House Bill 697 (HB 697) of the 2020 regular session of the Louisiana Legislature removes Caddo Parish from the jurisdiction of the Shreveport Caddo Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC).
It also takes the parish out of the 2030 Master Plan.
Additionally, it changes the commission's name to the Shreveport Metropolitan Planning Commission.
The legislation's effective date is Jan. 1, 2022.
Until Jan.1, 2022, the MPC retains its five mile jurisdiction over parish property--measured from the Shreveport city limits.
Actually the jurisdiction is less in some areas where the city has annexed property in that area. The five mile jurisdiction does not automatically expand with the city limits.
The city of Shreveport has a Unified Development Code (UDC). This is a combined comprehension zoning, land use, and permitting comprehension ordinance.
The parish has also adopted a Unified Development Code. It differs in some aspects from the city's UDC.
The MPC enforces the UDC.
The MPC also provides land use planning for the city and for the parish area within its jurisdiction.
After Jan. 1, 2022, the MPC will only have jurisdiction over property withing the Shreveport city limits.
However the parish UDC will be still be in effect unless repealed by the Commission.
Unless the parish contracts with the MPC, the parish will need a new zoning/planning office.
The major impetus for HB 697 was complaints by the Caddo Alliance for Freedom over provisions of the parish UDC.
The Alliance complained about the loss of freedom to sue rural parish property without undue restrictions.
The Caddo Commission has 18 months to decide the fate of its UDC. If repealed entirely, new zoning ordinances will be needed. Additionally the commission must determine its planning and enforcement mechanics.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.