Calcasieu Parish planning board approves borrow-pit extensions, three rezonings and elects new chair

The Calcasieu Parish Planning and Zoning Board on Dec. 16 approved multiple land-use requests, confirmed recent Police Jury actions on floodplain rules and elected new officers for 2026.

Minutes and procedural overview: The board first approved the minutes from its Nov. 18, 2025 meeting after a motion by Miss Latricia Cobb and a second by Miss Janelle Hyatt; the vote was recorded as 'Aye' with no opposition. The chair reviewed speaking limits and noted rezoning decisions will go before the Police Jury for final action on Dec. 18, 2025.

Borrow-pit extensions: The board granted a 10-year extension for two previously authorized borrow pits. Planning staff said the West Family Irrevocable Trust’s Ellis Moss Road sites (39 acres total) had previous approvals in 2016 and a five-year extension in 2021 but no work to date; staff recommended approval with standard conditions including adherence to the site plan, compliance with identified sections of the Parish Code of Ordinances, a required letter of no objection from the electrical transmission-line provider, possible road-damage bond and runoff-management requirements. With no public opposition, Miss Latricia Cobb moved approval, Miss Janelle Hyatt seconded, and the board voted to grant the extension.

The board likewise approved a 10-year exception for East Preon Lake Properties LLC to excavate a 32.65-acre borrow pit on East Preon Lake Road. Staff noted the requirement for a letter of no objection from Consolidated Gravity Drainage District Number 2 (East Calcasieu) before permitting and recommended similar engineering and runoff conditions. The motion passed after no public opposition.

Rezoning approvals: The board approved three rezoning requests with conditions. - Donovan Properties LLC (RZ-1125-0010): Rezoning of 1860 West Lincoln Road from Agricultural (A-1) to Light Industrial (I-1) to permit a 5,000-square-foot contractor shop and storage yard (mechanical contracting use). Staff recommended conditions including inward-facing exterior lighting, screening under section 26-50 of the Parish Code of Ordinances, runoff-management measures, a prohibition on lounges and automatic reversion to original zoning if no permit is obtained within one year. The motion was moved by Mr. LaSalle Williams (identified in the transcript as “Coach”) and seconded by Miss Hyatt; the board approved the rezoning. - Lavoy Land Company LLC (5617 Common Street): Rezoning from general commercial (C-2) and multifamily residential to light industrial to allow phased construction of multiple 4,000-square-foot duplex-style buildings (office, warehouse, and storage yards). Staff recommended stormwater best-management practices, LDOTD approval where applicable, screening per section 26-50 and other conditions. Mr. Keith DeBrock moved approval and the motion passed. - Little Lake Charles RV Resort LLC (RZ-1125-0012): A quarter-acre rezoning at 4200 Luke Powers Road (part of the Jellystone Park Camp Resort property) to general commercial to permit a restaurant with on-site alcohol consumption. Staff advised that an occupational license and beer/liquor license must be obtained; the board approved the rezoning after a motion by Miss Latricia Cobb and second by Miss Hyatt.

Police Jury actions and ordinance amendments: The chair informed the board that the Police Jury, at its Nov. 20, 2025 meeting, approved items the board had recommended on Nov. 18, including an item involving North American Land Company LLC and adoption of amendments to Chapter 26 of the Parish Code of Ordinances to ensure compliance with NFIP and FEMA floodplain management requirements.

Election of officers: The board opened nominations for 2026 officers. Sharon Galicia was nominated for chair and, with no other nominations, was declared chair. A nomination for Deanne Whiney (the transcript records name variants including Whining and Whiting) for vice chair was made and, in the absence of other nominations, the board elected her vice chair. Several members offered brief remarks of thanks and seasonal well wishes.

Next meeting and adjournment: The board scheduled its next regularly scheduled meeting for Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. Mr. Keith DeBrock moved to adjourn; Miss Janelle Hyatt seconded and the meeting was adjourned.

Votes at a glance: Minutes (11/18/2025) — Approved (motion: Miss Latricia Cobb; second: Miss Janelle Hyatt). West Family Irrevocable Trust — 10-year extension for two borrow pits (39 acres) — Approved (motion: Miss Latricia Cobb; second: Miss Janelle Hyatt). East Preon Lake Properties LLC — 10-year exception for 32.65-acre borrow pit — Approved (motion: Miss Latricia Cobb; second: Miss Janelle Hyatt). Donovan Properties LLC (RZ-1125-0010) — Rezoned A-1 to I-1 for contractor shop — Approved (mover: Mr. LaSalle Williams; second: Miss Janelle Hyatt). Lavoy Land Company LLC (5617 Common St.) — Rezoned to light industrial — Approved (mover: Mr. Keith DeBrock; second: not specified in transcript). Little Lake Charles RV Resort LLC (RZ-1125-0012) — Rezoned to permit restaurant with on-site alcohol — Approved (mover: Miss Latricia Cobb; second: Miss Janelle Hyatt). Election of officers — Sharon Galicia elected chair; Deanne Whiney elected vice chair.

(Reporting note: where the transcript did not explicitly name a seconder or provide a roll-call tally, the article notes the motion and the recorded voice vote as reported in the transcript.)