Repetitive petitions

a. Where the town council, in the case of an amendment, or the zoning board, in the case of a special use permit or variance, denies an application, the town council or the board may not consider another application requesting the same or substantially similar amendment, special use permit or variance, for a period of one year from the date of such denial or withdrawal.

b. The town council or the zoning board, as the case may be, may accept such an application after six months, provided that the application is accompanied by an affidavit setting forth facts, to the satisfaction of said council or board, showing a substantial change of circumstances justifying a rehearing.