Residents of Live Oak Acres press council after introduction of ordinance to bar mobile homes in subdivision

The Livingston Parish Council introduced an ordinance Thursday to amend local code and remove Live Oak Acres subdivision from a waiver that has allowed mobile homes in some subdivisions. The measure was introduced for later public hearing and final action.

Residents from Live Oak Acres addressed the council during public comment, saying the subdivision dates to 1953 and that an amendment to their covenants in 2003 was executed without adequately notifying all property owners. Lynn Ray, a resident who read a written statement, said the subdivision attempted to add a new covenant amendment earlier this year to prohibit new mobile homes and to grandfather existing units, but said a "blanket waiver" in parish records has complicated the neighborhood's efforts.

Planning and zoning staff and council members discussed the legal and procedural path. Council members noted that zoning and subdivision actions can leave some lots classified as nonconforming if they are subdivided prior to rezoning; staff said R-1 zoning generally does not permit mobile homes but the waiver list created an exception for Live Oak Acres. Councilwoman Sandifer said residents had come to the council and sought clarification on how to remove the subdivision from the waiver list.

Why it matters: Residents said investor purchases and the threat of rental mobile homes would change the character of the long-established neighborhood; the council's introduction of the ordinance begins a process that will include public hearing and a subsequent final vote. The issue touches on how local zoning, subdivision rules and private covenants interact.

Key details: Residents told the council they had documented potentially invalid signatures in a 2003 covenant amendment and that the parish had on record a blanket waiver that permitted mobile homes. Planning staff said the council had tabled a related item in March; councilmembers urged staff to coordinate with residents and review the waiver status before final action.

Next steps: The ordinance was introduced by title and scheduled for future public hearing and final adoption. Residents asked the council to consider their covenants and the waiver status as staff prepares the ordinance for final action.

Ending: The council took no final action Thursday; the ordinance introduction begins a sequence of hearings and staff review to determine whether Live Oak Acres will be removed from the waiver that currently permits mobile homes in the subdivision.