St Charles Parish Council approves library project and zoning amendments

The St. Charles Parish Council convened on June 2, 2025, to discuss several key issues, including funding for the Cross Bayou pump station upgrades, amendments to zoning ordinances, and the approval of a construction management contract for the Hornville Branch Library.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the funding agreement related to the Cross Bayou pump station. The council confirmed that the Pontchartrain Levy District will provide a total of $7.5 million for necessary improvements, with $3.5 million received upfront and annual payments of $1 million until the total is reached. This funding is crucial for prioritizing and executing various projects at the station.

The council also introduced two ordinances aimed at amending the parish's zoning regulations. The first ordinance allows for wet flood proofing of residential accessory buildings up to 600 square feet, expanding current exemptions that only applied to smaller structures. This change aligns with FEMA guidelines and aims to provide residents with more options for construction without the burden of strict elevation requirements.

The second ordinance establishes spatial requirements for wetland zoning districts, setting a minimum parcel size of 10 acres and a maximum lot coverage of 5%. This measure is intended to maintain the integrity of wetland areas while allowing for limited development.

In addition, the council approved a construction manager at risk (CMAR) agreement with Woodward Design and Build LLC for the Hornville Branch Library project, totaling $1.55 million. This contract includes preconstruction services and aims to ensure a fixed price for the project. Some council members expressed concerns about the complexity of the library project and the allocation of resources, questioning whether the CMAR process was appropriate for this type of construction.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to infrastructure improvements and regulatory updates, with a focus on enhancing community resilience and development standards. The next steps include public hearings for the proposed ordinances scheduled for June 16, 2025.