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At
the July 7, 2005 meeting, the Police Jury took
action to forward proposed subdivision ordinance
amendments to the Calcasieu Parish Planning and
Zoning Board. On August 16, 2005, the Board voted
to defer the issue for 30 days. The Board will
revisit the amendments on September 20, 2005.
In
short, the proposed subdivision ordinance amendments
relate to seven issues. These items are the
subdivision definition; access limitations;
right-of-way requirements; typical standards and
specifications; vegetative cover requirement;
private alley construction; and an administration
clause. Below these issues are discussed in more
detail.
The
revision of the definition of a subdivision will
exempt small divisions of property from the
subdivision ordinance.
Access limitations as outlined in the revised
subdivision ordinance are expected to increase
safety on parish thoroughfares. Additionally the
revision will increase the capacity of the road in
question.
The
proposed subdivision ordinance amendments include
changes relative to rights-of-way. The proposal
requires 70 feet of right-of-way, rather than the 60
feet required at this time. The new requirement
will call for flatter ditch slopes that will allow
landowners to easily maintain the ditches to a
higher standard. In turn, this will improve the
appearance of the neighborhood. Further, this
change also improves safety for motorists and
landowners and provides a larger holding basin for
stormwater.
Along with the new right-of-way requirement, the
proposed amendments will include typical
specifications and standards. These specifications
will illustrate road construction that is needed for
all new developments. Having these drawings
officially accepted as part of the ordinance will
bring about uniformity of design, which in turn
should result in increased strength, durability, and
service of roadways.
The
proposed specifications and standards include a
requirement of vegetative cover within the
right-of-way. This requirement is beneficial for
two reasons. First, the vegetation will improve the
aesthetic quality of the right-of-way and prevent
erosion. Second, the requirement will help the
Parish meet federal standards regarding stormwater
permits.
Private alley construction was included with the
proposed amendments to the subdivision ordinance.
Inclusion of this item will provide developers with
an additional option for road design.
The
amendments proposed will include an administrative
clause. The purpose of this clause is to safeguard
subdivision plats that have received preliminary
approval from the Planning and Zoning Board. These
developments will not be required to meet the
standards of the regulations that are a part of this
revision.
If
you would like to read the proposed amendments in
their entirety,
click here.
Should you have any questions or comments, please
call Jennifer Wallace at the Police Jury’s Division
of Planning and Development. Ms. Wallace can be
reached at (337) 721-3600. |
