DeSoto Parish adopts six‑month moratorium limiting developers from selling lots before improvements are finished

The DeSoto Parish Police Jury voted to reimplement a six‑month moratorium on certain subdivision sales, removing an option that previously allowed developers to sell lots with a plat note saying clear title would be withheld until improvements were completed.

The Planning Commission’s recommendation — approved by the jury as Item 14 — requires developers to either finish required construction and installations before selling lots or post an approved bond to cover the work. The motion was explained in committee and by staff, who said the change restores stricter enforcement of part 3, section 3d of the DeSoto Parish subdivision regulations.

A Planning Commission representative explained the prior wording allowed a developer to place a note on the plat and continue selling lots before construction was finished; the moratorium removes that option to reduce incomplete improvements being passed to lot buyers. A juror identified in the transcript as Michael provided a brief explanation of the wording and staff said the change is effectively a return to a prior moratorium.

Why it matters: The moratorium is intended to protect lot buyers and ensure developers complete infrastructure work before title is cleared. The policy also gives the parish leverage to require construction or financial guarantees for public improvements before lots are marketed.

Next steps: The moratorium is effective for six months from adoption; staff will coordinate implementation details with the Planning Department and return to the jury if further ordinance drafting is needed.