Livingston Parish Council denies rezoning request for JC Stewart Road after residents raise flooding, sewage concerns
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Summary
After public comments describing raw sewage, altered drainage and increased flooding, the Livingston Parish Council voted to deny a rezoning request for a 1.72-acre parcel on JC Stewart Road, accepting Planning & Zoning's recommendation. Councilman Erde, representing the district, urged denial.
The Livingston Parish Council on Dec. 4, 2025 voted to deny a request to rezone about 1.72 acres at 27710 JC Stewart Road from R-1 to R-1.5, siding with the Planning & Zoning Commission's recommendation.
Residents who live along JC Stewart Road told the council the developer's grading and added units have worsened flooding and produced raw sewage in nearby ditches. Carol Seminole of 32159 Pea Ridge Road called the request "spot zoning" and asked the council to preserve the area's rural character. Earl Deville of 27590 JC Stewart Road said, "The last several weeks... is raw sewage," and described ditches filling to the top after the recent development. Julie Stafford, who lives at 27690 JC Stewart Road, said fill on the neighboring property has left her yard flooded and prevents normal maintenance.
The Planning & Zoning Commission had recommended denial by a 6-0 vote. After hearing public comment, a council member moved to accept that recommendation; the motion received a second and passed with six members voting to deny and three absent. Councilman Erde, whose district includes the site, said he had visited the area and cited the existing density and reported water problems as reasons to uphold the denial.
The council record shows differing descriptions of the tract size in public remarks (speakers referenced roughly 1.7, 1.72 and larger subdivided acreages), and residents repeatedly tied the recent site work to increased drainage and sewage problems. The transcript does not include a developer response or technical drainage study in the hearing record.
Because the council accepted Planning & Zoning's denial, the zoning designation for the parcel remains R-1. The council did not set a next procedural step for the property during the meeting.