Can the City Impose a Building Moratorium?

Yes, however it is complicated. 

• A moratorium can only be imposed where a shortage of water, sewer or transportation infrastructure exists.
  • The moratorium can only be for three (3) months. 
  • The moratorium may be extended up to six (6) months. No moratorium shall be extended more than three (3) times. This means a moratorium may last up to 21 months in total. 

HOWEVER!

• The public facility shortage (water, sewer or transportation infrastructure) must be resolved during the period of the moratorium.

What this means is the City of Dallas could impose a building moratorium if we could demonstrate a shortage of our infrastructure (water, sewer, or transportation) exists. Then within the time of the moratorium we would need to fix that shortage.

Presently, the City of Dallas has:

• A sufficient supply of water
• Capacity to take and clean wastewater (sewer)
• A functioning and operational transportation system

The Oregon State laws for building moratoria are found in ORS 197.505-540

The manner of declaring a moratorium is found in ORS 197.520