Council denies Norco rezoning over spot-zoning concerns, approves two other rezones

The Saint Charles Parish Council considered three zoning petitions on July 27. On File 2026-0224, neighbors Mark Brady and Matthew Perrette spoke against rezoning two Good Hope Plantation lots from R-1A to R-1AM, describing the change as spot zoning and warning it could depress property values. Planning staff and the planning commission had recommended denial, and Councilmember Fisher told colleagues he had received more than 30 constituent communications opposing the change. After discussion, the council voted and the motion to change the zoning failed with unanimous nays.

The council then considered File 2026-0225, an ordinance to rezone the lower 85 feet of Lot 6 in the Village of Hahnville from C-2 (neighborhood commercial) to R-1A (single-family). Planning staff and the planning commission recommended approval; there were no public objections and the council approved the ordinance unanimously.

On File 2026-0226, the council considered a request from the Gilbert family to rezone approximately 59 acres from R-1A to Open Land to permit two homes and preserve much of the property. Proponents (Julie Hebert and Robbie and Shelby Gilbert) said wetlands on the parcel are mostly non-jurisdictional and the plan would limit development compared with prior subdivision concepts; a nearby resident, Thomas Foscher, raised access and stub-out concerns. Council discussion focused on the distinction between rezoning and later plot-plan review; staff confirmed the vote before the council was solely a zoning determination. The council approved the rezoning unanimously.

Votes taken on zoning items matched planning recommendations: one denial (2026-0224) and two approvals (2026-0225, 2026-0226).