Council amends EDD development standards to allow mayor's office flexibility in applications

The New Iberia City Council on Tuesday amended an ordinance that will set development compliance requirements for recipients of Economic Development District assistance, adding language to let the mayor's office set the level of detail required on initial applications.

City attorney Jeff told the council that the ordinance is meant to establish general principles for design standards, façade improvements, parking, property maintenance and enforcement, but developers had asked for flexibility so they would not be required to submit final architectural renderings or site plans with an initial concept application. "No application shall be considered for EDD assistance until the applicant shall have submitted to the office of the mayor in such detail as may be specified by the office of the mayor," Jeff recommended, explaining that the final cooperative endeavor agreement will spell out project-specific milestones and benefits.

Council members also discussed language that had restricted sale or conveyance of project property while any continuing district benefits remained in effect; Jeff recommended revising that restriction so a project owner who has completed the required improvements could transfer ownership without being blocked from selling. After discussion the council rescinded the earlier motion, amended it to include Jeff's suggested changes and voted to approve the amended ordinance. Mayor and staff said developers cannot begin work or receive incentives until a signed agreement is in place; any project-specific obligations will be spelled out in that agreement.

Speakers explicitly on the record included Jeff (city attorney) explaining recommended edits and multiple council members who proposed and seconded the amendment. The ordinance was advanced with the amended language; the transcript does not include a roll-call tally in names or vote counts.