Ponchatoula boasts a vibrant historic district. The district is designated a Certified Local Government and Main Street Community in the State of Louisiana. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982; the district was expanded in 2012. The Ponchatoula Historic District Commission was established to help ensure the district retains these honorable designations.

When a building owner or tenant of a building within the historic district wants to make changes to the exterior of a building, they must apply for and obtain a certificate of appropriateness. The commission will review the application and either issue a certificate or offer advice that will help develop the project in a way that ensures the building maintains its historic listing. Applications for a certificate of appropriateness may be obtained by clicking the link below. You may also obtain an application from Main Street Manager, Charlene Daniels, at Branch Real Estate, 169 E. Pine St. or City Hall, 125 W. Hickory St.

If you own or work in a building in the historic district, or just have an interest in historic preservation and would like to volunteer to serve on the Commission, please contact one of the members listed.

The Zoning Commission has the responsibility to develop zoning districts, divide the city into districts, and to develop regulations pertaining to such districts in accordance with a comprehensive plan designed to lessen congestion in the streets; to prevent overcrowding of land; to secure safety from fire; to provide adequate light and air; to avoid undue concentration of population; to facilitate the adequate provisions for transportation, water, sewerage, parks; and to beautify the city.

For the purpose of promoting health, safety, and/or the general welfare of the city and its residents, the Zoning Commission and City Council developed and adopted a comprehensive zoning ordinance for the City of Ponchatoula, and provides for the administration, enforcement, and amendment thereof, in accordance with the provisions of the authority granted by LA RS 33:4721-4729 as amended.

Zoning Applications

Applications to the Zoning Commission must be made 30 days in advance of a scheduled zoning meeting. Final approval of applications may require up to 90 days in some cases. This allows time for proper advertising and public hearings. When considering applications, the Zoning Commission will give reasonable consideration, among other things, to the character of the districts and their suitability for particular uses, with a view to conserving the value of buildings and encouraging the most appropriate use of land throughout the city.

The following matters require an application to the Zoning Commission for consideration:
Rezoning – asking for a change in the zoning classification of your property
Conditional Use – asking for a property use prohibited in your zoning classification
Variance – asking for a concession on regulations relative to building on your property
Subdivision – asking to divide a parcel of property
Or; Any land use or building use not in adherence with the city zoning ordinance
Please note that ONLY the property OWNER may apply for such consideration.

Completed applications, along with all applicable fees, should be forwarded to:
City of Ponchatoula
Attn: Zoning Dept
125 W. Hickory St.
Ponchatoula, LA 70454