The Planning Commission of the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was established in 1949 as a part of one of the country’s earliest combined city and county (or city and parish) governing units. Known as the City-Parish Planning Commission, the governmental agency is directed by state law and the Metropolitan Charter to guide the physical growth of Baton Rouge and the Parish with comprehensive planning and land use controls.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Planning Commission is to develop, maintain and implement a master plan for the harmonious development and growth of the Parish of East Baton Rouge which best promotes the health, safety, morals, order, convenience, prosperity and general welfare of the community.

Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any specific questions, please email us at: resource@brgov.com

General

What is Planning?

Planning is the creation of a long-range course of action for guiding orderly growth and development. The City-Parish Planning Commission is working with planning professionals, public officials, and citizens to create, maintain, and promote socially and economically viable communities in the City of Baton Rouge and the Parish of East Baton Rouge. 

What is the Horizon Plan? 

The Horizon Plan is a twenty-year comprehensive land use and development plan for the City of Baton Rouge and the Parish of East Baton Rouge. It is designed to act as a “blueprint” for the future development of our community. The Horizon Plan is available at the Office of the Planning Commission at 1755 Florida Street, Third Floor for review. You may make an appointment with a staff member in the Advance Planning/Research Division to discuss the Horizon Plan or you may access Planning Commission Information Bulletins published on the Planning Commission web site. 

What is the UDC?  

The Unified Development Code (UDC) is a comprehensive combination of ordinances including, but not limited to, the Subdivision Ordinance, Zoning Ordinance, Sign Ordinance, and Landscape Ordinance. The Unified Development Code (UDC) can be purchased at the Office of the Planning Commission for $150.00 payable in check or money order.

What is the role of the City-Parish Planning Commission and its Staff? 

The nine member Planning Commission advises the Metropolitan Council on long range planning issues and current planning applications. It has the authority to approve certain current planning items and advises the Metropolitan Council on the items for which it does not have the authority to approve. 

The Commission’s goal is to provide for the orderly growth, development and redevelopment of the City of Baton Rouge and the Parish of East Baton Rouge. The staff strives to prepare for the present and future growth of the City-Parish through the implementation of responsible planning initiatives and priorities. 

The Planning Commission Staff is divided into three inter-related divisions to support these efforts: Advance Planning/Research, Current Planning and Geographic Information Systems. Each division provides a variety of services to members of the public, elected officials, department heads, and developers. 

For more information concerning the Planning Commission and its Staff, visit "Who We Are" on our website. You may also visit the Office of the Planning Commission.

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