New Code / Historic Houses

CIG-3

Observation

Many old houses are deemed condemned, dete-riorated, uninsurable, and/or a liability problem.

Discussion

To prevent these historic buildings from being torn down, several strategies are possible:

1. Integrate to the code provisions for Historic Preservation.

[The Historic Spanish Town Civic Association supports this recommendation but wants a definition of “Historic Preservation”.]

2. Allow historic houses on large lots to build additions and ancillary structures towards the rear of their lots to provide additional rental income. This technique is only feasible for some houses.

[The Historic Spanish Town Civic As-sociation does not support this recom-mendation - they request more study.]

3. Rewrite the code so that retention of the existing buildings constitutes the most valuable use of the land. Zoning allow-ances approximating existing ones offer a disincentive to tear-downs.

[The Historic Spanish Town Civic Association wants more clarification of “most valuable use”.]

4. Forbid on-site parking for commercial use in the neighbor-hoods to deter tear-downs due to the desire for parking lots. An effective provision would be to make parking lots illegal without a special variance.

[The Historic Spanish Town Civic Associa-tion supports this recommendation.]

5. Establish a mechanism encouraging and coordinating the relocation of undesired houses to empty lots.

[The Historic Spanish Town Civic Association supports this recommendation.]

Recommendation

Some or all of the above measures may be warranted.

Responsibility

Plan Baton Rouge

Project Status

No action.

Implementation

Explanation of Terms

Product

New Code Provision

Responsibility

PBR

Implementing Agent

PC & MC

Feasibility Analysis

Initial Financing

Unnecessary

Project Financing

Existing resources

Timing