Natchitoches planning commission approves multiple variances, tables Rhodes subdivision; Gamvest project wins parking variance

The Natchitoches Planning & Zoning Commission on [date not specified in transcript] approved a string of routine variances and subdivision requests and tabled one item for lack of applicant representation.

The commission approved a subdivision correcting a prior sale by Calvin Braxton on South Drive after the applicant’s representative, Mark Roberts, confirmed the change was intended to remedy a survey omission. The chair told the representative to pick up recorded documents after the standard 11‑day appeal period.

The commission granted a fence variance for Walter (Seth) Freeman at 111 Chinquapin Place to increase an existing 6‑foot fence to 8 feet. Planning staff noted the city ordinance sets a 7‑foot limit but that the commission has previously allowed taller fences in specific situations, such as to address line‑of‑sight issues. Freeman said the extra height would block a nearby window as intended; the commission approved the variance by voice vote.

Rita E. Moses received approval to replace an existing mobile home at 1115 Highland Park Drive. Planning staff said the replacement meets 2025 setback requirements and other standards for new manufactured housing; Moses told commissioners neighbors were supportive. The commission approved the replacement and reminded Moses that separate permits are required for fences or electrical work related to the site.

A request by Rhodes Properties & Development LLC to subdivide Lot 11 in the Chinquapin subdivision was TABLED after the applicant was not present. The director explained both resulting parcels would meet the city’s subdivision minimum (7,200 square feet) and front on a major road, and Commissioner Du Bois abstained because of a stated conflict of interest. The commission voted to table the application and warned applicants that failure to appear at a subsequent meeting could result in withdrawal.

The most substantive discussion centered on an application by Gamvest (represented by owner Jonathan Gamble) at 720 Keiser Avenue seeking a variance to reduce standard parking stall dimensions from 10x20 feet to 9x18 feet to add 44 new spaces. Director’s materials showed an existing 57 stalls; the applicant said the expansion would bring total stalls to 101 and help separate employee parking from clientele. "The reason that we're asking for it is because the building itself, we expect to have about 80 jobs," Gamble said. Commissioners raised traffic and curb‑cut concerns because the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) may require a directional island or restrictions (for example, a right‑turn only treatment) at the proposed curb cut. The commission approved the parking‑stall variance and advised the applicant to pursue DOTD approvals for the curb cut; staff said the city cannot override DOTD requirements.

Tamara and Tony Saba were granted a 6‑foot front and side privacy fence at 1517 Williams Avenue after staff confirmed the placement would not obstruct sight lines. The applicant said entrance lighting would be solar or separately wired; staff reiterated that electrical connections require separate permits.

Planning Director staff told commissioners she is drafting ordinance language related to tiny houses and associated appliances; a draft should be circulated to commissioners for comment within about a week. The meeting adjourned after routine closing motions.

All approvals are subject to the standard 11‑day appeal period; the chair reminded applicants to check with planning staff about recording and permit steps. No formal vote tallies with named dissenters were recorded in the transcript; actions were approved by voice and standard procedural motions at the meeting.