Norco neighbors oppose rezoning request; planning board recommends denial

Staff summarized a rezoning request by Stein Management LLC to change Lots 1 and 2 (Good Hope Plantation, Clayton Drive, Norco) from R-1A to R-1AM and recommended denial because the request failed the parish’s three rezoning criteria, including conformity with the future land use map and compatibility with the established R-1A neighborhood.

Mark Brady, a nearby resident, told the board he "adamantly reject[ed] the proposed rezoning" and called it spot zoning that would "devalue property" and encourage rentals. Rose Bridal, who said she has lived in Norco her entire life, warned that permitting modular and mobile homes "would be a significant step backwards" for the neighborhood. Steven Weber, president of the Narco Civic Association, said nine of 10 board members objected to the rezoning and urged the board to preserve community standards.

Staff (Chris) explained the findings supporting denial: the area’s future land use designation is low-density residential, the R-1A district has been largely unchanged since a 1990 rezoning, and allowing R-1AM would introduce incompatible manufactured-home uses. The board recorded that the department received 11 letters in opposition and, after the public hearing, the motion to consider the rezoning failed; the board’s recommendation against the rezoning will be forwarded to the parish council, which has final authority.

The hearing underscores residents’ concern in Norco about preserving neighborhood character and resisting what they described as spot zoning.