CPPJ votes to update corridor standards

Published 6:00 pm Friday, August 25, 2017

Calcasieu Parish police jurors voted 12-2 on Thursday to update corridor standards for commercial development in Moss Bluff and surrounding areas, a move officials said will ease requirements and overall costs for businesses.

Several residents spoke against the development standards, with some asking for them to be completely repealed. The standards have been in place since Jan. 1, 2015.

The changes allow for parking lots and driveways to have “alternative hard surfacing,” instead of being restricted to concrete or asphalt. The side and rear of the facility could have “aggregate parking surface.” The area would have to be screened with fencing or landscape material.

Off-premises signs will be allowed only on U.S. 171 as long as they are 2,000 feet apart from each other. The updates also allow wood cladding on exterior walls.

The previous code only allowed outdoor display and storage for operable vehicles and manufactured homes.

The updated code allows any items being sold within the structure to be displayed, as long as they are not within a required parking area, they are owned by the owner or lessee, and the area is landscaped.

District 1 Police Juror Kevin White said he supports the revisions and that officials and parish staff considered public input.

Parish Planning and Development Director Wes Crain said staff “reached out to allow anyone to give input.” He said the Ward 1 Economic Development Board supported the changes.

Public comment

Several residents said they opposed the standards altogether, with some criticizing the burden they put on business owners. Randall Hood said new businesses aren’t opening in Moss Bluff because of the corridor standards.

“Y’all have choked Moss Bluff to death,” Hood said. “Do you really think (residents) want these ordinances? No.”

District 7 Police Juror Chris Landry said Lake Charles has seen new businesses open, despite having more restrictive corridor standards. Landry said Moss Bluff’s biggest problem is a lack of proper sewage.

Crain agreed, saying the Nelson Street Overlay District has the most stringent regulations. 

Dan Rhodes asked for a complete repeal of the standards. Harry Shaheen, who owns several businesses in Moss Bluff, said the restrictions being placed on business owners are “horrendous.”

“Let’s take another look at this,” Shaheen said. “I think it’s a wrong direction to go.”

Voting for the changes were Brian Abshire, Francis Andrepont, Judd Bares, Guy Brame, Calvin Collins, Les Farnum, Tony Guillory, Landry, Shalon Latour, Hal McMillin, Sandra Treme and White.

Dennis Scott and Shelly Mayo opposed the changes.

The Parish Planning and Zoning Board approved the changes July 11.

Hurricane Harvey

The panel also adopted a resolution ratifying a local government proclamation of a pending state of emergency related to Hurricane Harvey. Forecasters predict Harvey could reach Category 3 strength on landfall and produce up to 15 inches of rainfall over several days throughout Southwest Louisiana, starting Sunday.

Allen Wainwright, parish public works director, said the department’s first priority has been cleaning out drainage ditches and laterals. He said crews are also setting up locations for residents to get sandbags.

“We will be active all weekend,” Wainwright said.