Planning board denies variance for second dwelling at Moss Bluff property

On July 22, 2025, the Calcasieu Parish Planning and Zoning Board denied a variance request to allow a second dwelling on a lot at 626 Ethel Drive in Moss Bluff. The board voted against the motion to grant the variance after staff recommended denial because the proposed development was “not consistent with the character of the area.” The motion to approve was made by Latricia Cobb and seconded by Janelle Hyatt; the roll call showed nine members voting no and the motion failed. Board staff told the board the request was for placement of a second dwelling to provide housing accommodations for a family member, and listed conditions that would apply if the board granted the variance, including sewer approval from the Louisiana Health and Sanitation Department and that any new building meet the 2021 International Residential Code. Planning staff recommended denial because the proposed development was not consistent with the character of the neighborhood. Applicant representative Tawny Thomas, speaking on behalf of her husband and the applicant My Dream Investment LLC, said the tiny dwelling was intended so a niece could live closer to the applicant’s mother-in-law, who Thomas said is 73. Thomas said the structure would be “very tiny” and likely about 10 to 15 feet on one dimension, and that they had not yet purchased a unit in case the request was not approved. “We’re trying to get an extra tiny home put on the property for our niece,” Thomas said. Neighbor opposition came from Herbert Pete, who said he was “against the application,” and Fred Rideau, who told the board the area had been rezoned previously to single-family housing. “Some years ago, we had that area rezoned to houses only,” Rideau said, adding that existing mobile homes in the area were effectively grandfathered and that neighbors did not want a tiny home inserted into the single-family neighborhood. Board members questioned the applicant about hardship and unit details. Board member Kirk Smith asked whether a hardship had been shown, saying, “I was just looking to see if there was a hardship.” Planning and engineering staff noted permitting requirements such as sewer approval and applicable building-code standards. Because the board denied the variance, no conditions were attached and the applicant’s requested placement for a second dwelling will not proceed under this application. The item concluded with the formal vote; the planning staff record shows the motion failed and the board moved to the next agenda item.