Zachary council presses planning staff on zoning density, commercial uses and U‑turn data; city attorney clarifies cemetery statute

Council members discussed proposed changes in the Unified Development Code and concerns about how different residential zoning categories (RE vs. RR) affect density and lot size. Councilwoman Brandy Westmoreland urged the city to consider stricter restrictions, including larger lot sizes, while Councilman James Graves raised questions about what zoning would allow multifamily housing.

The council also addressed commercial zoning — specifically permitted uses in the CG district — with Councilman Graves seeking clarity about what can be developed in that classification as the UDC update proceeds. Planning & Zoning Director Bryant Dixon was asked to provide additional detail; the minutes do not include Dixon’s full response.

On another item, Councilman John LeBlanc read a constituent email and asked Planning and Zoning Assistant Calesia Anderson to collect data on where U‑turns are currently allowed along Hwy. 64 and to report back by Sept. 10, 2024.

City Attorney John Hopewell briefed the council on legal limits for municipal action on abandoned cemeteries, citing Act 450 and LSA‑R.S. 25:933. He explained that the statute permits municipal abatement of an abandoned cemetery only when the majority of the governing authority finds the site presents a public health or safety risk; he said the statute does not address aesthetic concerns.

The minutes record the questions and the requests for further data and clarification; no formal zoning changes or code amendments were adopted at the meeting.