Planning commission approves rezoning to allow University Parkway fire station

The Natchitoches Planning & Zoning Commission voted to approve a city application to rezone a 1.560-acre parcel at 3600 University Parkway from R2 (multifamily residence) to R1 (single-family residence) to allow construction of a new fire station.

Planning staff told the commission that a fire station is a use by right in R1 zoning but not in R2, which is why the city submitted the downzoning request. The planning director said, “a fire station, a use by right, is for R1,” explaining the change would make the intended municipal use permissible without a special exception.

A speaker who said they had handled the title work for neighboring property told the commission the parcel was donated to the city about 25 years ago for a fire station and described the triangular lot as having limited alternative uses. Commissioners noted that nearby residents had been notified under the 300-foot process and that an apartment complex had asked whether the rezoning would affect their property; staff said it would not and added that proximity to a fire station could reduce insurance premiums for some properties depending on insurers.

Commissioner Anita Dubois moved to approve the rezoning; Commissioner Isaac Lewis seconded the motion. The commission approved the application. Staff said the rezoning becomes final after the customary statutory waiting period and will move forward to the city council for its scheduled consideration.

The commission’s approval authorizes the zoning change only; construction of a fire station will still require standard permitting and any council-level approvals noted by staff.