By enacting a statute on a moratorium on changes, the municipality can implement its ideas for the urban development of the area. During the period of validity of the moratorium on changes, building rights may not be exercised. Pursuant to Section 14 (2) of the German Building Code (BauGB), an exception to the moratorium on changes may be granted if this does not conflict with predominantly public interests. The moratorium on changes is valid for two years from the date on which the statute comes into force. The two-year period includes the period that has elapsed since the first postponement of a building application was delivered in accordance with Section 15 (1) of the BauGB (Section 17 (1) of the BauGB). After the two-year period has expired, the municipality may extend the period by one year, and after this year has expired, by another year. The decision on the moratorium on changes and the decision on the extension of the moratorium on changes shall be published in the Amtsblatt of the city of Mainz.