Lafayette Parish, LA Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard min. lot size
- 20 acres
- Max. lot coverage
- 2 percent
- Conservation design density
- 1 unit per 5 acres
- Front setback (standard option)
- 30 feet
- Governing citation
- LDC Sec. 89-8
Summary
The Lafayette Development Code sets up a voluntary 'A' Agricultural zoning district: 20-acre minimum lots, 2% maximum lot coverage, 30-foot front setbacks, or a 5-acre-per-unit conservation design option that preserves at least 60% of the site as farmland or open space.
the "A" Agricultural district implements the Rural/Agriculture future land use category of PlanLafayette by creating a district for land that is principally agricultural or natural in character. ... This district is applied on a voluntary basis at the request of a property owner, or as part of an area plan. ... Unzoned unincorporated areas that are not subject to the "A" district are subject to the landscaping, buffering and screening standards in article 3.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 89-8 of Chapter 89 creates the 'A' Agricultural district for land kept principally agricultural or natural in character, applied only at a property owner's request or as part of an area plan -- it's not automatic. Standard lots run a 20-acre minimum with 2% maximum lot coverage and 30/10/40-foot front/side/rear setbacks; a conservation-design option instead caps density at one unit per five acres while requiring at least 60% of the tract preserved as woodland, wetland, farmland or riparian corridor. Chapter 89 formally zones the City of Lafayette; unincorporated parish land that hasn't opted into 'A' zoning still must meet the article 3 landscaping and buffering standards. Broussard, Carencro, Duson, Scott, Youngsville and Milton set their own separate zoning.
Violations & Fines
Violating any Chapter 89 zoning provision draws up to $500 per offense through LCG's administrative adjudication process, with each day a violation continues after the compliance deadline counted as a separate offense (Sec. 89-170).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'A' Agricultural zoning apply outside Lafayette city limits?
What's the minimum lot size for standard agricultural zoning?
Can I use a conservation design instead of a 20-acre lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lafayette Parish
Compare Lafayette Parish to another location·View the Louisiana right to farm overview
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