Board approves variance for narrow lot at 108 China Wood Drive in Abita Springs

The St. Tammany Parish Board of Adjustments on June 3, 2025 approved a variance to reduce the required 40-foot front-yard setback at 108 China Wood Drive in Abita Springs to permit construction of a single-family residence.

The board voted to allow the front-yard setback to be reduced to 36.6 feet (transcript stated “36.6 inches,” which the applicant clarified was intended as feet) to accommodate a residence on a narrow, irregularly aligned lot in Ward 6. The board’s files included a letter from the homeowners association stating it had no objection to the variance.

James Meyer, a building contractor representing the property owners Dr. Nawaz and his wife Rabia, told the board the lot is narrower than many in the development and that the road alignment created inconsistent distances from property markers to the street — examples cited in testimony included measured distances of about 52 feet in some spots and about 23–30 feet in others. Meyer said the developer had previously approved the design and the applicants proceeded believing that step was sufficient.

Meyer said the lot’s dimensions and the developer’s original approvals are the reason the owners sought a variance. He also noted the subdivision’s long-term plan shows a proposed par-3 golf course in the rear open space but that the developer had indicated that feature would not be built at this time; the developer still intends to keep the open space.

The board heard no recorded objections from neighbors. A motion to approve the variance was moved and seconded and passed by voice vote; the chair announced, “Motion carries — all in favor.” The transcript records no roll-call vote or additional conditions attached to the approval.