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Planning commission approves two-lot subdivision at Bailey Heights Annex
Summary
The Natchitoches Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously April 1 to approve Derek Turner’s application to subdivide Lots 13 and 14 of Bailey Heights Annex into two parcels, resolving a long-standing dual-residence situation. The approval becomes final in 11 days unless appealed.
NATCHITOCHES, La. — The Natchitoches Planning & Zoning Commission approved an application by Derek Turner on April 1 to subdivide Lots 13 and 14 of Block 4 in the Bailey Heights Annex, splitting a 14,252-square-foot parcel into two lots of 5,777 and 8,475 square feet.
The move legalizes two residential structures that have occupied the single parcel for decades and aligns the new lot line with an existing fence dividing the properties, commission members heard.
The commission’s director of planning and zoning told the panel that city standards typically require a minimum lot size of 7,200 square feet and road frontage, but that many lots on the city’s west side are substandard. The director said the proposed division would continue the parcel’s residential use and that recent city approvals allow smaller “tiny home” structures on residential lots, noting the smaller dwelling on the parcel is similar to those approvals.
Turner told the commission the arrangement has been in place for more than 30 years. The applicant and staff said the new property line will follow a historic fence that already separates the two structures.
Commissioner Du Bois moved to approve the subdivision; Commissioner Johnson seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote with all members present saying “aye.” The director told Turner the approval will be final in 11 days unless an appeal is filed.
The director walked through post-approval steps: the applicant must provide a mylar (paper/plastic final plat) with signature lines, obtain signatures from department heads at the department-head meeting (including the mayor, the police chief and the fire chief), and secure a signed final plat with the surveyor’s seal from Mr. Davis before the plat is recorded. Staff offered to coordinate with the surveyor to prepare the final package.
The director also clarified that notification mailings for subdivisions are not required by state law and that the commission had previously sent notices as a courtesy, rather than to satisfy a statutory requirement.
The commission reopened the meeting earlier in the session to correct a clerical error in the notice to one applicant, and commissioners confirmed all participants remained present for the reconsideration.
Turner was advised by staff to follow up with planning staff this week to obtain the mylar and complete the signature process so the final plat can be recorded if no appeal is filed.
