Big Developments in Avoyelles Parish: Sports Complex, New Ordinances & More!

Adopts One-Acre Lot Rule

The Avoyelles Parish Police Jury addressed several major issues affecting future development in the parish during meetings held Tuesday, March 10, and Thursday, March 12, including adoption of a new one-acre subdivision rule, progress on the Bay Hills recreation complex, and the introduction of a proposed solar farm ordinance.

The actions came during the Jury’s regular meeting Tuesday evening and a special meeting later in the week at the parish courthouse in Marksville.

One-Acre Lot Ordinance Adopted

During the March 10 regular meeting, jurors voted to adopt a new ordinance requiring most newly created lots in unincorporated areas of Avoyelles Parish to contain at least one acre.

The ordinance applies to land divisions created under the parish subdivision regulations and establishes:

• A minimum lot size of 43,560 square feet
• Minimum dimensions of 120 feet in width
• 150 feet in depth

Property that had already been subdivided and recorded prior to Nov. 12, 2025, is exempt from the new requirement.

Parish officials said the rule is intended in part to address health and sanitation concerns in rural areas where homes rely on septic systems and private wells. The ordinance allows limited variances in certain cases, including family partitions, unusual property configurations, or developments that connect to approved public or community sewer systems.

Solar Farm Ordinance Proposed

Also during the March 10 meeting, the Police Jury introduced a proposed ordinance that would establish regulations for large-scale solar energy developments in the parish.

A public hearing on the proposal has been scheduled for April 14 at 4:40 p.m. at the Police Jury meeting room in the courthouse.

The draft ordinance would create a permitting process and set standards for utility-scale solar facilities, including:

• Minimum acreage requirements
• Setbacks from property lines and roads
• Fencing
• Fire protection measures
• Drainage requirements
• Environmental safeguards

The proposal also requires developers to submit engineering plans, economic impact information, and a decommissioning plan showing how the property will be restored after the facility is no longer in use.

Officials said the goal of the ordinance is to allow solar development while ensuring projects meet safety, environmental, and land-use standards and do not negatively impact neighboring property owners.

Bay Hills Sports Complex Moves Forward

During a special meeting on March 12, the Police Jury voted to award the contract for the Recreation and Education Complex at Bay Hills to Bayou Rapides Corporation, the low bidder, in the amount of $3,976,160. The total included a base bid of $3,567,160 plus an additive alternate of $409,000.

Six bids were received from contractors across Louisiana, ranging from just under $4 million to approximately $5.5 million.

The motion to award the bid was amended at the recommendation of District Attorney Charles Riddle to make the award contingent upon the State of Louisiana covering 100 percent of construction costs.

In recent weeks, jurors had discussed questions related to the required local match connected to the project, including:

• An estimated obligation of about $12,000 in the first year
• Approximately $2,000 annually for several years afterward.

There had also been discussion about whether previously allocated treasury funds could be used toward the match requirement.

Another issue considered was how the facility would be operated once construction is complete. During the special meeting, jurors approved an agreement allowing the nonprofit organization Build a Better Avoyelles to operate and maintain the complex, with the organization assuming responsibility for insurance, maintenance, and day-to-day operations.

Members of the nonprofit’s board said the project represents an investment not only in recreation, but in the long-term health and growth of the parish.

“It’s an exciting time for Avoyelles Parish,” said Leigh Soileau, a member of the Build a Better Avoyelles board of directors. “The sports complex will provide so many socioeconomic opportunities. Making the investment in the sports complex and our youth will lead to positive outcomes, driving growth and visitors to Avoyelles Parish. Not only that, but it will act as a hub for wellness and social engagement, ultimately building a stronger community bond.”

Board member Allison Ravare Augustine said the facility has the potential to benefit both local families and the parish as a whole.

“The operation of the Bay Hills Sports Complex has the potential to create a place where families gather, youth develop their talents, and visitors experience the pride we have in our parish,” Augustine said. “When we invest in recreation and community spaces, we’re investing in the future of Avoyelles.”

Multiple Development Issues Under Consideration

The actions taken during the two meetings reflect the Police Jury’s ongoing efforts to address growth and development issues across the parish, including land use rules, large-scale energy projects, and recreational facilities.

The one-acre lot ordinance is now in effect, the solar farm proposal will be considered at a public hearing next month, and construction of the Bay Hills complex is expected to move forward following the bid award and agreement on operational management.