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Owner wins two variances for downtown infill but council refuses drainage waiver
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Summary
The Broussard City Council approved two variances for a proposed two‑lot subdivision at 211 Lee Street but denied the applicant’s request to waive a drainage analysis, requiring a grading plan and engineer’s letter before subdivision approval can proceed.
Mark Saint Marie, the property owner and applicant for 211 Lee Street, told the Broussard City Council on April 14 that he seeks three variances to subdivide and build single-family homes on two lots in the Old Town overlay district. He said he bought the property about 21 years ago and wants to encourage single‑family infill rather than townhomes.
Council members approved two variances: (1) a reduction of the required 60‑foot right‑of‑way to retain the existing 40‑foot historic right‑of‑way on Jefferson Street, and (2) a waiver of the new 15‑foot enhanced sidewalk/utility easement in favor of the city’s standard 10‑foot easement on the corner lots. Architect Trevor Ricote of Passion Home Designs said the proposed 2,500‑square‑foot house footprints and existing utilities make the 10‑foot easement adequate.
The council unanimously denied the applicant’s third request — a waiver of any drainage analysis. Planning staff and council members pressed for professional confirmation that the proposed lots will not increase runoff onto neighboring properties. Planning staff (Walter) said on the record, “Our ordinances do require drainage studies. Everybody does them. We have never ever since I’ve been around in Broussard granted a waiver on a drainage study.” Councilmember discussion emphasized a site grading plan and a licensed engineer’s letter showing ground elevations and the direction of flow, not necessarily full subdivision calculations.
The applicant had cited cost estimates for drainage work ranging from roughly $6,000 to $10,000 per lot and argued that the lots are elevated relative to the road and have not flooded in recent storms. Council members responded that a targeted grading plan and an engineer’s letter would be sufficient to demonstrate runoff control and protect neighboring properties; the motion to waive the drainage analysis failed and the applicant said he would obtain the required study.
Next steps: the applicant said he will arrange for the drainage analysis/grading plan requested by staff; other approved variances will be reflected in the permit process if the applicant meets the engineering requirements.
