Zoning commission unanimously approves outdoor dining and multiple variances, requests follow-ups

The Mandeville Zoning Commission and associated Planning Commission work session on May 12 approved a special-use permit for outdoor dining at 3317 Highway 190 and granted several variances affecting tree protections, setbacks and residential lot configurations.

At the start of the Zoning public hearing, Planner Alex Weiner presented SUP26-04-01 for Diamond Properties, LLC. Commissioners clarified that the planned pergola would not block the neighboring Jersey Mike's; applicant Michael Powers described construction expectations. Commissioner Karen Gautreaux moved to approve the special-use request; Commissioner Scott Quillin seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The commission then considered a tree-removal and setback variance for Christian and Kristen Bartholomew (V26-04-08). Commissioners discussed the number and species of trees to be removed and requirements for replacement plantings. After debate about preserving one ten-inch magnolia, Commissioner Nicholas Cressy moved to approve the variance with an amendment to retain that magnolia and to allow the requested setback; Commissioner Quillin seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

A separate variance affecting key native tree species for property in Old Town of Mandeville (V26-04-09, for Brandon and Diana Matherne) was presented and discussed; Rebecca Rohrbough provided public comment. Commissioner Karen Gautreaux moved to approve and Commissioner Claire Durio seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

During the Planning Commission work session and later Zoning work session, commissioners reviewed several subdivision variances (including R26-05-01/V26-05-11 for Nesbit Clesi, LLC and R26-05-02/V26-05-13 for Matthew Frank Costa). For the Nesbit Clesi case, applicant Wallace Nesbit said an existing house prevents moving a lot line to achieve a compliant width; commissioners requested additional maps and materials where needed. For the Costa matters, staff noted five written public comments in opposition and commissioners requested an updated map showing current lot lines.

Other variances discussed included a drainage-overlay and fill variance for the Alquist property (V26-05-14), where staff confirmed the request did not require a setback variance and the pool was moved to the rear yard, and a supplemental fence and wall variance for Shannon Anderson (V26-05-15), where commissioners asked for additional photos and street-view measurements before the next meeting.

Planning Director Cara Bartholomew announced a June 9 open house on CLURO revision with Desire Line and a June 11 presentation to the City Council. The meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m.

Votes and motions: multiple motions were made and recorded as "passed unanimously" in the transcript; the record does not list roll-call vote-by-name tallies in the body of the transcript supplied.