter term than the nominated term,
the Secretary is to refund to the applicant the difference between the fee for
the nominated term and the fee for the term that was granted.
(5) The
suspension of an authority does not affect the term of the authority.