Commission recommends residential rezoning at Lockhart Lane; staff flags mobile-home rules and lot-size limits

The Livingston Parish zoning commission on Aug. 7 recommended changing zoning for a parcel on Lockhart Lane (parcel 0279109 A) from R-2 to R-1. The applicant sought clarification after being denied permits to place a mobile home under R-2 rules; planning staff reviewed lot sizes and subdivision platting and suggested options including R-2, R-1, administrative nonconforming determinations or developer agreements. Donnell Miller, who lives adjacent to the property, said the applicant had purchased the lot to place a mobile home but was denied permits because R-2 does not allow mobile homes. Planning staff explained the subdivision’s recorded lot sizes are small (many under the typical R-1 minimum) and that the lots predate the current zoning; in those cases, the planning department can sometimes administratively allow nonconforming uses if the subdivision was established, utilities exist and covenants permit mobile homes. Commission discussion weighed whether granting R-2 would serve the owner or whether recommending R-1 or pursuing administrative nonconforming status would be more appropriate. Staff said R-2 “fits the density” in some respects, but mobile-home placement would require nonconforming consideration. Commissioners approved the rezoning recommendation by roll call with one abstention recorded; planning staff noted administrative nonconforming or a developer agreement could be used to preserve lot sizes and permit financing.