Jefferson Parish Department of Purchasing is soliciting Request for Proposals (RFPs) from qualified firms to provide Professional Consulting Services to Update Development Related Ordinances and Design Guidelines for a Comprehensive Unified Development Code (UDC).

This Request for Proposal (RFP) seeks firms to complete a comprehensive update to/ re-write of Ch. 33 of the Code of Ordinances, commonly referred to as the Unified Development Code (UDC) of Jefferson Parish, and incorporate all of Ch. 40, Zoning into Ch. 33.

By submitting a proposal, Proposer agrees to comply with all provisions of Louisiana law as well as compliance with the Jefferson Parish Code of Ordinances, Louisiana Code of Ethics, applicable Jefferson Parish ethical standards and Jefferson Parish standard terms and conditions as adopted by Jefferson Parish Council Resolution. Proposers will also adhere to compliance requirements under the administration of CDBG-DR HUD funds.

Goals and Objectives

With this project, Jefferson Parish aims to achieve the following outcomes:

1. Develop a Unified Development Code (UDC) that promotes innovative development responsive to the evolving economic, social, and cultural aspects of the community while preserving and celebrating its history.
2. Develop a UDC that is easier to understand and administer with streamlined planning and permitting processes and clear enforcement measures and procedures.
3. Develop a UDC that provides clear and consistent rules, efficient and predictable processes, incentives for inclusive and environmentally friendly development, and standards that support neighborhood growth with diverse housing options.
4. Provide regulations that are aligned with the Parish's Comprehensive Plan's goals and objectives and consider equity, health, sustainability, climate action, access to affordable housing, and distinct Parish needs and characteristics.
5. Provide regulations that will showcase a range of resilience and sustainability best practices, improving the Parish's ability to respond and recover from natural disasters and other social and economic stressors.
6. Provide regulations that promote accessible, walkable, and vibrant streets and neighborhoods, while preserving the Parish's established neighborhoods.
7. Modify the current regulations to reduce impediments for development, remove outdated and inconsistent regulations, and address substantive issues with the current zoning code identified by the Parish Council, Planning Advisory Board, the Planning Department, and other parish departments.
8. Collaborate with Jefferson Parish residents, leaders, business owners, and other stakeholders to ensure an efficient and inclusive process both in development of the UDC and its implementation.
9. Update the Official Zoning and Future Land Use (FLU) maps, as appropriate, to reflect the current development pattern and changes to the zoning district structure.
10. Develop operations and Administrative Manual, updated applications forms, workflows, and checklists, template for performance metrics tracking, and other training materials.
11. Develop a community engagement plan that:
    • Outlines a set of specific outreach and public participation strategies with assigned roles and a timeline for new and reoccurring projects that will impact the community either at the neighborhood or parish-wide level.
    • Addresses barriers, challenges, and opportunities unique to Jefferson Parish.
    • Sets realistic expectations for the members of the general public.

Scope of Work/Services

The current Jefferson Parish Unified Development Code was drafted in 2008 and has been revised in a piecemeal fashion for the past sixteen years. The Parish has prioritized the need for a substantial upgrade to its development codes to encourage new growth that better responds to the challenges of the post-war, suburban built environment. New land development regulations could balance streamlined processes for permitting and increase the intensity and vibrancy of mixed-use and commercially zoned tracks while adding emphasis to design and performance standards. Resulting development outcomes could showcase a range of resilience and sustainability best practices, improving the Parish's ability to respond and recover from natural disasters and other social and economic stressors.

The consultant will be expected to work closely with Parish staff on a public process for implementing a new Unified Development Code. This will involve facilitation of public meetings in addition to working meetings with Parish staff, Administration, Council and/or key stakeholders. The exact number of meetings, as well as deliverables, timelines, etc. will be developed with Parish staff and may be altered during the process. The overall scope of work, at a minimum, is anticipated to include the following:

A. Review material.

B. Conduct a comprehensive land use survey. 

C. Complete a detailed community comparison and assessment of industry best practices.

D. Complete a thorough analysis of the development regulations and zoning.

E. Make recommendations and complete a comprehensive update of the UDC.

1. Develop a UDC that provides:
   • Clear and consistent rules, definitions, and procedures, and efficient processes resulting in predictable outcomes;
   • For the removal of vague, unclear, undefined, and/or confusing language and incorporation of language and terms that are consistent from one code section to another;
   • Clear and concise sections, avoiding conflict with each other and not being overly complex;
   • Incentives for inclusive and environmentally friendly development standards that support neighborhood growth that provides diverse, attainable, housing options throughout the community;
   • New codes that will showcase a range of resilience and sustainability best practices, improving the Parish's ability to respond and recover from natural disasters and other social and economic stressors;
   • Development regulations that are tailored to support the needs of Jefferson Parish residents;
   • Newer uses or trends that have occurred since the time of the original 2008 UDC adoption, including newer uses and standards for these uses;
   • New graphics, illustrations, tables, and charts;
   • Streamlined planning and permitting procedures; and
   • Clear enforcement measures and procedures.
2. Prepare concept maps showing potential changes to the 1) Official Zoning Map and/or 2) FLUM that support/ reflect potential updates to the zoning district structure.
3. Prepare any map amendments necessary to the Official Zoning and/or FLU Map.
4. Ensure that the ordinance conforms to generally accepted land use law, state and federal statutes, and case law.

F. Facilitate a robust public engagement process.

G. Manage the project and produce any material necessary to support the project.

This scope utilizes CDBG-DR grant funding and is therefore subject to applicable rules and regulations.