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Committee discusses requiring new R‑2 subdivisions to be part of planned residential developments
Summary
Committee members considered a proposal to require new R‑2 medium‑density subdivisions above a 10‑lot threshold to be part of a planned residential development (PRD) that mixes housing types to reduce stigma and share infrastructure costs. Members asked staff for more detail and exemplars before advancing.
The Livingston Parish Ordinance Committee discussed a draft proposal on July 15 that would permit new R‑2 (medium‑density single‑family) subdivisions only when they are part of a planned residential development that includes a mix of housing types.
Councilman John Manges, who presented the draft, said the intent is to reduce the stigma attached to so‑called “starter subdivisions” and to improve infrastructure and amenities by combining lower‑priced homes with larger‑lot and higher‑priced housing within a single HOA and development. “Let's include them in those same subdivisions. Let's have the same green spaces. Let's have the same, HOAs,” Manges said.
The draft as discussed included thresholds and density language that still need clarification. Committee members noted a proposed maximum density figure was under consideration (a change from “4” to “3.75” was mentioned in the packet) and that developments exceeding 10 lots would be affected. Speakers urged that any ordinance specify size‑tiers, lot sizes, and a clear set of requirements so the rule cannot be gamed by minimal compliance (for example, by adding token larger lots to qualify).
Members asked for exemplars from other jurisdictions and more detailed drafting. One council member said the parish should define tiers (examples offered from Huntsville, Ala., and other nearby jurisdictions) so a development can include $3,000,000 homes and $250,000 homes in a single master‑planned community with appropriate internal standards.
Action: Committee agreed to leave the draft pending further detail. Staff and the sponsor were asked to bring a revised ordinance and examples of tiered planned residential developments to the next Ordinance Committee meeting.
