Except as otherwise provided by Code Section 12-7-7, immediately upon receipt of an application for a permit the application and plan for sediment and erosion control shall be referred to the appropriate district wherein such land-disturbing activities are proposed to take place, for its review and approval or disapproval concerning the adequacy of the erosion and sediment control plan proposed by the applicant. A district shall approve or disapprove a plan within 35 days of receipt. Failure of a district to act within 35 days shall be considered an approval of the pending plan.