What is a Moratorium? Zoning Definition

A moratorium is a temporary freeze that a city or county places on certain types of development activity. During a moratorium, the local government stops accepting or processing applications for building permits, rezoning requests, subdivisions, or other approvals in a specific area or for a specific type of project. Moratoriums are intended to give the government time to study an issue and adopt new regulations without being overwhelmed by a rush of applications filed under the old rules.

Common reasons for imposing a moratorium include updating a comprehensive plan, addressing infrastructure capacity problems (such as overtaxed water or sewer systems), responding to rapid growth that threatens community character, or studying the impact of a new type of development like short-term rentals or cannabis dispensaries. For instance, a city might impose a six-month moratorium on new apartment construction while it revises its affordable housing requirements.

Moratoriums must generally be limited in duration and scope to be legally defensible. Most state laws require that a moratorium have a stated purpose, a defined geographic area or project type, and a reasonable time frame — typically six months to two years. If a moratorium drags on indefinitely or is used to permanently block development, it may be challenged as an unconstitutional taking of property rights.

If you are a property owner or developer affected by a moratorium, you should check whether any pending applications are exempt, monitor public meetings for updates on the new regulations being developed, and be prepared to submit your application promptly once the moratorium is lifted.