Commission approves minor rezoning for 1.72-acre Nelson Road parcel to allow family subdivision

The St. Tammany Parish Planning and Zoning Commission approved a rezoning request to allow a minor subdivision of a 1.72-acre property on Nelson Road in Covington’s Ward 2.

Staff told the commission the parcel is currently developed with a single-family home and that rezoning to L2 (large-lot residential) with the manufactured housing and rural overlays would permit a minor subdivision and a new vacant parcel to be created and built upon. Petitioner Paul (identified in the hearing as the son of owner Nancy Ann Wagaspack) said the family plans to subdivide so he can build next to his mother.

A nearby property owner, James Landry Jr., testified in opposition, saying the parcel is surrounded by R1 zoning and warning that rezoning to L2 would be “one spot of L2 in the middle of a sea of R1,” calling that outcome spot zoning. Commissioner Robert responded that the existing lot size (1.72 acres) cannot be split into two one-acre parcels under the current designation and that the requested rezoning is a minimal, necessary change to permit the minor resubdivision. Robert said the change would not extend infrastructure or encourage urban development patterns because it affects only the single developed parcel.

Commissioner Robert moved to approve; Commissioner Martino seconded. The chair called the vote and the motion to approve carried.

The approval allows the petitioner to pursue a minor subdivision and building permits under the new zoning and overlays. The record does not include a roll-call vote tally in the transcript.

The matter will proceed as approved unless appealed or altered by subsequent council action.