|
NEW ORLEANS — Councilmember Helena Moreno filed legislation Monday directing the City Planning Commission (CPC) to identify unnecessary hurdles in the City’s land use process that complicate and prolong permitting and licensing for residents and businesses.
The motion further directs CPC to engage the Department of Safety and Permits and other City departments, governmental agencies, residents, neighborhood associations, developers, and private-sector experts to identify impediments and to provide recommendations to remove these barriers.
This review parallels recent initiatives led by Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng in Jefferson Parish. Vice President Moreno has been in communication with President Lee Sheng on how both parishes can learn and collaborate on improving processes. New Orleans has significantly greater issues than Jefferson Parish for permitting processes, therefore, the collaboration is both welcome and necessary.
“We must take a hard look at all the causes of lengthy permitting delays negatively impacting our residents’ quality of life and what it means to do business in New Orleans,” said Council Vice President Helena Moreno. “In drafting this motion, I looked to a similar effort underway in Jefferson Parish led by Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng that aims to mitigate long approval timelines and confusion when filing permit applications. We need a process that is both consistent and streamlined to ensure City government responds to the needs of our community, accelerates meaningful projects, and fosters economic growth by reducing delays and minimizing costs.”
The legislation will be considered at the April 10, 2025 regular City Council meeting. The meeting is open to the public and can be watched online at council.nola.gov/live.
|