Tangipahoa Parish imposes 120-day moratorium on small box discount stores and adds definition to planning code

The Tangipahoa Parish Council on Jan. 13 adopted an amendment to the parish planning code that defines “small box discount store” and simultaneously approved a 120-calendar-day moratorium on consideration or approval of such stores.

Ordinance No. 2458 amends Chapter 36, Article 1, Section 369 (definitions) to add language for “small box discount store.” The ordinance was recommended by the Development Review Committee and adopted by roll call, 10–0.

The council also passed a moratorium ordinance, effective immediately upon signature by the parish president, that bars consideration or approval of applications for small box discount stores for 120 calendar days. Council members said the pause is intended to allow pending studies to conclude and for staff to draft standards and regulations before additional permits are considered.

Chairman David Beal stated the moratorium is designed "to allow time to put some standards in place for small box stores" while studies continue. The ordinance record notes the moratorium takes effect on the date of the parish president's signature and lasts 120 calendar days.

The council adopted both measures unanimously, 10–0. The Development Review Committee recommended the definition and the moratorium, and council members said the item had been discussed at the prior meeting.

Next steps specified at the meeting include completing the pending studies, preparing proposed standards for the council's review, and returning before the council when the studies and draft ordinances are complete. During the meeting the council linked the moratorium and the code amendment as complementary steps to manage near-term permitting while policy work proceeds.