Planning Commission recommends approval for AmSpec testing lab at 5525 Highway 18

The St. James Parish Planning Commission on Feb. 23 recommended approval of AmSpec Group’s request to construct a 35-foot by 62-foot modular testing laboratory at 5525 Highway 18 in St. James. The property is in an area designated Residential Growth in the parish land use plan, so the recommendation proceeds to the Parish Council under Section 82-25(e) of the St. James Parish Code of Ordinances.

Under the resolution approved by unanimous roll call, the commission limited approval to the specific 35' x 62' modular building as presented, and attached conditions including a requirement that construction or operation commence within 24 months after the last public regulatory approval or the end of any appeals. The resolution defined “construction” to include permanent on-site fabrication, erection, installation, utility hookups and foundation work. The commission also found that, given existing onsite industrial uses, a buffer zone was not required under the cited ordinance sections.

Commissioners voted by roll call with all present voting yes and two members recorded absent. The recommendation will move to the Parish Council for final action under the land use ordinance. The Planning Commission’s resolution cites prior land-use approvals for the property (Items 18-25 and 19-33) as part of its finding that the proposed use is a continuation of existing uses on the site.