HLS 11RS-3030 ORIGINAL
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Regular Session, 2011
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 181
BY REPRESENTATIVE ARNOLD
BUILDING CODES: Urges and requests the adoption of a rehabilitation subcode pilot
program within the state uniform construction code for participating downtown
development districts
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON1
To urge and request the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council to adopt a2
rehabilitation subcode pilot program within the state uniform construction code for3
participating downtown development districts.4
WHEREAS, in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Legislature of5
Louisiana found it necessary to adopt the mandatory construction standards; and6
WHEREAS, the Legislature of Louisiana promulgated a state uniform construction7
code to govern the construction, reconstruction, alteration, and repair of buildings and other8
structures; and9
WHEREAS, the public policy of Louisiana is to maintain reasonable standards of10
construction in buildings and other structures in the state consistent with the public health,11
safety, and welfare of its citizens; and12
WHEREAS, certain portions of the state uniform construction code are vague as to13
older historic properties; and14
WHEREAS, many states, including New Jersey, have adopted subcodes to15
incorporate the preservation and maintenance of older and historic buildings and landmarks16
into their state construction code; and17
WHEREAS, since the adoption of a rehabilitation subcode in New Jersey, investment18
in the rehabilitation of older properties has increased by twenty percent or more annually;19
and20 HLS 11RS-3030 ORIGINAL
HCR NO. 181
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WHEREAS, it is incumbent upon the state of Louisiana to ensure that historic1
buildings and landmarks are maintained, preserved, and redeveloped through an effective2
rehabilitation subcode within the state uniform construction code; and 3
WHEREAS, the city of New Orleans is revered throughout the country for its historic4
buildings and landmarks; and5
WHEREAS, initial studies and education on the application of a rehabilitation6
subcode have been undertaken in the New Orleans Downtown Development District; and7
WHEREAS, many downtown development districts in Louisiana promote the8
rehabilitation of their historic buildings as a principle strategy of economic development;9
and10
WHEREAS, a pilot program is deemed to be the most effective way to determine the11
benefits and applicability of a New Jersey-style rehabilitation subcode; and 12
WHEREAS, many downtown development districts may wish to participate in a13
rehabilitation subcode pilot program within the state uniform construction code; and14
WHEREAS, the proposed pilot program shall allow properties located within the15
boundaries of participating downtown development districts the ability to follow the New16
Jersey rehabilitation subcode in any rehabilitation or construction activity as part of the pilot17
program; and18
WHEREAS, the pilot program shall run a length of three years from the date of19
adoption of this Resolution; and20
WHEREAS, participating downtown development districts, in conjunction with the21
Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council, shall make efforts to provide initial22
training and education on the rehabilitation subcode for code enforcement officials as part23
of the pilot program; and24
WHEREAS, a study report shall be produced by the participating downtown25
development districts on the resulting rehabilitation projects undertaken under the26
rehabilitation subcode pilot program at the conclusion of the program; and27
WHEREAS, the study shall report the operational effectiveness of the rehabilitation28
subcode pilot program and make recommendations on further application, improvement, or29 HLS 11RS-3030 ORIGINAL
HCR NO. 181
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termination for the rehabilitation subcode's existence within the state uniform construction1
code.2
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the3
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby urge and request the Louisiana State Uniform4
Construction Code Council to adopt a rehabilitation subcode pilot program within the state5
uniform construction code for participating downtown development districts.6
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted7
to the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council.8
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Arnold HCR No. 181
Urges and requests the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council to adopt a
rehabilitation subcode pilot program within the state uniform construction code for
participating downtown development districts.