A. This chapter shall apply only to residential developments. Whenever a provision of the Subdivision Map Act; as implemented and supplemented by this title; requires the filing of a tentative map or parcel map for a residential development; a vesting tentative map may instead be filed; in accordance with the provisions hereof.

B. If a subdivider does not seek the rights conferred by the vesting tentative map statute; the filing of a vesting tentative map shall not be a prerequisite to any approval for any proposed subdivision; permit for construction; or work preparatory to construction.