Permits can become inactive or expire when required progress, inspections or other milestones do not occur within the time allowed by the issuing jurisdiction. The exact rule is local, so the permit record matters.
Building departments use their own terminology, deadlines and procedures. Treat this as a practical orientation and verify the current rule with the jurisdiction that issued — or would issue — the permit.
There is no single Orange County-wide answer. The issuing city controls the rule, and extensions or project activity can affect the status.
Sometimes a city provides a path to extend, renew, reactivate or obtain a new permit, but the available option depends on the jurisdiction and project.