Section 33:120.9 - Powers; duties; functionsThe planning and zoning board shall have the following powers:
(1) To hear and decide appeals when it is alleged that there is an error in any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by an administrative official in the enforcement of any ordinance adopted pursuant thereto.(2) To hear and decide all matters referred to it or upon which it is required to pass under the ordinance.(3)(a) In passing upon appeals when there are practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships which would prevent carrying out the strict letter of the ordinance, to vary or modify the application of any of the regulations or provisions of the ordinance relating to the use, construction, or alteration of buildings or structures or the use of lands so that the spirit of the ordinance shall be observed, public safety and welfare secured, and substantial justice done.(b) In exercising the abovementioned power, to reverse or affirm, wholly or partly, or modify the order, requirement, decision, or determination appealed from and to make such order, requirement, decision, or determination as ought to be made, and to that end to have all the powers of the officer from whom the appeal is taken. The concurring vote of a majority of a quorum shall be necessary to reverse any order, requirement, decision, or determination of any administrative official, to decide in favor of the applicant on any matter upon which it is required to pass under any ordinance, or to effect any variation in the ordinance.(4) To recommend the boundaries of the various original districts as well as the restrictions and regulations to be enforced therein and any supplements, changes, or modifications thereof to the police jury. Before making any recommendation to the police jury, the planning and zoning board shall hold a public hearing. Notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be published at least three times in the official journal of the parish or, if there be none, in a paper of general circulation therein, and at least ten days shall elapse between the first publication and date of the hearing. After the hearing has been held by the planning and zoning board, it shall make a report of its findings and recommendations to the police jury. The police jury shall not hold its public hearings or take action until it has received the final report of the planning and zoning board.Acts 1997, No. 1274, §1, eff. 1/1/1998.