Louisiana Administrative Code
Title 13 - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Part I - Financial Incentive Programs
Chapter 9 - Restoration Tax Abatement Program
Section I-909 - Local Governing Authority Certification and Approval

A.R.S. 47:4314.B, requires the exemption to be certified and approved by each local governing authority which is defined in R.S. 47:4313(5).

"'Local governing authority' means the governing authority of the parish in which the downtown, historic, or economic development district is located unless the district is located within a municipality, in which case 'local governing authority' shall mean the governing authority of the municipality. It the district is located partly in a municipality, 'local governing authority' shall mean the governing authority of the parish and the governing authority of the municipality."

B. Upon receipt of the application, the local governing authority shall notify each tax recipient body affected by the contract for a limited exemption and shall make available to each body the application and all supporting documents.

C. The parish or municipal governing authority shall certify that the property on which the expansion, restoration, improvement of development is being made is located within an established downtown, historic, or economic development district, whether established by a local governing authority or in accordance with law. This certification shall be submitted to the Office of Commerce and Industry with its decision to approve or disapprove.

D. The local governing authority shall determine whether the applicant's land usage meets the definition of "commercial property" based on their zoning ordinance, land use plan, downtown or economic revitalization plan, or any other development code and shall certify that the property meets their criteria. This certification shall be submitted to the Office of Commerce and Industry along with their recommendation.

E. Before notifying the board of its approval or disapproval of the application, the local governing authority shall conduct a public hearing. Notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be published at least twice in the official journal of the local governing authority, and at least 10 days shall elapse between the first publication and the date of the hearing. Each affected tax recipient body shall be given written notice of the hearing at least 10 days prior to such hearing. After such hearing, the local governing authority shall determine whether to approve or disapprove the application.

F. The local governing authority shall, within 60 days after receipt of the application from the Office of Commerce and Industry, file with the department a statement of its decision to approve or disapprove the application, the reasons therefor, and any supporting documents.