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1. I have a large lot or tract of land and want to sell part of it. Do I have to subdivide first?

In almost every case the answer is "yes", a subdivision approval is required. There are two exceptions to the requirement. One excludes cemeteries from the requirement and the other excludes property transfers to next door owners in some cases. If you are contemplating selling property to your adjoining neighbor, callour office to see if this exception would apply in your case.

2. How do I subdivide my property?

All actions resulting in the creation of a new lot or building site must be approved by the MPC. A subdivision plat prepared by a State of Louisiana Licensed Surveyor along with an application and fee must be submitted to the MPC for approval. Most local land surveyors are familiar with the process. Start the process by identifying a surveyor and if you have questions, please contact our office.

3. I received a letter stating that a "subdivision will be considered for approval" in my neighborhood. What does that mean?

As defined in our ordinance, a subdivision means the division of land. If you received a letter that means that a land owner located near where you own property wants to divide their property into one or more lots. Although it is possible that an entire new real estate development may occur, the majority of our cases are the division of land into one to six lots. Since each case can be dramatically different from the other, we encourage anyone who receives a letter to call our office to obtain more information regarding the specifics of the case.

4. What does "re-platting" mean and do I do that?

Re-platting is the combining of two legal lots of record into one lot, eliminating any interior lot lines. The ordinance does not allow for the construction of any building (commercial or residential) over a lot line due to pre-determined setback requirements as outlined in the zoning ordinance. Any Louisiana licensed surveyor can prepare a new plat and submit the plat, application and fee ($150) to the MPC for approval. This fee is the MPC fee only and does not include any city, parish or surveyor fees. In most cases, this approval can be done administratively without the need for a public hearing. The approval process typically takes two to three weeks.

5. Can you recommend a land surveyor?

To put it simply no, we cannot recommend a specific surveyor. We would encourage you to consult the yellow pages or the internet to find a listing of local firms. If the property is a part of an existing subdivision or has ever been surveyed, you could start by contacting the firm that prepared the original subdivision or survey. You may also contact your real estate agent, title attorney, mortgage company or builder for recommendations

6. How do I rezone my property?

Within the zoning ordinance, there are several zoning catagories: residential, commercial and industrial. The first step to rezoning is to determine which one of these catagories your proposed use will fall within. This can be done by calling our office. Once that catagory is identified, you can then complete the "General Rezoning" application and submit it to our office with the appropriate fees by the deadlines indicated on the "Deadline Filing Date" page.

7. What if my property is properly zoned for what I want to do but is not developed?

If you have verified that your property falls withing the correct zoning catagory, you must then secure site plan approval by the MPC board. This is done by completing the MPC application packet and submitting it with a detailed site plan that should include all proposed structures, parking and landscaping along with all appropriate fees by the deadline date indicated on the "Deadline Date" page. Please be advised that MPC approval does not quarantee a permit will be issued, only that it meets the zoning ordinance requirements. Building permits are secured throught the Permits and Inspection department.

8. My site plan was approved by the MPC, when can I get my permits?

You can apply for permits anytime during the MPC approval process, however, permits cannot be issued until 12 days after the MPC has approved the site plan. This 12 day waiting period is referred to as the "appeal period" whereas anyone who is opposed to the decision, whether it is denied or approved, has the right to appeal to city council, the decision of the MPC.

9. I want to move my office to my home, what do I do?

Yes, but there is a list of guidelines that must be strictly adhered to. That list can be obtained off of our website or by contacting the zoning office at (318)673-6440