Slidell Council passes ban on metal buildings

After months of discussion and two public hearings, the Slidell City Council unanimously passed an ordinance Tuesday night that bans commercial metal buildings within city limits.

According to the ordinance, all new commercial buildings must have an exterior facade made of brick, stone, architectural blocks, stucco, glass or wood. The ordinance does allow for vinyl, but it can cover only 25 percent of the building. The aforementioned materials must cover all four walls of the building, even those that do not face the street.

The ordinance also had the blessing of the Slidell Planning and Zoning Commission. The city proposed the ordinance in an effort to rid the town of the corrugated metal buildings.

Though there was no public opposition to the ban, Councilman Joe Fraught wondered if the ban would increase the cost for new businesses that want to set up shop in Slidell.

“It’s very expensive to go all brick or all stucco, especially in commercial corridors,” Fraught said. He added the extra cost would increase rental prices and may not draw new business to the city.

However, resident Buddy Lloyd said the city of Hammond has a similar law, and it has not restricted business in that city.

Another portion of the law says architectural panels, not the corrugated type, may be used on buildings, but they must be approved by the Planning Department.

Fraught was also concerned that all four exterior walls had to be materials other than metal. He said that too would increase cost.

In the end though, Fraught voted with the rest of the council to approve the ban. In fact, he thought more should be added.

“It is still not tough enough,” Fraught said.

Councilman Landon Cusimano suggested that if more needs to be added, the council can always amend the ordinance.