HAHNVILLE — The St. Charles Parish Planning and Zoning Department will host an open house from 5:30 until 7 p.m. June 4 in the Courthouse Council Chambers, 15045 River Road in Hahnville, to discuss proposed changes to the parish’s zoning ordinance completed as part of Phase I of an ongoing modernization project.

Those interested in reviewing the proposed changes can download them from the news section of the parish website at stcharlesparish-la.gov/news beginning May 28.

The ordinance’s stated purpose is to promote the health, safety, morals, convenience, order, prosperity and welfare of the people of St. Charles Parish.

In August 2014, the St. Charles Parish Council approved a cooperative endeavor agreement with the University of New Orleans’ Planning and Urban Studies Department to revise and update the code to reflect modern-day needs.

The proposed changes under Phase I of the project seek to update many technical aspects of the Zoning Ordinance and its organization.

Final recommendations to update the Zoning Ordinance include:

• Updates to zoning definitions.

• Updated standards for landscaping, required parking and stormwater runoff compliance for commercial developments.

• Revisions to residential zoning districts to accommodate multiple housing types –accessory dwellings, multi-family buildings, townhomes and modular homes.

Timothy H. Jackson, a senior research associate with UNO, will lead the project on the college’s end, working closely with Planning and Zoning staff members.

Jackson is a professional planner of 24 years who has previously worked for the cities of Kenner and Mandeville and served for eight years on the New Orleans City Planning Commission.

To view the code, log on to stcharlesparish-la.gov and click the section labeled ‘Code of Ordinances.’