Livingston Parish zoning commission approves four rezoning requests; residents raise spot‑zoning, family‑care concerns

The Livingston Parish Zoning Commission on Dec. 2 approved four rezoning requests and discussed legacy zoning errors and procedural steps for address waivers and council review.

The commission opened public hearings on multiple parcels and voted to approve rezoning requests for: case 25-58 (Lockhart Road, parcel 0569889), case 25-59 (Bill McLenn Road, parcel 0243691), case 25-62 (Walker South Road, parcel 0284216) and case 25-61 (Oliver Wheat Road, parcel 0246561). Commissioners moved and seconded each item during the meeting and recorded unanimous yes votes on the four rezoning motions that advanced the applications; an earlier motion to adopt the Nov. 3 minutes recorded one abstention (Commissioner Engler).

On Bill McLenn Road (case 25-59), Randy Jones told the commission he wants to rezone so he can place a double‑wide on his parents’ property to live near and care for them. Jones said his mother has congestive heart failure and 'She's on oxygen 24 7.' Department staff advised that even if rezoning is approved the property will need a separate council action for a third address or a waiver.

Commissioners repeatedly addressed whether applicants were describing single‑family lots or multifamily development. During the Lockhart Road hearing (case 25-58) staff and commissioners clarified that the applicant’s remarks about multiple families meant multiple single‑family lots rather than multifamily apartments and suggested the applicant refile with the corrected description.

Willie Sparkman, speaking for a Walker South Road parcel (case 25-62), said he did not understand why his property 'is different from every anybody else's' nearby, noting surrounding commercial uses. Department staff said neighboring properties have been rezoned over time and cited a planned roundabout near Buddy Ellis that may change parcel boundaries and future uses. Commissioners characterized the area as a legacy zoning issue and concluded the requested change fits the corridor’s anticipated commercial direction.

On Oliver Wheat Road (case 25-61), Thomas Johnson of Alvin Fairburn and Associates said his client seeks to rezone a 6.87‑acre tract to R1 and split it into three lots to allow family members to build houses. Department staff said the tract likely should not have been zoned C1, calling it largely wooded and more appropriate for residential use.

Votes at a glance: case 25-58 (Lockhart Road) — approved; case 25-59 (Bill McLenn Road) — approved (staff noted separate council action needed for a third address); case 25-62 (Walker South Road) — approved (department flagged roundabout/right‑of‑way impacts); case 25-61 (Oliver Wheat Road) — approved (6.87 acres to be split into three lots). Specific vote tallies were recorded orally for each motion during the meeting and were generally unanimous among the commissioners present for each item; the minutes-adoption vote recorded one abstention by Commissioner Engler.

The commission noted several items reflect cleanup of legacy zoning errors rather than new development policy. Where required, rezoning approvals will move forward to the parish council or require additional administrative waivers for addressing. The zoning meeting was adjourned and the planning commission meeting for Dec. 2 was immediately called to order.