Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Subdivision Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council grants variance so homeowner can subdivide despite lack of fire hydrants
Summary
The council approved a variance allowing a Manchester Manor property division despite the neighborhood’s 4-inch water line and lack of hydrants, citing a hardship; planning staff said the subdivision predates codes and the water district will not permit hydrants on the line size.
The Lafush Parish Council on May 26 granted a subdivision variance to a homeowner in Manchester Manor after hearing testimony about infrastructure constraints that make a required fire hydrant impractical.
Jennifer Bja (self-identified) told the council she owns property on Manchester Manor Road and wants to subdivide an acre to allow a family member to place a mobile home. She told the council, “I live on a threemile road with zero fire hydrants,” and said the neighborhood has a 4-inch water main that cannot support a hydrant.
David Poison of the parish planning department said the subdivision was developed in the mid-1970s before current planning rules were in effect and that the 4-inch water line prevents the water district from allowing a hydrant to be installed. He described the situation as a “classic hardship” that planning staff cannot recommend for approval but left the ultimate decision to the council.
Council discussion focused on fairness and precedent: some members argued it would be inequitable to require an individual homeowner to pay for infrastructure upgrades that neighbors had not been required to install; others emphasized the need for consistent rules. Councilman Melvin noted the risk that a private drafting site (a pond) relied upon by the volunteer fire department might change ownership and become unavailable in the future.
The council approved the variance. The recorded outcome: six yays, one nay, one abstention, one absence.
What this means: The decision allows the immediate subdivision to proceed despite the lack of a hydrant; it does not change the parish’s water-line standards or require the water district to permit hydrants on 4-inch mains.
Speakers (first reference): Jennifer Bja; David Poison, Planning Department; Councilman Melvin.
