HLS 14RS-2278 ENGROSSED
Page 1 of 3
Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 195
BY REPRESENTATIVE THIBAUT
SANITARY CODE: Requests the Department of Health and Hospitals to study and make
changes to Sanitary Code regulations providing minimum lot size restrictions to
address the negative impact of those provisions on economic development
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON1
To urge and request the Department of Health and Hospitals to study and make changes to2
the provisions of the state Sanitary Code which provide for minimum lot size3
restrictions, including but not limited to those provisions relative to sewerage4
systems, to address the negative impact of those provisions on economic5
development within the state of Louisiana, with a specific focus on the prohibitive6
effect of the provisions on the development of land surrounding False River in Pointe7
Coupee Parish.8
WHEREAS, R.S. 40:4 requires the state health officer, acting through the office of9
public health of the Department of Health and Hospitals, to prepare, promulgate, and enforce10
rules and regulations embodied within the state Sanitary Code in conformity with a set of11
guidelines and directives set forth in the statute; and12
WHEREAS, the public policy of Louisiana is to maintain reasonable standards of13
construction in the state in order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of its14
citizens; and15
WHEREAS, numerous public and private interests are affected by the promulgation16
of construction standards, including minimum lot size restrictions relative to sewerage17
systems; and18 HLS 14RS-2278 ENGROSSED
HCR NO. 195
Page 2 of 3
WHEREAS, the legislature recognizes that construction standards and restrictions1
must balance the needs of affordability of construction and the protection of the public health2
and welfare; and3
WHEREAS, there are provisions within the state Sanitary Code which provide for4
minimum lot sizes when land is subdivided; and5
WHEREAS, provisions for minimum lot sizes can have a significant impact on the6
feasibility and desirability of the purchasing or subdividing of a parcel of land with the intent7
to construct a residential dwelling or commercial building; and8
WHEREAS, ease of construction plays a pivotal role in the economic growth and9
development of this state; and10
WHEREAS, especially during an economic downturn, it is incumbent upon the11
leadership of this state to assist its citizens by ensuring that the laws, rules, and regulations12
of this state meet the goal of providing a reasonable degree of public health, safety,13
affordability, and welfare.14
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby15
urge and request the Department of Health and Hospitals to study and make changes to the16
provisions of the state Sanitary Code which provide for minimum lot size restrictions,17
including but not limited to those provisions relative to sewerage systems, to address the18
negative impact of those provisions on economic development within the state of Louisiana.19
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department shall include in its study a20
specific and focused review of the prohibitive effect of the minimum lot size provisions on21
the development of land surrounding False River in Pointe Coupee Parish.22
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department shall submit a written report of23
its findings and conclusions, including any recommendations for legislation relative to the24
issue, and any Sanitary Code changes proposed by the department to the House Committee25
on Health and Welfare and the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare not later than sixty26
days prior to the beginning of the 2015 Regular Session of the Legislature of Louisiana.27
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the28
secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals.29 HLS 14RS-2278 ENGROSSED
HCR NO. 195
Page 3 of 3
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)]
Thibaut HCR No. 195
Requests the Dept. of Health and Hospitals to study and make changes to the provisions of
the state Sanitary Code which provide for minimum lot size restrictions to address the
negative impact of those provisions on economic development within the state of La., with
a specific focus on the prohibitive effect of the provisions on the development of land
surrounding False River in Pointe Coupee Parish.
Requires submission of findings to the House Committee on Health and Welfare and the
Senate Committee on Health and Welfare no later than 60 days prior to the beginning of the
2015 Regular Session.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Natural Resources and
Environment to the original bill.
1. Specifies that the report is to be submitted to the House Committee on Health
and Welfare and the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare.