Beginning today, a 45-day moratorium will prohibit new construction within the City of Goleta while the city council attempts to build a more complete and efficient government.

The council approved the ordinance by a 4-1 vote at its second meeting at the Goleta Union School District on Monday, Feb. 11. Approval followed a lengthy discussion among council members and Goleta residents about the wording of the ordinance. The council designed the moratorium to give city government adequate time to set up procedures for properly vetting building permits.

The council may still make an administrative approval of any project. Construction for the Old Town redevelopment project, minor renovations, internal remodels and fa