Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.
The Baton Rouge Planning and Zoning Commission convened on October 19, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The meeting included approval of the consent agenda, a public hearing on the expansion of Murphy's Bar, and a conditional use permit for Discovery Baton Rouge School. Several items were approved, one was deferred, and one zoning case was continued to a future meeting.
The applicant, Mark Gauther (representing Venice Carwash), requested a comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning to Heavy Commercial (HC1) for a property adjacent to their existing headquarters. Staff recommended approval. No opposition. The commission approved the item unanimously.
The applicant requested rezoning from Heavy Commercial (C2) and CAB2 to CAB2 to expand the bar. Ty Hingle described safety measures, noise controls, and a planned outdoor pavilion. Opponents described ongoing nuisances, including loud music until 2–3 a.m., trash, underage drinking, and a pattern of racial discrimination. Commissioners questioned the applicant about security, noise, and comparisons to a prior Lotus rezoning denial. The commission voted to approve the rezoning (motion by Commissioner Coleman, second by Commissioner Fowler).
The applicant did not appear. Councilman Hearst expressed opposition to any CAB2 in District 5. The commission deferred the item for 30 days (to November 16, 2026) on a motion by Commissioner Batts, seconded by Commissioner Fowler.
The applicant proposed a 20,861 sq ft classroom building. Neighbors raised traffic and drainage concerns. The applicant noted that the site previously operated with 800 students and that a traffic study and floodplain mitigation plan are being developed. The commission deferred the item for 30 days (to November 16, 2026) to allow a community meeting and further review, with a motion by Commissioner Batts and second by Commissioner Coleman.
Good evening, everyone, and thank you for joining us for tonight's planning and zoning commission meeting. At this time we'll have the roll call. Mr. Holcomb. Vice Chairman Grout. Here. Commissioner Addison. Here. Commissioner Bats. Here. Commissioner Coleman. Commissioner Elender. Here. Commissioner Fowler. Commissioner Maxie? Here. We have a quorum. Thank you, Mr. Director. At this time, uh I'll ask for the approval of the minutes of the September 21st, 2026 meeting. Is there a motion to approve the minutes of the September 21st meeting? It has been moved by Commissioner Batts, seconded by Commissioner Ellender. Are there any objections to the minutes? Seeing none, those have now been approved. I will now read in the rules for conducting public hearings. This is a public meeting. Any interested member of the public who wishes to comment on an item from this agenda may comment in person at City Hall 222 St. Louis Street, third floor, room 348 during the meeting. Members of the public desiring to speak on a particular item should refer to a meeting agenda and complete necessary information prior to the meeting by filling out a request to speak card indicating on which item you wish to speak and place it in the designated location prior to the meeting. Applicant and applicant's representatives for the proposal will speak first for a total or combined period of not to exceed 15 minutes. Proponents will speak and then the opponents. Each speaker will not be allowed more than three minutes. Speakers are requested to limit their remarks by avoiding duplication in their presentations. Applicant will be allowed a total period of five minutes for rebuttal. Opponents will not be allowed to rebut. Items placed in the consent agenda by the planning commission staff will not have time allocated for speaking unless there is a member of the public at the meeting who wishes to speak on the item. In such cases, the proposal will follow the standard procedure. We can now move on to the consent agenda. Mr. Baldwin. Consent items for deferral. Item 12, S 126, Lord Lord is Grove Subdivision 8150, Hooper Road. Proposed major residential subdivision with a private street located on the south side of Hooper Road west of Peacock Drive. Deferred by Councilman Hearst to November 16th. Consent items for approval. Item 5, case 3726, 8150 Perkins Road to rezone from Light Commercial C1 to Commercial Alcoholic Beverage Restaurant, CAB1, on property located on the west side of Perkins Road, south of Beless Avenue.