Here is a selection of items on the agendas for this week’s meetings of the City and Parish councils. To see the full agendas, check out the links below:
Changes on the way for Lafayette zoning: LCG is looking for ways to improve density in the city and allow development outside of single-family housing. The proposed zoning changes add more flexibility in some instances and introduce RS-2 zoning that allows condos and townhomes by right instead of conditionally. While many of the changes are extremely small and meant to deal with a specific grievance, some look toward the bigger picture. For example, eliminating parking requirements for accessory apartments is a way to encourage more density.
Parish Council
Final Adoption
LCG Emergency Prep. Lafayette’s newly formed Emergency Preparedness Office is receiving more than $150,000 from state grant programs through GOHSEP. The funding will apply toward the 24/25 fiscal year and is spread out for several purposes, including salaries within the office.
Introduction
New Full-time Library Positions. The library system plans to eliminate two unfilled part-time positions and replace them with two full-time associate positions. The library has cut jobs over the past few budgets, so these new full-time positions are aimed at filling some of those gaps.
GOHSEP Temporary Housing Waiver. The council can choose whether to opt into Expedited Temporary Housing Assistance Waivers. If it votes yes, the mayor will sign and the parish will be in a position to best receive ETHA assistance in case of a storm. Also, Lafayette Parish zoning law can be waived in case of emergency, allowing trailers to be on lots not zoned for that purpose for clean-up and housing post-storm. The waiver is only applicable for a year.
Appointment
Another Library Board Position. The final in a three-position run of board seats will be appointed by the Parish Council. Politically controversial incumbent Daniel Kelly and new member Rena Bradley were appointed this year. The last of this year’s appointments has 12 applicants, many repeats from the previous application and no incumbent. The new appointee will start a five-year term on Jan. 1.
City Council
Final Adoption
LCA Moore Park Project Shifts Gears. Lafayette Christian Academy’s agreement with LCG to improve fields at Moore Park has been greatly diminished. The project is now focusing on a new softball field, new LED lighting and a new front entrance. Plans to add a splash pad, pavilion, one-mile walking path and stage have been scrapped. The new plan is three phases with the last not slated to start until 2028.
Introduction
GOHSEP Temporary Housing Waiver. The council can choose whether to opt into Expedited Temporary Housing Assistance Waivers. If it votes yes, the mayor will sign and the parish will be in a position to best receive ETHA assistance in case of a storm. Also, Lafayette Parish zoning law can be waived in case of emergency, allowing trailers to be on lots not zoned for that purpose for clean-up and housing post-storm. The waiver is only applicable for a year.
STR Change for Downtown. All duplexes and standalone single-family dwellings in Downtown zoning that existed before Nov. 1 will be allowed to be used as STRs. The ordinance grandfathers in the small amount of housing currently in Downtown zoning. This does not impact the ban on residential zoning STRs close to Downtown.
Joint Items
Final Adoption
No Significant Items
Introduction
Development Code Changes. LCG is planning a series of changes to the development code (LDC), mostly in the form of zoning changes and an increase in allowed density. The changes were approved unanimously by both Lafayette zoning commissions. A summary of the changes shows an effort to allow other housing options apart from single-family, like townhomes and condos, in areas that have had density held back by single-family zoning.