RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 75 (HB 533) 2019 Regular Session Horton
New law authorizes the governing authority of the town of Haughton (town council) and the
police jury of Bossier Parish (police jury) to create the Haughton Metropolitan Planning
Commission of Bossier Parish. Provides that the commission's jurisdiction shall be the area
included within the municipal limits of the town and that area of the parish lying within five
miles of the municipal limits.
New law provides that the commission shall be governed by a board of five members, all of
whom must be residents and qualified voters of the metropolitan area. Provides that
members are appointed as follows: two members appointed by the town council, two
members appointed by the police jury, and one member appointed jointly by the town council
and the police jury. Provides that members serve four-year staggered terms without
compensation.
New law requires the commission to adopt a master plan for the physical development of the
municipality and areas outside of the boundaries that bear relation to the planning of the
municipality. Provides that the plan shall show the commission's recommendations for the
general location of streets, utilities, public buildings, schools, airports, playgrounds, and
other facilities and infrastructure. Authorizes the commission to amend the plan. Provides
that the plan shall take effect after it has been approved by the town council and police jury.
New law provides that after the adoption of the master plan, no public way, utility, building,
or school can be constructed or authorized unless the location has been approved by the
commission. If the commission disapproves, new law authorizes the town council and police
jury to override the disapproval by a vote of two-thirds of its entire membership. Provides
that if the public way, utility, building, or school does not fall within the jurisdiction of the
town council or police jury, then the body or official with such jurisdiction may override the
disapproval of the commission by two-thirds vote of its entire membership or by such
official.
New law provides that after the adoption of the master plan, no plat of a subdivision of land
can be filed or recorded until it has been approved by the commission. Requires the
commission to recommend subdivision regulations. Provides that the regulations may
include requirements as to the manner in which streets shall be graded and improved and in
which water, sewer, and other utility mains shall be installed. Provides further with respect
to the content of the regulations. Requires the commission to hold a public hearing prior to
recommending its regulations and any amendments.
New law provides that if an owner of land in the area covered by a plan transfers such land
before a plat is approved by the commission, the owner is subject to a penalty of $100 per
lot.
New law provides that if the commission recommends a zoning plan to the town council and
the police jury, the town council and police jury may divide the municipality or that part
lying within five miles of the municipality into districts or zones and may regulate the
erection, construction, reconstruction, conversion, alteration, and uses of buildings and
structures and uses of land.
New law requires that zoning ordinances provide for a board of adjustment composed of five
members, all of whom must be residents and qualified voters of the metropolitan area.
Provides for the powers and duties of the board of adjustment, including but not limited to
the following:
(1)To hear and decide appeals.
(2)To hear and decide on requests for a variance from the strict application of the zoning
regulations.
New law authorizes the town council and the police jury to provide for the enforcement of
any ordinance enacted pursuant to new law. Provides that a violation of any such ordinance
is a misdemeanor. Effective August 1, 2019.
(Adds R.S. 33:140.50.1-140.50.39)