Louisiana House Bill HB817

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/14/16

Caption

Makes changes to requirements for access permits issued by the Dept. of Transportation and Development

Impact

The bill's amendments to the permitting process are expected to have a significant impact on local development, particularly in expediting construction projects. By limiting the time for permit decisions and reducing the requirement for multiple traffic or drainage studies, HB 817 may attract more developers looking for efficient pathways to begin their projects. However, it could also raise concerns regarding safety and infrastructure readiness, as such expedited processes may not allow thorough assessments of traffic impacts on local roads and highways.

Summary

House Bill 817 seeks to amend the process for obtaining access connection permits from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. This legislation introduces specific timeframes within which the department must grant or deny these permits. Notably, if the permit is not addressed in the specified timeframe—45 days in general and 30 days if the property owner provides field measurements—it is automatically considered granted, thereby allowing development to proceed without further delays. This change aims to streamline the permitting process and facilitate faster development projects.

Sentiment

The sentiment among stakeholders seems to be mixed. Proponents of HB 817 emphasize its potential to reduce bureaucratic hurdles that can delay vital infrastructure projects and improve economic growth in the region. Meanwhile, critics express worries that the expedited process may overlook necessary safety measures, with concerns that such a system might prioritize development speed over comprehensive planning and community needs.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 817 involve the balance between facilitating development and ensuring rigorous safety checks. The requirement to only conduct one traffic or drainage study could potentially lead to inadequate assessment of local traffic conditions and safety risks. Additionally, while proponents stress the economic benefits, detractors argue that insufficient scrutiny could lead to negative outcomes, including unsafe traffic patterns and overlooked community concerns related to new developments.