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Planning commission recommends interim parishwide zoning, sets corrections process
Summary
The Livingston Parish Planning & Zoning Commission voted to recommend that the parish council reenact Chapter 117 of the parish code to establish interim zoning maps and accompanying text changes, with a correction process and a February 27 council hearing set for final action.
The Livingston Parish Planning & Zoning Commission on Jan. 9 recommended that the parish council amend and reenact Chapter 117 of the Livingston Parish Code to establish interim zoning maps and related zoning text for the entire parish.
The recommendation, which passed with six votes in favor and one abstention, asks the council to establish a single interim zoning process that stabilizes current zoning conditions while permitting parcel-level corrections and rezoning requests before a final map is adopted. Commissioner Burns abstained; Commissioners Engler, Clemons, Wax, Dana, Farris and Long voted yes.
The proposal was presented by Jerome Fournier of JPF Planning Consultants LLC, who described the step as “a milestone night” in a nearly yearlong process that began with the council’s December introduction of the zoning ordinance. Nathan Lipson of WSP told commissioners that WSP originally submitted the recommended code and maps on Dec. 5 and later provided a memo identifying corrections and a short list of requested amendments delivered to the commission that day. Lipson said some corrections are intended to ensure the proposed maps mirror legally established zoning in districts that already have zoning in place.
Why it matters: The interim zoning would apply parishwide, but parcels in council districts that already have adopted zoning will be handled with extra care to reflect existing ordinances and avoid legal challenges. Lipson said WSP’s goal is to “establish the existing condition” so that properties’ recommended zoning generally matches their on-the-ground uses; where a recommended designation would make a current use nonconforming, property owners may seek corrections before final adoption.
Commissioners and staff explained the schedule and process for changes. The commission will forward its recommendation to the council, which the WSP presenters said will advertise a February 27 council hearing as required by law. Lipson said there are opportunities between Jan. 9 and Feb. 27 for property owners to submit rezoning requests: applicants in districts that already have zoning should work through their council member and follow the advertised rezoning process; applicants in districts without existing zoning should contact the planning department or WSP for inclusion in map corrections.
The commission’s discussion covered several substantive issues that WSP and the task force wrestled with during drafting. Commissioners asked about mixed-use zoning and multifamily housing, and about convenience stores that sell gasoline. Commissioner Burns raised concerns that a mixed-use designation on Juban Road (including Juba Crossing apartments) should not be made nonconforming if multifamily were omitted. Lipson confirmed WSP has recommended adding multifamily back into mixed use as a permitted use and said that amendment appears on the list of considered changes for the council.
On fuel sales, zoning counsel Steve Irving suggested a targeted approach: require a special-use or conditional permit where convenience stores propose gasoline or underground tanks, allowing such uses where appropriate but permitting review where they would be undesirable. Irving said that condition-based approach would allow flexibility in mixed-use corridors while preserving oversight in other areas.
Several commissioners and members of the public were directed to submit specific map corrections and definition changes to WSP or the planning department before the February hearing. The commission chair reminded the public that a separate advertisement in the parish’s official journal will announce the council hearing, a legal requirement.
Votes at a glance: Motion to recommend amendment and reenactment of Chapter 117 (interim zoning and map corrections) — mover: Mister Clemons; seconder: Mister Engler; tally: yes 6 (Engler, Clemons, Wax, Dana, Farris, Long); abstain 1 (Burns); outcome: approved for recommendation to council.
The parish planning staff and WSP will continue to accept correction requests and amendment proposals ahead of the council hearing on Feb. 27; the planning commission will meet Feb. 6 and municipal staff indicated a Jan. 18 deadline for submission to appear on the Feb. 6 agenda.
