Commission denies rezoning from R-2 to R-1.5 on Arnold Road after neighbor concerns about density and flooding

At its Oct. 2 meeting the Livingston Parish Planning and Zoning Commission voted to deny case 25-43, a request to change zoning at 10924 Arnold Road (parcel 0270199) from R-2 to R-1.5.

Amanda Nelson, an adjacent property owner of 18 years, said she did not oppose mobile homes per se but asked the commission to limit how many mobile homes could be placed on the parcel because she was concerned about “people try[ing] to crowd 2, 3, 4 mobile homes” onto small lots. Planning staff and commissioners explained that the R-1.5 designation allows up to five dwelling units in some configurations but that whether the property could physically accommodate that many lots would be determined later in the planning process, when minor resubdivision and drainage issues are reviewed.

Commissioners and staff cited flood history and drainage constraints on the narrow, low-lying parcel; one commissioner said the site’s shape and the presence of a drainage canal could make a five-lot layout infeasible. Planning staff repeated that rezoning to R-1.5 would not guarantee unit placement and that applicants must later obtain planning approvals, complete a minor resubdivision and meet drainage and right-of-way requirements.

After discussion, a motion to deny the rezoning passed. Commissioners recorded votes in favor of denial. Miss Long noted that if the rezoning is denied the applicant cannot reapply for the same zoning change for one year.