GREENFIELD — A temporary moratorium on certain new development projects in Greenfield is now in effect following final review and approval by the California Department of Housing and Community Development, city officials announced Friday.
The moratorium, originally adopted by the Greenfield City Council through Ordinance No. 575 on Aug. 26, 2025, became effective June 10. The measure temporarily suspends the issuance of new building permits for projects that would require new wastewater connections or increase flows to the city’s wastewater system.
City officials said the action is necessary because of capacity constraints at Greenfield’s wastewater treatment plant.
“This action is necessary to protect public health, safeguard the environment and ensure compliance with state and regional water quality requirements while the City advances critical wastewater infrastructure improvements,” said Greenfield City Manager Paul Wood.
According to the city, the wastewater treatment plant currently operates at its permitted treatment capacity of approximately 1.2 million gallons per day. Officials said the facility has experienced operational challenges in recent years, including wastewater spills, notices of violation from the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board and capacity limitations that have raised concerns about accommodating additional wastewater flows.
The city said approximately 116 development projects already holding valid building permits are expected to add wastewater flow to the system, while numerous other projects are nearing permit eligibility. City leaders determined that issuing additional building permits before treatment plant improvements are completed could worsen existing capacity challenges and increase the risk of wastewater overflows and environmental impacts.
The Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board has also expressed concerns about the facility’s limitations. In a June 2025 letter, the board supported restrictions on new wastewater connections until major treatment plant upgrades are completed.
To address the issue, Greenfield is moving forward with a Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project that will increase treatment capacity to 2 million gallons per day. The city has secured a $75 million grant from the California State Water Board and $36.3 million in State Revolving Fund loans to help fund the project.
Planned improvements include construction of a new membrane bioreactor treatment system, expanded effluent disposal capacity and recycled water infrastructure intended to support future growth while meeting stricter water quality requirements.
During the moratorium, the city will continue processing entitlement applications and planning approvals. Existing approved entitlements will be placed on hold and will not expire during the moratorium period.
The city also plans to implement an Interim Capacity Management Plan that includes water conservation measures, flow-offset programs, accelerated fats, oils and grease reduction efforts, and increased enforcement against unauthorized sewer connections.
Several categories of projects are exempt from the moratorium, including those with valid building permits issued before the ordinance took effect, projects required by court order, construction related to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project, certain grant-funded projects and projects deemed necessary to protect public health and safety by the city manager.
The City Council is scheduled to review the moratorium every six months and may modify or repeal it if wastewater capacity conditions improve. Officials said the restrictions will remain in place until sufficient treatment capacity becomes available or the improvement project is completed.
City officials described the moratorium as a “temporary measure to preserve system reliability while Greenfield secures long-term wastewater infrastructure solutions necessary to support future residential, commercial and economic growth.”
