Commission Denies 240-Unit Lake Charles Apartment Permit
The Lake Charles Planning and Zoning Commission voted 2-3 against a conditional use permit for a complex at 5580 Weaver Rd.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Apartments
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The Lake Charles Planning and Zoning Commission voted 2-3 against a conditional use permit for a 240-unit apartment complex at 5580 Weaver Rd. Gus Schram and Nathaniel Rapp Jr. voted in favor of the permit.
Why it matters
The decision leaves the project's future uncertain while residents of nearby Southridge Estates have raised concerns about flooding, drainage and traffic. The developer or any other party has 15 days to appeal before the matter could advance.
The vote was 2-3 against a permit covering 10 three-story buildings and 480 parking spaces, despite staff having originally recommended approval. As of late Tuesday afternoon, no appeal had been filed within the 15-day window.
The players
Lake Charles Planning and Zoning Commission
The local city body responsible for reviewing and voting on conditional use permits for development projects within Lake Charles.
Gus Schram
A member of the Lake Charles Planning and Zoning Commission who voted in favor of the apartment complex permit.
Nathaniel Rapp Jr.
A member of the Lake Charles Planning and Zoning Commission who voted in favor of the apartment complex permit.
The details
The commission approved an amendment requiring shorter buildings and taller fences before voting down the permit. The proposed complex would include a clubhouse, pool, recreation center, green space and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, with first-floor handicap-accessible buildings.
Timeline
2017: The proposal was originally approved, but construction did not commence in time.
Monday: The Planning and Zoning Commission voted against the permit after residents submitted letters and attended the meeting to oppose it.
15 days: The window for the developer or other parties to appeal the decision.
Late Tuesday afternoon: No appeal had been filed.
Apartments Context
The denial reverses the 2017 approval that expired before construction began on this same 240-unit proposal. Residents' concerns about flooding and drainage since 2017 now shape whether the project can move forward.
Residents near Weaver Rd. who opposed the complex over drainage and traffic have seen the permit denied for now. The 15-day appeal window determines whether the project returns to the Lake Charles City Council without the amendment.
The takeaway
Local zoning decisions can turn on residents' concerns about infrastructure such as drainage and traffic. Anyone tracking the Weaver Rd. site should watch the 15-day appeal window.
Further reading
Explore more apartment development news in the Lake Charles area.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Advocate.
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