Greenfield adopts temporary moratorium on permits tied to wastewater system

The Greenfield City Council on Aug. 26 adopted Ordinance No. 575, a temporary moratorium preventing the city from issuing building permits for projects that would require a new wastewater connection or increase wastewater flow to the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

City staff told the council the moratorium will allow the city to implement an interim capacity management plan and evaluate plant improvements; the ordinance includes exceptions for projects with existing valid building permits, court-ordered completions, work necessary to maintain the wastewater plant, construction required to preserve public health and safety, and some grant-funded projects. Staff also said the California Department of Housing and Community Development is reviewing the draft moratorium as required for…