Youngsville preliminarily approves land-use ordinance

Posted: Mar 15, 2013 1:10 PM by Tonya LaCoste
Updated: Mar 15, 2013 1:10 PM

The Youngsville City Council is one step closer to managing the city's growth. Council members preliminary approved a land-use ordinance at their meeting Thursday night. "It doesn't tell anyone what you can't do with your property," Councilman Ken Ritter said.

Unlike zoning, which designates specific areas for certain types of development, like commercial, industrial or residential, Youngsville's plan is based on land use. "Do what you want to do with your property, but be mindful and respectful of your neighbor," Ritter said. The ordinance does not dictate how land can be used, rather it would require certain buffers depending on neighboring development. Buffers for businesses locating next to an existing neighborhood would differ from those of a residential area planned next to an existing residential area.

The council unanimously approved the preliminary ordinance, and will vote for final adoption at its April 11 meeting.