Current:

The Charter makes reference to a Long Range Plan, but does not mandate that a full plan be in place or require that it be updated on a regular basis. The partial, and now out-of-date plan developed as New Directions 2025 was adopted initially by Resolution. Through citizen intervention, it was later adopted by ordinance. However, the plan still only serves as a guide and is most often cited regarding Land Use decisions.

• Current planning procedures are very generally defined
• Long-range planning efforts are at best advisory in nature and carry no real force of law

Proposed:

• Land use laws and actions must conform to the plan
• Plan stays current - updated biennially if needed
• Plan shall be required to include the following items:
• Land Use-density, intensity, character, and timing
• Transportation
• Conservation, Recreation, and Open Space
• Housing Plan
• Protection against natural hazards
• Provide for public health and human services
• Plans for public facilities and infrastructure such as educational, recreational, and governmental buildings as well as wastewater, solid waste, and drainage facilities
• Economic Development
• Inter-relationship of Elements
• Implementation including Capital Programming
• Interactions between the Parish and Municipalities