St. Charles Parish Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting - May 21, 2026

The St. Charles Parish Zoning Board of Adjustment met on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers to consider three variance requests. The meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance. The board took action on two requests, tabled one, and approved the minutes from previous meetings.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Councilman Willie Camerdale (112 Bayou State South, Des Allemands) spoke in favor of the variance request for the Southern Boat and RV storage project (2026-19-ZBA). He stated that he had walked the property with applicant Evan Schaubhut and neighboring property owner Kelly Candies. He noted that the property is substantially higher than residential properties to the west, and runoff goes into an existing drainage canal. He expressed concern that overly strict elevation requirements could drive businesses out of St. Charles Parish, citing that a competitor in Lafourche Parish built a similar facility in four months without delays. He urged the board to support the variance to keep young businesses in the parish.

Discussion Items

• 2026-18-ZBA (St. Charles Parish Department of Recreation): Request to waive required tree plantings and permanent dust-free parking for a boat launch at 1541 WPA Road, Des Allemands. The applicant was not present. A motion to table the item was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously, and the item was tabled until the next meeting.
• 2026-19-ZBA (Evan Schaubhut and James A. Roberts): Request to reduce the minimum building elevation from 6 ft. NAVD88 to 12 inches above the centerline of the street for proposed commercial buildings to provide boat and RV storage at 17305 US Highway 90, Des Allemands. The applicant, Evan Schaubhut, explained that they have worked closely with the parish, invested heavily in engineering and drainage plans, and have the support of neighboring property owners. He stated that raising the project higher than surrounding conditions could create more drainage concerns. He noted that the facility is low-impact (no living areas, no restrooms, all electrical components above flood elevation). Councilman Camerdale spoke in support (see Public Comments). The board questioned whether the structure would include living areas (no) and about elevation. The public hearing was opened and closed with no opposition. A motion to accept the variance as written was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
• 2026-20-ZBA (Robert & Emily List): Request to reduce the required setback for a generator at 200 Savanna Drive, Luling. The applicant, Robert List, stated they are installing a whole-house generator on the west side of the house, close to the property line. The generator will be on a concrete slab, raised, and the adjacent window will be sealed with plexiglass. Board members asked about carbon monoxide monitors (present), the seal on the window (will be glued in), and exhaust direction (pointing toward the front of the house). A board member with volunteer firefighting experience warned about carbon monoxide risks from soffit vents and advised extending the exhaust away from the house. The public hearing was opened and closed with no speakers. A motion to accept the variance as written was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• 2026-18-ZBA: Tabled to the next meeting due to applicant absence.
• 2026-19-ZBA: Approved unanimously. The variance to reduce the minimum building elevation to 12 inches above the centerline of the street was granted.
• 2026-20-ZBA: Approved unanimously. The variance to reduce the required setback for the generator was granted.
• Minutes Approval: The board approved the corrected minutes from February 19, 2026 (motion by Mr. Bicola, seconded by Mr. Maddox, passed unanimously). The board also approved the minutes from April 16, 2026 (motion by Mr. Maddox, seconded by Ms. Simmons, passed unanimously, with Mr. Maddox noting he was not present for that meeting but voting yes).
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at approximately [time not specified] by a motion from Mr. Maddox, seconded by Father Lambert.