(a) General rule.--An ordinance may not be passed and a petition may not be filed for the election of a government study commission pursuant to section 2911 (relating to submission of question for election of government study commission) while proceedings are pending under any other petition or ordinance filed or passed under the authority of this subpart nor on the same question if it has been defeated within four years after an election has been held pursuant to any such ordinance or petition passed or filed.
(b) Time for commencement of proceedings.--For the purpose of this section, proceedings shall be considered as having started:
(1) In the case of an ordinance, upon the final vote of council in favor of the ordinance, notwithstanding the fact that the ordinance cannot take effect until a certain number of days thereafter.
(2) In the case of a petition, as soon as it is properly signed by one-third of the number of registered voters required for the petition and written notice thereof filed in the office of the county board of elections and in the office of the municipal clerk or secretary, who shall cause the notice to be immediately posted in a conspicuous place in the office, open to public inspection.