Livingston Parish committee reopens minor-subdivision rules after drainage and floodplain concerns

The Livingston Parish Ordinance Committee on Sept. 3 reopened public comment on a proposed amendment to Section 125-37 governing minor subdivisions of property, focusing on repeated “minor resub” filings, drainage impacts and floodplain requirements. The item was placed back before the committee at the request of Councilman Wascom.

Committee members and public speakers said the proposed changes aim to close a perceived loophole that allows successive submittals of small resubdivisions, while others warned the draft could unintentionally burden small landowners who simply want to divide family property. "There was a loophole that's being used," said Councilman Ryan Shavers. "Developers and individuals are buying property and applying for a minor resub at 9 lots, and then they wait 2 years ... and they apply another 9. And that's what's happening."

Why it matters: Planning and drainage officials said the number of minor resubmissions has created review pressure and local flooding risks. Planner Scooter Keane and others told the committee that the planning office had received dozens of applications tied to the current rule. Engineering representatives and the gravity drainage district said the draft ordinance should include clearer triggers for drainage review and documentation so the parish can preserve Community Rating System (CRS) benefits and identify unnamed laterals that could…