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Commission approves rural-overlay for 24-acre farm parcel; petitioner says barn will be about 2,800 sq ft
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Commission approved adding a rural overlay to a 24-acre L1 parcel to permit larger agricultural accessory structures. Petitioner said the additional buildings are for open-air storage and tractor implements; neighbors asked about potential building coverage limits.
The St. Tammany Parish Planning and Zoning Commission voted to add the rural overlay to a 24-acre parcel zoned L1, allowing agricultural support structures larger than the ordinary accessory limit.
Staff explained that adding the rural overlay to an existing L1 (large-lot residential) classification enables agricultural uses consistent with the overlay’s purpose: to encourage maintenance of rural character, permit active or passive agriculture, and allow accessory agricultural structures in support of small-scale farming. Petitioners Kevin and Irene Caluet (Kevin spoke at the hearing) said the request is to permit large side barns and open-air storage for tractors and implements used on the 24-acre home farm.
During public comment, a resident asked whether the overlay could enable up to 60% of the property to be covered by buildings; staff responded by reading the overlay’s permitted uses and emphasized that structures or land must be devoted to uses permitted in the overlay and that permitting and planning staff will review any specific building proposals through the parish permit process. At the hearing Kevin Caluet said the planned barn is approximately "2,800 square feet." Commissioner Robert moved to approve; Commissioner Trucillo seconded and the motion carried.
The approval adds the rural overlay’s regulatory standards to the parcel; any future buildings or expansions will require review under permitting and planning procedures.
