Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee debates sidewalk requirements after developer seeks waiver in Haughton-area mobile-home subdivision
Summary
Committee members heard a developer request for a sidewalks waiver in a mobile-home subdivision within the Haughton MPC. Staff said current UDC and the Bossier Parish Code of Ordinances require sidewalks except where waiver criteria (200' lot width) are met; staff will pursue options and the MPC will hear the matter in early May 2026.
Co-Chair Lynn Beaty brought a developer's request to the committee for a waiver of the parish sidewalk requirement in a rural District 1 mobile-home subdivision, saying building permits are being held and residents "do not wish to install sidewalks on their lots." He told the committee sidewalks in that development were estimated to cost "approximately $5,000.00 per lot."
Mr. Eric Hudson, Parish Engineer, said the property lies within the Haughton Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) jurisdiction and that the Unified Development Code treats mobile-home subdivisions the same as other subdividing uses. He explained current parish rules require 200' lot widths to qualify for a sidewalks waiver and emphasized that "the developer has filed the appropriate documents with the Haughton MPC to amend the master plan" but that even an MPC approval would not bypass the Code of Ordinances.
Committee members discussed precedent from a recent Crown Pointe variance, lot-size and connectivity criteria, and safety concerns raised by Ms. Julianna Parks, who noted areas once rural have urbanized and lack of sidewalks "have now become dangerous due to no sidewalks and children playing in and near the roadways." Mr. Matt Redmon, Assistant Parish Engineer, reiterated that staff cannot grant variances and that the governing body must approve any waiver.
The committee was advised the Haughton MPC will consider the case in early May 2026; regardless of the MPC recommendation the matter will then be considered by the Bossier Parish Police Jury. No ordinance change was adopted at the committee meeting; members suggested that any broader rule change would require an ordinance.
