This version of the Land Use Toolkit is a “beta” version – it is in the early testing stages, and additional work on the draft is anticipated. Specific additions will include annotation of the provisions in order to assist planners and local officials in tailoring the provisions to better fit their community.

Download the Entire Land Use Toolkit

>Complete PDF of the Toolkit

Download the Toolkit by Article

>Cover and Table of Contents
Contains the cover and the table of contents for all the Articles in the Toolkit.

>Article 1: General Provisions
Sets the legal predicate for why your community is regulating development. It establishes the purpose and intent as well as provides minimum requirements and guidance on conflicting provisions.

>Article 2: Using The Code
Outlines the various context areas and explains the intent behind each zoning district and building type. 

>Article 3: Natural
Sets the general character of the Natural Context Area and establishes the building types and zoning districts and uses permitted in the context area.  

>Article 4: Rural
Sets the general character of the Rural Context Area and establishes the building types and zoning districts and uses permitted in the context area.

>Article 5: Estate
Sets the general character of the Estate Context Area and establishes the building types and zoning districts and uses permitted in the context area.

>Article 6: Suburban
Sets the general character of the Suburban Context Area and establishes the building types and zoning districts and uses permitted in the context area.

>Article 7: Urban
Sets the general character of the Urban Context Area and establishes the building types and zoning districts and uses permitted in the context area.

>Article 8: Center
Sets the general character of the Center Context Area and establishes the building types and zoning districts and uses permitted in the context area.

>Article 9: Special
Sets the general character of the Special Context Area and establishes the building types and zoning districts and uses permitted in the context area.

>Article 10: Rules For All Building Types
Explains and graphically defines reoccurring concepts within the Toolkit including various measurements and exceptions and the provision of standards for important building elements.   

>Article 11: Street & Block Standards
Graphically prescribes and contextually organizes the different street and alley cross-section and their associated streetscapes. This article also controls the maximum perimeter of blocks in each context area.

>Article 12: Uses
Identifies the use standards and use categories associated with each use table outlined in the various context area articles. This article also places controls on accessory uses and temporary uses.

>Article 13: Parking
Establishes the parking ratios and the design standards associated with surface parking lots.

>Article 14: Landscaping
Outlines the general landscaping and maintenance requirements for required landscaping. 

>Article 15: Outdoor Lighting
Controls how sites should be lighted to provide safety and security while reducing excessive illumination.  

>Article 16: Outdoor Storage and Display
Establishes standards for merchandise, material, and equipment stored and displayed outside of an enclosed building.

>Article 17: Signs
Regulates the manner in which signs may be displayed, maintained and removed.

>Article 18: Administration
Establishes the make-up of the administrative review bodies and establishes a model review procedure for legislative and administrative zoning and subdivision decisions. This article also outlines the historical preservation process and the rules associated with nonconformities and enforcement.   

>Article 19: Definitions
Provides functional definitions for key words and concepts used throughout the Toolkit.

Louisiana Speaks Regional Plan
A regional long-term recovery and growth plan for South Louisiana.

Louisiana Speaks: Planning Toolkit
A best practice guide for rebuilding and recovery at the neighborhood and regional scale.

Louisiana Speaks: Pattern Book
Provides regional urban and architectural patterns for homeowners repairing their houses and builders replacing lost houses.

Louisiana's Comprehensive Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast
Guide for all coastal restoration and hurricane protection efforts in Louisiana over the next several decades.

Land Use Toolkit: Issue Paper
Identifies stakeholder, fiscal and legal issues as they relate to the preparation of a model development code.

Land Use Toolkit: Road Show Presentation
Summary presentation of the Land Use Toolkit.

Land Use Toolkit: Video
Promotional video for the Land Use Toolkit.