New regulations set in rural Lafayette Parish

LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) - New rules in Lafayette Parish may require buffer space, tree plantings and fences from commercial developments planned next to residential areas in rural areas.

The regulations will have little effect on residential developments, and all existing businesses are grandfathered in and do not have to comply with the new requirements.

Councilman Jay Castille says the rules should address repeated complaints from rural residents about the lack of laws to block objectionable developments.