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Zoning Ordinance
Rezoning, or zoning reclassification, is sometimes requested when a proposed use is not permitted in a property’s zoning district. The rezoning process includes public hearings before both the Lafayette Zoning Commission and the Lafayette City-Parish Council. The Commission makes a recommendation regarding the request to the Council; the Council makes the final decision whether a rezoning is in the best interest of the community. From the time a rezoning request is submitted, it will be approximately three months before a final decision is rendered.
Please click here for the Zoning Calendar.
Please click here for the Zoning Agenda.
Site Approval and Requests for Variance of Zoning Regulations
Individuals and building contractors visit the Zoning Division of the Department of Planning, Zoning, and Codes to request Building Permits for residential construction, both new and remodeling. Zoning Inspectors review plans to insure that the proposed use is permitted in the property’s Zoning District and that such requirements as minimum building setbacks, parking, fencing, signage, and landscaping are met.
In some instances, when an applicant is unable to meet the requirements, he or she may apply to the Board of Zoning Adjustment (B.O.Z.A.) for a “Variance” of the specific requirement that would otherwise prevent development of a site. The Board meets monthly to consider and decide on these requests. Since action by the City-Parish Council is not required, a citizen can receive final action at the meeting and proceed with construction, usually within 30 days.
Please click here for the Board of Zoning Adjustment Calendar.
Please click here for the Board of Zoning Adjustment Agenda.
Annexation
Annexation is a procedure wherein a property located in the Parish of Lafayette is incorporated into the city limits of the City of Lafayette. There are several benefits to annexation into the corporate limits of Lafayette, including garbage service, recycling service, lower utility rates, a better fire class rating, and zoning protection, to name a few.
The annexation process is conducted at no cost to the property owner and averages about 4 months to complete, depending on the size of the parcels under consideration.
The basic procedures are as follows:
- Citizens meet with the City-Parish Government Annexation Coordinator to file for the request. The Coordinator will conduct the necessary research to determine the property owners affected and the number of registered voters in the area. Notices are sent out by the Department of Planning, Zoning and Codes in accordance with State law advising the appropriate parties of the pending action. Petititions are then circulated to determine the amount of interest in the annexation.
- Petitions are returned to the Annexation Coordinator and the Lafayette Parish Assessor and the Registrar of Voters verify signatures of support. Signatures must represent at least 51 percent of the area’s registered voters, 51 percent of its resident property owners, and at least 25 percent in value of the property of the resident property owners.
- The Planning and Zoning Commission then votes on the recommended zoning assignments for the proposed annexation, and lastly, the City Parish Council reviews the request for final approval.
Any interest or questions regarding annexation should be directed to the Department of Planning, Zoning, and Codes at (337) 291-8445.
Please click here for Abandonment Procedures.
Lafayette Preservation Commission
The seven Lafayette citizens who serve on the Lafayette Preservation Commission review requests for property’s to be included on the Lafayette Parish Register of Historic Properties.
Historical Building Photo Gallery
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