Development News for Denham Springs, Louisiana

City Council Approves Overtime Pay Clarification and Renews Utility Billing Contract

The city council approved an ordinance amending chapter 74, section 32 of the code of ordinances concerning overtime pay. The amendment clarifies how regular overtime and overtime funded by grant money should be paid, and specifically addresses a unique situation where opioid settlement funds were used for overtime, requiring a mechanism for payment under the budget that wasn't previously covered. A policy accompanying the ordinance will detail the application process for such funds. The council also approved the renewal of a utility billing services agreement with Cedus Direct Incorporated for an additional year, despite one council member expressing concerns about billing and late notice timing.

Rezoning Approved for Duplex Development on Railroad Avenue

The council held public hearings and approved ordinances to rezone two lots (17 and 18) from C4 commercial to R3 residential, requested by Nighton Investments. The developer plans to build duplexes on these small lots located on Railroad Avenue, adjacent to railroad tracks. Variances for lot width, depth, area, and dwelling unit were also approved for lot 17 to allow for the duplex construction. The planning and zoning commission unanimously recommended approval.

City Council Denies Rezoning to Industrial, Forms Committee for Ordinance Review

The city council held a public hearing and voted on a rezoning request from C3 commercial to I1 industrial for a property located at South River Road and Florida Avenue. The applicant, Clifton Brown, sought the rezoning to accommodate a lay down yard for a business purchasing the property. Several residents spoke in opposition, citing concerns about noise, traffic, potential for future industrial uses beyond a lay down yard, and impact on property values and quality of life. The council ultimately voted to deny the rezoning request. A committee was formed to review and potentially amend existing ordinances to better address commercial businesses' needs for equipment storage.

City Council Approves Flood Mitigation Tools and Hazard Plan Renewal

The city council discussed the status and draft review of the 2026 Livingston Parish Hazard Mitigation Plan. This multi-jurisdictional plan is being renewed, with the last adopted plan being from 2021. The plan is essential for receiving federal grant money from FEMA. Public meetings have concluded, and the plan is undergoing a two-week public input period, ending June 5th, before a resolution to adopt it can be presented to the council on June 9th. Additionally, the council approved a contract with 4Erunner for flood plane management and mapping software, a three-year agreement that offers cost savings and includes an opt-out clause if unsatisfied. They also approved a contract with Quality Engineering for assistance with NFIP and CRS ratings to improve the community's flood insurance rating, aiming to move from a Class 7 to a Class 6 rating, which would offer residents a 20% discount on insurance. Lastly, a contract with Environmental Science Services Incorporated for GIS mapping systems and maintenance was approved to enhance the city's ability to manage zoning, floodplains, and property data.