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.

As well as comprehensive and advance planning duties, the Planning Commission develops zoning and subdivision regulations, and reviews rezoning and subdivision applications. The Commission and the planning staff make recommendations to the Metropolitan Council for ordinances, ordinance changes and land use requirements. The work of the planning staff is guided by a 20-year comprehensive land use and development plan – the Horizon Plan – that was adopted in 1992.

The Planning Commission is a nine-member board that advises elected officials on growth and development issues for the Parish. The Commission decides on subdivision issues that fall within existing subdivision regulations, and serves in an advisory capacity to the Metropolitan Council on any zoning or planning ordinance changes or amendments.

Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish are located in south-central Louisiana, on the east bank of the Mississippi River. Baton Rouge has a population of about 230,000, and is home to both Louisiana State University and Southern University. As the farthest inland deep water port on the Mighty Mississippi, Baton Rouge serves as a major center of commercial and industrial activity. East Baton Rouge Parish covers about 472 square miles and has a population of about 414,833.