Parish Panel Advances Flood Rules for Sunset District, Delays Hahnville Land Split

St. Charles Parish Informer · Meeting coverage · 6:00 PM · Council Chambers, Courthouse

The St. Charles Parish Planning and Zoning Commission voted to advance a flood-elevation ordinance meant to cut down on the number of variances issued in the Sunset Drainage District, sending the measure toward final action by the Parish Council.

The ordinance, known as 2026-4-ORD, would change flood damage prevention rules affecting building elevation standards in that district. A resident told the commission the ordinance's wording was unclear about which flood maps would apply to properties outside the Sunset Drainage District. The Department of Planning and Zoning agreed to work with the district's council member on clarifying that language before the ordinance reaches the Parish Council.

Parish staff also said they would put together a list of building permits and variances currently pending in the Sunset Drainage District, so the Council can see how many projects would be affected if the new elevation standard is adopted. That list was not yet available as of the meeting. The ordinance now awaits a vote by the full Parish Council.

On zoning matters, the commission postponed a resubdivision request for the Charlie Folmar Testamentary Trust property on Marie Keet Lane in Hahnville, listed as 2026-11-MIN. The delay came after a dispute surfaced between the applicant and neighboring property owners over use of a private servitude, a shared right of way, for access to the property. The item is expected to return to the commission, tentatively at its September 3 meeting, once the access issue is resolved.

The commission recommended approval of three other rezoning requests in Des Allemands, all of which still need a final vote from the Parish Council. William Sigmon sought a rezoning for property on Highway 90, tied to a related request, 2026-6-SPU, for a special permit allowing Automobile Fleet Services at the same site. That permit also depends on the Council approving the rezoning itself along with a residential buffer waiver. PDJ Enterprises sought a rezoning for the St. Gertrude Catholic Church Campus, and White Boot Investments sought one for property on Gwen Lane. All three rezonings, listed as 2026-7-R, 2026-9-R and 2026-10-R, now go to the Council for final consideration.

The commission also recommended approval of 2026-2-ORD, a parishwide update to zoning definitions and regulations governing C-2 and C-3 commercial districts. That ordinance likewise requires a final vote from the Parish Council before taking effect.

Separately, the commission approved a resubdivision for the St. Gertrude Catholic Church Campus property in Des Allemands, listed as 2026-10-MIN. Residents living near the campus raised concerns about drainage and traffic that could result from future development on the site once it is subdivided.

Decisions & Votes

Approved2026-10-MIN

Resubdivision of Lot 9B (PDJ Enterprises)

The applicant requested resubdivision of lot 9B into three lots on the former St. Gertrude Catholic Church property, including a waiver from the minimum width requirement for one lot.

deferred2026-11-MIN

Resubdivision of Lot E1A1B (Charlie Fulmer Testamentary Trust)

The applicant requested resubdivision of a lot into three lots on Marie Keith Lane, including waivers from width and arrangement requirements, but neighboring property owners objected over servitude access.

Approved2026-7-R

Rezoning request by William Sigmund

This request changes zoning from R1A and R1AM to C3 on a portion of property on Highway 90 in Des Allemands to allow highway commercial use.

Approved2026-9-R

Rezoning request by PDJ Enterprises LLC

This request changes zoning on Lot 98 of the St. Gertrude Catholic Church campus from R1AM to C3 for highway commercial use.

Approved2026-10-R

Rezoning request by White Boat Investments

This request changes zoning on approximately 2.65 acres from C3 to R1M to consolidate residential zoning on the property.

Approved2026-6-SPU

Special permit use for automobile fleet services (William Sigmund)

This request allows overflow vehicle storage for boats and boat trailers associated with Outcast Marine operations, contingent on rezoning approval, a revised landscaping plan, and limiting use to overflow storage only.

Approved2026-7-SPU

Accessory dwelling unit special permit (Manuel and Antoinette Rodriguez)

This request allows an accessory dwelling unit using an existing building on Bernice Drive in Luling, with a minor roof overhang encroachment on a utility servitude.

Approved51265

Sign waiver for Padilla's Mexican Restaurant

This request seeks a waiver to exceed the maximum attached sign size allowed in the Highway 90 corridor overlay zone, reduced from a prior denied request of 108.49 square feet down to 71 square feet.

Approved2026-2-ORD

Amendment to zoning ordinance definitions and C2/C3 regulations

This ordinance updates definitions, use regulations, and supplemental regulations for the C2 and C3 zoning districts without changing land rights, following months of work with the legislative committee.

Approved2026-4-ORD

Flood damage prevention ordinance amendment for Sunset Drainage District

This ordinance reestablishes the 1992 flood insurance rate maps as the standard for minimum building elevations in the Sunset Drainage District and adds a requirement that no structure be built below zero elevation, aiming to reduce the need for variances.

Public Comments

A member of the public commented on 2026-10-MIN resubdivision drainage concerns and 2026-11-MIN resubdivision access dispute.
Kelly Gervais spoke in favor of 2026-11-MIN resubdivision.
Allen Bryant spoke in favor of 2026-7-R rezoning and 2026-6-SPU automobile fleet services.
Danny Sternowski spoke in favor of Sign waiver permit 51265.

Published August 9, 2026