ORD 155 To approve the amendment of articles and sections of the UDC, in regard to appeals to zoning variance decisions, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto

This ordinance, ORD 155, amends the Shreveport Unified Development Code (UDC) to streamline the appeals process for zoning variance decisions. The key changes shift the appeal authority from the Caddo Parish District Civil Court to the Shreveport City Council.

Key Provisions:

• Appeal Body: Appeals of decisions made by the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding variances will now be heard by the Shreveport City Council, rather than the Caddo Parish District Civil Court.
• Appeal Period: The timeframe to file an appeal with the City Council is reduced from 30 days to 10 days after the Zoning Board of Appeals decision.
• Variance Expiration: The expiration period for an approved variance is extended from 180 days to one year from the date of approval, unless a building permit is obtained. The Zoning Board of Appeals can grant further extensions.
• City Council Appeal Process: New provisions outline the process for appealing a City Council decision on a zoning variance appeal, which can be taken to Caddo Parish Civil District Court within 30 days.
• Appeals Process Details: Clarifies the initiation of appeals, including filing deadlines (10 days), fees (applicant pays, others do not), and the roles of the Executive Director and Clerk of Council in forwarding appeals to the City Council agenda.
• Figure Deletion: Figure 16-5, related to Variance to Zoning, will be deleted to remove conflicting information.

The Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) reviewed and recommended approval of these amendments, citing consistency with the Shreveport-Caddo 2030 Great Expectations Master Plan and a goal to streamline regulations. The ordinance is scheduled for final passage by the City Council on January 13, 2026.