Commission approves PUD and variances for Gold Estates townhomes, citing insurance-driven lot division

The Terrebonne Planning Commission voted to approve a planned‑unit development (PUD) conversion and two variances for the Gold Estates townhome complex.

Alisa Shampine, representing the applicant, explained the request is to reclassify an existing multifamily parcel into a PUD so each townhome can become a separate legal lot. "The town homes were built in 2021 and met all requirements of the code at the time they were built," staff said, noting insurance and financing requirements have prompted the subdivision.

Staff identified two variances: a reduction from the parish minimum lot size (3600 square feet) to the sizes shown on the plat (about 2,100 sq ft per proposed lot), and a reduction in required separation between contiguous dwelling units from 15 feet to 10 feet. Administration recommended approval of both variances with conditions: depiction of an existing fire hydrant on the plat and a buffer fence along a specific common area boundary.

Commissioners questioned why the change was needed; staff and the applicant said the redivision is intended primarily to allow refinancing and insurance structuring while the owner likely will continue to manage the units. The planning commission voted to recommend approval of the variances and to forward the PUD with staff conditions.

The commission's recommendation included conditions requiring submission of utility‑service availability letters and depiction of the existing hydrant at Gold Drive and Highway 56. The item will follow the normal review route to council where final action will be taken.