REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR PROFESSIONAL PLANNING SERVICES TO UPDATE SUBDIVISION AND PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS

Bossier City-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC)
Benton Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC)
Haughton Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC)

I. Introduction

The Bossier City-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC), in partnership with the Benton MPC and the Haughton MPC, invites qualified and experienced planning firms to submit proposals for professional services to evaluate and develop updates to the Subdivision Regulations, specifically those related to Planned Unit Developments (PUDs), as outlined in Article 11 of the Bossier City – Parish and Haughton Unified Development Code (UDC) and Chapter 126, Division 4 of the Bossier Parish Code of Ordinances. The purpose of this effort is to modernize and enhance the existing PUD framework to reflect current best practices, support innovative and flexible development, and align with the Parish's goals for sustainable growth.

The selected firm will work directly with MPC staff from Bossier City-Parish, Benton, and Haughton, who will serve as the primary points of contact throughout the project, and will coordinate with Parish administrative staff, the Planning Commissions, and other elected officials.

II. Background and Purpose

Planned Unit Developments offer a unique opportunity to introduce creativity, flexibility, and environmental stewardship into land development practices. A well-crafted and administered PUD ordinance can:

• Mix residential and non-residential land uses effectively
• Provide a variety of housing options
• Support compact, walkable, and amenity-rich communities
• Conserve open space and protect environmentally sensitive areas
• Encourage pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, including tree-lined streets and shaded pathways
• Incentivize community partnerships and inclusive development
• Accommodate large-scale, phased developments like master-planned communities
• Offer density bonuses as incentives for projects that prioritize walkability, mixed-use development, and transit access
• Introduce impact fees

The MPCs seek to balance the flexibility provided by PUDs with the need for clear standards that uphold the public interest, promote high-quality development, and support efficient administrative review.

III. Scope of Work

The selected firm will be responsible for the following tasks, which include but are not limited to:

• Conducting a comprehensive evaluation of existing PUD and Subdivision Regulations
• Collecting and integrating staff feedback regarding challenges and opportunities for improvement
• Identifying and eliminating outdated or conflicting code provisions
• Reorganizing the PUD section for clarity and usability, incorporating graphics and illustrations
• Aligning regulations with related policy documents
• Promoting innovative and sustainable development practices, including:
  • Environmentally friendly and resilient infrastructure
  • Alternative subdivision and housing typologies
  • Mixed-use and amenity-oriented development
• Exploring development impact fee structures and their legal feasibility
• Ensuring compliance with applicable state and local land use laws
• Developing a comprehensive engagement strategy for:
  • Internal stakeholders (staff, commissions, elected officials)
  • External stakeholders (residents, developers, property owners)
• Facilitating public meetings, workshops, and presentations
• Drafting new code language that:
  • Supports inclusive, equitable, and attainable housing
  • Encourages sustainability and disaster resilience
  • Accommodates new trends and uses
  • Recommends amenities inclusive of smart growth initiatives
  • Streamlines hearing and review processes
  • Establishes effective enforcement mechanisms
• Managing all project documentation, reports, and deliverables
• Establishing clear criteria for PUD approval, amendment, and enforcement
• Developing developer agreements or conditions of approval that tie promises to performance (e.g., specific housing types or community amenities)
• Drafting design criteria and standards for the location and parking of cluster mailboxes
• Evaluate the current trends related to private streets and their ongoing maintenance responsibilities. This includes assessing best practices for long-term maintenance obligations, developer responsibilities, and potential impacts on future public infrastructure requests
• Suggest and masterplan areas that are most suitable for PUDs
• Completing the project within a 7-10 month time frame.

IV. Deliverables

• Revised draft and final versions of PUD and Subdivision regulations
• Summary report of stakeholder engagement and feedback
• Visual aids (maps, diagrams, illustrations) to support code interpretation
• Shape files
• Public presentation materials
• Implementation guide or staff manual (optional, but preferred)

V. Proposal Requirements

Firms must submit three (3) bound hard copies and one (1) electronic copy on a USB flash drive. Proposals should include:

1. Cover Letter
2. Firm Overview and Qualifications
3. Relevant Experience and Examples of Similar Projects
4. Proposed Project Approach and Timeline
5. Team Structure and Key Personnel
6. Proposed Budget (Itemized)
7. References from Past Clients
8. Statement of Understanding and Commitment to Equity, Sustainability, and Innovation

VI. Evaluation Criteria and Selection Process

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Demonstrated experience with subdivision and PUD regulations
• Familiarity with Louisiana or Southern U.S. planning context
• Quality and clarity of proposed methodology
• Ability to meet project goals and timeline
• Qualifications of project team
• Public engagement experience
• Value and cost-effectiveness

Selection Process

A selection committee will evaluate all submitted proposals based on a comprehensive review of the evaluation criteria. Of particular interest to the MPCs is demonstrated experience in drafting Subdivision and Planned Unit Development regulations — especially within small to mid-sized communities — with a proven track record of recent code updates reflecting best planning practices.

The MPCs are not obligated to accept the lowest-cost proposal. Instead, the award will be made to the firm deemed to offer the best overall value and alignment with project goals.

VII. Submission Deadline and Contact Information

Submission Deadline: Friday, August 1, 2025, no later than 3:00 PM.

Delivery Address:
Bossier Municipal Complex (2nd Floor)
620 Benton Rd.
Bossier City, LA 71111

Questions or Clarifications:
All inquiries should be directed to:
Carlotta Askew-Brown
Email: brownc@bossiercity.org

The Bossier City-Parish MPC, Benton MPC, and Haughton MPC reserve the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive irregularities, and to negotiate contract terms with the successful firm.