Council introduces ordinance to regulate power plants and require special-use permits

Councilwoman Jennifer Sanderford introduced Ordinance 26-29 on Sept. 10, a proposed amendment to the Unified Land Development Code that would add a new section addressing power plants and electric-generating facilities. The introduction set a public hearing for Sept. 24.

Sanderford described the measure as "proactive," saying the parish is growing and the rules are intended to set standards "for setbacks, vegetative buffers, noise, drainage, road protection, public safety, public notification, abandonment, and decommissioning." She emphasized the ordinance would regulate land-use impacts and not utility rates or Louisiana Public Service Commission authority. The proposed code change would confine power plants and electric-generating facilities to I-2 heavy industrial zoning and require special-use permits so planning staff, the public and the planning commission can review potential impacts prior to project approval.

Councilmembers asked clarifying questions about decibel regulation and utility infrastructure; staff said the ordinance sets site standards such as a 60-decibel limit at property lines and that utility-service issues remain under PSC jurisdiction. The council took no final vote at introduction.