Zoning commission approves rezoning of two Tisbet Street lots for future affordable housing

The Zoning and Land Use Commission voted to rezone two adjacent lots at 1128 and 1130½ Tisbet Street from R‑1 (single‑family residential) to R‑3 (multifamily residential), approving a staff recommendation that the change respond to post‑Hurricane Ida housing needs.

Planning staff told commissioners the application fits the zoning ordinance’s condition for a “change in conditions,” noting the properties were damaged by the hurricane and that the neighborhood already contains a mix of commercial and residential uses. Staff also said public‑notice requirements were met and that the applicant proposes to develop the lots with affordable housing. “Recommend approval,” said planning staff during the presentation.

Beth Arceneaux, speaking for the applicant, described the lots as vacant and hurricane‑damaged and urged the commission to allow multiunit dwellings that could expand affordable housing options nearby. She told the commission the project is intended to provide housing options within walking distance of existing amenities.

Commissioner Dan Rogers moved to adopt staff’s recommendation; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote. Commissioners noted that, if rezoning is approved, only one mobile home would be allowed on each lot under the new classification and that the development schedule would be set if and when final zoning approval and subsequent permitting occur.

The commission’s approval clears the zoning step recorded in these minutes; any future site planning, permits or construction will follow existing permitting and public‑notice processes.