Zoning Commission actions, Jan. 7 — approvals, postponement and officer elections

At its Jan. 7 meeting the Saint Tammany Parish Zoning Commission handled nine zoning cases, several routine procedural items and internal appointments. The commission approved the majority of rezoning requests presented, denied one large subdivision request and postponed a separate case indefinitely. It also elected officers for the coming year and appointed meeting officers.

Key votes and official actions

- Postponement (case 2024‑4020‑ZC): The commission granted an indefinite postponement for the petition regarding property on Chafunkta Drive. Motion to postpone indefinitely moved by Commissioner Roberts; second by Commissioner Arseneault. Outcome: postponed indefinitely (motion carried).

- Approved — Manufactured housing overlay (case 2024‑4075‑ZC): Request to add a manufactured housing overlay on a 0.50‑acre parcel at LA‑25 and Richardson Hill Road in Folsom (to allow one manufactured home as a guest house). Motion to approve moved by Commissioner Roberts; second by Commissioner Seager. Outcome: approved.

- Approved — Rezoning to MH (case 2024‑4055‑ZC): Request to rezone 1.408 acres from HC‑2 to MH (multifamily) on LA‑21 east of Bridal Road to allow multifamily development. Motion to approve moved by Commissioner Trucillo; second by Commissioner Arceneaux. Outcome: approved.

- Denied — Rezoning to S‑1/public facilities (case 2024‑4057‑ZC): See separate article for detailed coverage on the denial of the 163‑lot proposal on Pen Mill Road. Motion to deny moved by Commissioner Robert; second by Commissioner Martino. Outcome: denied.

- Approved — L2 + RO for dog breeding/kennel permit (case 2024‑4062‑ZC): Applicant sought rural overlay to allow an on‑site dog breeding business; neighbors spoke in support. Motion to approve moved by Commissioner Robert; second by Commissioner Seager. Outcome: approved.

- Approved — MC‑2 to HC‑2 (case 2024‑4065‑ZC): Rezoning of 5.17 acres on LA‑59 in Mandeville for an office/warehouse for an HVAC company; discussion included whether HC‑1 or HC‑2 was appropriate. Motion to approve moved by Commissioner Seager; second by Commissioner Robert. Outcome: approved.

- Approved — L1 + RO for agricultural workshop (case 2024‑4067‑ZC): Request to allow larger shop on a 16.75‑acre parcel; applicant said the shop would store tractors and vehicles. Motion to approve moved by Commissioner Trucillo; second by Commissioner Arsenault. Outcome: approved.

- Approved — NC‑1 to S‑2 (case 2024‑4069‑ZC): Rezoning of a 1‑acre undeveloped parcel in Slidell to allow up to five residential lots under S‑2. Motion to approve moved by Commissioner Arsenault; second by Mister Gordy. Outcome: approved.

- Approved — L1 + RO for agricultural building (case 2024‑4070‑ZC): Two‑acre parcel on Taylor Road rezoned to add rural overlay to allow a 40×60 agricultural shop prior to main residence construction. Motion to approve moved by Commissioner Seager; second by Commissioner Trucillo. Outcome: approved.

- Approved — ML to HC‑2 for mini‑warehouse/self‑storage (case 2024‑4071‑ZC): Applicant plans an RV/self‑storage facility on a 1.26‑acre site on Pontchartrain Drive; neighbors expressed support. Motion to approve moved by Commissioner Arceneaux; second by Commissioner Robert. Outcome: approved.

Officer elections and appointments

- John Gaines elected chairman (single nomination; declared elected).
- Garrin Narcisse elected vice chair (single nomination; declared elected).
- Harold Barrios appointed alternate for the meeting to achieve a larger commission quorum.
- Mr. Trucillo (Trancoso/Trucillo) appointed parliamentarian.
- Renee Arseneault confirmed as secretary (UDC designates the Planning & Development director as secretary; Arseneault accepted a meeting‑level secretarial role).

Procedural notes

Announcements at the start of the meeting referenced the Unified Development Code rules of decorum (UDC §200‑2(H)(9)(F)). Several applicants noted that future approvals would be contingent on DOTD traffic requirements, drainage studies and utility will‑serve letters. The commission repeatedly reminded applicants that zoning approval does not constitute subdivision or site‑plan approval; required studies and approvals remain prerequisites for building permits and development.