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Advocacy

St. Tammany Parish Council Passes a Revised Version of a Zoning Density Moratorium

UPDATE: The 3 month moratorium has been extended and remains in effect as of November 2, 2023.

Tonight, the St. Tammany Parish Council passed a revised version of a zoning density moratorium that Parish President Mike Cooper originally proposed this year.

With a unanimous vote of 14-0, the Council approved a temporary moratorium on rezoning of residential property for higher-density developments. The measure restricts the rezoning of property to allow more than four housing units per acre of land, or to zone such parcels as Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) or Traditional Neighborhood Development Districts (TNDs) for at least three months.

To be clear, the moratorium does not restrict building permits and allows building under the property’s current zoning classification.

“Although what was passed was less restrictive than what I originally requested, I am happy with this ordinance and will sign it into law,” Cooper said after Thursday’s vote. “Some Council members were unhappy last month that I had not consulted them before the original ordinance was introduced, but in the end our system of government worked and a satisfactory compromise was reached.”

Cooper’s original proposal would’ve provided a six-month moratorium on rezoning to allow residential development of more than one home per acre. It was amended at the April Council meeting to its current form.

Cooper requested the moratorium while the Parish completes studies on drainage, traffic, wetlands and other issues related to growth, all of which will be completed by 2024.

“As I have said from the beginning of my administration, a balanced pause on high-density rezoning is desperately needed to properly plan for the future of our Parish. My administration will continue to fight for what is right for our citizens and the future of our Parish.”

The vote on the AMENDED version of the proposed parish-wide moratorium is expected THIS Thursday, May 5th at the St. Tammany Parish Council meeting on Koop Dr. We need as many members as possible to SHOW UP for the Home Building Industry!

The amended version is the result of many speakers and presentations at the March and April Council meetings, and one- on- one meetings with several council members to explain how the original moratorium would critically hurt our industry. Many of you have attended the monthly meetings to represent our industry, which is essential to advocacy.

Original version:

Ord. Cal. No. 6903 – Ordinance to impose a six (6) month moratorium on receipt of submissions by the Parish Zoning Commission, the Parish Planning Commission, or Parish Administration for rezoning or subdivision/resubdivision of property which would result in an increase in the allowable density of a residentially-zoned parcel greater than A2, to no greater density than one (1) unit per acre. (Parishwide) (Davis/Cooper)

Amended version:

Ord. Cal. No. 6903BB – Ordinance to impose a three (3) month moratorium on receipt of submissions by the Parish Zoning Commission for the rezoning of property which would result in an increase in the allowable density of a residentially-zoned parcel greater than A-4 (four [4] units per acre), a Planned Unit Development Overlay (“PUD”), or a Traditional Neighborhood Development District (“TND”). (Parishwide) (Davis/Lorino) (Introduced 03/03/2022) (Amended 04/07/2022)

Please stand with us Thursday evening. If there are unexpected changes, we will be prepared. If there are no changes, we will support the amended version. Either way, we need you to SHOW UP for the Home Building Industry!

*Arrive between 4:30-5:00 to get into the Council Chambers. Meeting starts at 6pm.

St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper recently proposed an ordinance to restrict applications for rezoning of properties to densities greater than one unit per acre. This ordinance was amended at the April Council meeting.

Several NHBA members spoke in opposition at the April STP Council meeting. Watch herehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXCbAovINBw&list=PLH9u5rn0HS1cqn0AxKdDXYjsMMnKKm42V&index=4&t=18247s

As you may know, St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper recently proposed an ordinance to restrict applications for rezoning of properties to densities greater than one unit per acre. President Cooper continues to say the proposed moratorium is not a moratorium on building and development. However, there is already a lot shortage and once the available lots are gone, the residential construction industry will not survive if restricted to one unit per acre. Building and development will stop, regardless of the intent of this ordinance.

Several NHBA members spoke in opposition at the March STP Council meeting. Watch herehttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH9u5rn0HS1cqn0AxKdDXYjsMMnKKm42V.

While many councilmembers expressed their disapproval of the way the ordinance was announced, the introduction was approved.