Council approves rezoning for Kaiser Avenue duplexes after resident raises drainage concerns

The Natchitoches City Council on July 13 adopted Ordinance No. 21 (2026) to change the zoning of a 3.5-acre lot on the north side of Kaiser Avenue to allow duplexes.

Resident Wayne Hall told the council he had tried "unsuccessfully to get [a drainage ditch] cleaned out" and warned the ditch that serves the neighborhood is overgrown and fills during heavy rain. Hall asked whether the development could be used as an opportunity to clear the channel.

Planning staff and the city engineer said developers must submit plans, drainage calculations and a drainage study before any ground‑breaking. "The developer will submit plans to myself and to Nick to review," a planning staff member noted, adding that plans must meet the city's zero‑impact post‑development runoff standard. City Engineer Nick Barret said he believed the ditch was under the responsibility of the Natchez Levee and Drainage District and suggested the council or staff coordinate with that district on clearing and right‑of‑way issues.

Council members discussed local assurances in the city code that post‑development peak runoff must not exceed predevelopment levels. With those checks in place, the council voted to adopt the ordinance on roll call.

The vote recorded all members in favor; the ordinance passed and will proceed to implementation steps that require submission and technical review of construction and drainage plans by city staff and the engineer before permits are issued.