Commission approves Heritage Lane rezoning despite neighbor opposition and spot-zoning concerns

The Livingston Parish Planning and Zoning Commission on April 3 approved a rezoning request for a four-acre tract on Heritage Lane, changing the classification from agricultural (AG) to single-family residential (R-1). The rezone, identified on the record as case 25-4-24640 and requested on behalf of landowner Wyatt Pearson, passed after public hearing and commission discussion.

The applicant’s agent, Ross Kinchon of the Kinchon Group, said the property is a four-acre tract that was limited by its AG designation (minimum 3 acres for agricultural lots) and that the surrounding road (Hutchinson/Church of God leading into Heritage Lane) contains mostly R-1 parcels. Kinchon told the commission the owner’s plan is to subdivide so each mobile home on the property would sit on its own parcel; he said existing topography and parcel shape likely limit the division to two lots.

Several residents spoke in opposition. Kevin Mackenamara and Kelly Pierce said most lots in the neighborhood are roughly four acres and that neighbors want to preserve the agricultural character. Pierce said she has lived on Heritage Lane 25 years and said, “We want it kept open for our grandchildren,” citing concerns about increased density. Another resident, Angel Guy, raised drainage and road-capacity concerns, saying the area already has drainage issues and that more lots could worsen conditions.

Planning staff and some commissioners noted there are existing nonconforming lots on the road that predate current zoning and that divided parcels and mobile homes already exist in the area. Commissioners debated whether approving the rezone in the middle of an agriculturally zoned area constituted spot zoning. Parish attorney Mister Moody advised the commission that “spot zoning technically is not illegal per se. It's just something you ought to avoid,” and laid out factors (parcel size, public utility benefit, and consistency with the comprehensive plan) the commission should weigh when considering such requests. A planning staff member noted the master plan was not consulted for this item.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the zoning change for Wyatt Pearson; the motion passed on a roll-call vote with five votes in favor and three opposed. The commission recorded that the permit would allow a resubdivision (resub) application to be submitted; any required health-department approvals for onsite sewer will have to be obtained before a final plat is approved.

The commission’s decision does not automatically change existing lot sizes elsewhere on the road; it grants the applicant the opportunity to file a resub with planning staff and proceed through required engineering and health reviews.