St. Charles Parish Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting - May 7, 2026

The St. Charles Parish Planning & Zoning Commission met on May 7, 2026, at 6:00 PM to consider four minor resubdivision requests and a proposed ordinance to regulate data centers. The commission approved all four resubdivisions unanimously and voted to recommend approval of the data center ordinance with three amendments to the Parish Council.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jeff Brasen (205 Lorraine Street) opposed the data center ordinance, citing past buffer reductions (from 2,000 feet to 200 feet in case 2022-37-ZBA) and variances granted for landscaping (case 2026-1-ZBA). He argued the ordinance lacks solid safety protections for residents.
• Milton Alamo opposed the ordinance, stating there are too many unanswered questions about design standards and enforcement. He suggested tabling the ordinance and forming a citizen committee to study data centers, noting that the parish does not have to allow them.
• Ray Gregson (CEO, River Region Chamber of Commerce) supported the ordinance, stating it provides a framework and clear standards, avoiding uncertainty. He emphasized that smaller, low-impact data centers are common and that the ordinance distinguishes them from hyperscale facilities.
• Michelle Berg (Vice President, Entergy Louisiana) supported the ordinance, sharing Entergy's experience with data centers. She noted that all announced projects (e.g., Meta in Richland Parish, HUT 8 in West Feliciana) are under construction and that Entergy's "Fair Share Plus Pledge" ensures benefits like lower bills for existing customers, citing $2.6 billion in projected customer benefits from the Meta contract.
• Matthew Jewell (Parish President) presented a Department of Energy heat map showing low suitability for data centers in Southeast Louisiana due to hurricane risk and lack of fiber. He clarified there is no pending data center application and that the ordinance merely adds regulations to an already permitted (but undefined) use.
• Councilwoman Michelle O'Daniels raised concerns about noise standards, noting that the current noise limit (55 dBA at property lines adjacent to residential areas) may not protect areas where M1 zones abut subdivisions. She urged the commission to address gaps in the noise ordinance.
• Wendy Grayson (205 Lorraine Street) opposed the ordinance, pointing out that 70% of data centers rely on the grid (citing Harvard International Affairs), meaning even large facilities could locate in M1. She noted no maximum building size, power limit, or backup generator restrictions, and argued a 300-foot buffer is inadequate.
• Walter Pelier (ex officio member) raised concerns about low-frequency noise (infrasound) that can travel thousands of feet and is not captured by A-weighted decibel measurements. He recommended requiring professional acoustic modeling, using both A and C-weighted instruments, and pre- and post-construction analysis, with certification withheld until compliance.

Discussion Items

• 2026-3-MIN (Glendon Nelson, Jr.) – Resubdivision of one lot into four at 12238 River Road, St. Rose (R-1A & O-L). The applicant requested a waiver for landlocked lots; the department did not object. Approved unanimously.
• 2026-4-MIN (Ryan Espey and Shane Soudelier) – Resubdivision of lot 943 Hwy 306, Des Allemands (O-L) into three lots. A public commenter questioned the purpose and opposed due to high property prices. Staff clarified that single-family homes and mobile homes are allowed on O-L lots. Approved unanimously.
• 2026-5-MIN (Ryan Espey and Shane Soudelier) – Resubdivision of lot 944 Hwy 306, Des Allemands (O-L) into three lots. No public comment. Approved unanimously.
• 2026-6-MIN (Troy Barrios) – Resubdivision of one lot into two at 12225 River Road, Luling (R-1A). The lot line follows an existing multifamily structure, not at a right angle, but the variation did not require a waiver. Approved unanimously.
• 2026-3-ORD (Data Center Ordinance) – Proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to add a definition for data centers, permit them in M-1 (light industrial, grid-powered) and M-2 (heavy industrial, with on-site power generation) districts, and establish performance standards (setbacks, buffering, noise, landscaping). Michael (Planning & Zoning) presented three staff-recommended amendments: (1) clarify M1 data centers must use grid power, (2) remove a redundant landscaping warranty clause, and (3) add “public spaces” to noise-sensitive areas and include a notwithstanding clause. Commissioners discussed the need for regulations, the risk of lawsuits without defined rules, and the ability to amend later. The motion to recommend approval to the Parish Council with the three amendments passed (one nay: Mr. Price).

Key Outcomes

• All four minor resubdivision requests (2026-3-MIN, 2026-4-MIN, 2026-5-MIN, 2026-6-MIN) were approved unanimously.
• The commission recommended approval of Ordinance 2026-3-ORD to the Parish Council with three staff-proposed amendments: M1 data centers must be grid-powered; removal of redundant landscaping warranty; and clarifying noise limits for public spaces. The vote was 5–1 (Mr. Price opposed).
• The minutes of the March 5, 2026 and April 2, 2026 Planning Board meetings were approved (Mr. Price abstained from the March 5 minutes).
• No unfinished or new business was considered.