What is JP NEXT?

JP NEXT is Jefferson Parish’s effort to rethink and modernize the rules that shape how the community grows. It is a complete update of the regulations that determine what can be built, where it goes, and how development takes shape across the Parish.

These rules influence everything from the types of housing available to how neighborhoods evolve, how businesses take root, and how places feel and function day to day. But over time, the Unified Development Code (UDC) has become harder to navigate and less aligned with the Parish’s goals for the future.

JP NEXT is an opportunity to change that.

Through a comprehensive, community-informed process, the Parish is taking a fresh look at its regulations. We’re cutting through complexity, addressing gaps, and aligning the Code with the vision of Envision Jefferson 2040 and the realities of how Jefferson Parish is growing today.

The result will be a clear, more modern Code that is easier to use, more predictable in how it works, and better equipped to support well-designed development across the Parish.

This is how we keep moving forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jefferson Parish’s updated Development Code will be a key tool for implementing many of the policies contained in the Envision Jefferson 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

Effective regulations rely upon a careful understanding of existing patterns of land use and development, and agreement as to how the policies of the Comprehensive Plan are interpreted and applied throughout the Parish. These are some frequently asked questions about the role of zoning, and its relationship to other Parish plans and policies.

This FAQ section will be updated and expanded to address commonly asked questions throughout the course of the JP NEXT initiative.

  • Zoning establishes the rules for how land can be used and how development takes shape. It defines what types of uses are allowed on a property, where buildings can be placed, and how large or intense development can be. Zoning also addresses elements like parking, signs. landscaping, and accessory structures. These regulations are organized into zoning districts, which are mapped across the Parish to reflect and reinforce the unique character of different areas.

  • Jefferson Parish’s development regulations have evolved over many years through a series of incremental updates. Over time, these changes have made the Code more difficult to navigate, less predictable in its outcomes, and more challenging to administer. In addition, the current regulations do not fully reflect the goals and priorities established in the Envision Jefferson 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Updating the Code provides an opportunity to simplify and modernize the regulations, remove unnecessary barriers, and create a clearer, more consistent framework that supports the Parish’s vision for future growth and development.

  • Envision Jefferson 2040 sets the Parish’s long-term vision and policy direction, while JP NEXT is the tool that puts that vision into practice. The Comprehensive Plan outlines how and where the Parish should grow, and JP NEXT translates that guidance into clear, enforceable development standards. This includes updating zoning districts and the zoning map to align with the Future Land Use Map, ensuring that day-to-day development decisions reflect the community’s adopted goals.

  • Residents, businesses, and stakeholders are encouraged to participate throughout the process. You can submit comments through the project website, attend public meetings and events, and review draft materials as they become available.

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