Zoning variances ‘not needed’ in Breaux Bridge

PHOTO: District C Councilman Alvin Jones (center) presents a cash reward to five Breaux Bridge High School graduates from his district, a practice he says he plans to continue, using his own funds, as long as he remains in office. The recipients (from left) are Orel Ledet, Jr., Tayler Gary, Eyonna LeBlanc, Diondré Wilson, and Georgia Noel. (Karl Jeter)

As the city tries to deal with problems caused by zoning variances granted in the past, the practice appears to be on the way out.
At the city council meeting on May 12, city attorney Chester Ceders said that he does not recommend continuation of the practice.
Ceders pointed to the fact that zoning ordinances are meaningless if they are not followed and that such variances are usually not needed. The kind of businesses that are compatible with residential-zoned property are generally allowed under existing in-home business exemptions. These include things such as day care, hair salon, home offices, etc., that do not produce noise or traffic problems.
Zoning variances have been granted in the past for things such as machine shops and mechanic shops, which have often proven not to be good neighbors. Ceders said that, among other issues, residents who buy property in residential zoned areas can suffer reduced property values. He made reference to the fact that the granting of variances can set a bad precedent by making it more difficult to refuse subsequent requests.
The council is drawing up an ordinance to clarify rules concerning in-home businesses.
The council is also moving forward on the process of addressing blighted and abandoned properties. Several property owners explained delays in clean-up efforts, and the council granted all of them more time to comply. In two cases in which owners have failed to comply or appear the council voted to take further action. These actions may result in clean-up or demolition measures being taken by the city, which are usually charged to the property owner on their tax bill.
An ordinance was also introduced to amend zoning ordinances to regulate use and placement of mobile homes in the city.
Another was introduced which would expand the city’s special one cent taxing district to include more businesses along Rees Street.