CZ-what?!
Here’s what you need to know (and do)
about the zoning ordinance as soon as possible
What is the CZO?
What is the Draft CZO?
What is the Master Plan?
Why should I care?
What can I do for the future of New Orleans?
Issues and Suggestions for the Draft CZO
The CZO is the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance â a set of laws that govern land use throughout the city. The CZO includes lists of permitted land uses for each of the city’s zoning districts, in addition to height limits, setback requirements, urban design standards, operational rules, and other regulations.
The Draft CZO is a working document that has been submitted to City Council for adoption as part of the Master Plan. It is an impressive document that represents nearly a decade of collaboration and input by volunteers, staff, the general public, and the City Planning Commission, representing improvements on the existing CZO in line with the Master Plan. Adopting the Draft CZO will encourage economic development and bring consistency to the planning process.
The Plan for the 21st Century, commonly referred to as the Master Plan, is a City Charter-mandated planning framework for the core systems that shape New Orleans’ physical, social, environmental, and economic future. The Plan for the 21st Century reflects the values and priorities that emerged through a community participation process and is grounded in information assembled for the first time in one place. In 2010, the Plan was unanimously adopted by both the City Planning Commission and the City Council and was signed by Mayor Mitchell Landrieu.
A major purpose of zoning is to put land to the use for which it is best suited. Of course, determining the best use for land is not always easy. Some things are obvious, like a neighborhood of shotgun houses should be zoned for residential use. Yet differences in opinion may arise if a vacant lot between houses and a historically industrial corridor, such as Tchoupitoulas Street in the Irish Channel, should be zoned residential or light industrial. While the zoning ordinance is in draft form, you have an opportunity to help shape the land uses that will impact your quality of life.
What can I do for the future of New Orleans?
City Council may be voting on the adoption of the Draft CZO as early as next Thursday, Oct. 16th. The public comment period for the Draft CZO is ongoing. Even though the comment period may extend beyond the CZO’s adoption during an amendment period, it is important to submit input about the Draft CZO now, as Councilmembers are making up their minds.
There remain several issues which we need to urge the City Council to address. Here is the list of issues affecting neighborhoods and quality of life that have been presented by PRC constituent groups since the August 2014 draft was released for public comment. We encourage you to look carefully at the list and determine which of these issues may affect you, your neighborhood, your business, or your vision of the city as a whole.
TELL CITY COUNCIL:
Please address these issues before you adopt the Draft CZO!
Issues and Suggestions for the Draft CZO
You may borrow any or all of this language for your input to City Council
Submit your comments directly via a simple form here
Thank you for your advocacy!
