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Hammond council introduces 365‑day moratorium on group homes after neighborhood concerns
Summary
The Hammond City Council introduced a one‑year moratorium on new group homes, assisted‑living and related facility applications to allow time for zoning and siting rules to be reviewed. Councilmembers and residents debated scope, legal exposure and variance options; staff said variances remain available.
Hammond, La. — The Hammond City Council on Nov. 18 introduced an ordinance placing a temporary 365‑day moratorium on accepting and processing applications for group homes, group care and several related facility types while officials study zoning and siting rules.
Councilman Wells, who placed the item on the agenda, told the council he had repeatedly observed new group homes appear in residential neighborhoods and said he wanted a pause to “protect a group home from appearing by your house.” He cited police and emergency responses tied to several locations in his district as a rationale for slowing new permits.
Supporters at the microphone said a moratorium would buy time for the city to develop clear standards and give neighbors a voice. Resident Deborah Swenson said many operators are from other parishes or states and asked the city to hold town‑hall sessions and include neighborhood input. Salvador Nicolosi pointed to an adult day‑care he found on Hammond’s Main Street and urged the council to investigate whether state permitting and local practice align.
Planning staff clarified the moratorium as an introductory measure that would pause new applications but still allow applicants to seek a variance. A staff member said, “the proposed ordinance allows for a variance,” and that applicants would have to apply for and receive an exception to proceed.
Opponents raised questions about the breadth of the list of facility types included in the moratorium — which mentions day‑care centers, assisted living and homeless shelters in addition to group homes — and warned of potential legal challenges by legitimate providers. One resident cautioned that providers required state licensing could have grounds to sue if the city effectively excluded them; staff pointed out the variance route and said the pause is intended to facilitate a measured discussion, not a ban.
After public comment from several residents, the council voted to introduce the ordinance and scheduled further hearings and work sessions as the administration and planning staff prepare recommended revisions and outreach plans.
Next steps: public hearings and detailed recommendations are expected before any final ordinance is adopted; the introduction sets a Dec. 9 public hearing date for related UDC amendments but moratorium work will proceed through staff and council review.
