Covington council authorizes permitting waiver for state expedited temporary housing during hurricane season

The Covington City Council on July 1 approved a resolution to waive local land-use permitting requirements so the city can accept expedited temporary housing provided through the state during hurricane season.

Administration explained the resolution is brought annually “at the beginning of hurricane season” and is an opt-in measure to expedite temporary housing placement after a qualifying event. “It’s either opt in or opt out,” the administration said, adding that the waiver allows the city to “waive any of our permit regulations” to expedite temporary housing requested from the state “through Gosef.”

Council members asked clarifying questions about whether this action is an annual preparation for hurricane season; administration confirmed that the item is brought each year for that reason. After a motion and second, the council approved the resolution by roll call vote.

The resolution does not itself deploy temporary housing; it authorizes the mayor and administration to waive certain local permitting requirements if and when the city requests state-provided temporary shelters following a disaster and relief request under the state process referenced in the meeting.