Developer control, does the clock stop?

My friend is interested in purchasing a new condo. Not built yet. She asked me to come with her to see the models and talk to the sales person. This development was started in 2004. Building stopped around 2007-8, resumed 2013. I asked the sales person if the development was still under the developer. She said yes. I questioned that since their bylaws say turnover is 5 years or 75% developed, whichever comes first. The sales person said that the 5 year requirement was put on hold - the clocked stopped on it - when the building stopped.

Is that true? The condos that were occupied in 2004 could not have expected turnover in roughly 2009 because building in the development stopped?

I'm very surprised they haven't changed the bylaws. Until turnover the developers usually retain the right to unilaterally amend the governing documents. If they couldn't even bother to do that, what else might they be willing to cut corners on?

As Geno mentioned, as long as the developer has control, they have the voting power to unilaterally modify the bylaws and CCRs. This includes not only changing the criteria for turnover, but anything else they want too. They could reduce the minimum square footage for new units, add new parking restrictions, require all units to be painted purple with orange trim if they so desired. If they didn't modify the bylaws to change the turnover date and just informally decided that, they seem to be lazy too.

I agree with Geno and Doug. The place is "shaky". Best your friend walks on by.