Applicants and appellants in matters which were filed prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter may opt to have their applications and appeals heard by the bodies which were authorized to hear them at the time they were filed, or by the hearing examiner as provided in this chapter; provided, that this option shall expire no later than 120 days after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter and all such applications and appeals assigned to the hearing examiner in this chapter not heard prior to that date shall be heard by the hearing examiner. [Ord. 2000-05-023].