Planning commission approves conditional use for used-car lot with 10-car limit

The Livingston Parish Planning Commission voted Aug. 6 to approve a conditional-use permit allowing a small used-car lot on private property, imposing a 10-car maximum as a condition of approval. Applicant Ervin Fletcher told commissioners he plans a low-volume operation "to help out the less fortunate," and staff said enforcement will rely on complaints to trigger follow-up if the limit is exceeded.

Fletcher introduced himself at the meeting: "My name is Ervin Fletcher. I'm here this afternoon to, get a zoning verification signature for a used car lot." He told the commission he intends to keep "at the most, 4, 4 at a time. 4 to 5 at a time," and that substantial repairs would be subcontracted off-site. Planning staff explained the applicant filed before the parish's new Unified Development Code (UDC) took effect, so the mailed notices and public-sign requirements in the new UDC did not apply to his application.

Commissioners debated numerical limits and alternative stipulations. One substitute motion proposed a lower cap; a later substitute motion, moved by Commissioner (speaker 8) and seconded by Commissioner (speaker 3), approved the conditional use with a 10-car maximum. The motion carried on a roll call with all present voting in favor. Planning staff said enforcement would begin if neighbors file complaints that the operator exceeded the condition, at which point the owner would need to return to the commission to request an amendment or different zoning.

The commission also discussed neighborhood notice and signposting practices for conditional uses more generally and asked staff to add accessory-use language to the UDC corrections list for future clarification.