The Youngsville City Council refused multiple variance requests from the owner of a proposed RV and boat storage facility at 121 Iberia Street, including a motion to allow exterior roll‑up doors for storage units.

Joshua Phillips, the property owner, asked the council for several variances — including reduced rear setbacks, reduced front landscaping, and permission for exterior roll‑up doors — to develop an exterior-access storage and long-term vehicle storage lot. Council discussion focused on the city’s existing storage facility ordinance and whether exterior storage with roll‑up doors should be permitted in residential or mixed areas.

Councilmember Bolgiano moved to approve a variance that would have allowed exterior roll‑up doors; Mr. Nyland seconded. After public comment and council debate the roll call on that item showed mixed votes and the motion failed: the roll indicated “Perez? No; Bolgiano Yes; Romero No; Nyland Yes; Chopin No.” A later exchange made clear councilmembers were concerned about consistency with prior decisions and preserving ordinance standards.

Why it matters: the council has previously enforced stricter design and use standards for storage facilities. Several council members said they could not support major waivers to allow exterior storage and non-hard-surface surfacing in areas where the ordinance requires different treatment.

Applicant statement and next steps: Phillips and his design team said the facility would provide long‑term secure storage for residents who need space for RVs and boats and described planned landscaping and privacy fencing along the rear. Staff noted landscaping and detention plans would be submitted as part of full permitting if variances were granted. Councilmembers suggested the applicant could revise the proposal or consider alternate locations consistent with industrial zoning.

Outcome: The council did not approve the roll‑up door variance and, given that vote, staff and the applicant agreed to pause moving forward with the remaining variance requests immediately.

The meeting record shows the council returned the applicant to staff for further guidance rather than granting the suite of variances requested.