reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:671. Legislative findings

RS 25:671 - Legislative findings
The legislature finds that:
(1) The heritage of the French-speaking people of Louisiana is one of the greatest treasures of Louisiana's rich cultural patrimony and perhaps the most significant factor in making the state's culture unique.
(2) Louisiana has a quarter of a million French-speaking citizens and a million residents of French-language heritage, and French-speaking visitors to Louisiana spend roughly one hundred million dollars annually in the state.
(3) Commercial and industrial concerns based in France have made investments of one billion eight hundred million dollars in the state and further encouragement of such investment is in the interests of the state.
(4) Providing state government services in the French language would encourage the preservation of the state's French cultural heritage for future generations, would provide important and sometimes life-sustaining services to French-speaking citizens and visitors, and would support and encourage French investment in Louisiana, and therefore, would serve not only the state's French-speaking citizens but the entire state.
Acts 2011, No. 106, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:672. Louisiana French Language Services Program; purposes

RS 25:672 - Louisiana French Language Services Program; purposes
The Louisiana French Language Services Program shall be established as provided in this Chapter for the following purposes:
(1) To the extent practicable, to provide state government services to French-speaking citizens and visitors in the French language.
(2) To assist Louisiana citizens who speak French in dealing with and receiving services from state government so as to support the long-term sustainability of Louisiana's historic French cultural heritage.
(3) To assist French-speaking visitors to the state and thus to promote an increase in tourism and greater investment in the state from Francophone countries.
Acts 2011, No. 106, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:673. Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism; program responsibilities; cooperation of departments

RS 25:673 - Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism; program responsibilities; cooperation of departments
A. The Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, referred to in this Chapter as the "department", in concert with and under the guidance of the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana, shall develop and provide for implementation of a program for provision of services of state government in the French language.
B.(1)(a) In developing the program, the department shall work in cooperation with departments of state government, and such departments shall cooperate with the department.
(b) The Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism shall also participate in the program in the same manner as other departments.
(2) The department shall request each state department to identify its employees who speak French with sufficient fluency to provide or assist others in providing services of the department to French-speaking persons and shall assist the departments in identifying such employees. The department shall request the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana to assist the departments of state government in identifying employees who speak French with necessary fluency.
(3) The department shall develop guidelines for implementation of the program. Such guidelines shall address such issues as priorities in implementing the program in service areas with greater numbers of French-speaking citizens or visitors and for services dealing with such matters as health, safety, compliance with regulations, or complexity of processes. The implementation guidelines shall also address dealing with limited department resources.
(4) The department shall provide for appropriate insignia, such as a badge with the word "Bienvenue" or "Bonjour" to identify employees who will assist French-speaking clients in accessing and using department services. The department shall provide procedures for recognition of the employees entitled to wear such insignia which may include recognition of the employee's language skills by the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana.
C.(1) The department shall provide for implementation of the program by state departments in accordance with the guidelines developed as provided in this Section and subject to the resources available to individual departments.
(2) The department shall urge the convention and visitors bureaus throughout the state to implement a similar program.
Acts 2011, No. 106, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:674. Recommendations; award of excellence

RS 25:674 - Recommendations; award of excellence
A. The Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism shall make recommendations for improving the provision of French language services to state departments, the governor, and the legislature.
B. The department may institute an annual "Sceau d'excellence" [Seal of excellence] designation for the state department, agency, or office that best accomplishes the program's purposes, giving consideration to public visibility and recognition for the program within the department, agency, or office and the proportion of employees who are participating.
Acts 2011, No. 106, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:676. §§676 to 677. Repealed by Acts 1977, No. 83, §5, effective June 22, 1977

RS 25:676 - §§676 to 677. Repealed by Acts 1977, No. 83, §5, effective June 22, 1977
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:701. Recognition of Historic Region

RS 25:701 - Recognition of Historic Region
That portion of Louisiana east of the Mississippi River and north of the Isle of Orleans, which was part of the British Colony of West Florida until 1779, the Spanish Colony of West Florida until 1810, and finally the Republic of West Florida in late 1810, is an official region of the state of Louisiana. This unique region, which has national and international significance, shall be known as the Republic of West Florida Historic Region, or the Florida Parishes of Louisiana. The region shall include the parishes of East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Livingston, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington, and West Feliciana.
Acts 1990, No. 1021, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:702. Baton Rouge as "Birthplace of Louisiana Democracy"

RS 25:702 - Baton Rouge as "Birthplace of Louisiana Democracy"
The city of Baton Rouge is designated as the "Birthplace of Louisiana Democracy", because it is the site of the first democratically-elected government in Louisiana, the Assembly of the British Colony of West Florida.
Acts 1990, No. 1021, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:703. Florida Parishes as "Birthplace of Freedom in Spanish America"

RS 25:703 - Florida Parishes as "Birthplace of Freedom in Spanish America"
The Florida Parishes are designated the "Birthplace of Freedom in Spanish America", because the rebellion against Spain in the Spanish Colony of West Florida in 1810 was the first successful attempt to overthrow Spanish control of any territory in the New World. This rebellion resulted in the establishment of the Republic of West Florida, the first democracy established in any portion of Spanish territory in the Western Hemisphere.
Acts 1990, No. 1021, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:704. St. Francisville as "Capital of West Florida Republic"

RS 25:704 - St. Francisville as "Capital of West Florida Republic"
The town of St. Francisville is designated as the "Capital of West Florida Republic" because it served as the capital of the Republic of West Florida in 1810.
Acts 1990, No. 1021, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:705. Bonnie Blue Flag adopted

RS 25:705 - Bonnie Blue Flag adopted
The flag of the Republic of West Florida shall be the official flag of the Republic of West Florida Historic Region. The flag is blue with a single, white, five-pointed star. It shall be known as the "Bonnie Blue". The Bonnie Blue shall fly at all Louisiana Tourism Commission facilities, parish courthouses, and state parks in the region and is authorized to fly at all other state and local public buildings where appropriate and practical.
Acts 1990, No. 1021, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:706. Historic map of region

RS 25:706 - Historic map of region
The Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism shall provide for the creation and periodic distribution of an historic map of the region, which shall indicate the important events which occurred in the region during the colonial period and during the existence of the Republic of West Florida.
Acts 1990, No. 1021, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:707. Designation of region on maps of the state

RS 25:707 - Designation of region on maps of the state
All official maps of the state of Louisiana printed or authorized by the state shall indicate the boundaries of the region and, when appropriate, shall show the region in a different color from that of the remainder of the state or other regions of the state.
Acts 1990, No. 1021, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:708. Historic markers

RS 25:708 - Historic markers
The Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism shall erect markers at all sites of historic significance within the region in order to indicate the important events of the colonial period and during the existence of the Republic of West Florida.
Acts 1990, No. 1021, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:709. Calendar of events

RS 25:709 - Calendar of events
The Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism shall compile and periodically distribute a calendar of events for historic and cultural activities within the region. When the department compiles and distributes calendars of events for the entire state, it shall separate those within the region from the others and list those under the heading, "Republic of West Florida Historic Region".
Acts 1990, No. 1021, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:711. Relations with other states

RS 25:711 - Relations with other states
All entities of the state are authorized to undertake joint projects with entities of the states of Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, portions of which were formerly part of the Republic of West Florida, in order to preserve, commemorate, and develop the history and culture of the region.
Acts 1990, No. 1021, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:731. Purpose

RS 25:731 - Purpose
The purpose of this Chapter is to promote the educational, cultural, economic and general welfare of the public through the preservation and protection of buildings, sites, monuments, structures and areas of historic interest or importance through their protection, maintenance and development as historic landmarks and their recognition as such in the history and traditions of the state and nation; to establish and improve property values, and to foster the economic development of the areas affected.
Acts 1970, No. 147, §1. Amended by Acts 1975, No. 804, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:732. Authorization for historic district commissions

RS 25:732 - Authorization for historic district commissions
Any municipality, incorporated town, lake commission, parish, parish council or similar governmental unit, which shall be designated as a governmental unit hereinafter, may establish within its borders an historic preservation district commission to promote the educational, cultural, economic and general welfare of the public and to take such action by vote of its governing body, that is, the mayor and city council, commissioners, mayor and board of aldermen, city-parish council, or police jury, as the case may be. Said governing body may make such appropriations as are necessary for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Chapter.
Acts 1970, No. 147, §2. Amended by Acts 1975, No. 804, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:734. Consideration of study committee report

RS 25:734 - Consideration of study committee report
The governing body, by ordinance, resolution or similar act, may adopt or reject the recommendation of the historic preservation study committee or of the planning or zoning committee or agency or it may refer the matter back to said study committee or said commission or agency, as the case may be, for further study; or said governing body may make such amendments or revisions as it may deem advisable, including the authority to require reasonable financial and administrative conditions in consideration of the overall public good as prerequisites for the creation of any historic district commission. However, any final action taken by said governing body shall be published in the manner usually provided for the official publication of its acts but, in any event, publications shall be made at least once either in such official journal or any other newspaper having general circulation within the governmental unit.
Acts 1970, No. 147, §4. Amended by Acts 1975, No. 804, §4.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:735. Termination of study committee

RS 25:735 - Termination of study committee
The historic preservation study committee shall cease to exist following the completion, presentation or filing of its report and recommendations with the governing body of the governmental unit or filing of its report and recommendations with the planning or zoning agency or commission if one exists or after having considered and acted finally on any suggested changes or amendments.
Acts 1970, No. 147, §5. Amended by Acts 1975, No. 804, §5.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:737. Powers of historic district commissions

RS 25:737 - Powers of historic district commissions
A. No private building, structure, or edifice, including fences, boundary walls, signs, light fixtures, steps and paving or other appurtenant fixtures shall be erected, altered, restored, moved or demolished within an historic preservation district until after an application for a certificate of appropriateness as to exterior architectural features has been submitted to and approved by an historic preservation district commission, except as otherwise provided by the governing body in the ordinance establishing such commission or as provided by rules, regulations, policies, procedures and standards adopted by said commission. Similarly, if earthworks of historical or archaeological importance exists in the historic district there shall be no excavating or moving of earth, rock or subsoil without a certificate of appropriateness. For the purposes of this Chapter "exterior architectural features" shall include but need not be limited to the color, architectural style, general design and general arrangement of the exterior of a structure, including the kind and texture of the building material, the type and style of all roofs, windows, doors, light fixtures, signs and other appurtenant fixtures. The style, scale, material, size and location of outdoor advertising signs and bill posters within an historic preservation district shall also be under the control of such commission.
B. An historic preservation district commission shall not consider interior arrangement or use but shall consider the relationship of the exterior of the buildings concerned with all others in the historic preservation district as to avoid incongruity and promote harmony therewith.
C. An historic preservation district commission shall adhere to and seek compatibility of structures in the historic district in terms of size, texture, scale and site plan and said commission shall set forth and define guidelines prior to any exercise of its authority.
D. Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to prevent ordinary maintenance or repairs which do not involve a change of design, material, or of the outward appearance, thereof; nor to prevent the construction, reconstruction, alteration or demolition of any such feature which is required by the public safety because of an unsafe or dangerous condition. The requirements of this Chapter shall not apply to work which has begun or for which a permit has been issued prior to the establishment of the historic preservation district.
E. No review, approval, disapproval or recommendation shall be made by an historic preservation district commission until said commission has adopted rules, regulations, policies, procedures and standards following a public hearing.
Acts 1970, No. 147, §7. Amended by Acts 1975, No. 804, §7.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:738. Certificates of appropriateness

RS 25:738 - Certificates of appropriateness
A. The historic preservation district shall hold a public hearing upon each application for a certificate of appropriateness affecting property under its control except in those instances where the commission has determined that the application for a certificate of appropriateness is not a substantive change and further that the commission has determined the certificate complies with standards adopted by said commission. Notice of the time and place of said hearing shall be given by publication in the form of a legal advertisement appearing in the official journal of the governmental unit or in a newspaper having general circulation in the area served by the governmental unit, provided it has one, at least seven days before such hearing, and by the posting of such notice on or near the main entrance of any hall or room where the commission usually meets.
B. Within not more than forty-five days after the filing of an application the commission shall pass upon it, giving consideration to the factors set forth in R.S. 25:737(A) and (B), and shall give written notice of its decision to the applicant setting forth the reasons therefor. Evidence of approval shall be by certificate of appropriateness issued by the commission, and whatever its decision, notice in writing shall be given to the applicant. The commission shall keep a record of all applications for certificates of appropriateness and of all its doings under this Chapter.
C. No building permit shall be authorized by the governing body which affects a site or structure in the historic preservation district without a certificate of appropriateness except as otherwise permitted by the governing authority.
D. The commission shall have the right to make such recommendations for changes and modifications as it may deem to be necessary in order to enable the applicant to meet with its requirements.
Acts 1970, No. 147, §8. Amended by Acts 1975, No. 804, §8.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:739. Hardship variances

RS 25:739 - Hardship variances
Where, by reason of topographical conditions, irregularly shaped lots, or because of unusual circumstances applicable solely to the particular applicant, strict enforcement of the provisions of this Chapter would result in serious undue hardship particularly affecting said applicant, then the commission, in passing upon his application shall have the power to vary or modify adherence to this Chapter; provided always that its requirements insure harmony with the general purposes hereof, and will not adversely affect an historic preservation district as a whole or any designated landmark.
Acts 1970, No. 147, §9. Amended by Acts 1975, No. 804, §9.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:740. Commission enforcement powers

RS 25:740 - Commission enforcement powers
A. A historic preservation district commission shall have the power to institute suit in any court of competent jurisdiction, to prevent any unlawful action in violation of the provisions of this Chapter or of any of the rules and regulations adopted by the commission in conformity with it.
B. Any owner, agent, lessee, or other person acting for or in conjunction with him, who shall violate the ordinance or law or rules, regulations, or decisions of a commission, shall be fined not less than fifty dollars nor more than one hundred dollars for each violation, except as hereinafter provided. Any owner, agent, lessee, or other person acting for or in conjunction with him, who shall demolish a structure or edifice without having received an appropriate certificate of appropriateness may be fined a single fine of not less than one thousand dollars nor more than ten thousand dollars. For violations other than demolition without an appropriate certificate of appropriateness, each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.
Acts 1970, No. 147, §10. Amended by Acts 1975, No. 804, §10; Acts 1979, No. 223, §1, eff. July 8, 1979.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:741. Appeals

RS 25:741 - Appeals
A. Any person or persons aggrieved by any decision, act, or proceeding of an historic preservation district shall have a right to apply in writing to the governing body of the governmental unit for reversal or modification thereof and the chief executive official, or presiding officer of the governing body, shall have the right to stay all further action until the governing body may affirm a decision of the commission by majority vote of all its members. Any such appeal shall be taken in ten days from the date of decision and the governing body may consider said appeal at its next general or special meeting, but in any event, not more than forty-five days thereafter. The governing body shall have the right to reverse, change, or modify any decision of the commission only by a majority vote of all its members.
B. Any person or persons aggrieved by any decision of the governing body affecting said historic preservation district shall have the right to file a civil suit within thirty days from date of decision in a court of competent jurisdiction under the usual rules of procedure governing same, with the right to stay orders and injunctive relief provided the situation warrants it.
Acts 1970, No. 147, §11. Amended by Acts 1975, No. 804, §11; Acts 1979, No. 223, §1, eff. July 8, 1979.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:742. Applicability of historic district commission powers

RS 25:742 - Applicability of historic district commission powers
It is the intent and purpose of this Chapter that the regulatory powers conferred by it on an historic preservation district commission, created under its authority, shall apply to all private property, in the area controlled by it, including all buildings, structures, areas, sites, and their adjuncts and appurtenances, insofar as they constitute part of the entirety or tout ensemble of the historic section. Any governmental agency of the state or local government, other than the governing body, having a responsibility for any building, structure, area, site, public way and their adjuncts and appurtenances within the historic preservation site shall seek the advice of the historic district commission prior to the initiation of any substantive change, modification, renovation, restoration or construction.
Acts 1970, No. 147, §12. Amended by Acts 1975, No. 804, §12.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:743. Additional commission powers

RS 25:743 - Additional commission powers
Any historic district that may be created or established under the provisions of this Act may be empowered by the governing body to perform the following:
Make periodic reports to the governing body; provide information to property owners and others involving the preservation of the district; suggest pertinent legislation; initiate planning and zoning proposals; cooperate with other regulatory agencies and civic organizations and groups interested in historic preservation; review all applications for zoning variances and conditional uses where they affect the historic districts; render advice with reference to sidewalk construction and repair, tree planting, street improvements, and also the renovation, restoration or construction of public buildings; furnish information and assistance in connection with any capital improvement program involving the historic area; consult with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and other expert groups; administer such financial mechanisms as the local governing body may establish for the welfare of the governmental unit within an historic district.
Acts 1970, No. 147, §13. Amended by Acts 1975, No. 804, §13.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:744. Authority of historic district commissions

RS 25:744 - Authority of historic district commissions
An historic preservation district commission may be empowered by the local governing body to name or designate any site, location, structure or monument within the area served by the governmental unit as worthy of preservation whether within or outside the confines of an historic district and to exercise all other powers and functions of a landmarks commission, except that no historic district commission shall be empowered to act in a landmark capacity where its jurisdiction overlaps the authority of an existing landmarks commission pursuant to this Act.
Acts 1970, No. 147, §14. Amended by Acts 1975, No. 804, §14.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:745. Exemptions

RS 25:745 - Exemptions
A.(1) None of the provisions of this Chapter, except the provisions of R.S. 25:746, shall apply to or affect in any way the Vieux Carre Section or Vieux Carre Commission of the city of New Orleans, nor shall the limitation of one historic preservation district commission as set forth in R.S. 25:736(1) apply in governmental units with a population in excess of one hundred fifty thousand persons.
(2) None of the provisions of this Chapter shall apply to or affect in any way any property or collection of properties under common ownership having any lot line on the northerly side of St. Charles Avenue between Calhoun Street and Law Road, or on the southerly side of St. Charles Avenue between Broadway Street and Lowerline Street in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana.
(3) None of the provisions of this Chapter shall apply to or affect any property, site, or area upon lots designated RS1, RS2, RD1, or RD2 under the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of the city of New Orleans in that area of the city of New Orleans bounded by the river side of Carondelet Street, the uptown side of Josephine Street, the lake side of Magazine Street, and the uptown side of Louisiana Avenue, except that all properties having a lot line on St. Charles Avenue may be regulated under the terms of this Chapter and except also that all construction of new structures and demolitions of existing structures may be regulated under the terms of this Chapter.
B. Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 25:736(1), in parishes with a population of from sixty thousand to one hundred fifty thousand according to the latest federal decennial census, no more than three historic preservation district commissions and three landmarks commissions, or three commissions combining both the district and landmarks functions, shall be established. Any such commission shall be composed of seven members, a majority of whom shall be residents and electors of each such historic preservation district, landmarks district, or combination thereof, as may be created.
Acts 1983, No. 191, §1. Acts 1984, No. 440, §1; Acts 2001, No. 1073, §1; Acts 2001, No. 1228, §1, eff. July 9, 2001; Acts 2012, No. 697, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:751. Purposes

RS 25:751 - Purposes
A. The purposes of this Part are to promote the educational, cultural, economic, and general welfare of the public through the preservation and protection of buildings, sites, monuments, structures, and areas of historic interest or importance through their protection, maintenance, and development as historic landmarks and their recognition as such in the history and among the traditions of the state and nation; to establish and improve property values; and, to foster the economic development of the areas affected.
B. The legislature of this state has determined that the historical, architectural, and cultural heritage of this state is among the most important environmental assets of this state and furthermore that the rapid social and economic development of contemporary society threatens to destroy the remaining vestiges of this heritage, and it is thus hereby declared to be the public policy and in the public interest of this state to engage in a comprehensive program of historic preservation, undertaken at all levels of the government of this state and its political subdivisions, along with the private sector, to promote the use and conservation of such property for the education, inspiration, pleasure, and enrichment of the citizens of this state.
Acts 1974, No. 273, §1. Amended by Acts 1975, No. 592, §1, eff. Aug. 1, 1975.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:752. Authorization for historic district and landmarks commissions

RS 25:752 - Authorization for historic district and landmarks commissions
The governing body of the city of New Orleans and the parishes of Franklin, Tensas, LaSalle, Catahoula, Concordia, and Caldwell, which city and parishes shall be designated as "governmental unit" hereinafter in this Part, may establish within the borders of the city or parish a historic preservation district commission or a landmarks commission or a combination of the two to promote the educational, cultural, economic, and general welfare of the public. The governing body may make such appropriations as are necessary for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Part.
Acts 1974, No. 273, §2; Acts 2011, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 4, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:754. Consideration of study committee report

RS 25:754 - Consideration of study committee report
The governing body, by ordinance, resolution or similar act, may adopt or reject the recommendation of the historic preservation study committee or of the planning or zoning committee or agency or it may refer the matter back to said study committee or said commission or agency, as the case may be, for further study; or said governing body may make such amendments or revisions as it may deem advisable, including the authority to require reasonable financial and administrative conditions in consideration of the overall public good as prerequisites for the creation of any historic district and/or landmarks commission. However, any final action taken by said governing body shall be published in the manner usually provided for the official publication of its acts but, in any event, publications shall be made at least once either in such official journal or any other newspaper having general circulation within the governmental unit.
Acts 1974, No. 273, §4.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:755. Termination of study committee

RS 25:755 - Termination of study committee
The historic preservation study committee shall cease to exist following the completion, presentation or filing of its report and recommendations with the governing body of the governmental unit or filing of its report and recommendations with the planning or zoning agency or commission if one exists or after having considered and acted finally on any suggested changes or amendments.
Acts 1974, No. 273, §5.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:757. Powers of historic district commissions

RS 25:757 - Powers of historic district commissions
A. No private building, structure, or edifice, including fences, boundary walls, signs, light fixtures, steps and paving or other appurtenant fixtures shall be erected, altered, restored, moved or demolished within an historic preservation district until after an application for a certificate of appropriateness as to exterior architectural features has been submitted to and approved by an historic preservation district commission, except as otherwise provided by the governing body in the ordinance establishing such commission or as provided by rules, regulations, policies, procedures and standards adopted by said commission. Similarly, if earthworks of historical or archaeological importance exists in the historic district there shall be no excavating or moving of earth, rock or subsoil without a certificate of appropriateness. For the purposes of this Part "exterior architectural features" shall include but need not be limited to the color, architectural style, general design and general arrangement of the exterior of a structure, including the kind and texture of the building material, the type and style of all roofs, windows, doors, light fixtures, signs and other appurtenant fixtures. The style, scale, material, size and location of outdoor advertising signs and bill posters within an historic preservation district shall also be under the control of such commission.
B. An historic preservation district commission shall not consider interior arrangement or use but shall consider the relationship of the exterior of the buildings concerned with all others in the historic preservation district as to avoid incongruity and promote harmony therewith.
C. An historic preservation district commission shall adhere to and seek compatibility of structures in the historic district in terms of size, texture, scale and site plan and said commission shall set forth and define guidelines prior to any exercise of its authority.
D. Nothing in this Part shall be construed to prevent ordinary maintenance or repairs which do not involve a change of design, material, or of the outward appearance, thereof; nor to prevent the construction, reconstruction, alteration or demolition of any such feature which is required by the public safety because of an unsafe or dangerous condition. The requirements of this Part shall not apply to work which has begun or for which a permit has been issued prior to the establishment of the historic preservation district.
E. No review, approval, disapproval or recommendation shall be made by an historic preservation district commission until said commission has adopted rules, regulations, policies, procedures and standards following a public hearing.
Acts 1974, No. 273, §7.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:760. Certificates of appropriateness

RS 25:760 - Certificates of appropriateness
A. The historic preservation district or landmarks commission shall hold a public hearing upon each application for a certificate of appropriateness affecting property under its control except in those instances where the commission has determined that the application for a certificate of appropriateness is not a substantive change and further that the commission has determined the certificate complies with standards adopted by said commission. Notice of the time and place of said hearing shall be given by publication in the form of a legal advertisement appearing in the official journal of the governmental unit or in a newspaper having general circulation in the area served by the governmental unit, provided it has one, at least seven days before such hearing, and by the posting of such notice on or near the main entrance of any hall or room where the commission usually meets.
B. Within not more than forty-five days after the filing of an application the commission shall pass upon it, giving consideration to the factors set forth in R.S. 25:757(A) and (B), and shall give written notice of its decision to the applicant setting forth the reasons therefor. Evidence of approval shall be by certificate of appropriateness issued by the commission, and whatever its decision, notice in writing shall be given to the applicant. The commission shall keep a record of all applications for certificates of appropriateness and of all its doings under this Part.
C. No building permit shall be authorized by the governing body which affects a site or structure in the historic preservation district or a designated landmark without a certificate of appropriateness except as otherwise permitted by the governing authority.
D. The commission shall have the right to make such recommendations for changes and modifications as it may deem to be necessary in order to enable the applicant to meet with its requirements.
Acts 1974, No. 273, §10.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:761. Hardship variances

RS 25:761 - Hardship variances
Where, by reason of topographical conditions, irregularly shaped lots, or because of unusual circumstances applicable solely to the particular applicant, strict enforcement of the provisions of this Part would result in serious undue hardship particularly affecting said applicant, then the commission, in passing upon his application, shall have the power to vary or modify adherence to this Part; provided always that its requirements insure harmony with the general purposes hereof, and will not adversely affect an historic preservation district as a whole or any designated landmark.
Acts 1974, No. 273, §11.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:762. Commission enforcement powers

RS 25:762 - Commission enforcement powers
A. A landmarks commission and an historic preservation district commission shall have the power to institute suit in any court of competent jurisdiction, to prevent any unlawful action in violation of the provisions of this Part or of any of the rules and regulations adopted by the commission in conformity with it.
B. Any owner, agent, lessee or other person acting for or in conjunction with him, who shall violate the ordinance or law or rules, regulations or decisions of a commission, shall be fined not less than fifty dollars nor more than one hundred dollars for each violation. Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.
Acts 1974, No. 273, §12.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:762.1. Commission enforcement powers; city of New Orleans

RS 25:762.1 - Commission enforcement powers; city of New Orleans
Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, in the city of New Orleans, any owner, agent, lessee, or other person acting for or in conjunction with him who demolishes a structure or edifice located in the city of New Orleans without having received an appropriate certificate of appropriateness may be fined a single fine of not more than the greater of twenty-five thousand dollars or fifteen percent of the assessed value of the structure or edifice in accordance with the assessed value immediately preceding the demolition as provided for in the tax rolls of the city.
Acts 2022, No. 611, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:763. Appeals

RS 25:763 - Appeals
A. Any person or persons aggrieved by any decision, act or proceeding of an historic preservation district or landmarks commission shall have a right to apply in writing to the governing body of the governmental unit for reversal or modification thereof; and the chief executive official, or presiding officer of said governing body, shall have the right to stay all further action until said governing body may affirm a decision of the commission by majority vote of all its members. Any such appeal shall be taken in ten days from date of decision; and said governing body may consider said appeal at its next general or special meeting, but in any event, not more than forty-five days thereafter. Said governing body shall have the right to reverse, change or modify any decision of the commission only by two-thirds vote of all its members.
B. Any person or persons aggrieved by any decision of the governing body affecting said historic preservation district or a designated landmark shall have the right to file a civil suit within thirty days from date of decision in a court of competent jurisdiction under the usual rules of procedure governing same, with the right to stay orders and injunctive relief provided the situation warrants it.
Acts 1974, No. 273, §13.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:764. Applicability of historic district commission powers

RS 25:764 - Applicability of historic district commission powers
It is the intent and purpose of this Part that the regulatory powers conferred by it on an historic preservation district commission, created under its authority, shall apply to all private property, in the area controlled by it, including all buildings, structures, areas, sites, and their adjuncts and appurtenances, insofar as they constitute part of the entirety or "tout ensemble" of the historic section. Any governmental agency of the state or local government, other than the governing body, having a responsibility for any building, structure, area, site, public way and their adjuncts and appurtenances within the historic preservation site shall seek the advice of the historic district commission prior to the initiation of any substantive change, modification, renovation, restoration or construction.
Acts 1974, No. 273, §14.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:765. Additional commission powers

RS 25:765 - Additional commission powers
Any historic district and/or landmarks commission that may be created or established under the provisions of this Part may be empowered by the governing body to perform the following:
Make periodic reports to the governing body; provide information to property owners and others involving the preservation of the district; suggest pertinent legislation; initiate planning and zoning proposals; cooperate with other regulatory agencies and civic organizations and groups interested in historic preservation; review all applications for zoning variances and conditional uses where they affect the historic districts; render advice with reference to sidewalk construction and repair, tree planting; street improvements, and also the renovation, restoration or construction of public buildings; furnish information and assistance in connection with any capital improvement program involving the historic area; consult with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and other expert groups; administer such financial mechanisms as the local governing body may establish for the welfare of the governmental unit within an historic district or which may apply to designated landmark property.
Acts 1974, No. 273, §15.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:766. Landmarks capability of historic district commissions

RS 25:766 - Landmarks capability of historic district commissions
A historic preservation district commission may be empowered by the local governing body to name or designate any site, location, structure, or monument within the area served by the governmental unit as worthy of preservation whether within or outside of the confines of its historic district and to exercise all other powers and functions of a landmarks commission as specifically enumerated above, except that no historic district commission shall be empowered to act in a landmarks capacity where its jurisdiction overlaps the authority of an existing landmarks commission created pursuant to this Part.
Acts 1974, No. 273, §16.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:767. Exemptions

RS 25:767 - Exemptions
A. None of the provisions of this Part shall apply to or affect in any way any municipality or parish except the city of New Orleans and the parishes of Franklin, Tensas, LaSalle, Catahoula, Concordia, and Caldwell. None of the provisions of this Part shall apply to or affect in any way the Vieux Carre' Section or Vieux Carre' Commission of the city of New Orleans as defined by Article XIV, Section 22A of the Constitution of Louisiana of 1921, nor shall the limitation of one historic preservation district commission as set forth in R.S. 25:756(1) apply to the city of New Orleans.
B. None of the provisions of this Part shall apply to or affect any property, site, or area upon lots designated RS1, RS2, RD1, or RD2 under the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of the city of New Orleans in that area of the city of New Orleans bounded by the river side of Carondelet Street, the uptown side of Josephine Street, the lake side of Magazine Street, and the uptown side of Louisiana Avenue, except that all properties having a lot line on St. Charles Avenue may be regulated under the terms of this Part and except also that all construction of new structures and demolitions of existing structures may be regulated under the terms of this Part.
C. Any historic preservation district commission created pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 25:731 to 25:745 shall not be affected hereby nor shall any other similar entity heretofore created by the legislature be affected hereby particularly, but without limitation, those created pursuant to R.S. 25:305 through 25:455, nor shall such entity affect any commission established pursuant to this Part nor shall the provisions of this Part impair, affect or repeal the authority of municipalities or parishes, to establish historic preservation districts pursuant to R.S. 25:731 to 25:745.
Acts 1974, No. 273, §§17, 18. Amended by Acts 1978, No. 789, §1; Acts 1984, No. 440, §1; Acts 2001, No. 1073, §1; Acts 2011, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 4, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 25 - Libraries, Museums, and Other Scientific › §25:781. Declaration of policy

RS 25:781 - Declaration of policy
The legislature hereby declares that it is the public policy of this state to provide for the historic preservation of the buildings and grounds within the State Capitol Historic District in order that these buildings and grounds may be preserved for the education, inspiration, pleasure, and enrichment of the citizens of this state.
Added by Acts 1979, No. 650, §1.