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The New Orleans City Council is taking steps to reduce lengthy permitting delays that developers say are harming the city's economy.
On Thursday, the council approved an ordinance that lifts residency requirements for city inspectors.
Councilman Freddie King sponsored the ordinance in response to complaints that New Orleans' permitting process can take several months, as opposed to a few days in nearby parishes like Jefferson and East Baton Rouge.
Developers say the lengthy delays have often driven projects to other parishes.