(a) An application must be filed no later than 30 days after final disposition of the proceeding. If review or reconsideration is sought or taken of a decision as to which an applicant believes it has prevailed, action on the award of fees shall be stayed pending final disposition of the underlying controversy.
(b) Final disposition means the later of:
(1) The date on which the final agency decision is issued,
(2) The date on which a petition for rehearing or reconsideration is disposed of, or
(3) The date of final resolution of the proceeding, such as settlement or voluntary dismissal, which is not subject to a petition for rehearing or reconsideration.