July 28, 2011
Today, Mayor Mitch Landrieu announced that a draft of the City’s Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance is now available for review on the City’s web site, www.nola.gov/en/RESIDENTS/City-Planning or at www.nolamasterplan.org. Citizens will be able to review the full CZO draft online, as well as review accompanying documents that include maps and guides that explain how to navigate the comprehensive document.
As the City’s first new comprehensive zoning ordinance since 1970, the CZO aims to be understandable and easy to use, provide clarity about allowable uses, establish standards for place-based building, site design, parking, landscape and sights, and encourage a sustainable environment.
“This important document reflects the changes that have taken place in our City and will help guide us to the City we want to become,” said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. “Citizens have been a part of this process all along. Now that we’re in the final stretch of finalizing the ordinance, we want citizens to take a look at it, tell us what they think, and add their voice to this stage in the process. We are rebuilding New Orleans block by block and we’re doing it in a way that is truly sustainable.”
Craig Mitchell, chairman of the City Planning Commission, agrees: “The draft of the new ordinance reflects a place-based, sustainable approach to zoning. I think this document moves us forward to becoming a 21st century city, while taking into account our rich history and unique character.”
As a key tool in implementing land use policies in the City’s Master Plan vision, zoning establishes rules for determining where new development can be located. Additionally, zoning specifies where buildings can be placed on lots, controls the height and size of buildings, and provides guidance for determining how existing homes, businesses, and other buildings can be enlarged or altered.
A series of public meetings will be held September 12-27 (the locations will be announced later) to discuss the CZO and receive feedback from the community. After the public meetings conclude, the City Planning Commission will hold public hearings and vote on the final ordinance which must be approved by the City Council.
For more information regarding the CZO, citizens can call the City Planning Commission at 504.658.7033. Citizens can also email comments to cpcinfo@nola.gov.
Press Release by:
Ryan Berni
Press Secretary
Office of Mayor Mitch Landrieu
City of New Orleans
504-658-4992 (direct)
504-621-9504 (cell)
rfberni@nola.gov
