What is a temporary suspension of the development of a property called?

The correct term for a temporary suspension of the development of a property is known as a moratorium. A moratorium typically refers to a formal measure that is put in place by a governmental authority to temporarily halt certain activities or projects, such as development or construction, often to enable further assessment, planning, or legislation to take place. This may be enacted for various reasons, including environmental concerns, infrastructure limitations, or the need for updated zoning laws.

Other terms, like "development freeze," might intuitively suggest a pause in development but do not have the same legal connotation or established meaning as "moratorium" does in land use law. "Temporary zoning" often refers to a change in zoning regulations rather than a direct suspension of development. "Building cap" typically refers to limits on the number of buildings that can be constructed in a specific area, which again does not accurately reflect the concept of a complete pause on development activities. Thus, understanding the specific legal implications and applications of the term "moratorium" is essential in the context of real estate and urban planning.