Louisiana State Senate Votes to Preempt Locals on Inclusionary Zoning

"Louisiana senators approved Monday night legislation that would assert state authority over local zoning efforts to create affordable housing," reports Mark Ballard.

"Senate Bill 462 would forbid municipal and parish governments from requiring developers to set aside a certain number of low income units in order to receive building permits for apartment, condo, single family and other housing projects," adds Ballard.

Instead of mandatory inclusionary zoning, the state would allow "voluntary economic incentive policies," according to the article. The Louisiana House and the governor would still have to approve the bill for it to become law.

As detailed in additional coverage by Rachel Dovey, inclusionary zoning has created a controversial sticking point between the state government and the agenda of New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu.