The Planning & Zoning Department is responsible for and directs activities in the areas of land development, housing and urban design and building code enforcement. These activities include the research and implementation of policies and procedures and the coordination of special and long range planning projects. Project reviews for single/multi-family development proposals, commercial and industrial projects and mobile home parks/subdivisions ensure compliance with zoning & building code requirements. The City of Natchitoches through its development standards promotes harmonious and attractive growth and protects the health, safety and welfare of all citizens of the community. The department also serves as the liaison for the Planning Commission and Historic District Commission.
Ordinances administered by the department include:
- Comprehensive Land Use Zoning
- Subdivision Development
- Landscape
- Flood Damage Prevention
- Telecommunications
- Historic District
- Permits & Code Enforcement
- Abatement of Dangerous Structures
- Health & Sanitation
- Certificates of Occupancy
To receive additional information regarding applications contact the office
Useful links:
LA Dept. of Public Safety - Fire Marshal’s Office http://www.dps.state.la.us/sfm/index.html
Natchitoches Tax Commission http://www.laota.com/parish2/Natchitoches_Parish.html
LA Dept. of Health & Hospitals http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/links.asp?ID=1&CID=186
LA Dept. of Transportation & Development http://www.dotd.la.gov/press/dept_contacts.asp
PLANNING COMMISSION
The Planning Commission appointed by the Mayor and City Council reviews land use zoning requests and applications for variances. The Commission meets at the Natchitoches Arts Center, 716 Second Street on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. Pre-meetings begin at 5:30 p.m. Applications that require consideration by the City Council are presented as recommendations by the Planning Commission. The City Council meets the 2nd & 4th Monday of each month at the same location.
Planning Commission Members
John Bonnette
Thomas Burns
Bobby Claiborne
Eric Davis
Jamie Flanagan
Ricky McCalister
Dorothy McGaskey
Betsy Widhalm
Charles Whitehead, III - Chairman
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
PURPOSE
“The preservation of all structures in the historic district section of the city which have architectural and historical value and which should be preserved for the benefit of the people of the city and state.”
The Natchitoches Historic District was so designated in 1977 by the City of Natchitoches and earned designation as a National Landmark in 1988 by the United States Department of the Interior. This designation identified and recognizes nationally significant sites and encourages owners to preserve them. Landmarks are chosen after careful study by the National Park Service. Properties in the landmark district are automatically placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Historic District Commission reviews development proposals for compliance with design standard. The Commission works to preserve the integrity of properties within the 33-block National Landmark Historic District and recent 14-block extension of the Historic District. Meetings are held on the 1st Monday of each month at 5:00 p.m. at the Planning & Zoning Office, 716 Second St. The meetings are open to the public.
Historic District Commission Members
Virginia Crossno
Steve Horton
Sharon Gahagan, Chairman
Alan McMurty
W. Ryan Smith
Melissa Robinson
Marion Salter