In most states, cities can enact a moratorium on commercial development, provided that the moratorium promotes valid public purposes, is limited in duration, and is used for planning. A number of communities have temporarily suspended large-scale retail development in order to allow time to consider the impacts of superstores and to revise the local comprehensive plan and zoning code accordingly.
In addition to the policy examples below, also see Easton, MD, Bennington, VT, and Bellinham, WA — three examples of cities that started with development moratoriums and went on to adopt ordinances limiting large-scale stores.
More Information:
- Temporary Development Controls: Smart Growth Tools for Main Street – National Trust for Historic Preservation