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Bossier Parish committee weighs PUD moratorium options as UDC update proceeds
Summary
Committee heard a presentation on options for an expiring Planned Unit Development (PUD) moratorium — extend it, narrow its boundaries, or let it expire — and debated density, emergency access and a pending mobile‑home PUD; a motion to lift the moratorium was made and then withdrawn, and discussion will resume June 17.
Carlotta Askew‑Brown, Executive Director of the Bossier City–Parish MPC and Benton MPC, told the Road/Subdivision Regulations Committee that the current Planned Unit Development (PUD) moratorium "exists in all marked areas on the map presented to the committee" and that the jury may either extend it, let it expire and adopt targeted provisions, or wait to adopt new regulations after the Unified Development Code (UDC) update is complete.
Committee members debated the options at length. Philip Rodgers, a committee member, confirmed the moratorium includes the Benton MPC and said Benton is not participating in the current UDC study. Askew‑Brown identified one pending PUD application east of Louisiana Downs and later said the applicant is developer Kurt Nixon seeking a zoning change for a mobile‑home subdivision.
Members divided over policy and timing. Glenn Benton and John Ed Jorden argued for lifting the moratorium to allow development where utilities exist; others, including Tom Salzer and Askew‑Brown, recommended extending or narrowing the moratorium so the UDC study can address density and design standards. Parish Attorney Patrick Jackson cautioned that, while PUDs can bring amenities, in practice developers sometimes seek waivers that result in narrower streets and reduced setbacks that hinder emergency access.
A motion by Mr. Jorden to lift the moratorium was made but later withdrawn after discussion and clarification. Chair Keith Sutton and Parish Administrator Dr. Ken Ward recommended continuing deliberations; Dr. Ward suggested tabling the matter to the next committee meeting on June 17, 2026. The moratorium is scheduled to expire on July 2, 2026, giving the committee additional time to reach a recommendation to the full police jury.
Why it matters: the choice affects future development patterns — density, street widths, parking and the balance between affordable housing options and long‑term maintenance and safety concerns. The UDC study, funded in partnership with the City of Bossier and the Bossier City–Parish MPC, is expected to review density and PUD rules over the next 24 months, and some members urged the committee to ensure the UDC work addresses the problems that prompted the moratorium.
