Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Temporary Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council defers Blue Angel RV park permit after residents raise code and safety concerns; temporary‑housing extension also deferred
Summary
Council members heard public opposition to a proposed 12‑space permanent RV park and concerns about existing trailer sites built before permits. Council deferred action to allow staff inspection and referred broader questions about RV rules and a temporary‑housing ordinance for further review.
The Plaquemines Parish Council on April deferred action on a conditional approval for a permanent RV park after several residents and parish officials raised questions about permitting, spacing, utilities and state standards for permanent trailer parks.
The item under consideration would have granted conditional approval for the Blue Angel RV Park, a proposed 12‑space permanent RV park spanning two addresses at 147 and 155 Protea Drive (reported as a single 0.59‑acre property in the application). Several residents said some spaces and electrical work were already installed on the sites before final approval, and they urged the council to inspect the properties before acting.
Rick Jackson, a Belle Chasse resident who addressed the council at the microphone, told the council: "I'm completely against this for numerous reasons," and said two trailers are already on the property and that allowing additional spaces risks changing nearby neighborhoods and public infrastructure needs.
Resident concerns included whether the installations meet state minimum standards for permanent RV parks (including required washout/waste facilities and fire‑safety spacing), and whether the parish permitting process had been followed. Warren Lawrence, another resident, asked the council to verify whether park applications meet state rules before issuing final permits.
Council member Newsom suggested postponing the vote so staff could inspect the Blue Angel properties and confirm what work is already in place. Staff told the council the applicant’s permit application lists two currently permitted RVs at the addresses and that electrical boxes and hookups were present but not energized; staff recommended an inspection before a final decision. The council agreed to defer and directed inspection and follow‑up.
Temporary housing ordinance: Separately, the council also discussed the parish temporary‑housing measure that authorizes short‑term RV installations while rules are considered. The current temporary authorization expires May 26; several council members said the deadline is imminent and asked for a timetable to produce revisions to RV and temporary‑housing rules. The council deferred final action and asked staff to return with proposed changes and schedule stakeholder meetings.
Context and next steps: Council members said the temporary‑housing ordinance and permanent RV permitting standards need clearer, enforceable rules. Several members urged faster progress so property owners and operators have certainty; others urged enforcement against illegal operations ahead of any extension. Staff was directed to inspect the Blue Angel site, confirm permit status, and report back to the council. The temporary‑housing extension will be revisited after staff and legal recommendations are prepared.
