Ascension Parish Unified Land Development Code (LDC)

PARISH OF ASCENSION OFFICE OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

PLANNING DEPARTMENT

42077 Churchpoint Road

Gonzales, Louisiana 70737

Phone: (225) 450-1002 / Fax: (225) 450-1352

Web: www.ascensionparish.net

Ascension Parish Unified

Land Development Code

(LDC) (AS OF February 5, 2015)

APPENDIX I 1 ZONING TABLES

APPENDIX II 2 DEVELOPMENT CODE

APPENDIX III 3 MASTER LAND USE PLAN

APPENDIX IV 4 SUBDIVISION REGULATION

APPENDIX V 5 DRAINAGE REGULATION

APPENDIX VI 6 PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT CODE

APPENDIX VII 7 TRADITIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT

APPENDIX VIII 8 MOBILE HOME PARK REGULATIONS

APPENDIX IX 9 RECREATION VEHICLE PARK REGULATIONS

APPENDIX X 10 FIRE HYDRANT CODE

APPENDIX XI 11 ZONING MAP

APPENDIX XII 12 FEES

APPENDIX XIII 13 MASTER TRANSPORTATION PLAN

PARISH

OF

ASCENSION

OFFICE OF

PLANNING

AND

DEVELOPMENT

UNIFIED

LDC

Ascension Parish Unified Land Development Code Ordinance Index

# CODE ORD# DATE ITEM DESCRITPION CODE SECTION

1MOBILE HOME PARKS CODE MP85-01 6-Jun-85 Creation of the Mobile Home Park Code

Chapter 12 of the Code of Ordinances

2MOBILE HOME PARKS CODE MP95-01 3-Aug-95 Revision


3MOBILE HOME PARKS CODE MP97-01 21-Aug-97 Revision


4LAND USE AND MASTER PLAN LU98-01 5-Feb-98 Adoption of Master Plan Not Found in Municode

5RECREATION VEHICLE CODE RV99-01 27-May-99 Creation of the Recreation Vehicle Code

Chapter 12, Article VI of the Code of Ordinances

6DEVELOPMENT CODE DC03-01 9-Jan-03 Adoption of Development Code / repealing all previous

Chapter 17, Section 100 and greater

7LAND USE AND MASTER PLAN LU03-01 13-Feb-03 Re-Adoption of new Master Plan Not Found in Municode

8DEVELOPMENT CODE DC03-02 21-Aug-03

Overlay zone: Flood hazard, historic site, and chemical emergency overlay zones. 17-111(a)

9DEVELOPMENT CODE DC03-03 21-Aug-03

Overlay zone: Flood hazard overlay zone and historic site overlay 17-123

10DEVELOPMENT CODE DC03-04 21-Aug-03 Waste Site overlay map 17-125

11DEVELOPMENT CODE DC03-05 21-Aug-03 Delete section 17-183 (moved to overlaysections) 17-183

12DEVELOPMENT CODE DC04-01 16-Dec-04 Board of Adjustments members from five to seven 17-365(a)

13DEVELOPMENT CODE DC05-01 21-Apr-05 Neigborhood Business Overlay Zones 17-29A, 17-84

14DEVELOPMENT CODE DC05-02 5-May-05 Historic Site : remove Property from boundary buffer 17-181

15

PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT CODE PD05-01 1-Dec-05 Creation of the PUD / SPUD Code Not Found in Municode

16

TRADITIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT CODE TD05-01 1-Dec-05 Creation of the TND Code Not Found in Municode

17 CODE DC06-01 16-Nov-06 Bed and Breakfast definition added 17-138

18SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS SR07-01 18-Jan-07 Latest Version of Subdivision Regulations

Chatper 21 of Code of Ordinances but Outdated

19SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS SR07-01.B 14-Mar-07 Curb and Gutte Cross Section Exhibit: by Planning

Chatper 21 of Code of Ordinances but Outdated

20DEVELOPMENT CODE DC07-01 15-Mar-07 nonconforming text added. 17-135(f)

21FIRE HYDRANT CODE FH07-01 17-May-07 Creation of fire hydrant Code

Chapter 6, Article X of the Code of Ordinances

22DEVELOPMENT CODE DC07-02 16-Aug-07 single family dwelling definition 17-378

23

DRAINAGE REGULATION CODE DR07-01 6-Sep-07 Creation of Drainage Code Not Found in Municode

24SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS SR07-02 4-Oct-07 T turn around detail criteria 34.205

25DEVELOPMENT CODE DC08-01 10-Jan-08 Publication requirement: 3 times, 10 days b/w 17-370(a)

26DEVELOPMENT CODE DC08-02 10-Jan-08

Publication for PUD/SPUDS/TND: 1 a week, 3 weeks, 15 days apart, 10 day certifeid mail notice to owners 17-370(d)

27SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS SR08-01 10-Jan-08 Street sign design criteria and requirements 31.107



28SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS SR08-02 19-Feb-08 Substantial Change criteria for plat changes 20.203 (D)

29SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS SR08-03 18-Sep-08 Family partition variance requirements 60.100(A)

30SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS SR09-01 8-Jan-09 35 submittal for consideration 20.501(A)

31DEVELOPMENT CODE DC09-01 5-Feb-09 MU2 description 17-113(A)

32DEVELOPMENT CODE DC09-02 5-Feb-09 Towers allowed in MU2 added 17-327

33DEVELOPMENT CODE DC09-03 5-Feb-09 Towers allowed in MU2 as conditional use 17-313

34DEVELOPMENT CODE DC09-04 21-May-09 Historic Site Development Standards update 17-181 A-E

35DEVELOPMENT CODE DC09-05 21-May-09 Interconnectivity : parking lots for commercial 17-202

36 ZONING MAP ZM09-09 30-Jun-09 New Official Zoning Map re-adopted new map

37DEVELOPMENT CODE DC09-06 16-Jul-09 Home Occupation accessory building modification 17-288

38

DRAINAGE REGULATIONS CODE DR09-01 16-Jul-09 New Drainage Ordinance

Entirety: old one repealed

39 ZONING TABLES ZT09-01 16-Jul-09 Revised tables: Jujne tables Tables A and B40 ZONING MAP ZM09-10 20-Aug-09 RM to MU2 (1.706 acres) ID 2010.09

41DEVELOPMENT CODE DC09-07 19-Nov-09 Setback from vehicle access corridor revisions 17-378

42DEVELOPMENT CODE DC09-08 19-Nov-09 Industrial definitions 17-378

43SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS SR09-02 19-Nov-09 Setback from vehicle access corridor revisions 10.201, 10.304, 35.108

44 ZONING TABLES ZT09-02 19-Nov-09 Setback footnotes Tables A and B

45DEVELOPMENT CODE DC09-09 17-Dec-09 NEW UNIFIED LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE ALL

46DEVELOPMENT CODE DC09-10 17-Dec-09 Changed Zoning Authority to Planning Authority

17-2017, 17-2033, 17-2034 & 17-2035

47DEVELOPMENT CODE DC09-11 17-Dec-09 Zoning applicabliity to Subdivided properties. 17-2011(C.)

48MOBILE HOME PARKS CODE MP09-01 17-Dec-09

Removed reference to Fee/ conflict w/aproved fee schedule. 17-804(F)(2)(a)

49DEVELOPMENT CODE DC10-01 18-Feb-10 SPUD/PUD/TND Overlay Zone criteria

Appendix II, section 17-2038

50

PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT CODE PD10-01 18-Feb-10 Documentation of Development Modifictions for a PUD

Appendix VI, Sections 17-6070 & 17-6071

51 DRAINAGE DR11-01 16-Jun-11 Enforcement 17-509252 DRAINAGE DR11-02 21-Jul-11 Applicability 17-503 A.553 DRAINAGE DR11-05 21-Jul-11 Detention Design, remove waiver - Delete Para E 17-508 E54 DRAINAGE DR11-04 4-Aug-11 LPDES 17-509

55SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS DC01-12 5-Jan-12 Subdivision Hearing Signs Section 17-405.D.2.c

56SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS SR17-4045 19-Jul-12 Drainage Design 17-4045.A

57SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS SR12-16 20-Dec-12 Construction Standards 17-408.C.2, 17-409.E



58SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS SR12-11 19-Mar-13 Mortgage Verification

17-405.C, 17-4011.A & D, 17-4012.E, 17-4026.J

59SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS SR13-1 19-Mar-13 Servitude Revocation process Section 17-4050

60 FEES SR13-3 4-Apr-13 Revised Fees Appendix XII

61SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS SR13-2 4-Apr-13 Family Partition revisions Section 17-4026


PLANNING DEPARTMENT



Phone: (225) 450-1002 / Fax: (225) 4501352


APPENDIX I

ZONING TABLES

ORDINANCE HISTORY

Ordinance# ZT09-01, adopted July 16, 2009

Ordinance# ZT09-02, adopted November 19, 2009

Ordinance# DC09-09, adopted December 17, 2009

Ordinance# ZT12-1, adopted May 21, 2012

Ordinance#DC12-07, adopted August 16, 2012

Ordinance#ZT13-08, adopted July 18, 2013

Ordinance #ZT13-12, adopted November 21, 2013

Ordinance #ZT14-8, adopted October 2, 2014

Revised Feb 2015 RMC Page 1

(Y = Permitted) TABLE A

(CA = Contract Agreement) PERMITTED USES BY DISTRICT

MU MU2 CC MH/

RV

RM R C LI MI HI A

Agricultural Uses

(Light)

Farming & Livestock related activities Y Y Y Y Y Y

Agricultural Uses

(Heavy)

Commercial Type Animal Facility Y Y Y

Residential Uses

Single family residential Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 1 Y1

Town houses Y Y Y

Multi-family residential, apartments CA CA

Mobile home parks CA

Mobile home subdivisions CA

RV Park CA

Recreational and

Institutional Uses

Airports Y

Camps Y Y

Cemeteries CA CA CA CA CA

Churches, clubs and fraternal

organizations CA CA CA

CA CA CA

Community buildings, police and fire

stations CA CA CA

CA CA CA CA CA CA CA

Educational facilities - public elementary

and high schools and private schools with

a curriculum similar to public

kindergartens, elementary and high

school

CA CA CA

CA CA CA

Education facilities – commercial schools CA CA CA CA

Medical facility (hospitals, nursing

homes) CA CA CA

CA CA CA CA CA CA

(1) Only on existing lots of record created prior to the adoption of this ordinance and on lots created by family partitions.


TABLE A

(Y = Permitted) PERMITTED USES BY DISTRICT

(CA = Contract Agreement)

(CU = Conditional Uses)

MU MU2 CC RM R C LI MI HI A

Recreational &

Institutional

Uses (cont.)

Medical and Dental Clinic CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA

Indoor amusement and entertainment facilities

including, such as bowling alleys, gaming

devices, billiard parlors, movie theaters CA

CA

Outdoor amusement and entertainment

facilities CA

CA

Post offices CA CA CA CA CA CA

Public utilities including equipment and

supply storage Y

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Public utility stations and public services Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Recreational facilities, public & Private CA CA CA CA CA

Transmission towers (2) CU CU CU CU CU CU CU Y CU

Commercial

Uses

Adult businesses Y

Animal hospital and veterinarian offices,

provided animals are kept inside, otherwise

see “Kennels”

Y Y Y

Auto and truck major repairs including

such services as repair, reconditioning,

painting, body and fender work,

upholstering and seat covering.

Y Y Y Y

(2) No conditional use on property owned by the Parish





Commercial

Uses (cont.)

Auto and truck sales, rental Y Y Y

Enclosed car wash Y Y Y Y

Auto service stations and car wash Y Y Y

Office Activity Y Y Y Y Y

Barber and beauty shops Y Y Y

Bars and lounges Y Y

Boat sales Y Y Y

Bed and breakfast Y Y Y

Daycare Y Y Y

Dry cleaning pick-up stations Y Y Y

Exterminating, fumigating, septic tank

pumping, furnace cleaning Y

Y Y

Florists, greenhouses Y Y Y

Funeral establishments Y Y Y

Funeral establishments/Crematorium Y Y

Kennels Y Y Y

Mini-warehouses Y Y Y Y

Minor Repair & Maintenance of Personal

Vehicles including such services as brake part

replacement, minor tune up, change of oil and

filter, repair of flat tire, lubrication and other

similar operations. No activities shall be

conducted outside a fully enclosed garage or

result in any vehicle being inoperable for a

period in excess of twenty-four (24) hours.

Y Y Y Y Y

Mobile home and trailer sales Y Y Y Y

Monument sales Y Y

Motels and hotels Y Y

Service & Goods Oriented shopping Y Y Y CA

Restaurants Y Y Y CA

Sales and service of commercial and industrial

supplies and equipment

Y Y Y Y Y

Sales and storage of construction materials Y Y Y Y Y





Commercial

Uses (Cont.)

Self service laundries Y Y

Signs, on-site use advertising Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Signs, off-site signs including billboards,

panels and other advertising signs Y

Y

Y Y

Truck stops, including servicing and minor

repairs, but excluding truck terminals and

their storage warehouse

Y

Y Y

Industrial Uses

Light industrial Structures & Facilities Y Y Y Y

Dry cleaning plants Y Y Y Y

Printing Plants Y Y Y

Warehouses Y Y Y Y Y

Wholesale business and storage Y Y Y Y

Heavy industrial uses Y

Bulk material storage Y Y

Chemical plants Y

Concrete mixing Y Y

Rail terminals Y Y

Resource recovery plants Y

Unenclosed automobile or heavy

equipment storage

Y Y

Outdoor storage lots and yards Y Y

Wrecking and salvage yards Y Y





Industrial Uses

(Cont.)

Ponds or dirt pits Y Y Y Y Y Y

Recycling collection centers Y Y Y

Recycling operations centers Y Y

Truck terminals and storage yards Y Y


TABLE B

SITE REQUIREMENTS BY DISTRICT

RESIDENTIAL

DISTRICT

MAXIMUM

RESIDENTIAL

DENSITY

(UNITS PER

ACRE)

MINIMUM

LOT SIZE

(SF)

MINIMUM

LOT

FRONTAGE

(FEET)

WITH

CENTRAL

SEWER (4)

MINIMUM

LOT

FRONTAGE

(FEET)

WITHOUT

CENTRAL

SEWER (4)

MINIMUM

FRONT

SETBACK

(FEET)

(2) (3)

MINIMUM

FRONT

SETBACK

FROM

STREET

CENTERLINE

(FEET) (2)

MINIMUM

REAR

SETBACK

(2)

MINIMUM

SIDE

SETBACK

(FEET)

(2)

MAXIMUM

BLDG

HEIGHT

(FEET)

MU

Mix Use

Corridors

Single Family

8

Duplex, Zero lot line

10

Townhouses–

Comply with

subdivision

regulations

Mobile Home Park

Comply with mobile

home regulations

Multi family

residential 20 (1)

Single Family

7,200 sq. ft.

Townhouses –

1,440 sq. ft.

Duplex

8,000 sq. ft.

Zero lot line–

4,000 sq. ft.

Multi family

residential

43,560

Single Family

50 ft.

Zero lot line

40 ft.

Duplex, Multi

family

residential

80 ft.

Townhouses

18 ft.

NA

NA

NA

NA

25 ft.

or 20’ for TH

55 ft. or 75 ft.

from centerline of

any State Hwy

20 ft.

Single Family

5 ft.

Zero lot line

0 one side; 5

opposite

Townhouses

Comply with

subdivision

regulations

Multi

Family/Apart

20

35 ft.

MU2

Mixed Use

Corridors Single Family

4

Townhouses–

Comply with

subdivision

regulations

Single Family

7,200 sq. ft.

Townhouses –

1,440 sq. ft.

Single Family

50 ft.

Townhouses

18 ft.

NA

NA

25 ft

or 20’ for TH

55 ft. or 75 ft.

from centerline of

any State Hwy

20 ft.

Single Family

5 ft.

Townhouses

Comply with

subdivision

regulations

35 ft.

CC

Crossroad

Commercial

Single Family 8

Duplex, Zero lot line

10

Townhouse–Comply

with subdivision

regulation

Mobile Home Park

Comply with

mobile home

regulation

Multi family

residential 20 (1)

Single Family

7,200 sq. ft.

Zero lot line

4, 000 sq. ft.

Townhouses–

1,440 sq. ft.

Duplex

8,000 sq. ft.

Multi family

residential –

43,560 sq. ft.

Single Family

50 feet

Zero lot line

40 ft.

Townhouses

18 ft.

Duplex, Multi

family

residential

80 ft.

NA

NA

NA

NA

25 ft.

or 20’ for TH

55 ft. or 75 ft.

from centerline of

any State Hwy

20 ft

Single Family

5 ft.

Zero lot line

0 one side; 5

opposite

Townhouses

Comply with

subdivision

regulations

Multi

Family/Apart

20

35 ft

(1) Maximum number of dwelling units for an entire apartment complex is 48 units; 30 percent of total site area shall be contiguous green space with minimum spacing between apartment buildings or an apartment building and an accessory structure being 20'; a six foot fence is required around sides and rear of an apartment development. (2) The above setbacks are measured from the closest part of a building or structure including but not limited to eaves, overhangs, or cantilevered features to

the closest property line or vehicle use corridor(s), whichever is closest to the structure. (3) On lots fronting on turning circles, t-turnarounds and street corners, the front yard may be reduced to one-half (½) the required front yard. (4) Measured width at minimum building line.


TABLE B


RESIDENTIAL

DISTRICT

MAXIMUM

RESIDENTI

AL DENSITY

(UNITS PER

ACRE)

MINIMUM

LOT SIZE

(SF)

MINIMUM

LOT

FRONTAGE

(FEET)

WITH

CENTRAL

SEWER (4)

MINIMUM

LOT

FRONTAGE

(FEET)

WITHOUT

CENTRAL

SEWER (4)

MINIMUM

FRONT

SETBACK

(FEET)

(2) (3)

MINIMUM

FRONT

SETBACK

FROM

STREET

CENTERLINE

(FEET) (2)

MINIMUM

REAR

SETBACK

(2)

MINIMUM

SIDE

SETBACK

(FEET)

(2)

MAXIMUM

BLDG

HEIGHT

(FEET)

RM

Medium

Intensity

Residential Single Family

units

3

Single

Family

*16,000

Open Ditch

St. Design

**14,000

Curb &

Gutter St.

Design

**10,500

Single Family

90 ft.

Open Ditch

90 ft.

Curb &

Gutter

70 ft.

90 ft.

25 ft.

55 ft. or 75 ft.

from centerline of

any State Hwy

20 ft.

Single

Family

5

35 ft.

R

Rural

Single Family

2

Single

Family

20,000 sq. ft

Single Family

100 ft.

Single Family

100 ft. 25 ft.

55 ft. or 75 ft.

from centerline of

any State Hwy

20 ft. 10 ft. 35 ft

C

Conservation

Single Family

1

Single

Family

43,560 sq.

ft.

Single Family

100 ft

Single Family

100 sq. Ft. 25 ft.

55 ft. or 75 ft.

from centerline of

any State Hwy

20 ft. 10 ft. 35 ft.

LI

Light

Industrial NONE

Single

Family

43,560 sq.

ft.

NONE Detached –

80 ft. 25 ft.

55 ft. or 75 ft.

from centerline of

State Hwy

20 Ft. 10 ft. NONE

MI

Medium

Industrial NONE

Single

Family

87,000 sq.

ft.

(1)

Single Family

100 ft.

Single Family

80 ft. 25 ft.

55 ft. or 75 ft.

from centerline of

any State Hwy

20 Ft. 10 ft. NONE

HI

Heavy

Industrial

NONE NONE NONE NONE NONE NONE NONE NONE NONE

* With Out Central Sewer ** With Central Sewer (1) Only on existing lots of record created prior to the adoption of this ordinance and on lots created by family partitions. (2) Maximum number of dwelling units for an entire apartment complex is 48 units; 30 percent of total site area shall be contiguous green space with minimum spacing between apartment buildings or an apartment building and an accessory structure being 20'; a six foot solid fence is required around sides and rear of an apartment development. (3) On lots fronting on turning circles, t-turnarounds and street corners, the front yard may be reduced to one-half (½) the required front yard. (4) Measured width at minimum building line.


TABLE B


COMMERCIAL

DISTRICT

MAXIMUM

FLOOR

AREA

(SQUARE

FEET)

MINIMUM

LOT SIZE

(SQUARE

FEET)

MINIMUM

LOT

FRONTAGE

(FEET)

MINIMUM

FRONT

SETBACK

FROM

PROPERTY

LINE (FEET)

MINIMUM

FRONT

SETBACK

FROM STREET

CENTERLINE

(FEET) (2)

MINIMUM

REAR

SETBACK

(FEET)

MINIMUM

SIDE

SETBACK

(FEET)

MAXIMUM

BLDG HEIGHT

(FEET)

MU

Mix Use

Corridors

NONE 16.000 80

(1) 25 55 15 10 35

MU2

Mixed Use

Corridors

NONE

(3) 16,000

80

(1) 25 55 15 10 35

CC

Crossroad

Commercial

10,000 16,000 80

(1) 25 55 15 10 35

RM

Medium

Intensity

Residential

NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

R

Rural NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

C

Conservation NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

LI

Light

Industrial NONE 10,000 100 25 55 15 10 35

MI

Medium

Industrial

NONE 10,000 100 25 55 15 10 35

HI

Heavy

Industrial

NONE NONE NONE NONE NONE NONE NONE NONE

(1) Measured width at minimum building line. (2) Property which has frontage on any state highway shall have a minimum front setback of 75' measured from the centerline of the highway. (3) 8500 Maximum floor area per building.




Phone: (225) 450-1002 / Fax: (225) 450-1352


APPENDIX II

DEVELOPMENT CODE

Contents:

17-201. General Provisions of Development and zoning .....................................................5

17-2010. Zoning Districts ..................................................................................................... 13 17-2011. Map of Zoning and Overlay Guidelines ................................................................... 14

17-2012. Mixed Use Corridors (MU) and (MU2) ................................................................... 15 17-2013. Heavy Industrial (HI)............................................................................................... 16

17-2014. Crossroad Commercial District (CC) ....................................................................... 16 17-2015. Medium Intensity Residential District (RM) ............................................................ 16

17-2016. Medium Industrial (MI) ........................................................................................... 17 17-2017. Light Industrial (LI) ................................................................................................. 18

17-2018. Airport District (A) .................................................................................................. 21 17-2019. Rural District (R) ..................................................................................................... 21

17-2020. Conservation District (C) ......................................................................................... 21 17-2030. Overlay Zones ........................................................................................................ 23

17-2031. Flood Hazard Overlay Zone ..................................................................................... 24 17-2032. Designation of Waste Sites ...................................................................................... 24

17-2033. Historic Site Overlay Zone ...................................................................................... 25 17-2034. Scenic Rural Highways Overlay Zone ..................................................................... 29

17-2035. Neighborhood Business Overlay Zone ..................................................................... 30 17-2036. Airport Overlay Zone .............................................................................................. 35

17-2037. Chemical Emergency overlay zone - reserved .......................................................... 44 17-2038. Reserved.................................................................................................................. 44

17-2039. Industrial Designation overlay zone - reserved ......................................................... 44 17-2040. Specific Use Criteria .............................................................................................. 47

17-2041. Secondary Family Residences ................................................................................. 47 17-2042. Bed & Breakfast ...................................................................................................... 47

17-2043. Tall Structures ......................................................................................................... 47 17-2044. Commercial and Industrial Storage Standards .......................................................... 57

17-2045. Apartments .............................................................................................................. 58 17-2046. Manufactured Housing and Mobile Home Standards ............................................... 58

17-2047. Group Home Standards............................................................................................ 60 17-2048. Home Occupation Standards .................................................................................... 62

17-2049. Adult Business Standards ........................................................................................ 64 17-2050. Alcohol Beverage Business Standards ..................................................................... 66

17-2060. Drainage and Traffic ............................................................................................. 69

Appendix II: Development Code Page 2 of 130

17-2070. Development Standards ........................................................................................ 75 17-2071. Use Regulations....................................................................................................... 77

17-2072. Structure and Lot Regulations .................................................................................. 79 17-2073. Site Requirements.................................................................................................... 81

17-2080. Development Requirements .................................................................................. 85 17-2081. Off Street Parking Requirements ............................................................................. 85

17-2082. Landscaping for Off Street Parking .......................................................................... 87 17-2083. Commercial Property Landscaping Standards .......................................................... 88

17-2084. Bufferyard Requirements ......................................................................................... 88 17-2085. Street Access Standards ........................................................................................... 91

17-2086. Signs: On Premises Sign Standards .......................................................................... 91 17-2087. Signs: Off Premises Sign Standards - Reserved ....................................................... 94

17-2088. Lighting Standards .................................................................................................. 96 17-2089. Waste Discharge Standards...................................................................................... 96

17-2090. Administration and Enforcement ......................................................................... 97 17-20100. Definitions ........................................................................................................ 117


Ordinance History

DC03-01, adopted new development Code 1/9/03 in entirety and repealing all previous versions.

Ordinance.# DC03-01, adopted January 9, 2003

Ordinance.# DC03-02, adopted August 21, 2003

Ordinance.# DC03-03, adopted August 21, 2003 Ordinance.# DC03-04, adopted August 21, 2003


Ordinance.# DC04-01, adopted December 16, 2004 Ordinance.# DC05-01, adopted April 21, 2005

Ordinance.# DC05-02, adopted May 5, 2005

Ordinance.# DC06-01, adopted November 16, 2006 Ordinance.# DC07-01, adopted March 15, 2007


Ordinance.# DC08-01, adopted January 10, 2008

Ordinance.# DC08-02, adopted January 10, 2008 Ordinance.# DC09-01, adopted February 5, 2009

Ordinance.# DC09-02, adopted February 5, 2009

Ordinance.# DC09-03, adopted February 5, 2009 Ordinance.# DC09-04, adopted May 21, 2009

Ordinance.# DC09-05, adopted May 21, 2009

Ordinance.# DC09-06, adopted July 16, 2009 Ordinance.# DC09-07, adopted November 19, 2009

Ordinance.# DC09-08, adopted November 19, 2009

Ordinance.# DC09-09, adopted December 17, 2009

Ordinance.# DC09-10, adopted December 17, 2009 Ordinance.# DC09-11, adopted December 17, 2009

Ordinance.# DC10-01, adopted February 18, 2010

Ordinance # DC12-05, adopted August 16, 2012 Ordinance # DC12-06, adopted August 16, 2012

Ordinance # DC12-07, adopted August 16, 2012

Ordinance # DC13-13, adopted November 21, 2013

Ordinance #DC13-15, adopted February 20, 2014 Ordinance #DC14-9, adopted October 2, 2014


(This page left blank intentionally for code section expansion)


17-201. General Provisions of Development and zoning

A. Legislative intent.

1. The citizens of Ascension Parish, after completing a detailed planning

process, have determined:

a. Ascension Parish is experiencing unprecedented growth in new

residential and commercial development in the future. This

growth far exceeds historical trends.

b. As a rural parish, Ascension Parish does not have an extensive

infrastructure public investment to support development. If development is not carefully planned, the costs of roads, water

systems, and sewer systems can quickly accelerate the pressure

to raise taxes.

c. As the location for a large number of industrial plants, Ascension

Parish must carefully manage residential and commercial

development close to these plants, in order to protect the public safety.

d. Ascension Parish occupies an extensive flood plain which can create serious construction and public safety problems with

concentrated development.

e. If growth is not carefully managed, development may destroy the rural character of the parish. This character represents a valuable

property right to the residents of the parish.

2. To protect property rights and manage public investments, the Parish

Council has enacted this ordinance to establish a clear plan for growth in

the parish.

3. The purpose of this ordinance is to protect public health and safety,

increase property values, promote orderly development consistent with

the character of the parish, and provide for the careful management of public investment and taxes.

4. This Ordinance reflects the experience that the Parish has had in implementing land use regulations since the passage of the initial

Development Ordinance in 1998.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


B. Enactment.

1. Be it ordained by the Ascension Parish Council, pursuant to the authority

of the Home Rule Charter powers granted by Louisiana Constitution

Article 6, Section 5, wishes to exercise all its power allowed under the

police powers of the United States Constitution, the Louisiana Constitution, and Louisiana Revised Statute 33:1236, as amended.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. Jurisdiction.

1. The provisions of this ordinance shall apply to the unincorporated areas

in Ascension Parish, Louisiana.

2. This ordinance shall be administered by the Ascension Parish Planning and Zoning Commission, established under Section 17-1: Ascension

Parish Planning and Zoning Commission -- Created.

3. This ordinance sets forth the requirements for a person to obtain a

development permit for the construction or major alteration of a building

or structure in the unincorporated areas of Ascension Parish. The requirements for development permits are set forth in Section 17-

2090(B): Development permits required. The ordinance also sets forth

additional requirements for obtaining a building permit for single family

structures. The requirements for building permits are set forth in the Ascension Parish Buildings and Building Regulations, Chapter 6 of the

Code of Ordinances of Ascension Parish.

4. This ordinance implements the Ascension Parish Master Plan and the

Ascension Parish Land Use Plan adopted by the Parish Council.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

D. Commentary.

1. Throughout this ordinance, subsections prefaced “Commentary” are included. Each commentary represents an official statement of legislative

finding and purpose. Whenever a section or subsection of this ordinance

is deemed to require clarification, explanation of its intent, or further elaboration, that section is followed by a commentary. The commentaries

have been legislatively adopted together with the more formal text of the

ordinance. They are intended as a guide to the administration and

interpretation of the ordinance and shall be treated in the same manner as other aspects of legislative history.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


E. Interpretation.

1. An administrator, the Planning and Zoning Commission, or the courts

shall interpret this ordinance to promote the purposes set forth by the

Ascension Parish Council. Those called upon to interpret this ordinance

shall proceed as follows:

a. Determine the public purpose of the standard for which an

interpretation is required.

i Commentary: Before any zoning interpretation is made,

there must be an explicit identification of the purpose for which the initial regulation was imposed. Each zoning

regulation is intended to protect the interests of both

present and future neighbors and the general public.

Each standard is developed as a regulatory response to an identifiable negative impact or potential. A sound

interpretation of any standard in this ordinance cannot be

ensured without a careful analysis of the end to which the regulation is directed.

b. Determine the impact of the proposed interpretation.

i Commentary: It is not always possible to define

precisely the impacts of a proposed interpretation. Those

charged with interpreting this ordinance should determine impacts after evaluating the viewpoints of

adjacent land owners and, where appropriate, expert

opinion from parish employees or independent parties.

c. Determine that the proposed interpretation will ensure a just

balance between the rights of the landowner and all others who

will be affected by that person’s land use proposal.

i Commentary: This ordinance provides the Zoning

Official and the Planning Director with the responsibility for administering its provisions. Their decisions can be

appealed to the Planning and Zoning Commission and

the Zoning Board of Adjustments. Decisions of the Board are subject to judicial appeal.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


F. Findings of Fact.

1. The Ascension Parish Council finds that:

a. Industrial operations in the parish involve the manufacture and

transportation of chemicals. These operations pose a risk to public health and safety and should be adequately separated from

high density residential development.

b. Large portions of the parish exist within a flood hazard area.

Construction within this area must meet special building

standards in order to minimize the risk of loss from flooding.

c. The Parish is undergoing rapid growth and suburbanization. The

Parish has a limited infrastructure to support this growth.

Building new infrastructure should be geographically concentrated in order both to reduce the cost of this

infrastructure and to encourage development outside the flood

hazard area.

d. The Parish has a limited amount of land available for industrial

and business development. The Parish needs land use regulations to balance residential, commercial and industrial growth in order

to protect the long term tax base of the parish.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

G. Guiding principles and policies.

1. To achieve the purposes of this ordinance as set forth in Section 17-

201(A): Legislative intent, the Planning and Zoning Commission shall

adopt the following set of integrated guiding principles and policies to

manage land development in Ascension Parish. These principles and

policies are set forth in the Ascension Parish Master Plan and the Ascension Parish Land Use Plan, adopted by the Parish Council.

a. Principle 1: Protect public safety and property. Protect the public safety and property values by providing adequate separation of

industrial, commercial, and residential uses.

i Commentary: The central challenge in Ascension Parish

is to protect public health and safety from five major

challenges: 1) periodic flooding; 2) the encroachment of

residential uses near chemical plants; 3) the separation of truck traffic on parish roads; 4) the growth of traffic on a

narrow, rural road system; and 5) the increase waste

water pollution from increased residential construction.


b. Principle 2: Manage growth. Encourage growth only in areas of

the parish which can support it with adequate soils, drainage, and physical infrastructure.

i Commentary: The parish has limited development sites

available that are outside the 100 year flood plain. A large portion of the available land for future

development is near historic or industrial properties.

c. Principle 3: Preserve the rural character of the parish. Preserve

rural, conservation, and recreation areas from high intensity

residential and commercial development.

i Commentary: The rural character of the parish comes

from open space, trees, and historic sites. Residential

growth, while not incompatible with preserving rural character, can erode this character.

d. Principle 4: Encourage compact commercial centers. Encourage the development of compact commercial centers throughout the

parish and discourage “strip” commercial development along

highways.

i Commentary: Establishing neighborhood commercial

centers at crossroads will reduce traffic congestion on

narrow rural roads. This approach will also reduce “strip development” that tends to undercut the rural character

of the parish.

e. Principle 5: Keep the process simple and open. Streamline the

process of land use management and encourage continuous

public comment on development practices.

i Commentary: Maintaining an open, fair process is

critical to the success of this ordinance. Without public

confidence in a fair, impartial process, enforcement of these regulations will not be effective.


f. Principle 6: Use flexible performance zones that focus on

controlling the intensity of development.

i Commentary. Instead of having a proliferation of single

use zones, the parish should expand the allowable uses

of the existing zones and add a few more flexible use zones. The Commission should focus on managing the

intensity and impact of development and not so much on

the use. This approach meets the needs of a rural parish and reduces the cost of administration.

g. Principle 7: Discourage subSection development within the 100 year flood plain.

i Commentary. SubSection development is occurring in

large areas of the parish that cannot support the intensity of this development. The allowable subSection

development should be largely restricted to the northern

part of the parish outside the 100 year flood plain.

h. Principle 8: Support subSection development where water and

sewer lines are likely to run.

i Commentary. Clustering subSection development near

water and sewer lines will reduce the overall cost of

water and sewer to the taxpayers of the parish.

i. Principle 9: Within a zone allowing subSection development, use

a flood plain overlay zone to restrict development within the 100 year flood plain.

i Commentary . This overlay zone will reduce drainage

problems from development by restricting the amount of fill that can be added within the flood plain.

j. Principle 10: Reduce the amount of commercial development to discourage strip commercial development along rural roads.

i Commentary. The 1998 parish zoning map encouraged commercial zones all along the highways. With the

exception of Airline Highway, most roads in the parish

cannot support major new commercial development. The

Commission should encourage commercial development around intersections, where traffic flow can be more

easily managed.


k. Principle 11: Establish a truck route between the industrial plants

and Interstate-10.

i Commentary. Currently trucks are mixing with

residential traffic on parish roads. This problem will

only worsen as the parish grows. A truck route, with limited commercial and residential development, will

separate industrial from residential traffic. This step will

protect the public safety and provide an efficient corridor from the industrial plants to the Interstate.

l. Principle 12: Create high quality business development zones in the parish.

i Commentary. The 1998 Zoning Map did not provide a

site for locating high end office, research and technology development. This district should be located near the

current industrial zones and should be compatible with

surrounding residential development. The district should encourage high quality business development with

minimal environmental impacts. The Parish needs

additional business development to diversify the economy. In addition, expanding business development

will strengthen the tax base to handle the continued

growth of residential development.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-2010. Zoning Districts

A. Establishment of zoning districts and overlay zones

1. Ascension Parish is hereby divided into districts and overlay zones.

These districts and zones are necessary to promote compatible uses

within districts, to implement the official Ascension Parish Land Use Plan, to serve the other purposes of this ordinance as detailed in Section

17-201(A): Legislative intent, and to implement the principles and

policies outlined in Section 17-201(G): Guiding principles and policies. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Establishment of zoning districts

1. For the purpose of this ordinance, all land and water in the

unincorporated areas of Ascension Parish are divided into zoning districts as follows: The following sections specify the intent of the

zoning districts and overlay zones established by this ordinance. These

districts are as follows:

2. High intensity districts:

a. Mixed use corridors (MU) b. Mixed Use 2 corridors (MU2)

c. Heavy Industrial (HI)

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

d. Mobile Home Park / RV Park (MHRV) (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DC14-9, 10/2/14)

3. Medium intensity districts:

a. Crossroad commercial (CC)

b. Medium Intensity residential (RM)

c. Medium Industrial (MI) d. Light Industrial (LI)

e. Airport District (A)

4. Low intensity districts:

a. Rural (R)

b. Conservation (C)


5. Commentary: This ordinance creates districts which encourage mixed

uses within districts. The primary policy objectives in developing these zones are 1) to separate hazardous industrial uses from high

concentrations of residential development; 2) to concentrate traffic from

commercial and high intensity residential development around roads in

the parish which can more easily handle higher traffic volumes; 3) to protect the public safety by encouraging development which is

adequately served by roads, fire stations, and police stations, and 4) to

preserve property values based on the rural character of the parish by discouraging residential subsections in remote areas of the parish and the

commercial strip development which follows these developments.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DC12-07, 8/16/12;)

17-2011. Map of Zoning and Overlay Guidelines

A. The boundaries of the various districts and overlay zones are shown on the Official Zoning Map of Ascension Parish, Louisiana. This map appears as

Appendix XI of this Unified Development Code, with an accompanying legend

that explains the map’s symbols. The zoning maps, including all notations, are part of this Ordinance.

B. The chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission, the chairman of the Parish Council and the Parish President shall sign and date the zoning map.

C. Unless otherwise shown on the zoning map, the boundary lines of zoning

districts and overlay zones are lot lines, property lines, the center lines of streets or alleys or such lines extended, railroad right-of-way lines, the center lines of

creeks and streams or corporate limit lines as they existed at the time of the

enactment of this ordinance, or otherwise section lines, as they exist within the various townships and ranges. Boundary lines which do not coincide with these

landmarks shall be determined by using the scale of the zoning map. If a

boundary line traverses a parcel or tract of land and if a minimum of 51% of the

property is located within a particular district, then the entire parcel or tract would be considered as being zoned that particular district. If a parcel or tract of

land whose zoning is affected by this provision is subdivided, each individual

tract, parcel, or lot of land created by the subdivision of the original tract shall be governed by the zoning district in which the newly created tract, parcel or lot is

located.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DC09-11, 12/17/09)


17-2012. Mixed Use Corridors (MU) and (MU2)

A. Mixed Use (MU) 1. This district is characterized by the most intensive residential and

commercial development. These districts are located in areas where the

road system is most capable of supporting growth with a minimum risk

to the public safety. High density residential development should include apartment buildings and townhouses. Commercial development should

be concentrated or “clustered” at strategic sites in relation to population

centers, other commercial sites, and adequate roads.

2. Commentary: This district is designed to concentrate the most intensive

residential and commercial development along the major arteries of the parish. By encouraging concentrated, cluster development, the

Commission will minimize the infrastructure costs and manage public

safety risks most appropriately. In addition, commercial development

should use shared access to parking lots and shared parking lots in order to minimize traffic congestion and sprawl along the parish roadways.

While this district allows many varied uses, the district should develop

with adequate buffering, careful traffic planning, and appropriate lighting plans to minimize any nuisance between uses.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Mixed Use 2 (MU2)

1. The District is characterized by the allowance of limited commercial,

retail and service establishments in areas where the surrounding

neighborhood is predominantly residential and the character and operation of which are compatible with the character of the surrounding

area.

2. Commentary: This district is designed to allow for commercial, retail and

service establishments which are compatible and do not adversely impact

the surrounding residential neighborhoods.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-01, 2/5/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-2013. Heavy Industrial (HI)

A. Heavy Industrial is characterized as high-impact manufacturing, compounding, processing, treatment and other uses that by their very nature create a certain real

or potential nuisance and which are not compatible with nearby residential and

commercial developments. Among the uses anticipated in the Heavy Industrial

Zone are processing and storage, refineries, tank farms, foundries, primary metals and other enterprises whose raw materials, goods-in-process or finished

products could be characterized as toxic, noxious, hazardous, odiferous,

explosive, radioactive or otherwise potentially harmful to nearby neighbors if improperly handled. Heavy Industrial anticipates a requirement for the

development of extensive on-site and off-site transportation infrastructure such as

liquid and break-bulk river terminals, rail access and storage yards, tanker truck loading and unloading and other infrastructure. Limited retail sales are permitted

in Heavy Industrial zones.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DC12-07, 8/16/12;)

B. Commentary: Industrial development will be concentrated in areas which are already providing a site for industry. This district is adequately served by

infrastructure. Concentrating industrial development in this district also

minimizes the public safety risks from production and transportation. In addition, concentrating truck traffic will reduce the maintenance costs on parish roads.

This zone incorporates all property set forth as industrial property in Section 17-

10, Industrial Areas. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-2014. Crossroad Commercial District (CC)

A. This district serves the commercial needs of the outlying residents in the parish.

The purpose of this district is to disperse commercial development opportunities

throughout the parish, while minimizing the adverse impact on traffic flows. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Commentary. Most of the commercial development in the parish should be

focused on mixed use corridors, where the roads can handle traffic volumes. At the same time, residents in the outlying areas of the parish need convenience

retail of standalone stores or smaller neighborhood convenience centers. To

reduce congestion on rural roads and improve road access, these commercial buildings should be located at intersections.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-2015. Medium Intensity Residential District (RM)

A. This district is designated for residential development, including multifamily

dwellings and subSections. This district exists largely outside the 100 year flood plain and in the northern part of the parish where planned water and sewer


systems can support more intensive development. Commercial development in

this district should be limited and located at highway intersections. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Commentary: This district is designed to be adjacent to high intensity mixed use

corridors, but commercial development should not be allowed to disrupt the residential character of this district. In addition to single family houses, town

houses, garden homes and apartment buildings are intended for this district.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-2016. Medium Industrial (MI)

A. Medium Industrial is intended to accommodate heavier forms of fabrication,

assembly, processing and storage, and larger scale warehousing & distribution

that, by nature, may create an infrequent visual, audio or scent nuisance to nearby

residential and commercial developments. Medium Industrial anticipates that some components of finished products may be produced on site and assembled

into a final product. Retail sales are not permitted Medium Industrial Zones

excepting when they can be proven to be auxiliary to the process (for example, an outlet store for products manufactured or warehoused within the facility).

Medium Industrial anticipates a moderate to heavy volume of vehicular traffic.

While periodic movement and storage of rail cars is permitted in a Medium Industrial Zone, such activity should be limited in frequency so as to not present

a persistent obstacle to the free flow of traffic in the vicinity of the establishment.

Large scale warehousing & distribution centers are allowed in Medium Industrial

zones with the caveat that appropriate steps shall be taken to properly plan and develop internal roadways and connections to public streets that promotes the

free flow of traffic in the area.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DC12-07, 8/16/12;)

B. Commentary: This district provides a public safety buffer between large-scale

residential and commercial development and industrial plants. These plants pose

a serious public health risk which must be carefully managed. Beginning in 1985, the chemical industry operating in Ascension Parish established the Community

Awareness Emergency Response, or CAER, Committee. The Ascension Parish

Chemical Industry’s CAER Committee has installed a 26-siren community alerting system, designed to be heard within an approximate radius of 2.5 miles

of each plant, in the area in which the plants are located. The system will provide

effective early warning for the community. The Medium Industrial District falls within this community alerting system and is designed to discourage high density

residential development within this warning zone.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09 DC12-07, 8/16/12;)


17-2017. Light Industrial (LI)

A. Light Industrial is intended to accommodate light manufacturing, assembly, fabrication, processing, small scale warehousing & distribution, repair facilities

and similar operations utilizing previously prepared materials. Light Industrial

operation should be operated in a clean and quiet manner in compatibility with

surrounding commercial and residential users. Generally, operations in Light Industrial zones should be contained wholly within a structure. Where it is

necessary to have exterior storage areas for raw materials, finished products,

goods-in-process, lay down yards, etc., these should be screened from view via vegetation or opaque fencing. Retail sales would be allowed in Light Industrial

zones where they are incidental to the operation.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DC12/07, 8/16/12;)

B. Commentary: This district enables the parish to expand its economic base

without encroaching on residential development. By establishing high

development standards for this district, the parish reduces the impact of business development on surrounding residential development, while at the same time

encouraging investment in high income employment.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. Light Industrial Development Standards

1. The development standards for the Light Industrial (LI) District include

the following:

a. Site plan review. Development within the Light Industrial district requires a site plan review by the Planning and

Development Staff to insure that the development meets the

development standards set forth in this Section. The site plan that shall include:

i Vicinity map;

ii Boundaries and dimensions of the property; iii Location of buildings and structures with existing and

proposed location and layout of off-street parking.

iv Loading and unloading areas and location, design and height of walls and fencing;

v Location of storage areas and refuse containers;

vi Location and size of signs; vii Landscaping plan;

viii Outdoor lighting plan;

ix Proposed architectural treatment of buildings;

x Location and size of all existing and proposed utilities; xi Site drainage;

xii Access to public streets;

xiii Interior circulation pattern, including truck circulation for loading and unloading;


xiv Adjacent public streets and the latest available traffic

counts of those streets; xv Indications of adjoining uses.

b. Building Plan review and building standards: Development

within the Light Industrial district requires a building plan review by the Planning and Development Staff to insure that the

development meets the development standards set forth in this

Section. The building standards include:

i All buildings shall be designed by a certified architect or

engineer

ii All sides, elevations or facades shall be visually pleasing

and architecturally comparable with these standards.

c. The majority of exterior and externally visible opaque surfaces

shall be constructed of the following materials:

i Brick;

ii Architectural precast concrete panels;

iii Decorative concrete block; iv Cut stone;

v Wood; or

vi Other building materials that the Planning and

Development Staff determine will present a visual statement of a building structure’s strength, permanence

and attractiveness. The building materials used shall be

harmonious with the natural environment and with the general character of a high quality business park.

d. No loading dock shall face the street, unless the site

configuration is such that it is unavoidable. In that event, the Planning and Development Staff shall specifically review and

approve the location of the loading dock.

e. Ancillary structures shall be approved by the Planning and

Development Staff. Approval shall be granted only if:

i The ancillary building is essential to the principal use of

the building site

ii The structure of the ancillary building conforms to the architectural standards of other buildings on the site

iii The ancillary building is properly screened to minimize adverse visual impacts, if any


iv Conform to the overall objectives of this Section, as

determined by the Planning and Development Staff. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DC09-10, 12/17/09; DC12-07, 8/16/12; DC13-15, 2/20/14)

f. Landscaping Plan review and landscaping standards. The

landscaping on the site shall follow a Landscaping Plan that has been reviewed and approved by the Planning and Development

Staff. The Landscaping Plan shall include the location, name,

size and quantity of plant materials. The plan shall show all ground cover and mulch areas; landscape and construction

materials; and construction details. The Planning and

Development Staff shall approve landscaping plans that substantially enhance the property value of the building site and

maintain the rural character of the parish. In making this

determination, the Planning and Development Staff shall

consider:

i The extent of landscaping, including the use of seeding,

sodding, raised planters, architectural decorative walls or fencing, earth berms, trees and shrubs, ground cover, and

lighting.

ii The use of trees and shrubs that enhance the rural

character of the parish.

iii The extent to which the landscaping plan represents a long term improvement to the rural character of the

parish.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DC09-10, 12/17/09; DC12-07, 8/16/12; DC13-15, 2/20/14)

g. Failure to complete or maintain landscaping. All landscaping

shall be completed within 90 days following occupancy. The

owner of the building site shall be responsible for maintaining all landscaping approved in the original plan. If the owner does not

complete the approved landscaping plan within 90 days of

occupancy, the Planning and Development Staff may direct the Building Official to revoke the owner’s Certificate of

Occupancy. If the owner or the owner’s assigns do not maintain

the landscaping as set forth in the approved plan, the Parish of Ascension or its agent, at the direction of the Planning and

Development Staff, shall enter the site and conduct such

maintenance. The Parish of Ascension may seek full

reimbursement for these maintenance services. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DC09-10, 12/17/09; DC12-07, 8/16/12; DC13-15, 2/20/14)


17-2018. Airport District (A)

A. The Airport District shall be comprised of the property which constitutes the

Louisiana Regional Airport, and more particularly described in an ordinance

passed by the Ascension Parish Council at a regular meeting on February 1,

2001. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Commentary: The legal description of the Airport District is set forth in an ordinance passed by the Ascension Parish Council on February 1, 2001. This

legal description is incorporated into the Development Code by reference.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-2019. Rural District (R)

A. This district is designated for low-density residential development in rural areas and small pockets of commercial development to service neighborhood needs.

The area is generally characterized by rural roads and a lack of utilities.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Commentary: This district should develop consistent with the rural character of

the parish. Commercial development should be low intensity carefully planned so as not to disrupt the rural character of the district. Careless commercial

development, “suburban sprawl”, represents both a nuisance to current

landowners and jeopardizes property values. In addition, haphazard subSection

development in the more rural parts of the parish will stretch the parish’s limited road, police and fire budgets. The parish cannot afford to service large

concentrations of residential development in this district.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-2020. Conservation District (C)

A. This area is designated to conserve the major environmental assets of the parish.

The district is intended for single family residential development and limited

commercial development.

B. Commentary: This district includes the most rural parts of the parish. These areas

are not only environmentally fragile, they are not served by roads which can handle large traffic increases.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-2021. Mobile Home Park / RV Park District (MHRV)

A. This area is designated to provide for an area to develop Mobile Home and/or RV

Parks. The district is intended for high density, single family residential

development that is designed consistent with Appendix 8 and Appendix 9 of the

Unified Land Development Code. This district is intended to ensure a suitable living environment in Mobile Home and/or RV parks and to ensure the

compatibility of such developments with adjacent property.

B. Properties shall only be considered for this zoning designation if they are located

outside of the most up-to-date 100 year flood plain designation according to the

FEMA/FIRMS map and immediately adjacent to a piece of property that is already zoned MU, CC or MHRV.

C. Commentary: This district is designed to concentrate Mobile Home and RV

Parks where the Parish Council feels they are best suited to occur. Consideration should be given to available and future infrastructure in the immediate area,

adjacent land use, traffic and drainage concerns.

(DC14-9, 10/02/14)


17-2030. Overlay Zones

A. Statement of purpose and intent for overlay zones. 1. Overlay zones handle particular development issues in the parish by

imposing a new set of regulations on a special area. These problems are

geographically localized and cannot be completely addressed by the

underlying district regulations. To provide flexibility and ease of administration to the Development Ordinance, the parish adopts the

following overlay zones to address these issues:

a. Flood hazard overlay zone, b. Designation of Waste Sites

c. Historic site overlay zone,

d. Scenic Rural Highways overlay zone e. Neighborhood Business overlay zone.

f. Chemical Emergency overlay zone,

g. Airport Overlay Zone

h. Industrial Designation overlay zone.

2. Commentary. With the flexibility of overlay zoning, the parish is able to

respond to special features of the land. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC03-03, 8/21/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DC12-06, 8/16/12)

B. Establishment of overlay zones

1. This Ordinance establishes the following Overlay Zones:

a. Flood hazard overlay zone,

b. Designation of Waste Sites c. Historic site overlay zone,

d. Scenic Rural Highways overlay zone

e. Neighborhood Business overlay zone. f. Chemical Emergency overlay zone,

g. Airport Overlay Zone

h. Industrial Designation overlay zone.

2. The overlay districts shall be superimposed on the other districts

established by this Ordinance.

3. The delineation of the overlay zones are set forth on the official zoning

map.

4. Commentary. Overlay zones lie on top of zoning districts. They impose

an additional level of land use control to handle specific development

issues within the parish.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03, DC03-02, 8/21/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09, DC12-06, 8/16/12)


17-2031. Flood Hazard Overlay Zone

A. Flood Hazard Overlay 1. The Flood Hazard Overlay Zone protects public safety and property by

restricting residential development within the 100 year flood plain and by

keeping flood channels free of encroachment. Development in this zone

must also comply with the requirements of Chapter 9.5 of the Code of

Ordinances, Flood Damage Prevention.

2. The lands within the Flood Hazard Overlay Zone are subject to periodic inundation. These floods adversely affect the public health, safety and

general welfare of the parish. They can result in a loss of life and

property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services. They also lead to extraordinary public

expenditures for flood protection and relief.

3. These flood losses are created by the cumulative effect of obstructions in floodplains which cause an increase in flood heights and velocities.

These losses are also increased by the development of buildings within

the Flood Hazard Overlay Zone that are inadequately elevated, flood-proofed or otherwise protected from flood damage.

4. Commentary. The purpose of flood plain zoning is to regulate land use within the flood plain so as to minimize or prevent the harm caused by

flood. The current development pattern shows that some subSections

have been developed recently within the 100 year flood plain. This

overlay zone is designed to protect the public safety and property rights by restricting intensive residential development in the flood plain (Zones

A, A1, A30, AH and AE). Construction within designated floodplain

should not be started until the applicant has provided an Elevation Certificate to the Building Official. By accepting an Elevation Certificate

and related information, the parish government is not making any

representation that a structure built in a flood plain is safe.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-2032. Designation of Waste Sites

A. Waste sites as defined by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality or

the Environmental Protection Agency shall be designated on the Ascension Parish Zoning Map to demonstrate to the public their locations only. The

placement and identification on the map of these locations, is for informational


purposes only, and is not a representation by the Parish of the degree of hazard

imposed by said site. (DC03-01, 1/9/03;DC03-04, 8/21/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-2033. Historic Site Overlay Zone

A. The purpose of the historic structure overlay zones is to protect certain historical sites from incompatible development. This zone protects irreplaceable historic

and economic assets in the parish. The Planning Commission should encourage

landowners with historic property to use this zone to preserve these structures. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DC09-10, 12/17/09)

B. Inclusion or Exclusion 1. Individual property owners can, via written request to the Zoning

Official, request that their property be designated on the Official

Ascension parish Zoning Map as a Historic Site.

a. The property will be evaluated by the Zoning Official to determine if the criteria has been met and the request shall be

placed before the Zoning Commission for recommendation to

the Parish Council. b. All advertising deadlines will need to be met.

2. Individual property owners can, via written request to the Zoning

Official, request that their property be removed from the Official Ascension Parish Zoning Map as a Historic Site.

a. The request shall be placed before the Zoning Commission for

recommendation to the Parish Council.

b. All advertising deadlines will need to be met. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC03-03, 8/21/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DC12-05, 8/16/12)

D. Development Standards

1. No industrial uses shall be allowed within the property boundary lines of

the historical site. Limited commercial uses shall be allowed on the

Historic Site to the extent that the commercial uses are compatible with the Historic Site, do not hinder the integrity of the site, and meet the

following criteria.

a. Historic Site shall be open to the general public a minimum of

240 days in each calendar year.

b. Uses shall be limited to the following:

i. General Retail (gift shop or other retail activity)

provided however, that the sale of gasoline or

other automotive services shall not be permitted; ii. Restaurant;

iii. Reception Hall;

iv. Meeting Hall or Conference Center;


v. Hotel, Motel or Bed & Breakfast not exceeding

100 rooms; vi. Exhibit Hall;

vii. Museum;

viii. Chapel

ix. Spa (associated with Hotel, Motel or Bed & Breakfast)

c. Development Standards:

i. Floor to Area Ratio shall not exceed .35; ii. Parking:

a) For all general retail, meeting hall or

conference center, a minimum of 1 parking for every 250 square feet of

gross square footage shall be provided;

and,

b) For all restaurant, dining hall or area

designated as a dining area open to the

public, a minimum of 1 parking space for every 3.5 seats or occupancy and 1

space for any 150 square footage of

kitchen or other food preparation area In the event the same square footage serves

as meeting hall, conference center and

dining area, the more stringent of the

parking requirements shall apply.

c) Outdoor spaces used for similar uses

shall be included in establishing the

overall parking requirements for the Historic Site.

d) A minimum 1 and a maximum of 3 bus

parking spaces shall be included in the

overall parking requirements at the discretion of the Planning Commission.

e) Parking requirements are cumulative,

however, same square footage shall only be included in the calculations using the

most stringent requirement.

f) Parking area landscaping shall comply with Section 17-2082(A): (Landscape

Requirements.

g) A Parking Study prepared by a

Professional Engineer Licensed to


practice in the State of Louisiana may be

used, subject to approval by the Planning Commission, to establish the

total required parking,

iii. Buffering;

iv. Landscaping;

d. A Site Plan shall be submitted and reviewed by the Planning

Commission.

2. Extending from the property boundary line outwards 250 feet, any use

permitted in the underlying zoning district shall be permitted in this section of the Historic Site Overlay Zone, except for those similar to

industrial, manufacturing and waste related activities, natural gas or fuel

related control, monitor, or distribution activities, mass storage, travel or

movement activities, similar activities as deemed in the discussion of the Planning Commission, except healthcare and medical facilities.

Buffering requirements as provided for herein shall be adhered to.

3. From 250 to 500 feet beyond the boundary lines, any use permitted in the

underlying zoning district shall be allowed, subject to the buffering

requirements provided herein.

4. This ordinance does not extend to buildings or land which fail to

conform to the uses set forth in this Chapter on the date of enactment of

this ordinance. The lawful use of any building or land existing as of the date of enactment of this ordinance may be continued, although such use

does not conform with the provisions of this ordinance, provided that:

a. No nonconforming use shall be extended to displace a

conforming use.

b. A building that contains a nonconforming use may not be reconstructed or structurally altered in excess of fifty percent

(50%) of the assessed value of the building prior to construction,

unless the building is changed to a conforming use approved by the Planning Commission.

c. A nonconforming land use maybe expanded by no more than 50% of the original nonconforming site.

d. Any nonconforming structure declared unsafe by an agent of the

Parish may be restored to a safe condition.

e. Once changed to a conforming use, no building or land shall be

permitted to revert to a nonconforming use.


f. Whenever a building or land used in whole or in part for a

nonconforming use becomes and remains vacant for a continuous period of 180 days, or whenever the commercial

operations carried on in such a building or on such land have

been discontinued for a period of more than 180 days, the

subsequent use of the property must conform to the provisions of this ordinance.

g. An abandoned nonconforming use may be re-established within

90 days after the 180th day of the abandonment upon a showing

that the continuation of a conditional nonconforming use would not adversely affect the health, safety, or welfare of the public

and is in substantial compliance with existing or permitted uses

of adjacent properties.

h. This section shall apply to any nonconforming uses which may arise whenever the boundaries of a district are altered.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03;DC03-05, 8/21/03; DC05-02, 5/5/05; DC09-04, 5/21/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09;

DC09-10, 12/17/09, DC12-05, 8/16/12)

E. Pre-development Meeting

1. Any development proposed within the Historic Site Overlay Zone shall be reviewed at a pre-development meeting to be held before the Planning

Commission. The Applicant shall;

a. Submit a complete application together will all required

documents and other necessary information to clearly communicate and inform the Planning Commission all intentions

for development, including but not exclusively, architectural

schemes, landscaping, projected volume of business and any other relevant information that the Planning Commission may

request;

b. Attend a pre-hearing meeting with staff to review the application, submitted documents and proposal in detail.

Developer, owner or authorized agent shall provide any

additional documentation or support information as it may be deemed necessary by the Ascension Parish Development

Director.

c. Attend a public hearing before the Planning Commission. The

Planning Commission may approve, approve subject to

conditions of approval, deny or postpone the application, except

however, the Planning Commission may only postpone taking action on the subject application only one time for a period to be


specified in its motion to postpone. Additional postponements

may only be granted at the applicant’s request.

2. Notice of the pre-development meeting shall be given to all adjacent

landowners via certified mail at least five days prior to the meeting. Said

meetings shall be held during regularly scheduled Planning Commission meetings, except for good cause shown, at which time a special meeting

shall be called subject to the same notice requirements.

3. The purpose of the pre-development meeting is to ensure compliance

with all applicable portions of the Ascension Parish Development and

Zoning codes: ensure uses within the Historic Site are compatible with the site and surrounding area; ensure the development is consistent with

the goals, objectives and policies of the Ascension Parish Codes and

purpose and intent of these provisions; and, place the public on notice of

any development in or near Historic Sites. By doing so, the Parish of Ascension protects the integrity of the sites and furthers the preservation

of these Historic Sites

(DC03-01, 1/9/03;DC03-05, 8/21/03; DC05-02, 5/5/05; DC09-04, 5/21/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DC09-10, 12/17/09)

F. Buffering Requirements

1. Uses allowed under this section within 500 feet of the property boundary

lines of the site shall provide a buffer between the use and the property

lines. Buffering shall consist of landscaping and/or fencing consistent with the architecture of the Historic Site. All buffering shall be subject to

approval by the Planning Commission.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03;DC03-05, 8/21/03; DC05-02, 5/5/05; DC09-04, 5/21/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DC09-10, 12/17/09)

G. Architectural Standards 1. Architecture shall be consistent with the style or period of the historical

site.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03;DC03-05, 8/21/03; DC05-02, 5/5/05; DC09-04, 5/21/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

H. Exclusions

1. Single family detached residential structures are excluded from the requirements of this overlay zone.

(DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-2034. Scenic Rural Highways Overlay Zone

A. The purpose of this overlay zone is to protect the rural character of certain roads

in the parish.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


B. Commentary: The rural character of Ascension Parish enhances property values.

Based on citizen meetings, the Planning Commission learned that protecting the rural character of the parish ranks as a high priority among residential property

owners in the parish. In particular, residential property owners want to preserve

many of the large trees along certain highways in the parish. In addition, parish

residents want to restrict the proliferation of commercial signs along these highways. This overlay zone is designed to protect property values by

implementing restrictions on the cutting of large trees and the construction of

large signs. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DC09-10, 12/17/09)

17-2035. Neighborhood Business Overlay Zone

A. This overlay zone is designed to upgrade the existing business development

district along a road and to impose additional levels of land use control to handle

specific development issues within the Parish.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC05-01, 4/21/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09, DC12-07, 8/16/12)

B. Underlying zone. The underlying zone for the Neighborhood Business Overlay

zone shall be the Light Industrial (LI) District. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC05-01, 4/21/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DC12-07, 8/16/12;)

C. Established Boundaries. The boundaries of the Overlay Zone shall be the areas shown on the official zoning map and the official legal description of any

Neighborhood Business Overlay Zone shall be contained in the records of the

Zoning Office.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC05-01, 4/21/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

D. Permitted Uses: Permitted used of land or buildings, as hereinafter numerated,

shall be permitted in the Neighborhood Business Overlay Zone district only in accordance with conditions specified. Only those uses specifically listed

hereunder shall be considered permitted uses, and no building or lot shall be

devoted to any use other than a use permitted hereunder, with the exception of: a)

uses lawfully established prior to the effective date of this Ordinance. The following uses, itemized under "Zoning Table "A" constitutes the only uses

permitted in the Neighborhood Business Overlay zoning district.

1. All uses listed under Light Industrial (LI) District in Appendix I, Tables

A & B: Site Requirements by District with the exception of the

following: a. Process Plant (metals, chemicals, etc.)

b. Oil Refinery Facility

c. Gasoline Station, Automobile repair and service structures.

d. Rail Maintenance, Storage, or related activities. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC05-01, 4/21/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DC 12-07, 8/16/12;)


E. Site and structure requirements

1. Architectural Standards

a. Property owners must follow the architectural standards as

outlined in the development code under the zoning guidelines of

Light Industrial.

2. Operations within an Enclosed Structure

a. All business, service, storage, and display of goods shall be conducted within completely enclosed structures, except for:

i Agricultural Uses

ii Off-Street Parking and Loading (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC05-01, 4/21/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DC12-07, 8/16/12)

F. Commercial deliveries

1. The commercial delivery and shipment of products, merchandise or supplies in straight trucks or smaller vehicles shall be encouraged. All

vehicle maneuvers associated with parking and loading shall occur in the

off-street parking or loading area or structure. Public streets shall not be used to conduct any parking maneuver, including backing out onto the

street.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC05-01, 4/21/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

G. Fencing, screening, and buffer yards

1. All fencing shall be constructed of quality materials. All fencing shall be

property braced and all posts shall be placed into the ground with concrete or placed at such a depth so as to insure the fence will be secure

and will not move. All fence bracing or ribbing shall be on the inside of

the fence unless otherwise approved by the Ascension Parish Planning Commission.

2. Fencing materials of construction shall be masonry, wood, vinyl, metal,

chain link, or wrought iron.

3. The side of the fence considered to be the face shall face abutting property.

4. No fence shall be erected on a comer lot that will impede the clear view

of an intersection by approaching traffic. 5. The purpose of fencing is to enclose unsightly structures. Height

restrictions of fencing shall be 6' minimum along the side and rear of the

property. If a fence is erected on a lot with a commercial structure the fence shall be constructed 25' from the centerline of road.

6. Intent:

a. New Construction of facility shall comply with Development

Code regulations, b. Existing fences are acceptable as is, however,

c. Reconstruction or repair of existing fences shall comply with

Development Code Regulations of being 25' from the center of the road.


7. Fences or hedges/landscape materials shall be required to screen storage

areas and shall be of sufficient height to screen the storage from adjacent public right-of-ways and adjacent properties. If fencing is required and

exceeds 8 feet in height then landscape material shall be utilized to soften

the impact and add to the screening. Trees that will grow to a sufficient

height to screen storage from adjacent properties shall be utilized where the terrain is such that a screen exceeding ten feet in height is needed.

8. The Planning Commission may require additional buffer yards, screening or fencing between businesses and residential uses within the zone or

between the zone and other districts when a nuisance exists. The

additional standards may include the construction of opaque fencing, sound barriers, freestanding walls, or additional planning to reduce the

impact of nuisances on adjacent landowners. These nuisances may

include dust, noise, litter, lighting glare, and unsightly storage yards,

refuse disposal sites, parking lots, signs or buildings. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC05-01, 4/21/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DC09-10, 12/17/09)

H. Signage 1. All freestanding signs within the zone shall be monument signs.

Monument signs are signs that are supported by a base, or other supports,

having a combined width of greater than two feet and which are mounted on the ground.

2. Monument signs within the zone shall not exceed four feet in height and

twenty square feet of copy area.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC05-01, 4/21/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

I. Nonconforming uses: Structures

1. All current residences and businesses located within the boundary of the Neighborhood Business District are exempt from complying with the

overlay district regulations:

a. When a residential use converts or is replaced with a business

type use. b. When an existing business is damaged, destroyed, repaired or

renovated to 50% or more of the market value of the structure.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC05-01, 4/21/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

J. Maintenance of Signs and Fencing

1. All signs and fencing must be maintained and repaired in a reasonable fashion. Fencing and signs must remain free from visual blight, including

chipping, peeling, rusting and defective lighting. Any warped fence

boards shall be replaced as needed. The Parish of Ascension shall

provide notice of any maintenance violation. Such violations shall be corrected within 30 days of receipt of said notice. If the violation is not

corrected, the Parish of Ascension, through the Planning Department,

retains the right to correct the violation and bill the property owner for all applicable costs including but not limited to: lien rights, attorney fees,


cost of repairs, interest at the maximum rate allowable by law, and all

other reasonable costs of collection. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC05-01, 4/21/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

K. Location of signage and fences

1. No signage or fencing shall be located in such a place whereby it restricts or obstructs traffic visibility. No identification signage will be

allowed within the right-of-way of a dedicated public street, nor in any

area not specifically approved by the Parish of Ascension Planning Commission. The Parish of Ascension Planning Commission will not

approve any portable signage.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC05-01, 4/21/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

L. Site Plan Review Requirements

1. All uses subject to site plan review shall comply with the standards of

Light Industrial (LI) Site Plan Review. 2. Exceptions to Overlay District site plan review requirements. The

planning commission may approve exceptions to the Neighborhood

Business Overlay site plan review requirements upon finding that the use or development includes site amenities that address any adverse effects

of the exception of use or where the Planning Commission finds that

strict adherence to the requirements is impractical because of site location or conditions.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC05-01, 4/21/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DC09-10, 12/17/09; DC12-07, 8/16/12)

M. Implementation 1. This ordinance will go into effect immediately following ratification by

the Parish of Ascension Council.

2. Businesses will have a maximum of 90 days from the date of ratification in order to meet the requirements specified within the ordinance.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC05-01, 4/21/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-2036. Airport Overlay Zone

A. The purpose of this zone is to comply with regulations of the Federal Aviation

Administration.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Commentary: The Federal Aviation Administration imposes restrictions on

building densities and heights near airports. The purpose of this overlay zone is

to implement these restrictions. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. Airport Zones 1. In order to carry out the provisions of this Ordinance, there are hereby

created and established certain zones within the Airport District, which

include all of the land lying beneath the approach surfaces, transitional

surfaces, horizontal surfaces, and conical surfaces as they apply to Louisiana Regional Airport. Such zones are shown on Ascension Parish

Zoning map. An area located in more than one of the following zones is

considered to be only in the zone with the more restrictive height limitation. The various zones are hereby established and defined as

follows:

a. Utility Runway Visual Approach Zone. The inner edge of this

approach zone coincides with the width of the primary surface

and is 250 feet wide. The approach zone expands outward

uniformly to a width of 1,250 feet at a horizontal distance of 5,000 feet from the primary surface. Its centerline is the

continuation of the centerline of the runway.

b. Utility Runway Nonprecision Instrument Approach Zone. The

inner edge of this approach zone coincides with the width of the

primary surface and is 500 feet wide. The approach zone

expands outward uniformly to a width of 2,000 feet at a horizontal distance of 5,000 feet from the primary surface. Its

centerline is the continuation of the centerline of the runway.

c. Runway Larger than Utility Visual Approach Zone. The inner

edge of this approach zone coincides with the width of the

primary surface and is 500 feet wide. The approach zone expands outward uniformly to a width of 1.500 feet at a

horizontal distance of 5,000 feet from the primary surface. Its



d. Runway Larger than Utility with a Visibility Minimum Greater than 3/4 Mile Nonprecision Instrument Approach Zone. The

inner edge of this approach zone coincides with the width of the

primary surface and is 500 feet wide. The approach zone

expands outward uniformly to a width of 3,500 feet at a horizontal distance of 10,000 feet from the primary surface. Its


e. Runway Larger than Utility with a Visibility Minimum as low as

3/4 Mile Nonprecision Instrument Approach Zone. The inner

edge of this approach zone coincides with the width of the primary surface and is 1,000 feet wide. The approach zone

expands outward uniformly to a width of 4,000 feet at a

horizontal distance of 10,000 feet from the primary surface. Its


f. Precision Instrument Runway Approach Zone. The inner edge of

this approach zone coincides with the width of the primary surface and is 1,00 feet wide. The approach zone expands

outward uniformly to a width of 16,000 feet at a horizontal

distance of 50,000 feet from the primary surface. Its centerline is the continuation of the centerline of the runway.

g. Transitional Zones. The transitional zones are the areas beneath

the transitional surfaces.

h. Horizontal Zone. The horizontal zone is established by swinging

arcs of 5,000 feet radii for all runways designated utility or visual and 10,000 feet for all others from the center of each end

of the primary surface of each runway and connecting the

adjacent arcs by drawing lines tangent to those arcs. The

horizontal zone does not include the approach and transitional zones.

i. Conical Zone. The conical zone is established as the area that commences at the periphery of the horizontal zone and extends

outward there from a horizontal distance of 4,000 feet.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

D. Airport Zone Height Limitations

1. Except as otherwise provided in this Section, no structure shall be

erected, altered, or maintained, and no tree shall be allowed to grow in any zone created by this Section to a height in excess of the applicable

height herein established for such zone. Such applicable height

limitations are hereby established for each of the zones in question as follows:


a. Utility Runway Visual Approach Zone. Slopes twenty (20) feet

outward for each foot upward beginning at the end of and at the same elevation as the primary surface and extending to a

horizontal distance of 5,000 feet along the extended runway

centerline.

b. Utility Runway Nonprecision Instrument Approach Zone. Slopes

twenty (20) feet outward for each foot upward beginning at the

end of and at the same elevation as the primary surface and extending to a horizontal distance of 5,000 feet along the

extended runway centerline.

c. Runway Larger than Utility Visual Approach Zone. Slopes

twenty (20) feet outward for each foot upward beginning at the

end of and at the same elevation as the primary surface and

extending to a horizontal distance of 5,000 feet along the extended runway centerline.

d. Runway Larger than Utility with a Visibility Minimum Greater than 3/4 Mile Nonprecision Instrument Approach Zone. Slopes

thirty-four (34) feet outward for each foot upward beginning at

the end of and at the same elevation as the primary surface and extending to a horizontal distance of 10,000 feet along the


e. Runway Larger than Utility with a Visibility Minimum as Low as 3/4 Mile Nonprecision Instrument Approach Zone. Slopes

thirty-four (34) feet outward for each foot upward beginning at

end of and at the same elevation as the primary surface and extending to a horizontal distance of 10,000 feet along the


f. Precision Instrument Runway Approach Zone. Slopes fifty (50) feet outward for each foot upward beginning at end of and at the

same elevation as the primary surface and extending to a

horizontal distance of 10,000 feet along the extended runway centerline; thence slopes upward forty (40) feet horizontally for

each foot vertically to an additional horizontal distance of 40,000

feet along the extended runway centerline.


g. Transitional Zones. Slope seven (7) feet outward for each foot

upward beginning at the sides of and at the same elevation as the primary surface and the approach surface, and extending to a

height of 150 feet above the airport elevation, which is 100 feet

above, mean sea level. In addition to the foregoing, there are

established height limits sloping seven (7) feet outward for each foot upward beginning at the sides of and the same elevation as

the approach surface, and extending to where they intersect the

conical surface. Where the precision instrument runway approach zones projects beyond the conical zone, there are

established height limits sloping seven (7) feet outward for each

foot upward beginning at the sides of and the same elevation as the approach surface, and extending a horizontal distance of

5,000 feet measured at 90 degree angles to the extended runway

centerline.

h. Horizontal Zone. Establish at 150 feet above the airport elevation

or at a height 250 feet above mean sea level.

i. Conical Zone. Slopes twenty (20) feet outward for each foot

upward beginning at the periphery of the horizontal zone and at

150 feet above the airport elevation and extending to a height of 350 feet above the airport elevation.

j. Excepted Height Limitations. Nothing in this Section shall be

construed as prohibiting the construction or maintenance of any structure, or growth of any tree to a height up to 50 feet above

the surface of the land.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

E. Land Use Safety zones

1. In order to carry out the purpose of this Section, as set forth above and

also, in order to restrict those uses which may be hazardous to the operational safety of aircraft operating to and from the Louisiana

Regional Airport, and furthermore to limit population and building

density in the runway approach areas, thereby creating sufficient open space so as to protect life and property in case of an accident, there are

hereby created and established the following land use safety zones.

a. Safety Zone A: All land in that portion of the approach zones of

a runway, as defined in Section 17-2036(C): hereof, which

extends outward from the end of primary surface a distance

equal to two-thirds of the planned length of the runway. b. Safety Zone B: All land in that portion of the approach zones of

a runway, as defined in Section 17-2036(C): hereof, which

extends outward from Safety Zone A distance equal of one-third of the planned length of the runway.


c. Safety Zone C: All that land which is enclosed within the

perimeter of the horizontal zone, as defined in Section 17-

2036(C): hereof, and which is not included in Zone A or Zone B.

2. Use restrictions.

a. Zone A: Subject at all times to the height restrictions set forth in

Section 17-2036(D): Airport Zone Height Limitations and to

the general restrictions contained in Section 17-2036(F):

General use restrictions, areas designated as Zone A shall

contain no buildings, temporary structures, aerial transmission

lines, or other similar above-ground land use structural hazards, and shall be restricted to those uses which will not create, attract,

or bring together an assembly of persons thereon. Permitted uses

may include, but are not limited to, such uses as agriculture

(seasonal crops), horticulture, animal husbandry, raising of livestock, wildlife habitat, light outdoor recreation

(nonspectator), cemeteries, and auto parking.

b. Zone B: Subject at all times to the height restrictions set forth in

Section 17-2036(D): Airport Zone Height Limitations and to

the general restrictions contained in Section 17-2036(F):

General use restrictions, areas designated as Zone B shall be

restricted in use as follows:

i Each use shall be on a site whose area shall not be less than three acres.

ii Each use shall not create, attract, or bring together a site population that would exceed 15 times that of the site

acreage.

iii Each site shall have no more than one building plot upon which any number of structures may be erected.


iv A building plot shall be a single, uniform and non-

contrived area, whose shape is uncomplicated and whose area shall not exceed the following minimum rations

with respect to the total site area:

Site Area

at least (Acres)

But Less

than (Acres)

Ratio of Site

Area to Building Plot

Area

Building

Plot Area (sq. ft.)

Maximum Site

Population (15 persons per

Acre)

3 4 12.1 10,900 45

4 8 10.1 17,400 60

6 10 8.1 32,000 90

10 20 6.1 72,600 150

20 and up 4.1 218,000 300

v The following use are specifically prohibited in Zone B:

Churches, hospitals, schools, theaters, stadiums, hotels

and motels, trailer courts, camp grounds, and other

places of frequent public or semi-public assembly.

c. Zone C: Zone C is subject only to the height restrictions set forth

in Section 17-2036(D): Airport Zone Height Limitations and to the general restrictions contained in Section 17-2036(F):

General use restrictions.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

F. General Use Restrictions

1. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section, no use may be

made of land or water within any zone established by this Section in such a manner as to create electrical interference with navigational signals or

radio communication between the airport and aircraft, make it difficult

for pilots to distinguish between airport lights and others, result in glare in the eyes of pilots using the airport, impair visibility in the vicinity of

the airport, create bird strike hazards, or otherwise in any way endanger

or interfere with the landing, takeoff, or maneuvering of aircraft

intending to use the airport. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


G. Nonconforming Uses

1. Regulations Not Retroactive. The regulations prescribed in this Section shall not be construed to require the removal, lowering, or other change

or alteration of any structure or tree not conforming to the regulations as

February 1, 2001, the effective date of this Section, or otherwise interfere

with the continuance of a nonconforming use. Nothing contained herein shall require any change in the construction, alteration, intended use of

any structure, the construction or alteration of which was begun prior to

February 1, 2001, and is diligently prosecuted.

2. Marking and Lighting. Notwithstanding the preceding provision of this

Section, the owner of any existing nonconforming structure or tree is hereby required to permit the installation, operation, and maintenance

thereon of such markers and lights as shall be deemed necessary by the

Building Official to indicate to operators of aircraft in the vicinity of the

airport the presence of such airport obstruction. Such markers and lights shall be installed, operated, and maintained at the expense of the airport

owner.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09) H. Permits

1. Future Uses. Except as specifically provided in (1), (2), and (3)

hereunder, no material change shall be made in the use of land, no structure shall be erected or otherwise established, and no tree shall be

planted in any zone hereby created unless a permit therefore shall have

been applied for and granted. Each application for a permit shall indicate

the purpose for which the permit is desired, with sufficient particularity to permit it to be determined whether the resulting use, structure, or tree

would conform to the regulations herein prescribed. If such

determination is in the affirmative, the permit shall be granted. No permit for a use inconsistent with the provisions of this Section shall be granted

unless a variance has been approved in accordance with Section 17-

2036(H)(10)(f): Variances relating to variances.

a. In the area lying within the limits of the horizontal zone and

conical zone, no permit shall be required for any tree or structure

less than seventy-five feet of vertical height above the ground, except when, because of terrain, land contour, or topographic

features, such tree or structure would extend above the height

limits prescribed for such zones.

b. In areas lying within the limits of the approach zones but at a

horizontal distance of not less than 4,200 feet from each end of

the runway, no permit shall be required for any tree or structure less that seventy-five feet of vertical height above the ground,

except when such tree or structure would extend above the

height limit prescribed for such approach zones.


c. In the areas lying within the limits of the transition zones beyond

the perimeter of the horizontal zone, no permit shall be required for any tree or structure less than seventy-five feet of vertical

height above the ground, except when such tree or structure,

because of terrain, land contour, or topographic features, would

extend above the height limit prescribed for such transition zones. Nothing contained in any of the foregoing exceptions

shall be construed as permitting or intending to permit any

construction, or alteration of any structure, or growth of any tree in excess of any of the height limits established by this Section,

except as set forth in Section 17-2036(D): Airport Zone Height

Limitations.

d. Existing uses. No permit shall be granted that would allow the

establishment or creation of an obstruction or permit a

nonconforming use, structure, or tree to become a greater hazard to air navigation, than it was on the effective date of this

Ordinance or any amendments thereto or than it is when the

application for a permit is made. Except as indicated, all applications for such a permit shall be granted.

e. Nonconforming uses abandoned or destroyed. Whenever the Building Official determines that a nonconforming tree or

structure has been abandoned or more than 80 percent torn

down, physically deteriorated, or decayed, no permit shall be

granted that would allow such structure or tree to exceed the applicable height limit or otherwise deviate from the regulations

set forth in this Section.


f. Variances. Any person desiring to erect or increase the height of

any structure, or permit the growth of any tree, or use property, not in accordance with the regulations prescribed in this Section,

may apply to the Board of Adjustment for a variance from such

regulations. The application for variance shall be accompanied

by a determination from the Federal Aviation Administration as to the effect of the proposal on the operation of air navigation

facilities and the safe, efficient use of navigable airspace. Such

variances shall be allowed where it is duly found that a literal application or enforcement of the regulations will result in

unnecessary hardship and relief granted, will not be contrary to

the public interest, will not create a hazard to air navigation, will do substantial justice, and will be in accordance with the spirit of

this Section. Additionally, no application for variance to the

requirements of this Section may be considered by the Board of

Adjustment unless a copy of the application has been furnished to the Airport Manager for advice as to the aeronautical effects

of the variance. If the Airport Manager does not respond to the

application within 15 days after receipt, the Board of Adjustment may Act on its own to grant or deny said application.

g. Obstruction Marking and Lighting - Any permit or variance granted may, if such actions is deemed advisable to effectuate

the purpose of this Section and be reasonable in the

circumstances, be so conditioned as to require the owner of the

structure or tree in question to install, operate, and maintain, at the owner's expense, such markings and lights as may be

necessary. If deemed proper by the Board of Adjustment, this

condition may be modified to require the owner to permit the Parish of Ascension, at its own expense, to install, operate and

maintain the necessary markings and lights.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

I. Enforcement

1. It shall be the duty of the Zoning Official to administer and enforce the

regulations prescribed herein. Applications for permits and variance shall be made to the Zoning Official upon a form published for that purpose.

Applications required by this Ordinance to be submitted to the Zoning

Official shall be promptly considered and granted or denied. Application for action by the Board of Adjustment shall be forthwith transmitted by

the Zoning Official.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

J. Appeals

1. Any person aggrieved, or any taxpayer affected by any decision of the Building Official, made in the administration of this Ordinance, may

appeal to the Board of Adjustments. All appeals to the Board of


Adjustment shall be subject to the same rules as those outlined in Section

17-365 the Zoning Board of Adjustments duty and powers. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

K. Effective Date

1. The effective date for this Section shall be February 1, 2001.

2. Commentary: Sections 17-2036(A) to (K) were added to the

Development Code by the adoption of four ordinances by the Ascension Parish Council at a regular meeting on February 1, 2001.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-2037. Chemical Emergency overlay zone - reserved

17-2038. Reserved

17-2039. Industrial Designation overlay zone - reserved

( DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-2040. Specific Use Criteria

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09) 17-2041. Secondary Family Residences

A. Secondary single family residences may be located on a single lot for immediate

family members of the owners. Immediate family members shall include the children, grandchildren, parents, and grandparents of the owner. Such secondary

occupancy shall not, however, exceed any density contemplated in a land use

district, with the exception of conservation districts where the density requirement shall be one secondary single family residence per one-half acre.

This relaxed density requirement in conservation districts shall only be allowed

for secondary single family residences as authorized by this provision. This provision, however, does not repeal any provision of the Ascension Parish

Regulations relating to family partitions.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-2042. Bed & Breakfast

A. An overnight boarding establishment operated within one structure of no more

than ten (10) private bedrooms. Breakfast, including a continental breakfast, shall be served in the morning.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC06-01, 11/16/06; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-2043. Tall Structures

A. Height restrictions on communication towers, spires, and water tanks.

1. Communication towers, spires, water tank may be built and used to a

greater height than the limit established in this section up to a limit of 250 feet, provided that, no such exceptions shall cover at any level more

than fifteen percent in area of the lot no exception may have an area at

the base greater than sixteen hundred squares feet no exception that shall be used for residential or commercial activities as defined in Appendix I,

Table A: Site Requirements by District.

2. With the exception of accessory structures. the Parish may execute a development agreement with a developer or property owner that

increases the height limitations of this section by up to twenty-five

percent (25%). (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Telecommunication Tower Standards 1. Telecommunication towers and antennas: general provision.

a. The Director shall have the authority to regulate the construction

and operation of telecommunication towers and antennas for the

public safety. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


C. Location of telecommunications towers

1. Telecommunication Towers may be permitted in the following districts,

subject to the applicable minimum standards.

a. Industrial district

b. On property owned by the Parish, provided however, the Parish

shall authorize the publication and use of Parish property after the applicant executes a lease agreement acceptable to the Parish.

The Parish shall have no obligation whatsoever to execute such

lease even if the applicant can meet the criteria set forth herein.

2. Telecommunication towers may be permitted as a conditional use in the

following zoning districts, subject to the applicable minimum standards:

Mixed Use 2 Corridors (MU2); Mixed use corridors (MU); Crossroad commercial (CC); Medium intensity residential (RM); Transition district

(T); Business park (BP); Conservation (C); Rural (R), Industrial (IND)

and Airport (A) (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-03, 2/5/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

D. Applications for new construction of telecommunication towers. 1. When seeking a building permit for a new tower location, the applicant

must provide the following information to the Director:

a. The location of all towers, buildings, or other structures which could serve as a platform for telecommunication antennas within

a two mile radius of the proposed tower site.

b. A full explanation outlining the reasons that the proposed

telecommunications antennas cannot be placed on the towers,

buildings, or structures listed. This explanation must be given on

each structure individually.

2. If the inability to secure a suitable lease arrangement prevents a

telecommunication antenna from being placed upon an otherwise suitable tower, building or structure, the points of disagreement,

including but not limited to proposed lease payments, must be provided

to the Director.

3. Priority Given to Co-location. Co-location of communications antennas

by more than one provider on existing or new telecommunication towers

shall take precedence over the construction of new single-use telecommunication towers.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


E. Minimum standards

1. Except where the terms of a development agreement modify these requirements, every telecommunications tower must meet the following

minimum standards.

a. Site Development Plan. Prior to the issuance of a building

permit, a site development plan including a horizontal and bird’s-eye view of proposed construction, which shall depict

items a-h shown below, shall be presented for approval to the

zoning official. Each application for a proposed Telecommunication Tower shall include all requirements for site

development plan approval pursuant to the Ascension Parish

Development Code. The Zoning Official may waive all or some of these provisions for stealth towers which are designed to

emulate existing structures already on the site, including but not

limited to light standards or power poles; or for co-location sites

with two or more carriers at the time of application. The site development plan shall include:

i type of structure (guyed tower, self-support, or

monopole)

ii height of the structure iii setback from the perimeter of the tower or monopole to

any residence or structure within a distance equal to

100% the height of the tower plus thirty (30) feet.

iv setbacks of the perimeter of tower from adjacent property lines

v vicinity map showing 500 ft. radius

vi location and configuration of all accessory buildings and/or external equipment cabinets

vii paving and curb cuts

viii fencing and proposed landscaping

ix Statement of engineer.

b. A statement shall be submitted, prepared by a professional

registered engineer licensed to practice in the State of Louisiana, which through rational engineering analysis certifies the tower's

compliance with applicable standards as set forth in the Building

Code, and any associated regulations; and describes the tower's capacity including an example of the number and type of

antennas it can accommodate. No tower shall be permitted to

exceed its loading capacity. For all towers attached to existing

structures, the statement shall include certification that the structures can support the load superimposed from the tower. All

towers shall have the capacity to permit multiple users; at a

minimum, monopole towers shall be able to accommodate two


(2) users and at a minimum, self-support/lattice or guyed towers

shall be able to accommodate three (3) users.

i Said statement shall be presented to the Permit

Department before a permanent tower shall be issued.

The Engineer who stamps the construction plans shall be an independent registered Civil Engineer, not an

employee of the tower or communication company.

ii Additionally, upon completion a statement shall be

submitted by the Engineer stating that the structure was

built according to the plans.

c. Each application to allow construction of a Telecommunication

Tower shall include a statement that the construction and

placement of the tower:

i Is in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration

(FFA) regulations.

ii Is in compliance with the rules and regulations of other

federal or state agencies that may regulate telecommunication tower sitting, design and

construction.

iii Is in compliance with current radio frequency emissions standards of the Federal Communication Commission.

iv Will not unnecessarily interfere with public safety communications and the usual and customary

transmission or reception of radio and television service

enjoyed by adjacent residential and non-residential

properties. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

F. Lease and/or title to property

1. All sites shall have a lease and/or title with legal description tied by

metes and bounds to a government section corner. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

G. Height and setbacks

1. Elevations. All elevations shall be based on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps.

2. Height and setbacks. Height and setbacks and related location requirements shall be as follows:


a. The height of a telecommunications tower shall not exceed two hundred and fifty (250) feet. Tower height shall be measured

from the ground to the highest point of the tower or any

antenna/lighting rod, whichever is higher.

b. Telecommunication Towers shall conform with the setbacks

established for the underlying zoning district.

c. Monopole, lattice or guyed Telecommunication Towers shall not

be located within seven hundred and fifty (750) feet of any

existing monopole, lattice or guyed telecommunication tower.

d. All buildings and other structures to be located on the same

property as a telecommunication tower shall conform with the

setbacks established for the underlying zoning district. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

H. Buffering 1. An eight (8) foot fence or wall as measured from the finished grade of

the site, shall be required around the base of any telecommunication

tower and around any necessary buildings or structures.

2. Landscaping consistent with the requirements of Section 17-2082(A):

Landscaping requirements of the Ascension Parish Development Code,

shall be installed around the entire perimeter of any fence or wall. Additional landscaping may be required around the perimeter of a fence

or wall and around any or all anchors or supports if deemed necessary to

buffer adjacent properties. The Parish may require landscaping in excess of the requirements of the Parish Code in order to enhance compatibility

with adjacent residential and non-residential land uses. Landscaping shall

be installed on the outside of the perimeter fence or wall.

3. Landscaping consistent with perimeter and on-site requirements shall be

installed around any accessory buildings or structures.

4. Equipment storage. Mobile or immobile equipment not used in direct

support of a tower facility shall not be stored or parked on the site of the

telecommunication tower, unless repairs to the tower are being made. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

I. Removal of abandoned or unused facilities.

1. The owner of a telecommunication tower which has been abandoned or is unused shall provide the Zoning Official with a copy of the notice to

the FCC of intent to cease operations. Within 90 days of the date of

ceasing operations, the obsolete tower and accessory structures shall be removed. Telecommunication Towers being utilized for other purposes,

including but not limited to light standards and power poles, may be


exempt from this provision. The director of zoning may extend this time

period or waive this requirement if it is shown that the facility has not been abandoned.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

J. Signs and advertising 1. The use of any portion of a tower for signs or advertising purposes,

including company name, banners, streamers, etc., shall be strictly

prohibited, except as required by any federal agency. This does not apply to an installation where an outdoor advertising sign is used as the base

foundation for an antenna installation.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

K. Accessory building or structures

1. All accessory buildings or structures shall meet all building design

standards as listed in this Code, and in accordance with the provisions of the Southern Building Code and shall conform to FEMA requirement.

All accessory buildings or structures shall require a building permit

issued by the building department. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

L. Colors 1. Except where superseded by the requirements of other parish, state, or

federal regulatory agencies possessing jurisdiction over

Telecommunication Towers, Telecommunication Towers shall be

constructed of galvanized or unpainted metal or shall be painted in a neutral colors, designed to blend into the surrounding environment such

as gray.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

M. Lighting

1. When lighting is required and is permitted by the FAA other federal or

state authority, it shall be of a dual mode type. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

N. Antennas on existing towers 1. Notwithstanding the above provisions of this ordinance, Antennas shall

be permitted to be placed on existing towers or structures with sufficient

loading capacity. A permit shall be obtained from the Permit Office prior to commencing construction. The permit application shall include a site

plan which depicts all proposed ancillary building and equipment

cabinets. The permit fee for placing antennas on existing towers or other

structures shall be five hundred dollars ($500.00). (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


O. Fees

1. Fees for communication tower construction shall be two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) per tower and shall be collected by the Permit Office. These

fees may be changed as deemed necessary.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

P. Replacement of existing towers

1. Towers in existence as of June 1, 1999 may be replaced with a tower of

equal or less visual impact after approval by the Planning Director. However, if the proposed new tower would not be consistent with the

minimum standards under this section, replacement must be approved by

the Planning Commission. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

Q. Antennas not located on telecommunication towers

1. Antennas shall be permitted as follows:

2. Stealth rooftop or building mounted antennas may be permitted as an accessory use in the following zoning districts.

a. Mixed use 2 corridors (MU2) b. Mixed use corridor district (MU)

c. Transition district (T)

d. Crossroad commercial district (CC)

e. Business park district (BP) f. Rural district (R)

g. Industry district (IND)

h. Conservation district (C)

3. Stealth rooftop or building mounted antennas shall only be conditionally

permitted as a use in the following zoning districts subject to minimum

standards: Medium intensity residential district (RM).

4. Minimum standards. Building or rooftop antennas shall be subject to the

following minimum standards:

a. No commercial advertising shall be allowed on an antenna,

unless such antenna is actually located on an existing, approved sigh;

b. No signals, lights, or illumination shall be permitted on an

antenna, unless required by the Federal Aviation Administration; c. Any related unmanned equipment building shall not contain

more than 750 square feet of gross floor area or be more than

fourteen (14) feet in height; and


d. If the equipment building is located on the roof of the building,

the area of the equipment building shall not occupy more than twenty five percent (25%) of the roof area.

e. Each application shall contain a drawing and description of the antenna including, but not limited to, colors and screening

devices. This shall be subject to administrative approval for

consistency with the definition of stealth facility. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-02, 2/5/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

R. Transfer of use

1. Approved telecommunications towers or antennas may be transferred to

successor and assigns of the approved party, subject to all of the

conditions which applied to initial approval of subject tower. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

S. Bond 1. Before any communication tower may be erected, the person so desiring

is required to post a bond in the amount of thirty thousand dollars

($30,000.00) to be maintained with the Parish, naming the Parish as oblige to insure that all public property will be repaired and/or returned

to its pre-construction state. The bond is to be held by the Parish until the

construction project is completed and the Department of Public Works

certifies that all public property has been repaired and restored to its former condition.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

T. Conditional uses for telecommunication towers and antennas

1. Approval. The Zoning Commission shall have the authority to permit the

Conditional Use of land or structures as those uses relate to the location

of Telecommunication Towers and Antennas. However, if a formal appeal is lodged with the Zoning Board of Adjustment, the final decision

of any request to such approval or denial made by the Zoning

Commission shall rest with the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

2. Conditions

a. All regulations of the district in which a conditional use is

located shall apply to such uses, except where specific

differences in requirements of any section of these regulations

apply, or where requirements are specifically amended by the conditions under which the conditional use is granted.

b. Zoning Commission may attach such conditions to the conditional use as are necessary to assure continuous

conformance of all applicable standards and requirements.


c. Failure to observe the conditions of the Commission, imposed pursuant to the issuance of the conditional use, shall be deemed

to be a violation of these regulations and may be grounds for

revocation of the conditional use.

d. The Zoning Commission may approve uses subject to the

regulations and to any additional requirements imposed in the

public interest to cover circumstances unique to the selected site, including a drainage analysis of the site by an independent

engineering firm.

3. General standards

a. The location and size of the use, the nature and intensity of the

operation involved in (or conducted in connection with) the use, the size of the site in relation to the use, and the location of the

site with respect to the streets giving access to the site shall be

such that the use will be in harmony with the land uses in the district in which it is located.

b. Time limit requirement for length of permit use.

c. Hours of operation for use, major buffering and/or landscaping

above the minimum parish requirements.

d. The location, nature and height of structures, walls and fences, and the nature and extent of landscaping on the site shall be such

that the use will not hinder or discourage the development and

use of adjacent land structures.

e. Parking areas shall be of adequate size for the particular use,

properly located and suitably screened from adjoining residential

uses, and the ingress and egress drives shall be laid out so as to achieve maximum safety.

f. Conditional Uses may be approved on lots of less than the minimum lot size in any zoning district, and the Zoning

Commission may require alternative standards for landscaping

and parking.

g. Conditional uses are not transferable. Once the use has ceased

activity, a new permit must be acquired to occupy the site or

reactivate the previous use. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


U. General criteria

1. In deliberating on any application for a Conditional Use Permit, the

Zoning Commission shall not grant approval of any Conditional Use

Permit unless it makes findings based upon the evidence presented to it

that each case shall indicate the following:

2. The permit, if granted, will not cause any diminution or depreciation of

property values of any surrounding property or will not alter the essential character of the locality.

3. The permit, if granted, will tend to preserve and advance the property and general welfare of the neighborhood and community.

4. The granting of the Conditional Use Permit will not be detrimental to the

public welfare or seriously affect or be injurious to the other property or improvements in the neighborhood in which the property is located, in

that it will not impair an adequate supply of light and air, or increase

substantially the congestion in the public streets, create a traffic hazard, or permit inadequate parking, or increase the danger of fire, or

substantially affect or overburden existing drainage or sewerage systems

or endanger the public safety, nor cause serious annoyance or injury to occupants of adjoining premises by reason of emission of odors, fumes,

gases, dust, smoke, noise or vibration, light or glare or other nuisance.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

V. Expiration

1. The petitioner shall have one (1) year to obtain the appropriate building permits or occupy the site from the date of approval of the Ascension

Parish Zoning Commission, unless otherwise stipulated by the Ascension

Parish Zoning Commission.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

W. Procedures

1. Application. Any application verified by the owner of record or

authorized agent of said owner of the property involved shall be filed

with the Zoning Commission upon a form prescribed therefore, which shall contain, or be accompanied by, all required information.

2. Public hearings. Upon receipt of such verified application, the Zoning

Commission shall issue a notice of Public Hearing by posting the affected site in a conspicuous place at least ten (10) days prior to the

intended permit hearing. A record of pertinent information presented at

the public hearing shall be made and maintained by the Zoning Commission as part of their permanent record relative to the applicant.


3. Determination. The Zoning Commission shall then make the findings

and the permit decision shall not become effective for ten (10) working days, during which time an appeal can be made in written form to the

Zoning Board of Adjustment. Should the next scheduled Zoning Board

of Adjustment meeting occur prior to the expiration of the appeal period,

the appeal must be filed in time for placement on the regularly scheduled agenda. The Zoning Board of Adjustment may sustain the conditional

use by majority vote or may overturn the decision of the Zoning

Commission by a vote of three-fifths (3/5ths). (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

X. Fees

1. Any application submitted for conditional use shall be accompanied by a

fee of $35.

2. The application submitted by the owner of the property involved and

requesting an appeal of the decision of the Ascension parish Zoning

Commission shall be accompanied by a fee of $150.00.

3. Commentary: Sections 17-2043(B) to (X) were added to the

Development Code by two ordinances passed by the Ascension Parish Council at a regular meeting on January 20, 2000.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-2044. Commercial and Industrial Storage Standards

A. All businesses shall store materials, supplies, merchandise or other similar

materials and equipment within a completely enclosed building or behind an adequate opaque fencing and bufferyards. See Section 17-2084: Bufferyard

requirements for a description of bufferyards. A ten-foot solid fence shall be

required around the perimeter of wrecking and salvage yards. In determining

appropriate bufferyard requirements for these uses, the zoning official shall weigh heavily the interests of adjacent property owners.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Commentary: Commercial and industrial storage yards can have a severe adverse

impact on the property values of adjacent property owners. The Council finds

that in the case of these businesses, a simple standard may both be adequate to provide this protection in all cases. As a consequence, the Council grants the

zoning official with broad discretion in determining the appropriate screening for

these storage facilities.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-2045. Apartments

A. Site Requirements for apartment complexes

1. The maximum number of dwelling units for an apartment building is 48 units per building.

2. Thirty percent of the total site area shall be contiguous green space with the minimum spacing between apartment buildings or an apartment

building and accessory buildings shall be twenty feet.

3. A six foot solid fence is required around the sides and rear of an apartment development.

4. Property which has frontage on a state highway shall have a minimum

setback of seventy-five feet, measured from the centerline of the

highway. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-2046. Manufactured Housing and Mobile Home Standards

A. The purpose of this Section is to provide minimum standards to safeguard public

health, property, and public welfare in Ascension Parish by establishing

standards for the placement of manufactured housing and mobile homes on individual lots or subSection development lots in the parish and distinguishing

between manufactured and mobile homes.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Location of manufactured housing

1. Establishment, location and use of manufactured housing as scattered site residences shall be permitted in any district permitting installation of a

single-family dwelling unit as set forth in Table B: Site Requirements

by District. Manufactured homes with no HUD Code seal are not permitted in any zoning district.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. Standards for sitting manufactured housing


1. To be eligible for sitting in the parish, manufactured housing must meet

the following requirements:

a. Permanent foundation systems shall be anchored.

b. Exterior material shall be material customarily used on site-built dwellings, such as board siding, plywood or presswood siding,

vinyl, stucco, brick, or non-reflective aluminum.

c. Roofing material shall be of wood, tile, composition shingles, or

other materials compatible with the conventionally built

residential structures in the neighborhood which shall be installed on a surface appropriately pitched for the materials

used.

d. Exterior covering material extending to the ground or to the top of the foundation shall be used. Skirting materials that harmonize

with the architectural style of the home shall be used.

2. Structural additions or alterations shall be subject to the same regulations

and requirements and procedures including building permit that must be

complied with to obtain such a permit for additions or alterations to a conventionally-built house.

3. Manufactured homes not conforming to the requirements of this section

shall not be permitted. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

D. Permitted placement of mobile homes 1. Class A and B mobile homes may be placed in any district permitting

installation of a single-family dwelling unit as set forth in Table B: Site

Requirements by District. Manufactured homes with no HUD Code

seal are not permitted in any zoning district.

2. Mobile homes with no Class A or B seal are not permitted in any zoning

district. Those which at the time of the adoption of this ordinance are located within the Parish are non-conforming uses, subject to the same

requirements and regulations as any other non-conforming use.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

E. Existing units

1. Mobile homes legally located and existing in Ascension Parish at the

time this ordinance is passed may continue to be occupied. These mobile homes may be upgraded and replaced, regardless of the zoning district

they occupy, if the upgrading and replacement meets the requirements of

this ordinance. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


F. Permits

1. Manufactured housing. Building permits for manufactured homes shall

be issued, providing that the other requirements for the zone are met, upon presentation of certification either by the United States Department

of Housing and Urban Development or Office of State Fire Marshal, that

the home has been constructed in accordance with the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Act. The Building Official

shall inspect the manufactured housing in accordance with Ascension

Parish building regulations.

2. Mobile homes. Building permits for Class A and Class B mobile homes

shall be issued where permitted upon receipt of certification that they are

Class A or B mobile homes and after compliance with all the other provisions of the zoning ordinance and subSection regulations. The

Building Official shall inspect the manufactured housing in accordance

with Ascension Parish building regulations. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-2047. Group Home Standards

A. This Section defines a process to inform the citizens of residential neighborhoods when group homes are established and operated within their boundaries. This

process supplements state licensing and regulatory procedures.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Pre-establishment operating plan

1. A group home shall provide an operating statement to Director no less than 90 days prior to the date on which it plans to commence operations.

“Commence operations” shall mean the first day during which it receives

a client for residence at the facility.

2. Operating Plan. The operating plan shall include, but is not limited to,

the following:

a. A complete description of the facilities, its clients, staff and

operating structure, its proposed operating conditions and the

terms and conditions of any state license required for its operation.


b. A statement regarding how the proposed facility will be operated

to promote the purposes and guidelines of the parish-wide planning policies adopted by Ascension Parish.

c. A financial statement and staffing plan for the proposed facility,

including but not limited to the manner and method by which clients are referred to, accepted to and/or ordered to take up

residence at the facility.

d. The addresses of each funding, licensing or operating entity

involved in the operation.

e. Business license and fire inspection.

3. The Director shall review the statement for accuracy, completeness and

objectivity before releasing it to the public. An informational meeting shall be scheduled 20 days after the Director provides written notification

to persons residing within 300 feet of the facility of the availability of the

statement for review by the public. The informational meeting shall be held at the convenience of the neighborhood in a location convenient to

its residents.

4. Information Meeting. The Director shall conduct the informational meeting with a representative of the group home and the residents of the

neighborhood. The Director shall notify all landowners within 1,000 feet

of the proposed group home within 15 calendar days before the informational meeting. Notices of the meeting and an invitation to attend

it shall also be provided to all entities shown on the operating plan as

providing substantial contributions to the group home or licensing its

operations. The Director shall make every effort to encourage the funding and licensing representatives to attend.

5. Nothing in this process shall be interpreted to prohibit a group home from enjoying its primary permitted use rights.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. Complaint procedures and facilitated meeting

1. In the event that the Parish received complaints of persons residing at

three or more residences located within 300 feet of the facility, the

Director shall schedule a public meeting under the notice procedures of the preceding section. The Director shall make every effort to encourage

the funding and licensing representatives to attend.

2. The meeting shall be conducted as a community service by the Parish to

facilitate the understanding of the community regarding the operations of


the facility and to provide a convenient forum for members of the

neighborhood in which the group home is located to express their concerns regarding its maintenance, upkeep, or operations to the

appropriate operating, funding and licensing entities.

3. The Director’s role shall be to facilitate the sharing of information and

nothing herein shall be interpreted as authorization to block the entry of a properly licensed state facility into a neighborhood; provided, however,

that halfway houses are not permitted uses in any residential zone of the

Parish and these provisions are not a limitation of the Parish’s other zoning powers with regard to such halfway houses.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

D. Neighborhood mediation 1. Operators of group homes and members of neighborhoods are

encouraged to utilize available dispute resolution in the event that

reasonable dialogue between neighbors and facilities cannot resolve the problems involved in the operation of the group home.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

E. Civil enforcement procedure 1. Failure to file a pre-establishment plan as provided in this Section 17-

2047: Group Homes, shall be a civil violation subject to enforcement.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-2048. Home Occupation Standards

A. A customary home occupation is a business or profession carried on by an

occupant of a dwelling as a secondary use which is clearly incidental to the main

residential use. A home occupation may be operated in any district within the parish. Any construction which occurs in connection with the conduct of a home

occupation, such as adding a home office on to a house, does not require a

development permit. To take advantage of these exemptions, a home occupation

shall comply with the following:

1. It shall be conducted by family members residing on the premises and a

maximum of two (2) additional employees on the premises at any one time.

2. It is conducted entirely within the principal building or related structures or accessory buildings and uses on the property out of sight of

neighboring properties.

3. It utilizes not more than (20) percent of the floor area of the principal building not to exceed 750 square feet, except for historic properties and

bed and breakfast establishments.


4. It produces no alteration or change in the character or exterior appearance of the principal building from that of a dwelling.

5. It involves no sale or offering for sale any article not produced by

members of the family residing on the premises.

6. It shall contain no outside repair or storage.

7. It has no distribution center requiring bulk deliveries and local

dispensing.

8. It shall not be used for storage for more than one commercial vehicle

licensed as one ton or less in capacity per family residing on the

premises.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-06, 7/16/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. The following occupations, subject to the requirements of the previous

subsection, are permitted as customary home occupations:

1. Barbershops and beauty shops operated by not more than two members

of the residence within no more than two chairs.

2. Artists, dressmakers, seamstresses, tailors, crafts, and interior decorators.

3. Professional offices for architects, accountants, lawyers, engineers, doctors or dentists, and surveyors.

4. Bed and breakfast uses where the facility has a residential appearance and adequate parking for guests is provided.

5. Teaching, musical instruction and day care limited to six pupils at a

given time.

6. Offices for record maintenance only for businesses, e.g., electricians,

plumbers, HVAC, and other contractors which perform their services at other locations.

7. Agents for manufacturers and sales persons for records and bookkeeping only. Orders may be made by telephone solicitation and certain

deliveries may be made at the dwelling.

8. Any similar use which the Zoning Official deems to be a home occupation by reason or acceptance as a home occupation in the

community.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-06, 7/16/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-2049. Adult Business Standards

A. Purpose. 1. It is the purpose of this Section to regulate sexually oriented businesses

in order to promote the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the

citizens of the Parish, and to establish reasonable and uniform

regulations to prevent the deleterious secondary effects of sexually oriented businesses within the parish. The provisions of this Section have

neither the purpose nor effect of imposing a limitation or restriction on

the content or reasonable access to any communicative materials, including sexually oriented materials. Similarly, it is not the intent nor

effect of this ordinance to restrict or deny access by the distributors and

exhibitors of sexually oriented entertainment to their intended market. Neither is it the intent nor effect of this ordinance to condone or

legitimize the distribution of obscene material.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Findings.

1. Based on evidence of adverse secondary effects of adult uses presented

in hearings and reports made available to the Council, and on findings, interpretations, and narrowing constructions incorporated in the cases of

Pap’s A.M. v. City of Erie, 529 U.S. 277 (2000); City of Los Angeles v.

Alameda Books, Inc., 122 S. Ct. 1728 (2002); City of Renton v. Playtime Theatres, Inc., 475 U.S. 41 (1986); Young v. American Mini Theatres,

426 U.S. 50 (1976); Barnes v. Glen Theatre, Inc., 501 U.S. 560 (1991);

FW/PBS, Inc. v. City of Dallas, 493 U.S. 215 (1990); California v.

LaRue, 409 U.S. 109 (1972); Baby Dolls Topless Saloons, Inc. v. City of Dallas, 2002 U.S. App. LEXIS 12202 (5th Cir., June 20, 2002); LLEH,

Inc. v. Wichita County, 289 F.3d 358 (5th Cir 2002); Hang On, Inc. v.

City of Arlington, 65 F.3d 1248 (5th Cir. 1995); Woodall v. City of El Paso, 49 F.3d 1120 (5th Cir. 1995); J & B Entertainment, Inc. v. City of

Jackson, 152 F.3d 362 (5th Cir. 1998); SDJ, Inc. v. City of Houston, 837

F.2d 1268 (5th Cir. 1988); TK’s Video, Inc. v. Denton County, 24 F.3d

705 (5th Cir. 1994); Lagrange Trading Co. v. Nicolosi, 1991 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 3551 (E.D. La. 1991); Vonderhaar v. Parish of St. Tammany,

633 So. 2d 217 (La. Ct. App. 1993); Liberto v. Rapides Parish Police

Jury, 667 So. 2d 552 (La. Ct. App. 1990); City of Gretna v. Russland Enterprises, Inc. 564 So. 2d 367 (La. Ct. App. 1990); and other cases;

and on testi- mony to Congress in 136 Cong. Rec. S 8987; 135 Cong

Rec. S 14519; 135 Cong. Rec. S 5636; 134 Cong Rec. E3750; and reports of secondary effects occurring in and around sexually oriented

businesses, including, but not limited to, Phoenix, Arizona - 1984;

Minneapolis, Minnesota -1980; Houston, Texas - 1997; Indianapolis,

Indiana - 1984; Amarillo, Texas -1977; Garden Grove, California - 1991; Los Angeles, California - 1977; Whittier, California - 1978; Austin,

Texas -1986; Seattle, Washington - 1989; Oklahoma County, Oklahoma

- 1986; Cleveland, Ohio - 1977; and Dallas, Texas - 1997; St. Croix County, Wisconsin - 1993; Bellevue, Washington - 1998; Newport


News, Virginia - 1996; New York Times Square study - 1994; Phoenix,

Arizona - 1995-98; and also findings of physical abuse from the paper entitled “Stripclubs According to Strippers: Exposing Workplace Sexual

Violence,” by Kelly Holsopple, Program Director, Freedom and Justice

Center for Prostitution Resources, Minneapolis, Minnesota and from

“Sexually Oriented Businesses: An Insider’s View,” by David Sherman, presented to the Michigan House Committee on Ethics and

Constitutional Law, Jan 12, 2000, and the Report of the Attorney

General’s Working Group On The Regulation Of Sexually Oriented Businesses, (June 6, 1989, State of Minnesota), the Council finds that

providing specific zoning standards for sexually oriented businesses is

necessary to advance the health, safety and welfare of the community. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. Classification.

1. Sexually oriented businesses shall be classified as follows:

a. Adult bookstores, adult novelty stores, adult video stores;

b. Adult cabarets; c. Adult motels;

d. Adult motion picture theaters;

e. Semi-nude model studios. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

D. Location Requirements

1. No sexually oriented business shall be located as follows:

a. Within three thousand feet of the property line of a private residential dwelling;

b. Within three thousand feet of the property line of any public

library;

c. Within three thousand feet of the property line of any church,

shrine, chapel, mortuary, or any other place used regularly for religious services;

d. Within three thousand feet of the property line of any school or day care center. “School” shall include only such public, private,

and church-sponsored schools as regularly teach the subjects

taught in the primary and secondary school of Louisiana;

e. Within three thousand feet of a regular stop where a school bus

for the transportation of children boards or discharges

passengers;


f. Within the same building as another sexually oriented business;

or upon the same parcel as another sexually oriented business with at least three thousand (3,000) feet between them,

simultaneous existence of both businesses shall be allowed under

this section.

g. The distance restrictions apply in any and all directions from the

property line of the proposed adult business, as measured in a

straight line. This distance shall be verified by a plat showing distances furnished by the applicant. This plat shall accompany

and be made a part of the application for a development permit.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

E. Effective Date

1. Section 17-2049 shall become effective on January 1, 2003. However,

sexually oriented businesses which were in existence as of the effective date of this Section shall be considered nonconforming uses and shall

continue to operate pursuant to the nonconforming uses section of this

Code.

2. Commentary: Sections 17-2049 were added to the Development Code by

the adoption of an ordinance by a regular meeting of the Ascension Parish Council on November 21, 2002.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-2050. Alcohol Beverage Business Standards

A. Purpose. Commercial businesses serving alcohol pose potential public safety

problems. In issuing a development permit for these businesses, the Zoning

Commission may provide such terms and conditions in order to assure that development is compatible with existing or planned development on neighboring

property.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Conditions on alcoholic beverage sales. The terms and conditions may include,

but are not limited to, the following:

1. Frequency, duration or hours of operation;

2. Additional screening, setbacks, parking, landscaping, or site improvements;

3. Method or type of service, such as drive through, with meals only, or

package sales only; and


4. Designated areas within a building or site where alcoholic beverages may

be sold. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

Author Note: Also cross reference Code of Ordinance Requirements: Adult Business


17-2060. Drainage and Traffic

A. Contracts required for drainage and traffic infrastructure

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. The purpose of this section is to encourage landowners and developers in Ascension Parish to provide adequate and reasonable drainage and traffic

infrastructure to support development.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. The purpose of this section is to provide procedures and minimum requirements

for the execution of contracts between those persons having an equitable interest in property and the Parish of Ascension. The Parish Council hereby authorizes

the Zoning Commission to enter into said contracts on behalf of Ascension by

virtue of this ordinance. A contract providing for mitigation of drainage and

traffic impacts shall be required for all developments specified as requiring such contract in Appendix I, Table A: Site Requirements by District.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

D. Commentary. New development in the parish imposes additional costs in roads,

schools, and public safety in general. To avoid undue hardship on the taxpayers

of Ascension Parish, these additional burdens imposed upon the Parish should be addressed prior to development taking place. Those developing the property

should take responsibility for the additional burdens by providing additional

infrastructure.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

E. Applicability

1. This Section applies to all developments specified in Appendix I, Table

A: Site Requirements by District as requiring a contract for drainage

and traffic infrastructure improvements. This Section does not apply to

residential uses, other than multi-family residential uses, as those uses

already have similar requirements in place in order to acquire preliminary and final approval of plats.

2. Laws in effect. The allowed uses, densities and standards of the land subject to such contracts shall be those in effect at the time the contract is

executed by the parties.

3. Subsequent actions. A contract as contemplated herein between the

Parish and a party with an equitable interest in the property, shall not

prevent the Parish, in subsequent actions applicable to the property, from

adopting new ordinances, resolutions and regulations, except that any subsequent action by the Parish shall not prevent the development of the

property as agreed to by the parties in the contract.


4. The parish may suspend the issuance of building permits for the project subject to the contract after a noticed public hearing before the Parish

Council if it finds in good faith that a clear and present emergency

requires the suspension.

5. In the event that state or federal laws or regulations enacted after the

contract has been entered into, prevent or preclude compliance with one

or more of the provisions of the development agreement, the offending provisions shall be modified or suspended as necessary to comply with

the new law or regulation. Any such action shall be taken by the Parish

Council after a noticed public hearing. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

F. Procedure

1. Any owner of real property, or developer of real property with the consent of the owner, who desires to develop the property for a use

designated under Appendix I, Table A: Site Requirements by District

as requiring a contractual relationship with the Parish, shall adhere to the following requirements:

a. The landowner, or developer with the owner's written consent (hereafter referred to as the "applicant") shall submit a request

for a preliminary meeting with the Planning Department prior to

negotiating a contract with the Ascension Parish Zoning

Commission.

b. Said meeting shall be attended by the Director of the Planning

Department or his designee, Zoning Official or his designee, Chairman of Planning and Zoning Commission or his designee,

the parish council member in whose district the development is

proposed, a representative or representatives of the Department

of Public Works with knowledge of drainage and traffic infrastructure needs of the Parish, the engineer from the

Department of Public Works responsible for overseeing such

projects as contemplated by the developer or landowner, the developer of the property, and his engineer. Failure of one or

more parties to attend the meeting shall not invalidate the same.

Those representatives of the Parish shall be referred to hereafter as the "review Panel".

c. Said preliminary meeting shall be held at a specific time and on a

specific date set by the Zoning Commission for such meetings. Requests for such meeting shall be submitted by the developer

with the landowner's written consent, or by the landowner, at

least 14 days prior to the next scheduled meeting.


d. The request shall be made on forms provided by the Planning

Department and shall contain all information requested on said forms.

e. The Planning Department is authorized to receive, review and

process all applications for such meetings.

f. At said meeting, the developer, his engineer, and/or the

landowner shall present to the Parish representatives referred to in paragraph (2) above a conceptual plan of the development,

indicate all roads impacted directly by said development, show

all drainage to a publicly maintained ditch or waterway, verify the zoning district, show all uses anticipated for the land, and

indicate the maximum height and size of proposed buildings in

the development.

g. Immediately following the meeting, the Planning Department

may request additional information from the applicant. Any

additional information required should be submitted to the Planning Director prior to the next regular meeting held for the

purpose of preliminary review of developments requiring a

contractual agreement with the parish, unless an extension of time is granted by the Planning Director. The panel reviewing

such developments shall advise the applicant of the specific date

by which such additional information must be received. The

matter will only be place on the agenda of the next regularly scheduled meeting if it is timely received.

h. Upon satisfactory submission to the review panel of all information requested, the panel shall authorize the Planning

Director to negotiate a contract with the applicant to address all

pertinent infrastructure issues, under the terms and conditions set

forth by the panel. Terms and conditions may include drainage and/or traffic impact studies to be done according to guidelines

established by the Zoning Commission.

i. Said contract may require road improvements, right-of-way

agreements, drainage improvements, or any other conditions

deemed necessary for the protection of the drainage and traffic infrastructure of the Parish. This list is merely illustrative and is

not meant to be all inclusive. This contract must include;

i a legal description of the land subject to the contract

ii proposed duration of the contract

iii permitted uses of the land


iv density and/or intensity of uses

v maximum height and size of proposed buildings

vi provisions, if any, for the dedication or reservation of

apportion of the land for public use or green space

vii procedures and required submissions for review of the

agreement by the Zoning Commission at least every three months, to establish that the applicant or his

successor in interest demonstrates good faith compliance

with the contract

viii provisions that require construction of any

improvements pursuant to the contract to commence

within a specified period of time and specifying a completion date unless extended by the Parish for good

cause.

ix restrictions on the assignability of the contract by the

applicant, and if assignable, provisions ensuring that the

successor in interest assumes the obligation under the contract provisions for any modification of the contract,

and

x any other terms and requirements the parties may deem necessary and proper, including requirements for

ensuring, to the satisfaction of the Parish, performance

of all provisions of the agreement in a timely manner by the applicant.

j. Upon the negotiation of a contract, the same shall be presented to

the Zoning Commission for approval and shall be presented in a public hearing to the Zoning Commission. Notice of said public

hearing shall be provided to adjacent property owners. The

Zoning Commission shall take one of the following actions upon closing of the public hearing:

i Accept the contract as submitted ii Accept the contract subject to specified conditions not

included in the contract as submitted

iii Reject the contract

k. If approved, the contract shall be signed by the Chairman of the

Zoning Commission on behalf of the Commission as a whole.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


G. Periodic Review

1. The Zoning Commission shall review the contract periodically to ensure compliance with it terms. Said review shall occur every three months, or

sooner if deemed necessary by the Zoning Commission.

a. Good Faith Compliance. As part of the review, the applicant or

successor in interest shall be required to demonstrate good faith compliance with the terms of the contract.

b. Termination or modification. If the Zoning Commission finds, on the basis of substantial evidence, that the applicant or his

successor in interest has not complied in good faith with the

terms and/or conditions of the contract, the Zoning Commission may take action to terminate or modify the contract.

c. Action to terminate or modify the contract may be initiated only

by the Zoning Commission.

d. No action to terminate or modify the contract shall be taken

without a noticed public hearing. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

H. Amendment or Cancellation of Contract

1. A contract under this Section may be amended or canceled, in whole or

in part, by mutual consent of the parties to the agreement or their

successors in interest, as set forth in this section.

a. Notice of intention to amend or cancel any portion of the contract must be published in the official journal of Ascension

Parish at least ten days prior to the public hearing before the

Zoning Commission.

b. The Zoning Commission shall conduct a public hearing to

address amendment or cancellation of any portion of the

contract. Notice of the hearing shall be mailed via certified mail to adjacent property owners.

c. Following the public hearing, the Zoning Commission may approve an amendment to the contract if it is consistent with the

Master Plan. The Zoning Commission must state reasons why

the contract must be modified to promote the public interest and welfare of the Parish and the reasons why proposed departures

form the Development Code regulations, if any, are in the public

interest.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


I. Recordation

1. The approved and executed contract, any approved and executed

amendments to the contract, and notice of any action taken to cancel all

or part of the contract shall be recorded with the Ascension Parish Clerk

of Court at the applicant's expense. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-2070. Development Standards

A. The Ascension Parish development standards fall into four categories:

1. Use regulations. These regulations determine how land in the parish can be used. The intent is to separate incompatible activities in order to

protect public health, public safety, and property values. Use regulations

are also designed to focus the most intensive activity into areas of the parish that fall outside the 100 year flood plain and can be supported by

existing and planned public infrastructure.

2. Structure regulations. These regulations focus on the intensity of

development. Structure regulations are designed to balance the impact of

development with the available infrastructure. The intent is to insure that

development projects can be supported by surrounding public infrastructure and do not aggravate traffic and drainage problems in the

parish.

3. Site regulations. These regulations determine the character of

development on the site and the access of the site to the parish highway

system. The intent is to position structures on the site in such a way as to protect public health, public safety and. property values. They include

regulations for setbacks, minimum lot sizes and height restrictions.

4. Other regulations. These regulations are designed to meet specific policy goals, such as protecting the environment, protecting property values,

and promoting public health and safety. They include sign regulations,

parking regulations, landscaping regulations, adult business and alcohol-related business regulations.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. To provide flexibility to land use regulation in the parish, this Chapter authorizes the Parish to enter into contract agreements designed to mitigate the impact of

development on the parish. Contract agreements may modify structure and other

regulations in the parish, but they may not alter use regulations. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. Commentary: Most conventional zoning ordinances establish districts with a single use. Unlike this traditional approach to zoning, this ordinance encourages

compatible mixed uses within districts. Use regulations are common to zoning

ordinances. Unfortunately, most ordinances follow confusing classification

schemes that overlap or leave large gaps. To address this problem, the parish is incorporating the Land Based Classification Standards (LCBS) developed by the

American Planning Association.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


D. This ordinance also regulates the intensity of development within each district.

To accomplish this goal, the parish again refers to the LCBS and focuses on the

types and size of structures that can be built within each district. In the case of residential uses, intensity is defined as residential units per acre. In terms of

commercial and industrial development, the intensity is defined by the floor area

of the project. These measures are easy to calculate. They are designed to promote high intensity development where it can be supported by existing and

planned road, water and sewer investments.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

E. Finally, the Parish encourages contract agreements in order to accommodate

projects to the available infrastructure in the parish. A contract agreement is a binding contractual agreement between the building permit applicant and the

Parish. To learn more about contract agreements, refer to Section 17-2060

Impact Analysis and Contract Agreements. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

F. The following step-by-step guide provides an aid to property owners and

prospective developers. It sets forth the summary of a process to determine what

may or may not be permitted on a particular site, and, if permitted, the scale of

the project that may be allowed.

1. Step 1. Identify the zoning district in which the particular parcel is

located. Zoning districts are outlined in Section 17-2010 of this code and on the Official Zoning Map of Ascension Parish.

2. Step 2. Determine the general use categories for the proposed project by

looking at Appendix I, Table A: Permitted Uses by District. If the property owner cannot identify the appropriate activity category for the

project, contact the Planning Office for assistance.

3. Step 3. Determine the allowable scale of the project allowed by referring to Appendix I, Table B: Site Requirements by District. This table

outlines the restrictions on the size of development that is allowable.

4. Step 4: Determine the site requirements of the project by referring to

Appendix I, Table B: Site Requirements by District. These

restrictions govern the location of structures on the site.

5. Step 5. Determine if the project falls into an overlay zone, which may

impose additional requirements on development. Refer to Section 17-

2030, Development Standards for Overlay Zones.


6. Step 6. Determine if any additional regulations apply to your project by

reviewing Section 17-2040, Specific Use Criteria & 17-2080, Development Requirements.

7. Step 7. Determine if a contract agreement is appropriate to the project.

The parish encourages a partnership with private developers through contract agreements. Developers must complete an impact analysis

before submitting a proposed contract agreement. Refer to Section 17-

2060 Contracts Required for Drainage and Traffic Infrastructure. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-2071. Use Regulations

A. Appendix I, Table A: Site Requirements by District, “Permitted Uses by

District” is incorporated by reference as part of this Chapter. For the purpose of

this Chapter, the term, “use” represents an observable characteristic of land based

on actual use. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Commentary. Use regulations refer to the actual use of land based on its observable characteristics. It describes what actually takes place in physical or

observable terms, such as farming, shopping, manufacturing, vehicular

movement. An office activity, for example, refers only to the physical activity on the premises, which could apply equally to a law firm, a nonprofit institution, a

court house, a corporate office, or any other office use. Similarly, residential uses

in single-family dwellings, multifamily structures, manufactured houses, or any

other type of building, would all be classified as residential activity. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. These “use” regulations must be read by referring to Appendix I, Table A:

Permitted Uses by District and Section 17-2071: Use Requirements by

District and subsections. Section 17-2060 specifies the uses that may be

permitted if they are accompanied by an acceptable contract agreement.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

D. Use permitted by right.

1. A use denoted by the letter “A” in Appendix I, Table A: Site

Requirements by District in any district is a use permitted by right,

provided that all other requirements of state law and this Chapter have

been met and provided that a development permit has been issued in accordance with Section 17-2090, Administration and Enforcement.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


E. Permitted Uses

1. Use Permitted under development agreements. a. A use denoted by the letter “CA” in Appendix I, Table A: Site

Requirements by District in any district is only permitted if the

property owner has a valid, executed contract agreement with the

Parish prior to obtaining a development permit.

b. Commentary: These uses involve large scale, complex projects

that often involve a phased build-out. These projects are of a scale that a contract agreement between the Parish and property

owners is required to assure each party that the parish and the

owner will provide the traffic and drainage improvements required for the development. Projects of this type can proceed

only if the parish executes a contract agreement that mitigates

adverse impacts from the development. See Section 17-2060:

Contracts Required for Drainage and Traffic Infrastructure. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

F. Prohibited Uses

1. If the use has no designation in Appendix I, Table A: Site

Requirements by District, it is prohibited within the district.

2. Commentary. The only way for a development project to proceed under this circumstance is for the property owner to seek a variance or

rezoning. Procedures for a variance are set forth in Section 17-2090(Q).

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

G. Nonconforming Uses

1. This ordinance does not extend to buildings or land which fail to

conform to the uses set forth in this Chapter on the date of enactment of this ordinance. The lawful use of any building or land existing as of the

date of enactment of this ordinance may be continued, although such use

does not conform with the provisions of this ordinance, provided that:

a. No nonconforming use shall be extended to displace a

conforming use.

b. A building that contains a nonconforming use may not be reconstructed or structurally altered in excess of fifty percent

(50%) of the assessed value of the building prior to construction,

unless the building is changed to a conforming use approved by the Zoning Commission.

c. A nonconforming land use maybe expanded by no more than

50% of the original nonconforming site.


d. Any nonconforming structure declared unsafe by an agent of the

Parish may be restored to a safe condition.

e. Once changed to a conforming use, no building or land shall be

permitted to revert to a nonconforming use.

f. Whenever a building or land used in whole or in part for a

nonconforming use becomes and remains vacant for a

continuous period of 180 days, or whenever the nonconforming commercial operations carried on in such a building or on such

land have been discontinued for a period of more than 180 days,

subsequent use of the property must conform to the provisions of this ordinance.

g. An abandoned nonconforming use may be re-established within

90 days after the 180th day of the abandonment upon a showing that the continuation of a conditional onconforming use would

not adversely affect the health, safety, or welfare of the public

and is in substantial compliance with existing or permitted uses of adjacent properties.

h. This section shall apply to any nonconforming uses which may arise whenever the boundaries of a district are altered.

2. Commentary: The use regulations established by this ordinance are

designed to guide future development in the Parish. The ordinance groups compatible and related uses, and, through this approach, promotes

and protects the public health, safety and welfare. At the effective date of

this ordinance, uses which do not conform to this ordinance inevitably existed. The continuation of these uses frequently undercuts the

effectiveness of the ordinance. At the same time it would be unfair to

restrict these nonconforming uses heavily. The best course is to bring

about the gradual elimination of these nonconforming uses. This ordinance permits nonconforming uses to continue without any specific

time limits. However, the ordinance does discourage further investments

in these nonconforming uses and uses of a similar nature. Such investments would make these uses more, rather than less, permanent.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03;DC07-01, 3/15/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-2072. Structure and Lot Regulations

A. Appendix I, Table B: Site Requirements by District, is incorporated as part of

this Ordinance. Structure refers to the type of structure or building on the land.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


B. Commentary: Land-use terms embody a structural or building characteristic,

which indicates the utility of the space (in a building) or land (when there is no building). Land-use terms, such as single-family house, office building,

warehouse, hospital building, or highway, also describe structural characteristic.

Although many activities and functions are closely associated with certain

structures, it is not always so. Many buildings are often adapted for uses other than its original use. For instance, a single-family residential structure may be

used as an office. To sort out this confusion, this ordinance clearly separates use

regulation from structure regulation. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. Lot requirement 1. Every building erected, reconstructed, converted, moved, or structurally

altered shall be located on a lot of record, and no more than one main

building shall be located on one lot, unless otherwise provided for in this

ordinance. This restriction does not apply to apartment buildings. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

D. Structure requirement 1. No building or land shall be developed, built, used, moved, altered or

occupied unless the building or land conforms with the structure

requirements specified for the district in which it is located. This restriction shall not apply to property meeting the definition of Non-

conforming uses in Section 17-2071(G).

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

E. Structures permitted by right

1. A structure denoted by the letter “A” in Appendix I, Table B: Site

Requirements by District in any district is a structure permitted by right, provided that all other requirements of state law and this Ordinance

have been met and provided that a building permit has been issued in

accordance with Section 17-2090: Administration and Enforcement.

The intent is to allow the construction of structures that promote the development of each district.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

F. Structures permitted under development agreements

1. A structure denoted by the letter “CA” in Appendix I, Table B: Site

Requirements by District in any district is only permitted if the building permit holder has a valid, executed contract agreement with the

Parish prior to obtaining a development permit. These development

projects are compatible with the character of a district, but they are likely

to have a significant impact on the available infrastructure or environment. The purpose of this designation is to provide flexibility for

the parish, by encouraging the development of these types of

developments, if the property owner or developer has executed a contract agreement to mitigate adverse impacts.


2. Commentary: In certain circumstances, a property owner may enter into

a contract agreement with the Parish. Projects of this type can proceed only if the parish executes a contract agreement that mitigates adverse

impacts from the development. See Section 17-2060: Contracts Required

for Drainage and Traffic Infrastructure.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-2073. Site Requirements

A. Overview of site requirements

1. Appendix I, Table B: Site Requirements by District: Site

Requirements by District is incorporated as part of this Ordinance. Site

development requirements govern the overall physical development of lots within each district.

2. Commentary. Site requirements describe “what is on the land” in general

physical terms. These requirements incorporate activity and structure requirements to describe the overall site development characteristics of

each district.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Site requirements

1. Site requirements fall into the following categories:

a. Height restrictions

b. Density restrictions

c. Minimum lot size restrictions d. Lot frontage restrictions

e. Setback restrictions

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. Purpose and intent: Height restrictions

1. The purpose of height restrictions is to control the density of

development within the parish and to keep buildings within the protective capability of parish fire equipment.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

D. Purpose and intent: Density restrictions

1. The purpose of density restrictions is to supplement height restrictions in controlling the density of development in the parish. Managing

development density promotes public health and safety by insuring that

adequate infrastructure is in place to support development.


2. Commentary: Height restrictions are one of the oldest forms of land use

control. Unfortunately, height restrictions alone are a limited tool in managing the density of development. Because the parish is growing

quickly, additional density controls are needed to balance development

with available infrastructure. Rather that use a more complicated

measure of density such as floor area ratio, the Parish uses a clear measure of density. In the case of residential development, density is

measured by dwellings per acre. In the case of commercial development,

density is measured by the gross square footage of the building.

3. The residential density and base site area are calculated using the

following steps.

a. Step 1. Determine the gross site area by an actual on site survey.

Do not include any land which is not contiguous to the parcel.

This includes any property which does not abut, adjoin, or share a common boundary with the rest of the development.

b. Step 2. Divide the proposed number of residential units by the gross site area. This equals the proposed residential density of

the parcel. The residential density must be lower than the

standards set forth in Appendix I, Table B: Site Requirements

by District Residential development standards.

4. Managing the size of commercial developments provides the parish with

the most direct way to manage the public safety problems created by

traffic congestion. To meet this objective, this ordinance relies on commercial density standards, calculated as maximum floor areas.

Because the goal is to manage traffic congestion, this standard includes

all buildings, existing and proposed, regardless of use, on a parcel. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

E. Purpose and intent: Minimum lot and lot frontage restrictions.

1. Minimum lot size and lot frontage restrictions are intended to enhance property values by requiring that structures within districts be built on

lots of uniform minimum size. Minimum lot size and lot frontage

restrictions also serve to promote the public health safety and welfare of the parish by controlling development density.

2. Commentary. Within each district, the Parish has established minimum lot sizes after consultation with citizens, property owners and developers.

These minimum lot sizes provide for a diversity of residential housing in

the parish, while preserving the rural character of the parish.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


F. Purpose and intent: Setback and yard requirements.

1. Setback and yard requirements provide another measure of density control and to manage the demand for public services. These restrictions

are also intended to provide flexibility in widening parish roads for the

installation of water and sewer lines.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-2080. Development Requirements

A. Overview of other development requirements

B. The Parish has adopted the following other development requirements:

1. Off street parking requirements

2. Landscaping for off street parking 3. Commercial property landscaping standards

4. Bufferyard requirements

5. Street access standards 6. Commercial and industrial storage standards

7. On premises sign standards

8. Off premises sign standards 9. Lighting standards

10. Waste discharge standards

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-2081. Off Street Parking Requirements

A. In all districts, off street parking standards shall be applied at the time any building is erected, at the time any principal building is increased in floor area, or

before a building is converted from one type of use to another. These standards

include the minimum number of off street parking spaces required, the required number and dimensions of handicapped accessible parking spaces, and standards

for parking lot construction:

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Minimum Off street Parking Spaces. The minimum number of off street parking

spaces for each type of structure shall be:

Single family residences 2 spaces

Apartment buildings, hotels, motels and

bed and breakfast establishments

One space for each bedroom

Retail and commercial buildings: 1 per 200 sf of GFA

Public assembly buildings, including

schools, auditoriums, theaters, churches,

funeral homes:

One space for each five seats of seating capacity.

Industrial buildings: One space for each employee on the largest shift

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. At its discretion the Commission may reduce these parking standards by twenty-

five percent (25%) to achieve the objectives of this ordinance. These standards

may also be modified by a development agreement. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


D. Handicapped Access Parking Regulations. Regulations and dimensions for

handicapped parking spaces have been taken from the Americans with

Disabilities Act (Public Law 101-136). This act prohibits discrimination on the

basis of disability in places of public accommodations and commercial facilities.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

E. Every parking lot serving a retail, commercial or industrial building shall have at

least 1 handicapped accessible parking space. For every twenty five spaces in

excess of twenty five spaces, the parking lot shall have an additional handicapped accessible space.

1. Accessible-parking spaces serving a particular building shall be located on the shortest accessible route of travel from adjacent parking to an

accessible entrance. In parking facilities that do not serve a particular

building, or buildings with multiple entrances, accessible parking shall

be located on the shortest the shortest practical distance from the entrance to the parking lot.

2. Accessible-parking spaces shall be at least one hundred twenty inches

wide. 3. Parking access aisles shall be part of an accessible route to the building

or parking lot entrance; two accessible spaces may share a common

access aisle. 4. Access aisles adjacent to accessible spaces shall be sixty inches wide

minimum. One in every eight-handicapped/accessible space, but not less

than one, shall be served by an access aisle ninety-five inches wide

minimum and shall be designated “van accessible.” 5. Signs: Handicapped accessible parking spaces shall be designated as

reserved by a sign showing the symbol of accessibility. Such signs shall

be located so they cannot be obscured by a vehicle parked in that space. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

F. The following standards shall apply for the design of parking lots:

1. To the extent possible, the required space for any number of separate

uses should be combined in one lot. All required parking for all uses

shall be either is on the same lot or within three hundred feet of the building (or open use area) it to serve. No required parking spaces may

be located across any major street from the use it is intended to serve.

2. Except for parcels of land devoted to one- and two- family residential

uses, all areas devoted to off street parking shall be so designed and be of

such size that no vehicle is required to back into a public street to obtain

access.

3. Each parking space shall be not less than two hundred square feet in area.

Except for single family residences, all parking spaces, aisles and connecting driveways shall be surfaced with permanent dust free paving.


4. Each parking lot shall conform to the commercial sign standards set forth

in Section 17-2086, landscaping standards set forth in Section 17-2082, exterior lighting standards set forth in Section 17-2088, and street access

standards set forth in Section 17-2085.

5. The Commission shall encourage the construction of parking lots in the rear of buildings where possible, in order to conserve the green space

within the parish.

6. All commercial projects shall demonstrate their interconnectivity to other

commercial properties immediately adjacent. It is the intent to reduce

traffic on thoroughfares by providing alternate routes through commercial property.

a. Commentary: The design of parking lots will have a large impact

on traffic congestion in the parish. This problem will be especially acute along Airline Highway. To the extent possible,

developers should reduce the number of access points to parking

lots and should look for common parking solutions. (DC03-01, 1/9/03;DC09-05, 5/21/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-2082. Landscaping for Off Street Parking

A. Any property owner or developer who constructs off street parking for five or

more automobiles shall meet the following landscape requirements:

1. A minimum of twenty-five square feet area of landscaping materials shall be provided for each off street parking area. These landscape

materials shall be located within the paved portion of the parking lot or

within ten feet immediately adjacent to the paved portion of the parking lot.

2. In addition to landscaping materials, nonliving durable material, such as

brick, stone, or rocks may be added.

3. Large trees shall be provided in the parking area at a minimum average

density of one large tree for every ten parking spaces. A large tree attains a height at maturity of greater than thirty feet. Any existing tree with a

twelve-inch or greater caliper that is retained within the parking lot shall

be counted as two trees in meeting this requirement. A caliper is a measurement of the size of a tree equal to the diameter of its trunk

measured 4.5 feet above the natural grade.

4. Landscaped areas shall be evenly distributed to relieve the monotony of large paved areas but shall not interfere with the orderly circulation of

vehicular and pedestrian traffic.


5. All landscaped areas shall be protected from vehicular encroachment by

concrete curbs, wheel stops, or other permanent barriers.

6. A reduction of two feet, measured from the concrete curb or other

permanent barrier, shall be allowed in the computation of the depth of

parking spaces contiguous to the perimeter landscaping strips or interior planting areas.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-2083. Commercial Property Landscaping Standards

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-2084. Bufferyard Requirements

A. Bufferyard standards for commercial and industrial development.

a. A buffer yard is the outer portion of a lot extending to the

boundary line. Bufferyards are designed to use planting or fencing to reduce potential nuisances. These nuisances may

include dirt, noise, litter, lighting glare, and unsightly parking

lots, signs or buildings. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Requirement. All owners property with commercial, recreational, instituational, and industrial uses shall maintain a bufferyard, if their property abuts a

residential use or non-commercial vacant land. If a land use is proposed adjacent

to vacant land, the bufferyard requirement may be reduced if the owner of the

vacant land agrees. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. Location. Bufferyards shall not be located on any portion of an existing or dedicated public or private street or right-of-way. The bufferyard shall be

continuous, except for bufferyard required for another building.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

D. Standards.

1. Bufferyard requirements are stated in terms of the width of the bufferyard and the number of plants required per linear feet of

bufferyard. The buffer strip shall be a minimum of twenty feet wide.

2. The minimum landscaping materials shall include at least one large tree

for every sixty linear feet of the required buffer strip, or one small tree

for every thirty linear feet of the required buffer strip. A large tree attains

a height at maturity of greater than thirty feet. A small tree attains a height at maturity of less than thirty feet.


3. The zoning official may require higher bufferyard standards under

Section 17-2044, Commercial and industrial storage standards, Section

17-2049, Adult business standards, and Section 17-2050, Alcoholic

beverage business standards, in order to protect adjacent landowners

from adverse impacts. The zoning official may require an opaque fence

in addition to landscaping to reduce impacts.

a. Commentary: The standards for bufferyards represent minimum

requirements. The goal is to eliminate, to the extent possible, the impacts of nonresidential uses on residential property owners in

the Parish. In the case of storage yards, alcoholic beverage sales,

and adult businesses, these impacts can be severe. Accordingly, the Parish provides wide discretion to the zoning official to

establish appropriate buffer yard standards for these businesses

prior to approving any building permits.

4. The zoning official may also waive some or all of the requirements for a

bufferyard and may permit an owner or developer to landscape an

existing right-ofway, if in the judgment of the zoning official, such landscaping will meet the objectives of this ordinance.

a. Commentary. The zoning official is also given authority to reduce the bufferyard requirements in appropriate circumstances.

In this case, the abutting property owners should be consulted

and agree to the reduction in requirements.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

E. Maintenance. The owner of a bufferyard shall keep the bufferyard in good

condition, routinely pick up litter, and replace all dead vegetation. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-2085. Street Access Standards

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

A. Street access standards

1. In order to promote the safety of the motorist and pedestrian and to

minimize traffic congestion and conflict, the following regulations shall apply:

2. Vehicle access from properties to streets shall not be more than thirty-six feet wide.

3. No more than two points of vehicle access from a property to each abutting public street shall be permitted for each four hundred feet of lot

frontage. Lots with less than one hundred feet of frontage shall have no

more than one point of access to any one public street.

4. No point of access shall be allowed within thirty-five feet of the right-of-

way line of any street intersections.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. No curbs on parish roads or rights-of-way shall be cut or altered for access without approval of the Zoning Official.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-2086. Signs: On Premises Sign Standards

A. On site commercial sign standards.

1. Purpose: This section is intended to ensure that commercial signs in the

parish do not pose hazards to automobile, truck, or pedestrian traffic and do not constitute a visual blight which may reduce property values in the

parish. This section applies only to on site commercial signs. As used in

this section, an “on site sign” is a sign which advertises a business or

development located on the lot. This section does not apply to commercial signs which are erected off the site of a business or

residential development.

2. Commentary: This section is designed to regulate signs which are erected

on the premises of a commercial business or residential development.

This ordinance does not impose restrictions on billboards or off-site commercial signs.

3. This ordinance does not extend to signs, which fail to conform to the

provisions of this ordinance on the date of enactment. The lawful use of any sign existing as of the date of enactment of this ordinance may be

continued, although such use does not conform with the provisions of

this ordinance.


4. General provisions: No person shall develop, install, locate or construct

any on sitesign on the site of a commercial, residential, recreational, institutional, or industrial use except as authorized in this section and

Section 17-2090(D): Sign permits required. The requirements of this

section shall not be varied or modified by a development permit granted

under Section 17-2090(B): Development permits required.

5. Any owner, authorized agent, or contractor who desires to construct,

install, enlarge or erect an on-site sign (other than for home occupations) must receive a sign permit issued under Section 17-2090(D). Site

drawings shall be submitted with the application for a sign permit. The

drawings shall show the size and location of the proposed sign and the location of all buildings, existing signs and boundary lines.

Measurements shall include the distance from property lines to improved

streets.

6. Regulations for on site signs.

a. Location of signs.

i No portion of any sign shall be located or installed in

such manner as to create a traffic hazard.

ii No portion of any sign or sign structure shall be located

within a distance of five (5) feet from the right-of-way

line or within twenty (20) feet of the edge of pavement or roadway surface of any public street or highway and

provided further that no portion of any sign shall project

or extend into or over any public right-of-way.

b. Maximum height. No portion of any sign or structure shall

exceed the following maximum heights:

i Free standing signs or sign structures shall not exceed a

height of twenty (20) feet, except along Airline Highway

(U.S. 61) where they shall not exceed a height of thirty (30) feet, and within five hundred feet of Interstate

Highway 10 where the height maximum limit for all

signs shall be sixty (60) feet above grade elevation or thirty-five (35) feet above the height of an elevated

roadway.

ii Signs mounted on or integrated into the facade of a building shall not extend above the top of the building

facade. Signs erected on a roof are not permitted.


c. Permitted freestanding signs. Not more that one freestanding

sign structure shall be located on any parcel of land. However, parcels with more than one frontage on streets shall be permitted

one freestanding sign structure for each frontage. For the purpose

of this paragraph, a “free standing sign” means a sign which is

not attached to a building.

d. Amount of sign face.

i Subject to the provisions of paragraphs (B), and (C)

below, the total amount of sign face area visible from

any single point of view shall not exceed the average of the following two factors or a minimum of fifty (50)

square feet of sign, whichever is greater.

a) One square foot per fifty (50) square feet of gross floor area;

b) One square foot per two (2) linear feet of street frontage.

ii Home occupations shall be allowed one freestanding sign structure not to exceed two (2) square feet in area

visible from one direction.

iii SubSection sign structures shall be allowed one freestanding sign with sign face not to exceed ten (10)

feet in height and two hundred (200) square feet.

e. Portable signs.

i Portable signs may not be allowed for more than thirty

calendar days in any six-month period.

ii Upon notification by the zoning official that a portable

sign has been displayed for a period longer than the period allowed by this section, the sign owner or the

owner or lessee of the property shall remove the sign

within ten days.

iii If the sign is not taken down, the zoning official may

direct an agent of the parish to remove the sign at cost to

the sign owner, the owner of the property, or the lessee of the property. The parish may charge the sign owner,

the owner of the property, or the lessee of the property

for the removal and storage of the sign. After storing a portable sign for sixty days, the parish may dispose of

the sign.


iv Portable signs shall not be allowed in the conservation district (C).

v As used in this section, a “portable sign” means a sign,

whether on its own trailer, wheels, or otherwise, designed to be movable and not attached to the ground, a

building, a structure or another sign.

f. Obsolete signs. Any sign which advertises a business or event no

longer in existence shall be removed within 30 days of the date

that the business ceased operation or the event was held. A business which ceases operations for a period of six months is no

longer in existence. Upon notification by the Zoning Official that

a sign is obsolete, the sign owner or the owner or lessee of the

property shall remove the sign within thirty days. If the sign is not taken down, the Zoning Official may direct an agent of the

parish to remove the sign at cost to the sign owner, the owner of

the property, or the lessee of the property.

g. Signs for adult businesses. An adult business may not use a

neon, flashing, or internally lighted sign with a face area of larger than six square feet. As used in this section,

i an internally lighted sign uses electricity, gas, or other

artificial light on the interior of the sign for illumination.

ii a flashing sign uses intermittent lights to attract

attention.

iii Commentary: The Parish Council finds that adult

businesses pose a serious threat to the public health and

safety, especially to children. See Section 17-2049,

Adult Business Standards.

h. Change in ownership. Upon change in ownership of a business, all signs shall be brought into compliance with this section.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-2087. Signs: Off Premises Sign Standards

A. In the limited circumstance where an existing off-site advertising structure is

taken by an authorized government authority, whether such taking is

accomplished by agreement between the owner of the advertising structure and the authorized government authority or by judicial action, the owner of the taken

off-site advertising structure may, subject to the approval of the landowner,

locate a replacement off-site advertising structure:

1. On land that is zoned MI, HI, MU or CC; or


2. On land that is zoned MU2 provided that:

a. The off-site advertising structure that was taken was located on

property that was zoned MU2 prior to the taking; or

b. The off-site advertising structure that was taken was located on

property immediately adjacent to property that is currently zoned

MU2 prior to the taking.

B. Subject to the exception outlined in section (C) below, in the limited

circumstance where a permitted off-site advertising structure is located onto property zoned MU2 as outlined in (A)(2) above, such off-site advertising

structure must conform to the following specifications:

1. Such structures may not exceed 40 feet at their highest point;

2. Such structures may not have more than two advertising faces. In such

instances, no more than one advertising face may project onto traffic in a given direction; and

3. Each individual advertising face or panel may not exceed 380 square feet in total advertising area.

4. The owner of an off-site advertising structure located on property zoned

MU2 as outlined in (A)(2) above may alter that structure provided that such alteration conforms with the specifications outlined in (B)(1)

through (B)(3) above. Such alteration shall not be construed as the

placement of a new, previously non-existing off-site advertising structure.

C. The criteria outlined in section (B) above do not apply when the off-site

advertising structure is being relocated on land adjacent to an Interstate Highway structure or right-of-way accommodating an Interstate Highway structure.

** Comment: This provision recognizes an exception to the use of land zoned as MU2

from that permitted and outlined at Appendix I, Table A: Permitted Uses by District.

This exception should not be construed to recognize that the placement of new, previously non-existing off-site advertising structures is a proper use of MU2 property.

Rather, this provision should be narrowly construed to address the permitted location of

off-site advertising structures on property zoned MU2 as a result of the taking of an

existing off-site advertising structure via expropriation or agreement.

** Comment: Furthermore, this provision should in no way limit the allowed use of MU,

CC, MI, or HI zoned property to accommodate new, previously non-existing off-site advertising structures.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DC13-13, 11/21/13)


17-2088. Lighting Standards

A. Exterior lighting standards 1. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to regulate the spillover of light

and glare on motorists, pedestrians, and adjacent land uses from a

commercial use light source. With respect to vehicles, the primary

purpose of this section is to protect public safety. In other cases, both the nuisance and hazard of careless lighting require regulation.

2. Standards. Any lighting used to illuminate an off street parking area, sign or other structure, should be arranged as to deflect light away from any

adjoining residential zone or from the public streets. Direct or reflected

glare, whether from floodlights or from high temperature processes such as combustion or welding, should not be directed into any adjoining

property. The source of lights should be hooded or controlled in some

manner so as not to light adjacent property. Bare incandescent light bulbs

should not be in view of adjacent property or an adjacent public right-of-way.

3. Commentary: This regulation represents the minimal standard for exterior lighting. The developer or property owner should evaluate the

following circumstances:

a. No cutoff luminaire. When the light source has no cutoff,

exterior lighting fixtures can produce unsightly glare which may

result in a safety hazard. (A cutoff is the point at which all light

emitted from a light is completely eliminated-cutoff- at a specific angle to the ground.)

b. Less than ninety-degree cutoff luminaire. These lights are preferable because the design of the fixture can ensure that the

light source is not visible off site.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-2089. Waste Discharge Standards

A. Discharge and septic waste disposal standards.

1. In all districts, no discharge at any point into any private sewage disposal system, into the ground or into any stream, pond, lake, ditch, canal,

bayou, creek or river of any materials of such nature or temperature as

can contaminate any water supply, or otherwise create a harmful effect on ground or surface waters shall be allowed except in accordance with

the most restrictive of parish, state or federal health standards of

applicable stream pollution control standards.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-2090. Administration and Enforcement

A. This article sets forth the procedures required for obtaining development permits, certificates of occupancy, and sign permits. This article also specifies the

requirements for amendments, variances, administrative appeals, and

interpretations of this ordinance. This article does not apply to any property on

which an industrial complex is developed and which is zoned Industrial and is located within the Industrial Area designation as set forth in state laws and local

ordinances.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Development permits required

1. No development permitted by this ordinance, including accessory and temporary uses, may be established or changed; no structure shall be

erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered, razed, or removed; and no

building used, occupied, or altered with respect to its use after the

effective date of this ordinance until a development permit has been secured from the Zoning Official. Nothing in this ordinance shall relieve

any applicant of the additional responsibility of seeking any permit

required by any other applicable statute, ordinance, or regulation. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. Exemptions 1. Single family home used as a principal residence. In the case of the

construction of a single family house that will be used as a applicant’s

principal residence, a building permit shall constitute a development

permit.

2. Small projects. In the case of a development project on a single lot of

record with a total construction value of less than $20,000, a building permit shall constitute a development permit. Under this section, a

landowner may receive only one exemption for each lot of record every

three years.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

D. Sign permits required

1. Unless specifically exempted by Section 17-2043(J), On site commercial sign standards, no sign shall be erected, altered, or relocated after the

effective date of this ordinance until a sign permit has been secured from

the zoning official. Sign permits shall be renewed prior to their expiration dates as specified below.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


E. Application requirements for development permits

1. All applications for development permits shall be made in writing by the

owner of the property for which it is sought on a form supplied by the

Planning Office and shall be filed with the Zoning Official. The

application shall include four copies of the following information.

a. The legal descriptions of the parcel(s) for which the permit is

sought.

b. A map (or maps) of the property showing (A) its boundaries; (B)

total acreage; (C) contours at one-foot intervals if more than two dwelling units or more than 5,000 square feet of commercial area

are involved; (D) location, width, and name of all existing or

previously platted street, railroad, and utility rights-of-way; (E)

the location of any existing sewers, water mains, culverts, and other underground facilities within and adjacent to the tract,

indicating pipe sizes, grades, manholes, and location.

c. A statement of the proposed use of each parcel,

d. A layout of the proposed development drawn to scale showing the location and exterior dimensions of all existing and proposed

buildings and uses in relation to parcel and street lines.

e. A site plan shall be required, as a precondition to the issuance of a development permit, in the following instances:

i The establishment of any land uses which will take direct access to a state road.

ii The development of any single land use consisting of ten

or more acres.

iii The development of any commercial, industrial,

recreational, or institutional use.

iv The development of any residential land use consisting

of more than two residential units.

f. The site plan shall include all information required by the Zoning

Official. This information shall include:

i Provisions planned for treatment and disposal of sewage

and industrial wastes, water supply, and storm drainage.


ii The size and arrangement of all buildings used or

intended to be used for dwelling purposes, including the proposed density for residential or commercial

development.

iii The location, height, and composition material of all walls, fences, or other structures to be utilized in

providing the bufferyards required by this ordinance.

iv The location and dimension of all existing and proposed

vehicular drives, entrances, exits, traffic circulation

patterns, acceleration and deceleration lanes.

v The location and dimension of all existing and proposed

pedestrian entrances, exits, and walkways.

vi The location, size, arrangement and capacity of all areas

to be used for off-street parking and off-street loading

vii The location, size, height, composition material,

illumination, and orientation of all signs.

viii Plans and specifications of the proposed lighting.

ix Any other data deemed necessary by the planning

official to determine the compliance of the proposed development with the terms of this ordinance.

x If the application relates to property scheduled for phased development, the proposed layout of the total

projected development shall be indicated and each

phase’s projected scope and time period indicated to the

extent possible.

2. When a development permit is sought for a development which is a part

of a plat of a subSection which has received final plat approval, the plat, shall be submitted as a part of the application for the development

permit.

3. In the case of any development which is required to develop pursuant to

a plat of subSection, the development shall have received and properly

recorded a final approved plat before an application for a development

permit will be accepted for processing by the Zoning Official.

4. No application shall be accepted by the Zoning Official until it is

complete as described above, and until all fees established by Ascension Parish for processing an application have been paid in full.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


F. Application requirements for sign permits

1. All applications for sign permits shall be made in writing on a form

supplied by Ascension Parish and shall contain or have attached thereto the following information:

2. Name, address, and telephone number of applicant.

3. Location of building, structure, or lot to which or upon which the sign is

to be attached or erected.

4. Two blueprints, photocopies or ink drawings of the plans, specifications,

and method of construction and attachment (i.e., either to a building or in

the ground) of all proposed signs.

5. A certified copy of the development permit issued to the use(s) to which

the sign is related together with a complete copy of the application required for that zoning certificate. When a sign permit is sought for a

use which was existing at the effective date of this ordinance, the Zoning

Official shall specify the information required to show full compliance with the sign regulations of this ordinance, but in no event shall

information not required by this section or an application for a

development permit be required.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

G. Procedures

1. Developments consisting of a single dwelling unit shall be reviewed for compliance with this ordinance, and within two days after the application

for a development permit has been accepted, the Building Official shall

inform the applicant whether the application has been granted.

a. In any case where the application is granted, the Building

Official shall issue a building permit. Before any structure to

which this certificate is applicable may be occupied or used for any purpose a certificate of occupancy must be obtained.

b. In any case where an application is denied, the building official shall state the specific reasons and shall cite the specific

chapters, articles, and sections of applicable ordinances upon

which denial is based.


2. Development consisting of lots, uses, or structures other than described

in paragraph (a) shall be reviewed for compliance with this ordinance by the Zoning Official in as timely a manner as possible. The Zoning

Official shall inform the applicant whether the application has been

granted within 30 days after the application for a development permit has

been accepted by the Zoning Official and such permit has been issued.

3. If an application is denied, the zoning official shall state the specific

reasons and shall cite the specific chapters, articles, and sections of this ordinance upon which denial is based.

4. Applications for sign permits shall be reviewed for compliance with this ordinance, and within two days after acceptance of the application the

Zoning Official shall inform the applicant whether the permit has been

granted.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

H. Site Plan review

1. The zoning official shall review all site plans subject to the procedures, standards, and limitations set forth in this section, and approve or

disapprove the proposed plan. No developer required to submit a site

plan for review shall be entitled to a development permit until the Zoning Official has approved the site plan.

2. Commentary: The site plan review process is designed to ensure that all

elements are reviewed for compatibility with the regulations and intent of this ordinance. A preliminary site plan, much like a preliminary or

tentative plat of subSection, is intended to serve as a working document

for the developer and the Parish of Ascension in the initial phases of the site plan review. It shall contain as much of the information required of

an application for a development permit as possible and, in any event,

shall provide sufficiently detailed information to allow an informed

decision concerning the overall accept ability of the proposed development.

3. Following review of the preliminary site plan, the Zoning Official shall consult with the developer and detail unacceptable and required, but

absent, elements. These comments shall be provided to the developer in

writing within twenty days of the site plan having been submitted to the Zoning Official.

4. A final site plan shall be submitted to the Zoning Official following the

procedure specified in this section. The site plan shall contain all of the information required by Section 17-2090(E) Application requirements

for development permits. The Zoning Official shall review the plan for

compliance with the provisions of this ordinance.


5. In the event that the Zoning Official determines the final site plan is

unacceptable, written notice of this decision, including all reasons for it and instructions for making the items acceptable, shall be provided to the

developer within 30 days of the final site plan having been accepted by

the Zoning Official. While this ordinance specifies no precise time limits

within which the Director shall review and report on the elements of a final site plan, the Zoning Official shall conduct such a review and report

as expeditiously as possible on it. In no event shall the review of any

item of a plan exceed the time period imposed by this section for review of the entire plan.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

I. Certificate of Occupancy

1. No structure shall be erected, constructed, reconstructed, extended, or

moved, and no land or building shall be occupied or used in whole or in

part for any use whatsoever after the effective date of this ordinance until the owner, tenants, contract purchaser, or authorized agent has been

issued a certificate of occupancy by the building official, indicating that

the building or use complies with all zoning requirements of this ordinance.

2. No certificate of occupancy shall be issued until the premises in question have been inspected and found by the building official to comply with

the requirements of this ordinance. No fee shall be charged for a

certificate of occupancy.

3. The issuance of a certificate of occupancy in no way relieves the

developer from compliance with all of the terms of this ordinance and all

other applicable regulations. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

J. Change of use

1. Change or alteration of the use of any building, structure, or land shall not be permitted until a development permit and a certificate of

occupancy are obtained pursuant to this article.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

K. Planning and Zoning Commission: Duties and powers

1. The Planning and Zoning Commission shall have the following duties and powers:

2. Review and conduct oversight hearings on the performance of this

ordinance and recommend any amendments to the Parish Council;

3. Review the administrative duties and performance of the individuals

responsible for administering this ordinance, and advise the Parish Council on steps to improve the administration of this ordinance; and


4. Review the Land Use Plan of Ascension Parish at least every three years

and recommend revisions of the Land Use Plan to the Parish Council. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

L. Zoning Official: Duties and Powers

1. The Zoning Official shall be appointed by the Ascension Parish President and shall have the following powers and responsibilities:

a. Process and issue all planning certificates required which identify buildable lots, flood zones and zoning districts.

b. Process all required development permit use applications for all permitted uses.

c. Receive applications for Development Code amendments and

forward same to the Zoning Commission for action.

d. Following refusal of a permit, receive applications for

interpretation and appeals and forward these to the Zoning Board of Adjustments for action.

e. Interpret provisions of this ordinance.

f. Record and file all applications for development permits with

accompanying plans and documents. All applications, plans, and

documents shall be a public record.

g. Revoke any development permit issued under a mistake of fact

or contrary to the law or provision of this ordinance.

2. If, by amendment to this ordinance, any zone boundary or any other

matter shown on the Official Zoning Map is changed by action of the

Ascension Parish Council, these changes shall be promptly indicated on the zoning map by the Zoning Official, together with the date of passage

of the amendment and sufficient written description to give a precise

understanding of the change. Every amendment to this ordinance shall be recorded in the Ascension Parish Clerk of Court's office. An up-to-date

copy of the Official Zoning Map, as amended from time to time, shall be

available for public inspection in the Planning Office during its regular business hours.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


M. Building Official: Duties and Powers

1. The Building Official, as appointed under Section 6-17 of the Code of

Ordinances of Ascension Parish, shall have the following powers and

responsibilities, in addition to the duties and responsibilities established under Chapter 6:

2. Receive and examine all applications for building permits.

3. Process all building permit applications for single family dwelling.

4. Issue building permits only where there is compliance with the

provisions of this ordinance.

5. Investigate complaints and conduct inspections and surveys to determine compliance or noncompliance with the terms of this ordinance.

6. Revoke, in writing, a building permit or approval issued contrary to this ordinance or based on a false statement or misrepresentation in the

application.

7. Stop, by written order, work being done contrary to the building permit

or to this ordinance. Such written order, posted on the premises involved,

shall not be removed except by order of the planning official. Removal

without such order shall constitute a violation of this ordinance.

8. Institute any appropriate action or proceedings to prevent unlawful

erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, conversion, maintenance, or use; restrain, correct, or abate such violation, so as to

prevent the occupancy or use of any building, structure, or land; or

prevent any illegal act, conduct, business, or use in or about such

premises. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

N. Duties of the Planning Director 1. In addition to other assigned duties, the Planning Director shall:

2. Oversee the work of the Zoning Official;

3. Review all proposed zoning amendments and prepare a report on them

for the Zoning Commission and the Ascension Parish Council. The

Planning Director may also fulfill the duties of the Zoning Official. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


O. Zoning Board of Adjustment: Duties and Powers

1. The Zoning Board of Adjustment of the Parish of Ascension, Louisiana, is hereby established, and the following rules are set forth to govern its

composition and operation:

2. Membership. The Zoning Board of Adjustment (“the Board”) shall

consist of seven members appointed by the Ascension Parish Council. A

chairman shall be elected by the members

3. Board powers and duties. The Board shall have the following powers and

duties:

a. To hear and decide appeals when it is alleged that there is error

in any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by

the Zoning Official or Planning Director in the enforcement of this ordinance.

b. To authorize variances as set forth in Section 17-2090(Q)

4. Review of administrative orders. The Board may reverse, affirm, or

modify the decisions made by the Zoning Official or Planning Director

in the enforcement of this ordinance. The Board shall have all the powers of the officer from whom the appeal is taken. The concurring vote of a

majority of all the members of the Board shall be necessary to take

action under this section.

5. Appeals to the Board. Appeals to the Board may be taken by any person

aggrieved or by any officer, board, or agency of the parish affected by

any action of the Zoning Official or Planning Director under this ordinance. An appeal shall be made within 30 days of the action taken by

the Zoning Official or Planning Director. An appeal starts by filing a

notice with the Zoning Official and with the Board. This notice shall specify clearly the grounds of the appeal. The Zoning Official shall

transmit to the Board all the documents, plans, papers, or other materials

relating to the appeal.

6. Stay of work and proceedings on appeal. An appeal to the Board stays all

work on the premises unless the Zoning Official certifies to the Board

that a stay would cause imminent peril to life or property. In such case, proceedings or work shall not be stayed except by a restraining order,

which may be granted by the Board.


7. Board; hearing of appeals. The Board shall fix a reasonable time for the

hearing of the appeal. Prior to the hearing, the Board shall give public

notice as specified in Section 17-2090(T) Public notice requirements,

and notify the parties in interest. At the hearing, any party may appear in person, by agent, or by attorney. Appellants will be required to submit

such fees as required in Section 17-2090(U).

8. Judicial review of decisions of the Board. Any person or persons, jointly

or severally, aggrieved by any decision of the Board, or any officer,

department, board, commission, the governing body, may apply to the circuit court in the judicial circuit where the Board is located for judicial

relief within 30 days after rendition of the decision by the Board. Review

in the circuit court shall be either by a trial de novo, which shall be

governed by the Louisiana Rules of Civil Procedure, or by petition for writ of certiorari, which shall be governed by the Louisiana Appellate

Rules. The election of remedies shall lie with the appellant.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03;DC04-01, 12/16/04; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

P. Interpretations

1. Purpose. The provisions of this section are intended to provide a simple and expeditious method for clarifying ambiguities in the text of this

ordinance, the zoning map which it incorporates, and the rules and

regulations adopted pursuant to it. It is also intended to provide a simple,

yet circumscribed, procedure for overcoming the inadvertent rigidities and limitations inherent in the promulgation of finite use lists in a world

characterized by infinite permutations of essential similar uses.

2. Authority. The Zoning Official may, subject to the procedures, standards,

and limitations set forth in this section, render interpretations of any

provision of this ordinance or any rule or regulation issued pursuant to it,

including interpretations of the various uses in any district not expressly mentioned in this ordinance.


3. Procedure.

a. Written request for interpretation. Except as provided below, a

request for interpretation of any provision of this ordinance, the

zoning map, or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant to this

ordinance shall be submitted in writing to the Zoning Official. No fee shall be required in connection with a request. Each

request shall set forth the specific provisions to be interpreted,

the facts of the specific situation giving rise to the request for an interpretation, and the precise interpretation claimed by the

applicant to be correct. Before rendering any interpretation, the

Zoning Official shall review any additional facts and information which may be necessary to a meaningful interpretation of the

provision in question.

b. Application for use interpretation. Applications for a use interpretation shall be submitted to the Zoning Official on a form

supplied by the Planning Office. The application shall contain at

least the following information and documentation:

i The applicant’s name, address, and interest in the subject

property.

ii The owner’s name and address, if different from the

applicant's, and the owner’s signed consent to the filing

of the application.

iii The names and addresses of all professional consultants

advising the applicant with respect to the interpretation.

iv The street address and legal description of the subject

property.

v The zoning classification and present use of the subject

property.

vi A complete description of the proposed use.

vii The uses permitted by the present zoning classification which are most similar to the proposed use.

viii Documents, statements, and other evidence

demonstrating that the proposed use will comply with all use limitations established for the district in which it is

proposed to be located.


ix Such other and further information or documentation as

the Zoning Official may deem necessary or appropriate to a full and proper consideration and disposition of the

particular application.

c. Action by Zoning Official. Within 30 days following the receipt by the official of a completed request or application for

interpretation, the Zoning Official shall mail a written copy of

interpretation to the applicant. The Zoning Official shall state the specific precedent, reasons, and analysis on which such

interpretation is based. The failure of the zoning official to

render an interpretation within such time, or such longer period of time as may be agreed to by the applicant, shall be deemed to

be a rejection of the applicant's proposed interpretation. The

Zoning Official shall keep a copy of each such interpretation on

file and shall make a copy of each such filed interpretation available for public inspection during reasonable hours.

d. Appeal. Appeals on interpretations rendered by the Zoning Official pursuant to this section may be taken to the Board as

provided in Section 17-2090(O).

4. Criteria. The following conditions shall govern the Zoning Official, and

the Board on appeals from the Zoning Official, in issuing use

interpretations:

a. No use interpretation shall allow the establishment of any use

which was previously considered and rejected by the Board on

an application for amendment.

b. No use interpretation shall permit a use listed as a permitted or

conditional use in any district in which such use is not so listed.

c. No use interpretation shall permit any use in any district unless

evidence shall be presented which demonstrates that it will

comply with each use limitation established for the particular district.

d. No use interpretation shall permit any use in a particular district unless such


5. use is substantially similar to other uses permitted in such district and is

more similar to such other uses than to uses permitted or conditionally permitted in a less restrictive district.

a. Any use permitted pursuant to this section shall fully comply

with all requirements and standards imposed by this ordinance.

6. Effect of favorable use interpretation. A favorable use interpretation shall

authorize the preparation, filing, and processing of applications for any permits and approvals which may be required by the codes and

ordinances of the Parish of Ascension or other governmental agencies

having jurisdiction. These permits include development permits, building permits, and certificates of occupancy. No use interpretation finding a

particular use to be permitted in a specific district shall authorize this use

or the development, construction, reconstruction, alteration, or moving of

any building or structure.

7. Limitations on favorable use interpretations. No use interpretation

finding a particular use to be permitted in a district shall be valid for a period longer than one year from the date of issue.

8. A development permit incorporating a particular use interpretation shall not authorize any similar use for which a separate use interpretation has

not been issued.

9. A development permit incorporating a particular use interpretation shall automatically expire if the particular use for which it was issued shall,

for any reason, be discontinued for six consecutive months.

10. Annual report. The Zoning Official shall keep a record of each use

interpretation and shall make an annual report of all interpretations to the

Zoning Commission. The report shall include any recommendations that

this ordinance be amended to simplify its administration. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


Q. Variances

1. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to empower the Zoning Board of Adjustment (“the Board”) to vary or adapt the strict application of any of

the requirements of this ordinance. A variance may be appropriate where,

by reason of extreme situations or conditions on a piece of property, the

strict application of any regulation enacted under this ordinance would result in unique, exceptional, and substantial hardship on the owner of

property.

2. Commentary: In general, the power to authorize a variance from the

terms of this ordinance shall be sparingly exercised. The standards

imposed by the ordinance have been carefully planned to allow the maximum possible freedom to develop without adverse impacts on

nearby land. It is the intent of the Parish Council that the variance be

used only to overcome some exceptional physical condition of a parcel

of land. This condition must create practical difficulty to the development of the parcel and prevents the owner from developing the

property as intended by this ordinance. Any variance granted shall be the

minimum adjustment necessary for the reasonable use of the land.

3. The use of development standards contained in this ordinance has, unlike

traditional zoning ordinances, authorized more mixing of land uses and considerably more flexibility in the planning of use location. As a

consequence, the variance opportunity supplied in this ordinance should

be used in a much more limited manner than the one provided in most

other conventional ordinances.

4. Traditionally, variance provisions are contained in a zoning ordinance to

allow relief from the “strict” application of a regulation (such as a

minimum yard width or building setback) which will result in an unnecessary hardship. The need for variances under traditional

ordinances arise from the existence of some unique circumstances or

physical condition of a particular parcel, usually related to its topography

or shape. They are not generally applicable to land or buildings in the neighborhood. Under a conventional ordinance an applicant must show

that the strict application of the ordinance would deprive the applicant of

the reasonable use of the land.

5. Application. After denial of a permit by the Zoning Official or without

denial, a property owner of land located in any district may apply to the Board for a variance using forms to be obtained from the Planning

Office.

6. Standards for variances. No variance in the strict application of the provisions of this ordinance shall be granted by the Board unless it finds

that the following requirements and standards are satisfied:


a. The granting of the variance shall be in harmony with the

general purpose and intent of the regulations imposed by this ordinance for the district in which it is located and shall not be

injurious to the neighborhood or otherwise detrimental to the

public welfare.

b. The granting of the variance will not permit the establishment of

any use which is not permitted in the district.

c. There must be a showing of unique circumstances.

i Commentary: There must exist special circumstances or conditions, fully described in the findings, applicable to

the land or buildings for which the variance is sought,

which circumstances or conditions are peculiar to such

land or buildings and do not apply generally to land or buildings in the neighborhood, and which circumstances

or conditions are such that the strict application of the

provisions of this ordinance would deprive the applicant of the reasonable use of such land or building.

d. There must be a showing of unnecessary hardship.

7. Commentary: It is not sufficient proof of hardship to show that greater

profit would result if the variance were granted. Furthermore, the

hardship complained of cannot be self-created; nor can it be established on this basis by one who purchases with or without knowledge of the

restrictions; it must result from the application of this ordinance; it must

be suffered directly by the property in question, and evidence of variance granted under similar circumstances shall not be considered.

8. There must be a showing that a variance is necessary for the reasonable

use of the land or building and that the variance as granted by the board is the minimum variance that will accomplish this purpose.

9. There must be a showing that the proposed variance will not impair an adequate supply of light and air to adjacent property, substantially

increase the congestion in the public streets, increase the danger of fire,

endanger the public safety, or substantially diminish or impair property values within the adjacent neighborhood.

10. There must be a showing that the granting of the variance requested will

not confer on the applicant any special privilege that is denied by this ordinance to other lands, structures, or buildings in the same district. The

Board may prescribe any safeguard that it deems necessary to secure

substantially the objectives of the regulations or provisions to which the variance applies.


11. Public hearing. Upon application, the Board, after giving notice as

required Section 17-2090(T), Public notice requirements, shall hold a public hearing. The Board shall consider and decide all proposed

variations taking into account the standards set forth above.

12. After the close of a public hearing and within 30 days, the Board shall render a written decision, setting forth the reasons for such decision,

which shall be accompanied by finding of facts specifying the reasons

for the Board’s decision. The Board’s decisions are final and binding on all parties pending judicial review, if necessary.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

R. Amendments 1. Regulations, restrictions, boundaries and other provisions of this

ordinance may, from time to time, be amended, supplemented, changed

or repealed in the manner herein stated.

2. Amendments to the ordinance or to the zoning map may be initiated by:

d. The Ascension Parish Council.

e. The Ascension Parish Zoning Commission.

f. The verified petition of the owner or owners of the property

affected by such amendment to the zoning map; provided no

petition shall be filed by such owner or owners affecting

property which has been involved in a petition before the Zoning Commission within the preceding 12 month period.

3. All proposed amendments to this ordinance or to the zoning map shall be submitted to the Ascension Parish Zoning Commission on forms

provided by the Planning Director. The Planning Director shall place the

proposed amendment on the agenda of the Ascension Parish Zoning

Commission and shall take all steps necessary for the commission to hold a public hearing on the proposed amendment.

4. No recommendation for change or amendment shall be considered by the Zoning Commission until due notice has been given of a public hearing,

as set forth in Section 17-2090(T). Public notice requirements.

5. After the public hearing the Zoning Commission shall transmit a written

report of its findings and its recommendations to the Ascension Parish

Council within 45 days of the public hearing.

6. The Ascension Parish Council shall act upon the recommendation at the

first regular meeting following the receipt of the report from the Zoning

Commission.


7. Should the Commission fail to make its report and recommendation

within the time limits prescribed, the Ascension Parish Council may take action upon the proposed change or amendment, based upon the facts

available to it.

8. No proposal for zoning change or amendment affecting particular property or properties shall contain conditions, limitations or

requirements not applicable to all other property in the district to which

the particular property is proposed to be rezoned. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

S. Form of Application 1. The verified petition of the owner for a change or amendment to the

zoning map shall include the legal description of the property involved

prepared by a Louisiana registered land surveyor and accompanied by a

map of the property at a scale of one inch equals 200 feet, or such other scale as may be required by the Planning Director.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

T. Public notice requirements

1. In case of a proposed appeal under Section 17-2090(O) Zoning Board of

Adjustment (relating to appeals of decisions of the Zoning Official or Planning Director), a proposed variance under Section 17-2090(Q)

(relating to Variances), or a proposed amendment under Section 17-

2090(R) (relating to Amendments), the public shall be notified of the

required hearing as follows:

2. Newspaper publication: At least ten (10) days in advance of the hearing,

the Zoning Official shall provide notice of the time and place of the hearing which shall be published at least three (3) times in the official

journal of the parish, and at least ten (10) days shall lapse between the

first publication and the date of hearing.

3. Posting. In the case of a public hearing for a variance or a public hearing

on an amendment which affects one or more lots, the Zoning Official

shall post in a conspicuous place a sign. This sign shall notify the public of the time and place of the public hearing. The sign shall be posted at

least ten days in advance of the hearing.

4. Notification of abutting property owners. In the case of a public hearing

for a variance or a public hearing on an amendment which affects one or

more lots, the Zoning Official shall notify in writing by certified mail the

abutting property owners. The notice shall include the date and time for the hearing and a concise summary of the issues which will be explored

at the public hearing.


5. If the governing authority thereafter proceeds to have an Ordinance

presented to amend the zoning of the property which includes the proposal of a PUD, SPUD, or TND. A public hearing shall be held by

said governing authority at which time parties of interest shall have an

opportunity to be heard. Notice of the time and place of that hearing shall be published once a week in three different weeks in the official journal

of the parish, and at least fifteen days shall elapse between the first

publication and the date of the hearing. In addition to notice by

publication, at least ten days prior to the hearing, a good faith attempt to notify the owner or owners of record of the properties to be zoned or

rezoned shall be made by sending an official notice by certified mail of

the time and place of the hearing and subject matter of the regulations and restrictions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, when more than ten

parcels are to be zoned or rezoned by enactment of a zoning ordinance,

the advertisement in the official journal required herein shall be considered adequate notice to the property owners.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC08-01, 1/10/08; DC08-02 1/10/08; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

U. Fees and Charges 1. Fees as specified in the fee schedule as adopted by the Ascension Parish

Zoning Commission shall be paid to the Ascension Parish Governing

Authority for the following:

a. Applications for development permits:

b. Application for change or amendment to the zoning map.

c. Application for variance.

2. No permit or certificate shall be issued, and no inspection, public notice

or other action relative to zoning, petitions for changes in zoning, or

appeals shall be instituted until after such fees, costs and charges have been paid. When in accordance with the provisions of this section a fee is

paid and application is filed, there shall be no return of any funds,

regardless of the governing body’s determination in the matter involved.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


V. Validity

1. In the event any court of competent jurisdiction should hold that any article, section, clause or provisions of this ordinance to be invalid, this

holding shall not affect the validity of the development code as a whole

or any part thereof, other than the part so declared to be invalid.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

W. Violations and penalties

1. Any person or persons, firms or corporations, violating the provisions of this ordinance or any part hereof, shall be fined not less than $50.00 nor

more than $500.00 or incarcerated in jail for a period not to exceed 30

days, or both, and each day that such violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

X. Codification 1. It is the intention of the Parish Council of the Parish of Ascension,

Louisiana, that this ordinance amend the Code of Ordinances of the

Parish of Ascension, Louisiana, and be codified for inclusion. (DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

Y. Repeal of conflicting ordinances 1. All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are repealed

to the extent necessary to give this ordinance full force and effect.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

Z. Effective Date 1. Except as provided in Section 17-2036(K) 180 (effective date for

development standards for airport overlay zone) and Section 17-2049(E)

(effective date for adult business standards), this development code shall

take effect on April 2, 2003.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-20100. Definitions

Except as otherwise provided, all words used in this ordinance shall have their customary dictionary meaning. The present tense includes the future tense and the future tense includes the present tense. The

singular number includes the plural and the plural includes the singular. The word “shall” is always

mandatory.

Abutting: Having a common border with, or being separated from such common border by an alley or

easement.

Access: An entry to or exit from a property for use by a vehicle.

Accessory use: a use incidental to, subordinate to, and subservient to the main use of the property.

Acre: Forty-three thousand, five hundred sixty square feet.

Adult Bookstore, Adult Novelty Store or Adult Video Store: means a commercial establishment which has significant or substantial portion of its stock in trade or derives a significant or substantial portion of

its revenues or devotes a significant or substantial portion of its interior business or advertising, or

maintains a substantial portion of its sales or display space to the sale or rental, for any consideration, of any one or more of the following:

1. Books, magazines, periodicals or other printed matter, or photographs, films, motion pictures, video cassettes, compact discs, slides, or other

visual representations which are characterized by their emphasis or

description of “specified sexual activities” or “specified anatomical

areas”;

2. Instruments, devices, or paraphernalia which are designed for use or

marketed primarily for stimulation of human genital organs or for sadomasochistic use of themselves or others.

Adult Bookstore, Adult Novelty Store or Adult Video Store: shall also include a commercial

establishment which regularly maintains one or more “Adult Arcades”. “Adult Arcades” means any place to which the public is invited wherein coin operated or slug-operated or electronically, or mechanically

controlled still or motion picture machines, projectors, or other image-producing devices are regularly

maintained to show images to five or fewer patrons per machine at any one time, and where the images so displayed are distinguished or characterized by their emphasis upon matter exhibiting or describing

“specified sexual activities” or “specified anatomical areas”.

Adult Cabaret: means a nightclub, bar, juice bar, restaurant, bottle club, or similar commercial

establishment, whether or not alcoholic beverages are served, which regularly features persons who

appear semi-nude.


Adult motel: means a motel, hotel, or similar commercial establishment which:

1. Offers public accommodations, for any consideration, and which

regularly provides patrons with closed circuit television transmissions,

films, motion pictures, video cassettes, slides, or other photographic reproductions which are characterized by their emphasis upon the

exhibition or description of “specified sexual activities” or “specified

anatomical areas” and which regularly advertises the availability of such materials by means of a sign visible from the public right-of-way, or by

means of any off-premises advertising, including, but not limited to,

newspapers, magazines, pamphlets or leaflets and

2. Offers a sleeping room for rent for a period of time less than ten (10)

hours.

Adult Motion Picture Theater: means any commercial establishment where films, motion pictures,

videocassettes. slides, or other photographic reproductions which are characterized by their emphasis

upon the exhibition or description of “specified sexual activities” or “specified anatomical areas” are regularly shown for any form of consideration.

Airport: property comprising Louisiana Regional Airport as recorded with the Official Clerk and Recorder for the Parish of Ascension, State of Louisiana on the effective date of this Ordinance.

Airport elevation: currently 14 feet above mean sea level and upon the runway being extended, is

projected to be 42 feet above mean sea level.

Alley: thoroughfare which is not more than thirty feet wide and which provides only a secondary access

to abutting property.

Antenna: transmitting and/or receiving device for personal wireless service that radiates or captures

electromagnetic waves, including directional antennas, such as panel and microwave dish antennas, and

omni-directional antennas, such as whips, excluding radar antennas, amateur radio antennas, and satellite earth stations.

Apartment: A dwelling unit contained in a building of more than three dwelling units. Each dwelling unit has an entrance to a hallway or balcony in common with at least one other dwelling unit.

Appeal: A means for obtaining review of a decision, determination, order, or failure to act under the terms of this ordinance.

Applicant: The owner of the subject property, developer or agent subject to a fully executed Agent's

Authorization Form submitted in its approved form to Ascension Parish Planning and Development Department.


Approach Surface: A surface longitudinally centered on the extended runway centerline, extending

outward and upward from the end of the primary surface and at the same slope as the approach zone height limitation slope set forth in Section 17-2036(D). In plan the perimeter of the approach surface

coincides with the perimeter of the approach zone.

Approach, Transitional, Horizontal, and Conical Zones: These zones are set forth in Section 17-

2036(D): Airport zone height limitations.

Area of Shallow Flooding: A designated AO, AH, or VO Zone on a community’s rate map (FIRM) with a one (1) percent chance or greater annual chance of flooding to an average depth of one (1) to three (3)

feet where a clearly defined channel does not exist, where the path of flooding is unpredictable, and

where velocity flow may be evident. Such flooding is characterized by ponding or sheet flow.

Area of Special Flood Hazard: The land in the floodplain within a community subject to a one (1)

percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year. The area may be designated as Zone A on the

flood hazard boundary map (FHBM). After detailed ratemaking had been completed in preparation for publication of the (FIRM), Zone A usually is refined into Zones A, AE, AH, AO, A1-99, VO, VI-30, VE

or V.

Base Flood: The flood having a one (1) percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.

Base site area: A calculated area as specified in Section 17-2073(D)(3) Residential density and lot requirements.

Board of Adjustment: A board consisting of 5 members appointed by the Parish Council and as more

fully defined in Section 17-2090(O) of the Ascension Parish Development Code.

Bufferyard: A unit of land, together with a specified type and amount of planting and any fencing which

may be required between land uses to minimize conflicts between them.

Building: A structure built, maintained, or intended for use as a shelter or enclosure of persons, animals,

or property. The term includes any part of the structure. Where independent units with separate entrances

are divided by party walls, each unit is a building.

Building, accessory: A building which is (1) subordinate to and serves a principal structure or principal

use; (2) is subordinate in area, extent and purpose to the principal structure or use; (3) is located on the same lot as the principal structure or use; and (4) is customarily incidental to the principal structure or

use. Any portion of a principal building which is devoted to an accessory use is not an accessory building.

Building front: That exterior wall of a building which faces the front lot line of the lot.

Building line: A line on a lot parallel to lot lines and the adjacent vehicle use corridor(s), located a

sufficient distance there from to provide the minimum yards required by this ordinance. The building line delimits the area which buildings are permitted subject to all applicable provisions of this ordinance.

Building, principal: A building in which is conducted, or in which is intended to be conducted, the main and principal use of the lot on which it is located.


Chainwall: The exterior foundation wall used to elevate a structure above grade and provide support for

the structure’s exterior walls and floor system. The chainwall extends around the periphery of the structure and shall not be construed to include such items as driveways, courtyards, and loading docks.

CLASS A Mobile Homes: include new mobile homes certified as meeting the most recent standards of

United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards codes and approved as meeting “acceptable similarity” appearance standards for

single family housing, as determined by the Building Official.

CLASS B Mobile Homes: include new mobile homes certified as meeting the most recent standards of

HUD’s Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards code but not approved as meeting “acceptable

similarity” appearance standards for single family housing, as determined by the Building Official.

Conical Surface: A surface extending outward and upward from the periphery of the horizontal surface

at a slope of 20 to 1 for a horizontal distance of 4,000 feet.

Controlling Interest: means the power, directly or indirectly, to direct the operation, management or

policies of a business or entity, or to vote twenty percent (20%) of more of any class of voting securities

of a business. The ownership, control or power to vote twenty percent or more of any class of voting securities of a business shall be presumed, subject to rebuttal, to be the power to direct the management,

operation or policies of the business.

Density: A measure of the intensity of development. In this ordinance, density for residential

development is calculated in terms of units per acre. The calculation for residential density is set forth in

Section 17-2073(D)(3). Density for commercial development is calculated as the gross floor area for each

development project.

Developer: The legal or beneficial owner(s) of a lot or parcel of any land proposed for inclusion in a

development, including the holder of an option or contract to purchase.

Development: The Section of a parcel of land into two or more parcels; the construction, reconstruction,

conversion, structural alteration, relocation, or enlargement of any buildings; any use or change in use of

any buildings or land; or any extension of any use of land or any clearing, grading, or other movement of land.

Distinguished or Characterized by an Emphasis Upon: (relating to adult business) means the dominant or principal theme or object described by such a phrase. For instance, when the phrase refers to

films “which are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis upon the exhibition or description of

Specified Sexual Activities or Specified Anatomical Areas”, the films so described are those whose dominant or principal character and theme are the exhibition or description of “specified anatomical

areas” or “specified sexual activities”.

Drainage: The removal of surface water or groundwater from land by drains, grading, or other means. Drainage includes the control of runoff to minimize erosion and sedimentation during and after

development and includes the means necessary for water supply preservation or the prevention or

alleviation of flooding.

Dwelling: Any building or portion of a building which is designated or used for residential purposes.


Easement: A property owner’s authorization for another person to use the property.

Employ, Employee, and Employment: describe and pertain to any person who performs any service on

the premises of a sexually oriented business, on a full time, part time, or contract basis, whether or not the

person is denominated as an employee, independent contractor, agent, or otherwise. Employee does not include a person exclusively on the premises for repair or maintenance of the premises or for the delivery

of goods to the premises.

Establish or Establishment: shall mean and include any of the following:

1. The opening and commencement of any sexually oriented business as a new business;

2. The conversion of an existing business, whether or not a sexually

oriented business, to any sexually oriented business; or

3. The addition of any sexually oriented business to any other existing

business.

Exterior storage: Outdoor storage of raw materials, equipment, products, or fuel.

Flood or flooding: is a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry

land areas from the overflow of inland or tidal waters, or the unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of

surface waters from any source.

Flood insurance rate map (FIRM): is an official map of a community, on which the Federal Emergency

Management Agency has delineated both the areas of special flood hazard. and the risk premium zones

applicable to the community.

Flood insurance study: The official report provided by the Federal Emergency Management

Agency. The report contains flood profiles and water surface elevation of the base flood, as well as the

flood boundary-floodway map.

Flood proofing: Any combination of structural and nonstructural additions, changes, or adjustments to

structures which reduce or eliminate flood damage to real estate or improved real property, water and sanitary facilities, structures and their contents.

Flood protection system: Those physical structural works for which funds have been authorized, appropriated and expended, and which have been constructed specifically to modify flooding in order to

reduce the extent of the areas within a community subject to a “special flood hazard” and the extent of the

depths of associated flooding. Such as system typically includes hurricane tidal barriers, dams, reservoirs,

levees or dikes. These specialized flood modifying works are those constructed in conformance with sound engineering standard.

Floodplain: is the area located in the 100-year flood plain as determined by the Department of Public Works.


Floodplain or flood-prone area: is any land area susceptible to being inundated by water from any

source (see definition of “Flooding”).

Floodplain management: the operation of an overall program of corrective and preventive measures for

reducing flood damage, including but not limited to emergency preparedness plans, flood control works

and floodplain management regulations.

Floodplain management regulations: Zoning ordinances, subSection regulations, building codes, health

regulations, special purpose ordinances (such as a floodplain ordinance, grading ordinance and erosion control ordinance) and other applications of police power. The term describes such state or local

regulations, in any combination thereof, which provide standards for the purpose of flood damage

prevention and reduction.

Floodway (or protected floodway): The channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land

areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water

surface elevation more than a designated height.

Floor area: The sum of the gross floor area for each of a building's stories measured from the exterior

limits of the faces of the structure. The floor area of the building includes the basement floor area. The floor area includes the attic only if it is habitable floor area.

Footprint: The area enclosed within the external walls or periphery of a structure. For elevated structures trailers, and mobile homes the footprint shall mean the vertical projection of the external walls to the

ground surface.

Group home: A dwelling, operated under state regulations, that provides room and board for more than 6 individuals who, as a result of age, illness, handicap or some specialized program, require personalized

services or supervised living arrangements in order to assure safety and comfort.

Guyed tower: a telecommunication tower that is supported, in whole or in part by guy wires and ground.

Habitable floor: Any floor usable for the following purposes, which includes working, sleeping, eating,

cooking or recreation, or a combination thereof. A floor used for storage purposes only is not a “habitable floor.”

Hazard to Air Navigation: An obstruction determined to have a substantial adverse effect on the safe and efficient utilization of the navigable airspace.

Hearing officer: shall mean the President of the Ascension Parish Council or a designee of the President.

Heavy Industrial: Intended to accommodate high-impact manufacturing, compounding, processing,

packaging, treatment and other industrial uses, including extractive and waste-related uses, that by their

nature create a nuisance, and which are not properly associated with or are compatible with nearby residential or commercial neighborhoods.


Height: For the purpose of determining the height limits in all zones set forth in this Section and shown

on the zoning map, the datum shall be mean sea level elevation unless otherwise specified.

Height of structure: The vertical distance measured from the lowest ground elevation to the highest

point of the structure.

Highest adjacent grade: The highest natural elevation of the ground surface prior to construction next to

the proposed walls of a structure.

Historic Site: A Historic Site is defined as a district, structure, building or site which is listed on the

National Register of Historic Places and not classified as destroyed.

Historic Site Overlay Zone: A Historic Site Overlay Zone shall consist of the Historic Site along with

the immovable property to which it is attached, and extending outward from those property boundary

lines 500 feet.

Home occupation: A business profession, occupation, or trade conducted for gain or support and located

entirely within a residential building, or an accessory building, which use is accessory, incidental, and

secondary to the use of the building for dwelling purposes and does not change the essential residential character or appearance of the building.

Horizontal Surface: A horizontal plane 150 feet above the established airport elevation, the perimeter of which in plan coincides with the perimeter of the horizontal zone.

Industrial Facility: Any development within an Industrially zoned (I) piece of property that is classified

as a Heavy Industrial Use.

Junk yard: Any land or structure used for a salvaging operation, including but not limited to the storage

and sale of wastepaper, rags, scrap metal, and discarded materials and the collection, dismantling, storage, and salvage of two or more unlicensed, inoperative vehicles.

Larger than Utility Runway: A runway that is constructed for and intended to be used by propeller

driven aircraft of greater than 12,500 pounds maximum gross weight and jet powered aircraft.

Levee: A man-made structure, usually an earthen embankment, designed and constructed in accordance

with sound engineering practices to contain, control or divert the flow of water so as to provide protection from temporary flooding.

Levee system: A flood protection system which consists of a levee, or levees, and associated structures, such as closure and drainage devices, which are constructed and operated in accordance with sound

engineering practices.

Licensee: shall mean a person in whose name a license to operate a sexually oriented business has been issued, as well as the individual or individuals listed as an applicant on the application for a sexually

oriented business license. In the case of an “employee”, it shall mean the person in whose name the

sexually oriented business employee license has been issued.


Light Industrial: Intended to accommodate light manufacturing, research and development,

warehousing, wholesale and processing uses. Light industrial is intended to encourage originality and flexibility in design to ensure that the development is properly related to its site and buffered to

surrounding land uses. Development should be operated in a relatively clean and quiet manner in

accordance with applicable noise ordinance regulations (Chapter 14, Article III of the Code of

Ordinances) and should not be obnoxious to nearby residential or commercial uses. Uses shall create little or no environmental or safety problems.

Lot: A parcel of land undivided by any street of (or) private road and occupied by, or designated to be developed for, one building or principal use and the accessory buildings or uses customarily incidental to

such building, use or development, including such open spaces and yards as are designed and arranged or

required by this ordinance for such building, use, or development.

Lot area: The area contained with (within) the boundary lines of a lot.

Lot frontage: Lot width measured at the street lot line. When a lot has more than one street of lot line, lot width shall be measured, and the minimum lot width required by this ordinance shall be provided, at each

such line.

Lot line: A line bounding a lot which divides one lot from another or from a street or any public or

private space.

Lot line, rear: That lot line which is parallel to and most distant from the front lot line of the lot; in the

case of an irregular, triangular, or gore-shaped lot, a line 20 feet in length, entirely within the lot, parallel

to and at the maximum possible distance from the front line, shall be considered to be the rear lot line. In

the case of lots which have frontage on more than one road or street, the rear lot line shall be opposite the lot line along which the lot takes access to a street.

Lot line, side: Any lot line other than a front or rear lot line.

Lot line, street: In the case of a lot abutting only one street, the street line separating such lot from such

street; in the case of a double-frontage lot, each street line separating such lot from a street shall be

considered to be the front lot line, except where the rear yard requirement is greater than the front yard requirement in which case one of two opposing yards shall be a rear yard.

Lot of record: Any validly recorded lot which at the time of its recordation complied with all applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations.

Lot width: The mean horizontal distance between the side lot lines measured at right angles to those side lot lines at the building line. Where there is only one side lot line, lot width shall be measured between

such lot line and the opposite lot line or future right-of-way line.

Lowest floor: The lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement). An unfinished or flood-resistant enclosure, usable solely for parking or vehicles, building access or storage in an area other than a

basement area is not considered a building's lowest floor; provided that such enclosure is not built so as to

render the structure in violation of the applicable non-elevation design requirement of Section 60.3 of the

National Flood Insurance Program regulations.


Manufactured home: A structure transportable in one (1) or more sections, which is built on a

permanent chassis and is designed for use with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities. For floodplain management purposes, the term “manufactured home” also includes park

trailers, travel trailers and other similar vehicles placed on a site for greater than one-hundred eighty (180)

consecutive days. For insurance purposes, the term “manufactured home” does not include park trailers,

travel trailers and other similar vehicles.

Manufactured home: is defined as a single-family residential dwelling unit fabricated in an off-site

manufacturing facility for installation or assembly at the building site as a permanent structure with transport features removed, bearing a seal certifying that it is built in compliance with the Federal

Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards. In addition, a manufactured home must meet

the Ascension Parish Building Regulations, Chapter 6 of the Ascension Parish Code of Ordinances.

Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards: mean the standards for the construction,

design, and performance of a manufactured home as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 24, Part 3280, 3282, 3283, and 42 USC 5401, et seq. and as mandated in the United States of America

and as administered by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, commonly

referred to as the HUD Code.

Manufactured home park or subSection, Existing: A manufactured home park or subSection for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed

(including, at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site

grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is completed before the effective date of the floodplain

management regulations adopted by a community.

Manufactured home park or subSection, New: A manufactured home park or subSection for which the

construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site

grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is completed on or after the effective date of the Development

Code of 2002 is enacted by the Parish Council.

Manufactured home subSection: A subSection which is primarily used by manufactured homes or

which is designated as such.

Minimum floor elevation: The lowest elevation permissible for the construction, erection, or other

placement or any floor, including a basement floor.

Mobile home: is defined, as a structure manufactured which was not required to be constructed in

accordance with Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, which is transportable in one or

more sections, which, in the traveling mode, is eight body feet or more in width and forty body feet or

more in length, or, when erected on site, is three hundred twenty or more square feet, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling, with or without a permanent foundation,

when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, and

electrical systems. The following shall not be included in this definition:


1. Travel trailers, pickup coaches, motor homes, camping trailers or other

recreational vehicles.

2. Manufactured modular buildings, meeting the requirements of the

Ascension Parish adopted building codes.

Monopole tower: a telecommunication tower consisting of a single pole or spire self supported by a

permanent foundation constructed without guy wires and ground anchors.

Nonconforming Use: Any pre-existing structure, object of natural growth, or use of land which is

inconsistent with the provisions of this Section or an amendment thereto.

Nonprecision Instrument Runway: A runway having an existing instrument approach procedure

utilizing air navigation equipment, for which a straight-in nonprecision instrument approach procedure

has been approved or planned.

Nudity or State of Nudity: means the showing of the male or female genitals, pubic area, vulva, anus,

anal cleft or cleavage with less than fully opaque covering, or the showing of the female breast with less

than a fully opaque covering of any part of the nipple or areola.

Obstruction: Any structure, growth, or other object, including a mobile object, which exceeds a limiting

height set forth in Section 17-2036(D):, Airport Zone Height Limitations.

On site: Located on the lot in question, except in the context of on site detention, when the term means

within the boundaries of the development site as a whole.

Operate or Cause to Operate: shall mean to cause to function or to put or keep in a state of doing

business. “Operator” means any person on the premises of a sexually oriented business who is authorized

to exercise overall operational control of the Business or who causes to function or who puts or keeps in operation the business. A person may be found to be operating or causing to be operated a sexually

oriented business whether or not that person is an owner, part owner, or licensee of the business.

Owner: The person or persons having the right of legal title to, beneficial interest in, or a contractual right to purchase a lot or parcel of land.

Parcel: The area within the boundary lines of a development.

Person: shall mean individual, proprietorship, partnership, corporation, association, or other legal entity.

Person: An individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, joint stock association or

government entity; including a trustee, a receiver, and assignee, or a similar representative of any of them.

Precision Instrument Runway: A runway having an existing instrument approach procedure utilizing an Instrument Landing System (ILS) or a Precision Approach Radar (PAR). It also means a runway for

which a precision approach system is planned and is so indicated on an approved airport layout plan or

any other planning document.


Primary Surface: A surface longitudinally centered on a runway. When the runway has a specially

prepared hard surface, the primary surface extends 200 feet beyond each end of that runway. For military runways or when the runway has no specifically prepared hard surface, or planned hard surface, the

primary surface ends at each end of that runway. The width of the primary surface is set forth in Section

17-2036(C), Airport Zones. The elevation of any point on the primary surface is the same as the elevation

of the nearest point to the runway centerline.

Public improvement: Any improvement, facility, or service, together with customary improvements and

appurtenances thereto, necessary to provide for such public needs as: vehicular and pedestrian circulation systems, storm sewers, flood control improvements, water supply and distribution facilities, sanitary

sewage disposal and treatment, public utility, and energy services.

Regularly Features of Regularly Shown: means a consistent or substantial course of conduct, such that

the films or performances exhibited constitute a substantial portion of the films or performances offered

as part of the ongoing business of the sexually oriented business.

Restrictive, more (less): A regulation imposed by this ordinance is more (less) restrictive than another if

it prohibits or limits development to a greater (lesser) extent or by means of more (less) detailed

specifications.

Runway: A defined area on an airport prepared for landing and takeoff of aircraft along its length.

Self- support/lattice tower: a telecommunication tower that is constructed without guy wires and ground

anchors.

Semi-Nude or State of Semi-Nudity: shall mean the state of dress in which opaque clothing covers no more than the genitals, anus, anal cleft or cleavage, pubic area, vulva, and nipple and areola of the female

breast, as well as portions of the body covered by supporting straps or devices. This definition shall not

include any portion of the cleavage of the human female breast exhibited by a dress, blouse, skirt, leotard, bathing suit, or other wearing apparel, provided that the areola and nipple are not exposed in whole or in

part.

Semi-Nude Model Studio: means any place where a person, who regularly appears in a state of semi-nudity is provided for money or any form of consideration to be observed, sketched, drawn, painted,

sculptured, photographed, or similarly depicted by other persons. It is a defense to prosecution for any

violation of this Section that the person appearing in a state of semi-nudity or semi-nudity did so in a modeling class operated:

1. By a college, junior college, or university supported entirely or partly by taxation;

2. In a structure:

a. Which has no sign visible from the exterior of the structure and

no other advertising indicates that a semi-nude individual is

available for viewing; and


b. Where in order to participate in a class a student must enroll at

least three days in advance of the class.

Sexually Oriented Entertainment Activity: means the sale, rental, or exhibition for any form of

consideration, of books, films, video cassettes, magazines, periodicals, or live performances which are

characterized by an emphasis on the exposure or display of specific sexual activity.

Single Family Dwelling: is a residence inhabited by a person or two (2) or more persons who are related

by blood, marriage or legal adoption, living together and occupying a single housekeeping unit with culinary facilities; or a residence not more than (4) persons (provided an owner lives on the premises)

living together by joint agreement and occupying a single housekeeping unit with single culinary facilities

on a non-profit, cost sharing basis.

Specified Anatomical Areas: shall mean human genitals, anus, cleft of the buttocks, or the female breast.

Specified Criminal Activity: means any of the following offenses:

1. La. R.S. 14:41-43.5 (rape and sexual battery offenses); La. R.S. 14:80-81.2 (sexual offenses affecting minors); La. R.S. 14:82-86 (offenses

relating to prostitution); La. R.S. 14:104-106.1 (offenses concerning

disorderly places and obscenity); La. R.S. 14:281-284 (operating places of prostitution, voyeurism); engaging in organized criminal activity

relating to sexually oriented business, specifically La. R.S. 14:230

(money laundering); La. R.S. 33:2845 (tax evasion); criminal contempt,

conspiracy or solicitation to commit any of the foregoing offenses in other jurisdictions that, if the acts would have constituted any of the

foregoing offenses if the acts had been committed in Louisiana; for

which:

a. less than two years have elapsed since the date of conviction or

the date of release from confinement imposed by the conviction,

whichever is the later date, if the conviction is a misdemeanor offense;

b. less than five years have elapsed since the date of conviction or the date of release from confinement for the conviction,

whichever is the later date, if the conviction is for a felony

offense; or

c. less than five years have elapsed since the date of the last

conviction or the date of release from confinement for the last

conviction, whichever is the later date, if the convictions are of two or more misdemeanor offenses or combination of

misdemeanor offenses occurring within any 24-month period.

2. The fact that a conviction is being appealed shall have no effect on the

disqualification of the applicant.


Specified Sexual Activity: means any of the following:

1. sex acts, normal or perverted, including intercourse, oral copulation,

masturbation or sodomy;

2. excretory functions as a part of or in connection with any of the activities

describer in (1) above.

Stealth Building-Mounted Antenna: antennas which are mounted on an existing structure with or

without a mast and, which are painted to match the color of the exterior material of the structure and

placed so as not to obscure any significant architectural feature of the structure.

Stealth facility: any telecommunication facility which is designed to blend into the surrounding

environment.

Structure: An object, including a mobile object, constructed or installed by man, including but without

limitation, buildings, towers, cranes, smokestacks, earth formation, and overhead transmission lines.

SubSection: Any subSection or re-Section of a subSection, tract, parcel, or lot of land into two or more

parts by means of mapping, platting, conveyance, change of rearrangement of boundaries. All

subSections are also developments.

Telecommunications towers: a guyed, monopole or self support/lattice tower, constructed as a free-

standing or guyed structure, containing one or more antennas used in the provision of commercial

wireless services.

Transfer of Ownership or Control: of a sexually oriented business shall mean any of the following:

1. sale, lease, or sublease of the business;

2. The transfer of securities which constitute a controlling interest in the

business whether by sale, exchange or similar means; or

3. The establishment of a trust, gift, or similar legal device which transfers

the ownership or control of the business, except for the transfer by bequest or other operation of law upon the death of the person possessing

ownership or control.

Transitional Surfaces: These surfaces extend outward at 90 degree angles to the runway centerline and

the runway centerline extended at a slope of seven (7) feet horizontally for each foot vertically from the

sides of the primary and approach surfaces to where they intersect the horizontal and conical surfaces.

Transitional surfaces for those portions of the precision approach surfaces, which project through and beyond the limits of the conical surface, extend a distance of 5,000 feet measured horizontally from the

edge of the approach surface and at 90 degree angles to the extended runway centerline.

Tree: Any object of natural growth.


Use: The purpose or activity for which land or any building thereon is designed, arranged, or intended, or

for which it is occupied or maintained.

Use, accessory: An accessory use in one which (1) is subordinate to and serves a principal structure or

principal use, (2) is subordinate in area, extent, and purpose to the principal structure or use served, (3) is

located on the same lot as the principal structure or use served except as otherwise expressly authorized by provisions of this ordinance, and (4) is customarily incidental to the principal structure or use.

Use, principal: The specific primary purpose for which land is used.

Use, temporary: A temporary use is one established for a fixed period of time with the intent to

discontinue such use upon the expiration of such time. Such uses do not involve the construction or alteration of any permanent structure.

Utility Runway: A runway that is constructed for and intended to be used by propeller driven aircraft of

12,500 pounds maximum gross weight and less.

Variance: Permission to depart from the literal requirements of this ordinance granted pursuant to Article

4, Administration and Enforcement,

Variance: Permission to depart from the literal requirements of this ordinance granted pursuant to Article

4, Administration and Enforcement,

Vehicle Use Corridor: An area of land designated for vehicular use not specific to the property on which it is

located. A vehicle use corridor may be a public or private servitude or right of way.

Viewing Room: shall mean the room, booth, or area where a patron of a sexually oriented business would

ordinarily be positioned while watching a film, videocassette, or other video production.

Visual Runway: A runway intended solely for the operation of aircraft using visual approach procedures.

Yard, front: A yard extending the full width of the front of a lot between the Vehicle Use Corridor and

the front building line.

Yard, rear: A yard extending the full width of the lot in the area between the rear lot line and the rear

building line.

Yard, side: A yard extending the full length of the lot in the area between a side lot line and a side

building line.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC05-02, 5/5/05; DC07-02, 8/16/07; DC09-04, 5/21/09;DC09-07, 11/19/09;

DC09-08, 11/19/9; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

4207GonzPhonWeb:

7 Churchpoizales, Louisiane: (225) 450-: www.ascen

ORDINA17-301. 17-302. 17-303. 17-304. 17-305. 17-306. 17-307. 17-308. 17-309. 17-3010.17-3011.17-3012.17-3013.17-3014.17-3015.17-3016.17-3017.

nt Road ana 70737 -1002 / Fax: (2sionparish.n

ANCE HISTPurpose .Guiding PImplemenThe DeveComponeLand UseOfficial ZDevelopmDevelopm

. Drainage

. Roadway

. Water and

. Public Sa

. Recreatio

. Historic P

. Tourism D

. Economic

PAROFFI

225) 450-1352net

MAS

TORY ..........................Principles ...nting the Maelopment Chents of the M

e Map .........Zoning Map ment Code ..ment Agreem

Master Plany Master Pland Sewer Ma

afety and Emon Master PlaPreservation Developmenc Developm

ISH OCE OF PL

2

APPSTER PLAN

C

....................

....................

....................aster Plan .....hallenges FacMaster Plan............................................................

ments ...........n ..................n ..................ster ..............

mergency Prean ...................................

nt Plan .........ent Forecast

OF ALANNING

PLAN

PENDIX IIIN AND LAND

Contents:

................................................................................cing Ascensin ..............................................................................................................................................................eparedness ...............................................................t ...................

ASCEG AND DENNING D

D USE PLAN

....................

....................

....................

....................ion Parish .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

NSIOVELOPM

DEPARTM

N

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

ON MENT MENT

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

...... 2

...... 3

...... 4

...... 9

.... 10

.... 25

.... 25

.... 25

.... 29

.... 32

.... 33

.... 34

.... 36

.... 37

.... 37

.... 38

.... 38

.... 39

Appendix III: Land Use Master Plan Page 2 of 39

ORDINANCE HISTORY Ordinance# LU98-01, adopted February 5, 1998 Ordinance# LU03-01, adopted March 20, 2003 Ordinance# DC09-09, adopted December 17, 2009


17-301. Purpose

A. The Master Plan and Land Use Plan presents the recommendations of the Parish Planning Commission for the development of Ascension Parish from 2001 to 2003. The Master Plan applies to the unincorporated areas of Ascension Parish. The Ascension Parish Master Plan is written in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute 33-106. This plan gives consideration, among other things, to the following factors:

1. The parish transportation system, including railroads, highways, streets,

bridges, and waterways; 2. The parish recreation system, including playgrounds, squares, parks, and

other public ways, grounds, and open spaces;

3. Public buildings, schools, and other public property;

4. Affordable housing and the planning of blighted areas; and

5. Public and private utilities for water, light, sanitation, communication, power, and transportation.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. The plan is intended to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of Ascension Parish. It represents the cumulative recommendations of the residents of Ascension Parish, as interpreted by the Planning Commission.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. As the state statute recognizes, a master plan includes several components and that preparing a master plan is a process. This document provides an overview of the entire Master Plan for the Parish and incorporates by reference other plans and reports prepared for the Parish.' This Master Plan provides a framework to translate our vision of the future for Ascension Parish into action. The Master Plan is structured around guiding principles, plans, and action steps.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

D. The Commission also intends for this Master Plan to be easily read and understood by the citizens of the Parish. Most master plans are not. The common plan is hundreds of The Guiding Principles pages long with dense language, tables and charts. This plan takes a different course. This Master Plan is short. It aims to set out major principles and major development challenges. It then explains how the Parish will meet these challenges with a variety of different enactments, policies and programs. Following this Master Plan is critical for a number of reasons:


1. Industrial operations in the parish involve the manufacture and

transportation of chemicals. These operations pose a risk to public health and safety and should be adequately separated from high density residential development.

2. Large portions of the parish exist within a flood hazard area. Construction within this area must meet special building standards in order to minimize the risk of loss from flooding.

3. The Parish is undergoing rapid growth and suburbanization. The Parish has a limited infrastructure to support this growth. Building new infrastructure should be geographically concentrated in order both to reduce the cost of this infrastructure and to encourage development outside the flood hazard area.

4. The Parish has a limited amount of land available for industrial and business development. The Parish needs land use regulations to balance residential, commercial and industrial growth in order to protect the long term tax base of the parish.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

E. The Master Plan is formulated around a core set of guiding principles. (LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-302. Guiding Principles

A. The guiding principles outline what the parish residents want the Master Plan to do. They reflect the broader concerns of the parish residents regarding how they want Ascension Parish to develop in the years ahead. The Master Plan focuses on seven guiding principles. These principles reflect community priorities for growth in Ascension Parish for the next five years.

1. Principle 1: Protect the public safety and property values by providing adequate separation of industrial, commercial, and residential uses. Public safety issues arise in four areas.

a. The first involves providing adequate buffer zones around industrial development. The petrochemical complex in the parish needs an adequate buffer with high density residential development. Without this separation, no amount of emergency preparation will protect the public safety from potential industrial accidents. In addition, industrial development in other parts of the parish threaten to encroach on residential areas and schools.


b. The second major public safety issue involves increasing traffic volumes on the parish roads. Ascension Parish operates with a largely rural road system. Roads and road beds are narrow. Higher traffic volumes on these roads increases the likelihood of serious accidents.

c. The third major public health and safety issue involves sewage disposal. In adequate waste water treatment systems create a serious public health risk in the parish. This risk increases with development.

d. The fourth major public health issue involves the risks posed by residential development near toxic waste sites.

e. 36 LRS 106 reads in part: "As the work of making the whole master plan progresses, a com mission may from time to time adopt and publish a part or parts thereof, any such part to cover one or more major sections or divisions of the parish or municipality, as the case may be, or one or more of the aforesaid or other functional matters to be included in the plan."

f. Incompatible development reduces adjacent property values. For example, a small lot, high density subdivision can depreciate a neighboring large lot residence. An auto junk yard or a nearby strip mall reduces the value of neighboring residential property. These conflicts appear frequently in the parish, and they threaten to become more serious with additional growth. Comprehensive land use management reduces the risks to property owners.

2. Principle 2: Manage growth. Encourage growth only in areas of the parish which can support it with adequate soils, drainage, and physical infrastructure.

a. Residential and commercial growth requires the infrastructure to support it. In many respects, Ascension Parish is not prepared for the growth which is occurring. Roads are clogged. The drainage systems can easily overload. Inadequate sewage disposal creates public health hazards. To help the Parish Council plan basic infrastructure investments, the Planning Commission will manage growth in the parish through land use regulation.


b. Managed growth encourages public and private development investment to follow the guiding principles of this Master Plan. Managed growth means that the decisions of the Planning Commission and the Parish Council will be made in concert with the land's natural carrying capacity, the parish1s ability to financially support development through the provision of infrastructure and related community services and facilities, and the desire of parish residents for additional growth and development.

c. New infrastructure and new public services will be planned in direct relationship to the ability of Ascension Parish to support this growth. Any new infrastructure or new public services deemed necessary during the Master Plan's projected time frame will be analyzed, studied and considered for the Parish's Infrastructure Capital Improvements Program.

d. Managing growth involves balancing individual property interests with the interests of neighbors and the other residents of the parish. Often there are several approaches to consider. In implementing the Master Plan and related plans, the Parish Council and the Planning Commission will minimize the adverse impacts on individual property owners

3. Principle 3: Preserve the rural character of the parish. Preserve rural, conservation, and recreation areas from high intensity residential and commercial development. In portions of the parish, residents feel strongly about preserving the rural character of the countryside. This principle means:

a. Preventing development on sensitive environmental and natural hazard areas which would endanger the environment.

b. Protecting productive agricultural land and other rural undeveloped areas of the parish for their economic and open space value, while encouraging the sensitive development of parcels more easily served by water and sewer.

c. Preserving significant natural features such as scenic vistas and open spaces.

d. Discouraging linear, "strip" commercial developments with frequent access points to the main street, large, unrelieved expanses of parking, and numerous detached, small buildings unrelated in architecture.


4. Principle 4: Encourage compact commercial centers. Encourage the development of compact commercial centers throughout the parish and discourage "strip" commercial development along highways. Strip commercial development creates additional traffic congestion, especially on two lane highways. By concentrating commercial development at intersections of two lane roads, traffic congestion will be minimized.

5. Principle 5: Keep the process simple and open. Streamline the process of land use management and encourage continuous public comment on development practices. Developing a zoning system that is "fundamentally fair" represents an important goal of the Master Plan. Based on public meetings, citizens worry deeply that any effort to manage land use and public infrastructure investments in the parish will be unfair. In order to guide the Master Plan and its implementation, the Master Plan sets forth the following fairness principles. A fair process:

a. Is timely;

b. Relies on open meetings for public information and comment;

c. Respects individual property rights;

d. Considers the cumulative impacts of development projects;

e. Applies due process in all administrative deliberations; and

f. Has an appeal process. (LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. In addition to these principles adopted by ordinance in 1998, the Planning Commission is adopting the following principles, based on the development patterns in the Parish. These principles reflect the experience that the Commission has accumulated with managing growth in Ascension Parish.

1. Principle 6: Use flexible performance zones that focus on controlling the intensity of development. Instead of having a lot more single use zones, the parish should expand the allowable uses of the existing zones and add a few more flexible use zones. The Commission should focus on managing the intensity and impact of development and not so much on the use. This approach meets the needs of a rural parish and reduces the cost of administration. Ascension parish has a small planning staff. A complex set of single use zones will burden the staff and lead to more uneven results.


2. Principle 7: Discourage subdivision development within the 100 year flood plain. Subdivision development is occurring in large areas of the parish that cannot support the intensity of this development. The allowable subdivision development should be largely restricted to the northern part of the parish outside the 100 year flood plain.

3. Principle 8: Support subdivision development where water and sewer lines are likely to run. Clustering subdivision development near water and sewer lines will reduce the overall cost of water and sewer to the taxpayers of the parish.

4. Principle 9: Within a zone allowing subdivision development, use a flood plain overlay zone to restrict development within the 100 year flood plain. This overlay zone will reduce drainage problems from development by restricting the amount of fill that can be added within the flood plain.

5. Principle 10: Reduce the amount of commercial development to discourage strip commercial development along rural roads. The 1998 parish zoning map encouraged commercial zones all along the highways. With the exception of Airline Highway, most roads in the parish cannot support major new commercial development. The Commission should encourage commercial development around intersections, where traffic flow can be more easily managed.

6. Principle 11: Establish a truck route between the industrial plants and the interstate. Currently trucks are mixing with residential traffic on parish roads. This problem will only worsen as the parish grows. A truck route, with limited commercial and residential development, will separate industrial from residential traffic. This step will protect the public safety and provide an efficient corridor from the industrial plants to the Interstate.

7. Principle 12: Create an additional business development zone in the parish. The 1998 Zoning Map did not provide a site for locating high end office, research and technology development. This district should be located near the current industrial zones and should be compatible with surrounding residential development. The district should encourage high quality business development with minimal environmental impacts. The Parish needs additional business development to diversify the economy. In addition, expanding business development will strengthen the tax base to handle the continued growth of residential development.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-303. Implementing the Master Plan

A. This Master Plan represents a consistent set of policies which the parish will follow. The Parish Council, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and other government entities in the parish will implement the following sets of plans:

1. A zoning ordinance and zoning map to regulate land use and development density, which has been adopted by the Parish;

2. A plan for water and sewer, which has been completed by engineering firm GSA;

3. A plan for roadways and bridges, which is underdevelopment by the parish Engineer;

4. A plan for drainage, which has been adopted by the Parish; and

5. Specialized plans, such as economic development and historic preservation.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Maps and technical reports

1. This plan includes maps and technical reports available from the Planning Commission. The Master Plan Technical Reports and Maps are presented in the Technical Appendix to the Master Plan. These supplemental documents are the basis of information used in the development of the plan.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. Citizen participation

1. The Ascension Parish Planning Commission began public discussion in the comprehensive planning process in July, 1996. Over ten public meetings were held. Since the adoption of the Master Plan in 1998, the Commission has continued with a series of public meeting to review and update this plan. A record of these meetings is available from the Planning Department.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-304. The Development Challenges Facing Ascension Parish

A. Overview

1. The development challenges facing Ascension Parish come down to one word: growth. In recent years, the parish has experienced an accelerated economic and population growth, especially in the northern part of the parish. Except for a four-year period from 1987 to 1990, the parish's population has steadily grown at rotes significantly higher than the state average. For example, over the period from 1969 to 1994 statewide population grew by 19.2 percent. The Ascension Parish population grew by about 75 percent.

2. Two factors contributed to this strong population growth. First, Ascension Parish has been creating jobs at a rapid pace over the last twenty-five years. Employment in Louisiana rose by 65 percent. Ascension Parish employment grew by 217 percent over the same period.

3. The key to Ascension Parish1s economic strength is an unusually large manufacturing sector in chemical processing. Over one-third of our residents1 income comes from manufacturing. Only two other parishes in the state with a significant manufacturing base exceed this percentage. The extensive petrochemical industry in the parish creates a need for careful emergency preparedness planning.

4. The urban-to-suburban shift has also contributed to Ascension Parish growth. Families have been moving from urban population centers to nearby bedroom communities.

5. Geographically, Ascension Parish is the most desirable area for future development between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Ascension Parish will continue to expand as these two metropolitan areas experience more suburban growth. Typically, development occurs along highways, and Ascension Parish is no exception. Development of the parish has concentrated in the northern parts of the parish along Airline Highway, Burnside Avenue, and Interstate 10. Industrial development is focused along the Mississippi River.

6. Ascension Parish is prone to flooding. Nearly all the soils in Ascension Parish are either somewhat poorly drained or poorly drained. Extensive investments in drainage systems have reduced drainage problems. Continued residential and commercial development, however, creates


more extensive storm water runoff and a continuing need for drainage improvements.

7. Ascension Parish has a largely rural highway infrastructure which divides into three distinct layers. The north central and east central portions of the parish are laid out in the familiar rural American grid system. The main roads for three to five miles on either side of the Mississippi River and Bayou Lafourche, as well as parts of Bayou Manchak follow arpent, or long lot property lines originally surveyed by the French colonists. The highways which stretch between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, U.S. 61 (Airline Highway) and Interstate 10, form the third layer. The road system, aside from Interstate 10, has come under significant stress due to the growth in the parish.

8. With the exception of the municipal corporate limits of Donaldsonville, Gonzales, and Sorrento, very few residential subdivisions or rural areas of the parish have a collection and treatment system for waste water. The majority of the parish consists of septic tanks or individual home treatment system discharge to roadside ditches or canals. The soils in the parish, which mainly consist of clays, reduce the percolation of septic tank effluent. As a result, waste water often collects in ditches where algae and bacteria growth accelerates.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

Appendixx III: Land Us

B.

C.

se Master Plan

FIGURE 1.fifteen miletotal land aapproximatthe parish aacres is wes

How Much

1. AsctheBasnew

n

. Ascension Pes southeast orea is 192,000tely 77,000. Tand flows fromst of the Miss

h Growth?

cension Parise past five yeased on the 20w households

(L

Parish is in theof Baton Roug0 acres. The p

The Mississipm northwest tsissippi River

sh is among thars, 11,000 pe000 Census, ths. LU98-01, 2/5

e southeasternge. Donaldsonpopulation of

ppi River cuts to southeast. Ar (the "Westba

(LU98

he fastest groweople more pehat population

5/98; LU03-0

n part of Lounville is the Pf the Parish inacross the soAbout 18 perank").

8-01, 2/5/98;

wing parisheseople now livn increase tran

01, 3/20/03; D

Page 12

uisiana about Parish Seat. Tn 2000 was outhwestern prcent or 34,00

LU03-01, 3/2

s in the state. e in the parishnslates into 3

DC09-09, 12/1

of 39

The

part of 00

20/03)

In h. ,860

17/09)


D.

se Master Plan

FIGURE 2work outsirelatively m

n

2. Most of thede the parish.

modest. Popu

(L

e growth is c. The growth

ulation growt

LU98-01, 2/5

coming peoplin the parish

th, however,

5/98; LU03-0

le moving intemployment has not.

01, 3/20/03; D

Page 13

to the parishbase has been

DC09-09, 12/1

of 39

h who n

17/09)

Appendix

x III: Land Us

E.

se Master Plan

How much

1. Estusi

2. TAgro

n

land is being

timates of poing the follow

ABLE 1. Asceowth through

g consumed by

opulation growwing projecti

ension parishh the plannin

y growth?

wth vary, buions for plan

h will continung horizon of

ut the Planninning purpos

ue to experief this Master

Page 14

ng Commissies.

ence accelerar Plan.

of 39

ion is

ating

Appendix

x III: Land Usse Master Plan

3. TAgro

n

ABLE 2. Asceowth through

ension parishh the plannin

h will continung horizon of

ue to experief this Master

Page 15

ence accelerar Plan.

of 39

ating

Appendix

x III: Land Us

se Master Plan

4. TAfro

n

ABLE 3. Undom the 2000 C

(L

derlying assuCensus

LU98-01, 2/5

mption in th

5/98; LU03-0

he projection

01, 3/20/03; D

Page 16

s are derived

DC09-09, 12/1

of 39

d

17/09)

Appendix

x III: Land Us

F.

se Master Plan

Where is gr

1. Thof t

2. FIGuni

n

rowth happen

he majority othe parish.

GURE 3. 73%incorporated

(L

ning?

f the growth

% of the popd parts of the

LU98-01, 2/5

is occurring

ulation in Asparish., accor

5/98; LU03-0

g in the uninc

scension Parrding to the 2

01, 3/20/03; D

Page 17

corporated p

rish resides in2000 Census.

DC09-09, 12/1

of 39

parts

n the

17/09)

Appendix

x III: Land Us

G.

se Master Plan

FIGURE 4exceeds thefigured in.

n

4. The growthe incorporat

(L

h rate in the ed areas, eve

LU98-01, 2/5

unincorporaen after the e

5/98; LU03-0

ated parts ofeffects of ann

01, 3/20/03; D

Page 18

f the parish nexation are

DC09-09, 12/1

of 39

17/09)


H.

I.

se Master Plan

FIGURE 5.place in the

The challen

1. Duhasaccado

2. Inaaddaccsev

3. Resresthe

n

. Virtually alle unincorpora

(L

nges created b

uring the cours documentedcelerated deveoption and im

adequate drainditional develcelerating storvere.

sidential encridential devel

e parish. This

l of the populaated areas of th

LU98-01, 2/5

by rapid deve

se of draftingd the problemselopment. The

mplementation

nage. Despitelopment creatrm water runo

roachment onlopment is ensituation crea

ation growth the parish.

5/98; LU03-0

elopment

g this Master Ps that Ascensese problems

n of the Maste

e heavy investtes more impeoff, drainage

n industrial sitncroaching onates serious p

in the past fiv

01, 3/20/03; D

Plan, the Plansion Parish ens reinforce theer Plan.

tments in draiermeable surfproblems bec

tes. Without an the petrocheublic health r

Page 19

ve years has t

DC09-09, 12/1

nning Commincounters frome need for the

inage systemsfaces. With come increasi

adequate buffemical complerisks.

of 39

taken

17/09)

ission m

s,

ingly

fers, ex in

Appendixx III: Land Usse Master Plan

4. FIGtheTo estaexp

n

GURE 6. Rese parish. Thes

warn the pubablished a sysplained on the

idential devele industrial si

blic or chemicstem of warnie CAER web

lopment is enites involve hcal emergenciing sirens in tsite.

ncroaching onhazardous cheies, the CAERthe parish. Th

Page 20

n industrial sitemical procesR Committee his system is

of 39

tes in sing. has


5. Resprefloodevund

6. DeexcIncThesec

7. FIGpar

n

sidential deveessure to buildod plain. As tvelopment. Imdercuts the ef

teriorating traceptions, the rcreased trafficese problems

ction of the pa

GURE 7. Therish.

elopment andd housing is pthis developmmported fill crffectiveness o

affic safety anroad structurec on inadequa

are acute in sarish.

e 100 year floo

d imported fillpushing residement occurs, mreates more fl

of the overall p

nd excessive te in the parishate roads increseveral traffic

od plain (shad

l in the flood ential developmore importedflooding problparish drainag

traffic congesh is designed eases delays ac corridors in

ded) extends

Page 21

plain. The pment into thd fill is for lems and ge plan.

stion. With fefor a rural areand accidentsthe northern

to much of th

of 39

e

ew ea. s.

he


8. Inaparnotpardev

9. Dasev

10. Resof tcon

11. A sPladevin t

12. A lparrur

13. FIGoutdevthe

n

adequate sewerishwide sewet have adequarticularly acutvelopment is h

mage to histoveral importan

sidential devetoxic waste sintrols to preve

shortage of afanning Commvelopment wathe parish.

loss of rural crticularly St. Aal character o

GURE 8. Subtside the 100 velopment (she 100 year floo

er systems. Ther service. Unate sewer systte in the northheaviest.

oric sites. Incont historic site

elopment nearites. Under cuent high dens

ffordable houmission heard as reducing th

character. ResAmant, expreof the parish.

bdivision deveflood plain inhown in shadeod plain.

he parish has ntil that systemtems to suppohern part of th

ompatible deves in the paris

ar toxic waste urrent land ussity residentia

using. In publicitizen conce

he opportuniti

sidents in the essed grave co

elopment bas n the Northerned rectangles)

recently undm is in place,ort growth. Thhe parish, wh

velopment is sh.

sites. The pase regulationsal construction

ic meetings, merns that accelies for young

rural areas ofoncerns about

absorbed mun part of the p) is increasing

Page 22

dertaken plans the parish do

hese problemsere residentia

encroaching

arish has a nums, there are non near these s

members of thlerated residents to s

f the parish, t the loss of th

uch of the landparish. Subdivgly encroachi

of 39

s for oes s are

al

on

mber o sites.

he

stay

he

d vision ing in


14. Increased demands for fire and police protection. The parish relies on volunteer fire departments. Several members of these departments have expressed concerns to the Commission about the impact of new development on fire and police protection.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

J. Strategies to meet these challenges

1. The Parish Council and the Planning Commission will follow three strategies to meet these challenges: gather solid information, enforce development standards, and manage infrastructure investments.

2. Collect and use accurate mapping information. The parish has undertaken an extensive program to implement a sophisticated geographic information system (GIS). This computer system provides flexible and responsive support for making decisions. It compiles, organizes and analyzes data on changes in the parish. Until facts are systematically sorted, it is difficult to identity and understand the challenges facing the parish. Maps presented in this plan are taken from the GIS system.

3. The GIS provides accurate and timely answers to critical questions concerning how land use is changing. It will provide information needed to analyze the social, economic, fiscal and environmental impact of these changes. In addition, the GIS will be able to compare these changes to historical trends and future projections.

4. Enforce development standards. Local governments impose building standards to protect the public health and safety from unsafe construction. In the same way, local governments impose development standards to protect the public from careless development. Land use regulations, such as zoning and subdivision regulations, provide quality control to development in the parish.

5. By setting minimum standards, land use controls will preserve property values throughout the parish. In isolated instances, development standards may depress the values of a particular building or property. Overall, however, development standards will increase the total real property values in the parish.

6. Manage infrastructure investments. Without careful planning, two problems can arise from careless infrastructure development. In the first instance, development can place too much pressure on available infrastructure. This situation increases the risk to public health and safety. We encounter problems such as too many cars on the road or open ditches carrying untreated sewage.


7. Building infrastructure carelessly causes other problems. Infrastructure is expensive, and the taxpayers of the parish must pay for it. Without careful planning, we can easily waste money. Building a large subdivision on an inadequate road costs parish taxpayers money. Eventually, the parish will be forced to improve the road. Studies have shown that communities that carefully plan their infrastructure investments pay 20% to 30% less in infrastructure to support the same number of people.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-305. Components of the Master Plan

A. As state law recognizes, a master plan includes a variety of different components. Different parish entities are responsible for planning. For example, the Department of Public Works is responsible for planning roads and bridges; the Recreation Department is responsible for parks and recreation; the Office of Emergency Preparedness is responsible for public safety.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-306. Land Use Map

A. The Commission focuses its future planning land use planning on a Land Use Map. A copy of the map is included in the Appendix. This Land Use Map reflects the policies set forth in this Master Plan. The Land Use Map also reflects the contributions that citizens have made to the process. Based on its public meetings, the Commission and its subcommittees have used the Land Use Map to discuss specific land use issues that concern the citizens of the parish. The Land Use Map reflects the sum total of these discussions that have occurred since 1997.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-307. Official Zoning Map

A. The land use plan for Ascension Parish is expressed in the Official Zoning Map. The map divides the parish into zones for development. The location of each zone takes into account the principles of this Master Plan.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. The primary policy objectives in developing these zones are:

1. to separate hazardous industrial uses from high concentrations of residential development;

2. to concentrate traffic from commercial and high intensity residential development around roads in the parish which can more easily handle higher traffic volumes;

3. to protect the public safety by encouraging development which is adequately served by roads, fire stations, and police stations, and

4. to preserve property values based on the rural character of the parish by discouraging residential subdivisions in remote areas of the parish and the commercial strip development which follows these developments.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


C. In addition, the land use plan in Ascension Parish uses overlay zones. Overlay zones lie on top of zoning districts. They impose an additional level of land use control to handle specific development problems within the parish. Overlay zones handle particular development problems in the parish by imposing a new set of regulations on a special area. These problems are geographically localized and cannot be completely addressed by the underlying district regulations. To provide flexibility and ease of administration to the Development Ordinance, the parish adopts the following overlay zones to address these issues: flood hazard overlay zone, waste site overlay zone, historic site overlay zone.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

D. The land use plan divides the parish into the following districts:

1. High intensity districts

a. Mixed use corridors

b. Industry

2. Medium intensity districts

a. Crossroad commercial

b. Medium intensity residential

c. Transition

d. Business park

3. Low intensity districts

a. Rural residential

b. Conservation (LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

E. Mixed use corridors. This district is characterized by the most intensive residential and commercial development. These districts are located in areas where the road system is most capable of supporting growth with a minimum risk to the public safety. High density residential development should include apartment buildings and townhouses. Commercial development should be concentrated or "clustered" at strategic sites in relation to population centers, other commercial sites, and adequate roads.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


F. This district is designed to concentrate the most intensive residential and commercial development along the major arteries of the parish. By encouraging concentrated, cluster development, the Commission will minimize the infrastructure costs and manage public safety risks most appropriately. In addition, commercial development should use shared access to parking lots and shared parking lots in order to minimize traffic congestion and sprawl along the parish roadways. While this district allows many varied uses, the district should develop with adequate buffering, careful traffic planning, and appropriate lighting plans to minimize any nuisance between uses.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

G. Industrial district. This district is designed to accommodate industrial and warehouse development which is compatible with the economic development and environmental protection of the parish. Industrial development will be concentrated in areas which are already providing a site for industry. This district is adequately served by infrastructure. Concentrating industrial development in this district also minimizes the public safety risks from production and transportation. In addition, concentrating truck traffic will reduce the maintenance costs on parish roads.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

H. Crossroad commercial district. This district serves the commercial needs of the outlying residents in the parish. The purpose of this district is to disperse commercial development opportunities throughout the parish, while minimizing the adverse impact on traffic flows. Most of the commercial development in the parish should be focused on mixed use corridors, where the roads can handle traffic volumes. At the same time, residents in the outlying areas of the parish need convenience retail of stand alone stores or smaller neighborhood convenience centers. To reduce congestion on rural roads and improve road access, these commercial buildings should be located at intersections.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

I. Medium intensity residential district. This district is designated for residential development, including multi family dwellings and subdivisions. This district exists largely outside the 100 year flood plain and in the northern part of the parish where planned water and sewer systems can support more intensive development; Commercial development in this district should be limited and located at highway intersections.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

J. This district is designed to be adjacent to high intensity mixed use corridors, but commercial development should not be allowed to disrupt the residential character of this district. In addition to single family houses, town houses, garden homes and apartment buildings are intended for this district.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


K. Transition district. This district is designated for limited residential and commercial development. The district lies within the chemical emergency warning zone established by the chemical plants in the Parish.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

L. This district provides a public safety buffer between large-scale residential and commercial development and industrial plants. These plants pose a serious public health risk which must be carefully managed. Beginning in 1985, the chemical industry operating in Ascension Parish established the Community Awareness Emergency Response, or CAER, Committee. The Ascension Parish Chemical Industry's CAER Committee has installed a 26-siren community alerting system, designed to be heard within an approximate radius of 2.5 miles of each plant, in the area in which the plants are located. The system will provide effective early warning for the community. The Transition District falls within this community alerting system and is designed to discourage high density residential development within this warning zone.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

M. Business park district. This district is intended to provide for the future economic expansion of the parish with high quality office, research and distribution development. This district enables the parish to expand its economic base without encroaching on residential development. By establishing high development standards for this district, the parish reduces the impact of business development on surrounding residential development, while at the same time encouraging investment in high income employment.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

N. Low intensity residential district. This district is designated for low-density residential development in rural areas and small pockets of commercial development to service neighborhood needs. The area is generally characterized by rural roads and a lack of utilities. This district should develop consistent with the rural character of the parish. Commercial development should be low intensity carefully planned so as not to disrupt the rural character of the district. Careless commercial development, "suburban sprawl", represents both a nuisance to current landowners and jeopardizes property values. In addition, haphazard subdivision development in the more rural parts of the parish will stretch the parish's limited road, police and fire budgets. The parish cannot afford to service large concentrations of residential development in this district.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

O. Conservation district. This area is designated to conserve the major environmental assets of the parish. The district is intended for single family residential development and limited commercial development. This district includes the most rural parts of the parish. These areas are not only environmentally fragile, they are not served by roads which can handle large traffic increases.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


P. Flood hazard overlay zone. The purpose of flood plain overlay zone is to protect public safety and property by restricting residential development within the 100 year flood plain and keeping flood channels free of encroachment. Development in this zone must comply with the requirements of Chapter 9.5, Flood Damage Prevention of the Code of Ordinances.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

Q. The purpose of flood plain zoning is to regulate land use within the flood plain so as to minimize or prevent the harm caused by flood. The current development pattern shows that some subdivisions have been developed recently within the 100 year flood plain. This overlay zone is designed to protect the public safety and property rights by restricting intensive residential development in the flood plain.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

R. Waste site overlay zone. The purpose of the waste site overlay zone is to protect the public health and welfare from toxic waste sites that are located in the parish.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

S. Historic site overlay zone. The purpose of the historic structure overlay zones is to protect certain historical sites from incompatible development. This zone protects irreplaceable historic and economic assets in the parish. The Planning and Zoning Commission should encourage landowners with historic property to use this zone to preserve these structures.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

T. Chemical emergency overlay zone. The purpose of this zone is to notify and protect residents living within a 2.5 mile radius of existing chemical plants in the Parish. In addition, the overlay zone protects the public safety by lowering the density of residential development that is allowable within a 2.5 mile radius of each plant. The operators of chemical plants in Ascension Parish have established the Community Alert Emergency Response (CAER) committee. CAER has installed a 26 siren community alerting system, designed to be heard within 2.5 miles of each plant. This is the radius selected by CAER that could pose the greatest threat to people who are near the chemical plants in the event of a chemical emergency.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-308. Development Code

A. Ascension Parish implements the guiding principles of this Master Plan through its development code. Zoning regulations are enacted under the police power delegated by the state to the parish. The police power is the authority of government to enact regulations to protect the public health, safety, welfare and morals. The United States Supreme Court has called police power regulation "one of the most essential powers of government."

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


B. Broad authority to regulate land uses is delegated to Ascension Parish through enabling legislation passed by the state legislature. This authority empowers the Parish Council to enact zoning regulations, create zoning districts, and adopt a master (or comprehensive) plan. This broad grant of authority carries with it the implied authority to choose the means necessary to accomplish the purposes of conserving the value of buildings and property and encouraging the most appropriate use of the land throughout the parish.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. Because of the importance of police power regulations and the doctrine of separation of powers, the courts have adopted rules of self-restraint when presented with a challenge to a police power regulation. These rules presume the constitutionality of the regulation, impose a heavy burden of proof on the challenger, resolve doubts in favor of the regulator, and, in most cases, result in a low level of judicial scrutiny.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

D. When presented with a challenge to a land use regulation, courts generally exercise judicial restraint. The regulation is presumed valid and the challenger bears a heavy burden of proof. However, where local regulations are set aside by the courts, their invalidation can be traced to several common errors:

1. The reasons for the regulations are not stated clearly;

2. No comprehensive plan has been adopted or it has not been kept up to date;

3. The plan has not been followed; or

4. The local action is not justified by clear evidence but rather is primarily a response to the opposition of neighbors.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

E. To avoid having parish zoning regulations set aside, the Parish has followed these guidelines in the implementation of its Development Code:

1. Keep the Master Plan up to date. The Planning Commission insures that land use regulations conform to the Master Plan. A zoning ordinance that is adopted specifically to further the guiding principles of this Master Plan will make a substantive connection to legitimate, clear public objectives and honor the legal demands of substantive due process. A substantive due process challenge to an Ascension Parish zoning ordinance would allege that the ordinance does not advance a legitimate public purpose.


2. Follow an open, fair process. The Parish Council is following a deliberate and understandable process of adopting and amending parish land use regulations. All citizens and affected parties will be provided effective advance notice and given an ample opportunity to be heard in a forum that is conducted fairly.

3. Procedural due process challenges will be brought if the Parish Council and the Planning Commission fail to follow a clear process or rushes to judgment on a land use decision. In these cases, the Planning Commission may violate the rights of involved parties to receive notice, be given an opportunity to be heard, or enjoy the benefits of a deliberate and thoughtful process on the part of the Planning Commission.

4. To the extend possible, treat all similarly situated properties equally. By following this rule, the parish's zoning regulations are not likely be found unconstitutionally discriminatory. The Planning Commission is careful to act consistently when imposing standards on landowners or interpreting the zoning code. This step is important to insure that the parish complies with equal protection standards. Equal protection claims assert that a land use classification or decision treats one parcel, or a few parcels of land, differently than similarly situated parcels with no apparent justification for being treated differently.

5. Apply standards uniformly. In drafting and applying local ordinances, such as subdivision regulations, the Planning Commission will specify the standards that applications must meet and apply them uniformly and carefully. This rule represents another important step in keeping the process of land use regulation open and fair.

6. Follow the guidance of legal counsel. The Planning Commission consults with legal counsel to insure that the actions they take and the conditions they impose are within their legal authority to act. This step will protects the parish against ultra vires claims. These claims would allege that the Planning Commission did not have the legal authority to take the challenged action. They would assert that the Commission acted beyond the scope of its delegated or implied authority and that its action, therefore, is invalid because it is an unauthorized action of government.

7. Engage property owners, developers and the community. The Parish Council and the Planning Commission will engage the community and affected parties in meaningful discussions regarding the adoption or application of land use regulations. This step reduces the tendency of affected parties to challenge decisions. The reliance on development agreements over impact fees, for example, encourages mutual benefit over arbitrary exactions.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


F. In interpreting the Code, the Parish should follow these guidelines:

1. Determine the public purpose of the standard for which an interpretation is required. Before any zoning interpretation is made, there must be an explicit identification of the purpose for which the initial regulation was imposed. Each zoning regulation is intended to protect the interests of both present and future neighbors and the general public. Each standard is developed as a regulatory response to an identifiable negative impact or potential. A sound interpretation of any standard in this ordinance cannot be ensured without a careful analysis of the end to which the regulation is directed.

2. Determine the impact of the proposed interpretation. It is not always possible to define precisely the impacts of a proposed interpretation. Those charged with interpreting the Code should determine impacts after evaluating the viewpoints of adjacent land owners and, where appropriate, expert opinion from parish employees or independent parties.

3. Determine an just balance. Fair land use regulation requires continuous balancing between the rights of the landowner and all others who will be affected by that person's land use proposal.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-309. Development Agreements

A. Development agreements encourage landowners and developers in Ascension Parish to provide adequate and reasonable infrastructure to support development. New development in the parish imposes additional costs in roads, schools, and public safety. To avoid undue hardship on existing parish taxpayers, these costs should be recovered as part of a development project. Development agreements provide a flexible mechanism for the Parish to negotiate with developers over the public costs of private development. Specifically,

1. A development agreement is a binding contract between the development permit applicant and the Parish of Ascension.

2. The purpose of a development agreement is to provide reasonable on and offsite improvements to promote the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Ascension Parish.

3. Development agreements shall be negotiated during the application process for a development permit.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


B. Development agreements can include one or more performance standards. Performance standards are additional and reasonable on and off-site improvements that an applicant may be required to provide after consultation with the director due to the unique characteristics of the applicant's site and proposed development plan. Performance standards represent an extension of existing site regulations that govern the applicant's property.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. Some examples of performance standards include, additional parking spaces and landscape and buffering requirements, additional drainage plans, additional investments in highway infrastructure to manage access to and from the development site, opaque screening, advanced sewerage disposal systems, and additional easements and servitudes.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-3010. Drainage Master Plan

A. In 1980, the Parish initiated a major drainage program for south and east Ascension Parish. That program has resulted in a dramatic reduction of flooding occurrences in the parish.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Over the years, Ascension Parish development trends have resulted in increased pressures on the existing drainage systems of the parish. Presently the parish reacts to "drainage problems" as they appear. Fortunately, minimal flood damage has occurred to date. However, if development continues at or near its present rate, the future may not be as kind to Ascension Parish.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. Within the next three years, the parish will complete the Drainage Master Plan. This plan will include:

1. Survey of existing land use and stream conditions;

2. Survey of homes which have sustained previous flooding;

3. Survey of existing topography;

4. Collection of geotechnical information and vegetation types;

5. Hydraulic and hydrologic analysis (modeling) of existing drainage systems through various storm types;

6. Evaluation of alternative structural damage improvement projects, such as storm water detention;

7. Evaluation of storm water retention;


8. Evaluation of public works projects, such as channel enlargement, channel paving, pumping station, and levees;

9. Hydraulic and hydrologic analysis to evaluate the effects of alternative structural improvement projects, increased rainfall runoff of new developments, and various storm events;

10. Development of regulations and ordinances which would complement any structural improvements, such as flood-proofing, detention ordinances, flood-proofing requirements;

11. Estimate of the cost for the various elements of a drainage improvement program;

12. Evaluate compatibility with efforts of other federal, state, and local agencies within and adjacent to the parish;

13. Recommendation for drainage-related capital improvement projects, ordinances and regulations.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

D. The development of a Drainage Master Plan is one of several essential elements necessary for the orderly growth of Ascension Parish. A Drainage Master Plan will take one to two years to complete and will require updating periodically as development trends evolve and as new data becomes available. Without a Drainage Master Plan, the drainage impacts of new developments will be difficult to determine accurately and establishing priorities for parish drainage projects will be based on considerations other than clear criteria.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-3011. Roadway Master Plan

A. As Ascension Parish continues to grow, its existing infrastructure is being pushed to the limit. The most obvious indication of this problem is the increased traffic in the northern part of the parish. More new traffic signals are being installed, longer waits at intersections are experienced, entering and exiting from subdivision onto collector and arterial streets is more difficult, and development on narrow rural roads are causing unacceptable safety hazards. Adequate transportation does not exist currently and will continue to deteriorate as growth continues.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


B. The parish standard minimum roadway width is twenty feet. All newly constructed parish roadways are a minimum of twenty feet wide. However, many previously constructed parish roads are less than twenty feet wide. Of the approximately 360 miles of parish roadway, only 27 percent is greater than twenty feet wide. Approximately 26 percent of parish roads are less than 18 feet wide and should be considered substandard. Many large attractive tracts of land are accessed by one of these substandard roads.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. The actual width of a passenger vehicle is approximately 7 feet, and the width of a bus or truck is approximately 8.5 feet. For two trucks or buses to pass on a two-way roadway with at least twelve inches of clearance, the pavement needs to be a minimum of 18 feet wide. Anything less than 18 feet wide would require one of the two vehicles to pull onto the shoulder for the other to pass.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

D. As a practical matter, narrow roads with minimal traffic are treated as one-way roads. When opposing traffic meets on narrow roads, one vehicle slows and pulls over to the shoulder, and the other vehicle slows and passes. As traffic on a narrow road increases the frequency of opposite traffic encounters increases and will eventually increase to unacceptable levels.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

E. There are no published rules for acceptable traffic levels on substandard roads. However, no major subdivision should be allowed to be constructed such that ingress and egress would be from a roadway of less than 18 feet in width. Until a substandard (less than 18 feet wide) road is upgraded to a parish standard, only minor subdivisions and family partitions should be approved on that road.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

F. A Roadway Master Plan can help the parish to program its roadway improvements funds, better coordinate new developments, and evaluate their impacts on existing roadway infrastructure, identify future parish roadway needs to improve traffic flow, and improve public safety. A Roadway Master Plan will also enable the parish to pursue assistance from other agencies, such as the Federal Highway Administration. A Roadway Master Plan will include:

1. A major street plan which identifies existing collector and arterial streets, propose new collector and arterial streets, and propose upgrades to existing arterial and collector streets;

2. Evaluation of existing traffic characteristics, such as speed, travel time and delays, traffic volume, existing roadway capacities, and rates of accidents;

3. Evaluation of regulatory measures for drivers, vehicles, and pedestrians, speed controls, one way streets, and intersection controls;


4. Evaluation of traffic control devices such as traffic signals, pavement markings, and channelization devices;

5. Recommendations for minimum construction and geometric standards for local, collector, and arterial streets;

6. Recommendations for public relations and education; and

7. Recommendations for coordination between the Planning Commission and the Public Works Department for traffic and roadway improvements.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

G. The development of a Roadway Master Plan is one of several essential elements necessary for the orderly growth in Ascension Parish. A Roadway Master Plan will take one to two years to complete and will require updating periodically as development trends evolve and as new data and requirements become available. Without a Roadway Master Plan, traffic impacts of new developments will be difficult to determine accurately and creating priorities for street improvements will be based on inadequate information.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-3012. Water and Sewer Master

A. The parish has completed a water and sewer plan through a contract with Glenn Shaheen & Associates, Inc. (GSA)2 This plan outlines the alternatives for developing a Parish-owned water and sewer system throughout the parish. The plan recommends that implementation begin in the north central portion of the parish. The initial system development will serve as a core system from which service to the rest of the parish can be launched. The Master Plan incorporates this plan by reference.

B. As the plan notes, although the area of initial implementation covers only 24% of the land area of the parish, it will serve 60% of the population. This area is the most densely populated in the parish. This Master Plan encourages a continued concentration of residential construction in the north-central portion of the parish.

C. NOTE: 2. above in No. 1 reference: Glenn Shaheen & Associates, Inc, "Facility Plan for Parish-wide Water and Wastewater Facilities for the Parish of Ascension" (August 1998).

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-3013. Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

A. Public safety issues in Ascension Parish arise from the character and strength of the parish manufacturing plants. The great bulk of Ascension's manufacturing base is in the chemical industry. The chemical industry is located adjacent to the Mississippi River. Generally these are petrochemical plants which manufacture plastics, fertifizer, and other petroleum based derivatives. The Office of Emergency Preparedness has prepared emergency preparedness plans for the Parish in the event of a chemical emergency, and these plans are incorporated into the Master Plan by reference.

B. Because of the potential for industrial accidents, the Parish will continuously update its emergency preparedness plans. In addition, the Parish will adopt chemical emergency overlay zone. This zone will restrict high concentrations of residential development close to the petrochemical plants.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03)

17-3014. Recreation Master Plan

A. The master plan completed in 1994 included a recreation plan for the parish. In addition to an inventory of current park sites, the plan included the results of a citizen poll on recreational activities. This plan needs to be updated. In addition, the plan should be expanded to include a capital projects plan. Once this plan has been updated, the Planning Commission will incorporate it into this Master Plan.

Appendix

17-3015.

17-3016.

x III: Land Us

B.

Histor

A.

Touris

A.

se Master Plan

FIGURE 9.additional r

ic Preservatio

Historic sitaddition to will use lanthese propespecifies th

sm Developm

The TourismAmong oth

n

. The parish hrecreational fa

(L

on

es in the parismaintaining a

nd use controlerties can alsohese sites is in

(L

ment Plan

m Commissioher factors, thi

has a number facilities.

LU98-01, 2/5

sh need protean inventory ls to protect tho be set forth included in theLU98-01, 2/5

on follows plais plan should

of recreation

5/98; LU03-0

ection from caof historic sithese sites. Thin an historic

e Appendix to5/98; LU03-0

an to attract td also:

n sites, but the

01, 3/20/03; D

areless nearbytes, the Plannhe steps requirc preservationo this Plan. 01, 3/20/03; D

tourists to Asc

Page 38

e parish needs

DC09-09, 12/1

y developmenning Commissred to protect

n plan. A map

DC09-09, 12/1

cension Paris

of 39

s

17/09)

nt. In sion t that

17/09)

h.


1. Clearly outline the infrastructure investments required to enhance Ascension Parish as a destination for tourists; and

2. Set forth any land use regulations which will support the tourist industry in Ascension Parish.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-3017. Economic Development Forecast

A. The Parish follows an economic development plan that:

1. Encourages expansion of existing compatible commercial and industrial enterprises;

2. Encourages diversification of the parish economy and employment base;

3. Encourages continued planning for industrial site development; and

4. Provides adequate land for commercial growth while minimizing the impact on traffic and residential neighborhoods.

(LU98-01, 2/5/98; LU03-01, 3/20/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


PLANNING DEPARTMENT



Phone: (225) 450-1002 / Fax: (225)450-1352


APPENDIX IV

SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS

Contents:

17-401. Procedures, Process, and Checklist ........................................................................4

17-402. Classification of Subdivision Procedure .................................................................4 17-403. Fee Schedule ............................................................................................................4

17-404. Pre-Application Procedure......................................................................................4 17-405. Preliminary Plat Procedure ....................................................................................5

17-406. Plats and Data for Preliminary Approval ............................................................ 11 17-407. Consultation with Other Regulatory Agencies Procedure ................................... 12

17-408. Procedure for Construction .................................................................................. 13 17-409. Construction .......................................................................................................... 16

17-4010. Acceptance of Improvements for Construction .................................................... 18 17-4011. Approval of Final Plat Procedure ......................................................................... 19

17-4012. Plats and Data for Final Approval ........................................................................ 19 17-4020. Major Subdivision Design Guidelines ................................................................... 22

17-4021. Large Scale Development ...................................................................................... 29 17-4022. Townhouse Subdivision ......................................................................................... 29

17-4023. Campsite Subdivision ............................................................................................ 32 17-4024. Private Subdivision ................................................................................................ 32

17-4025. Condominium ........................................................................................................ 32 17-4026. Family Partition ..................................................................................................... 33

17-4030. Design Criteria....................................................................................................... 37 17-4031. Driveways............................................................................................................... 37

17-4032. Street Requirements .............................................................................................. 38 17-4033. Streets: Geometric Standards ............................................................................... 39

17-4034. Streets: Construction Standards ........................................................................... 40 17-4035. Alley Requirements ............................................................................................... 41

17-4036. Alleys: Geometric Standards ................................................................................ 42 17-4037. Servitudes: (Utilities and Drainage) Requirements .............................................. 42

17-4038. Servitudes: (Utility) Geometric Standards ........................................................... 43 17-4039. Block Requirements .............................................................................................. 44

17-4040. Blocks: Geometric Standards................................................................................ 44 17-4041. Lot Requirements .................................................................................................. 44

17-4042. Lots: Geometric Standards ................................................................................... 44 17-4044. Drainage Requirements ........................................................................................ 45

17-4045. Drainage: Design and Construction Criteria ....................................................... 46 17-4046. Sanitary Sewerage Requirements ......................................................................... 48

Appendix IV: Subdivision Regulations Page 2 of 57

17-4047. Utilities: Water ...................................................................................................... 48 17-4048. Utilities: Electrical and Telephone Service and Street Lighting .......................... 49

17-4049. Utilities Location.................................................................................................... 50 17-4090. Administration and Enforcement ......................................................................... 51

17-4091. Conditions .............................................................................................................. 51 17-4092. Appeal Procedure .................................................................................................. 51

17-4093. Variances ............................................................................................................... 52 17-4094. Fines and Enforcements ........................................................................................ 53

17-40100. Definitions .......................................................................................................... 54

REGULATION HISTORY

SR07-01, latest version of Subdivision Regulations, as of 1/18/07

SR07-01.B,ATTACHMENT: Planning Commission adopted Cross Section, on 3/14/07

ORDINANCE HISTORY

Ordinance No. SR07-02, adopted on 10/4/07 Ordinance No. SR08-01, adopted on 1/10/08

Ordinance No. SR08-02, adopted on 2/19/08



Ordinance No. DC09-09, adopted on 12/17/09

Ordinance No. DC01/12, adopted on 1/5/12 Ordinance No. DC12-02, adopted on 5/3/12

Ordinance No. DC12-03, adopted on 6/7/12

Ordinance No. DC12-04, adopted on 6/7/12 Ordinance No. SR12-10, adopted on 7/19/12







Ordinance No. DR14-6, adopted on 10/02/14 Ordinance No. SR14-7, adopted on 11/6/14

Ordinance No. SR 14-11, adopted on 12/4/14


Ordinance No. SR 14-12, adopted on 2/5/15


17-401. Procedures, Process, and Checklist

17-402. Classification of Subdivision Procedure

A. Whenever any subdivision of land is proposed, excluding family partitions,

before any contract is made for the sale of any part thereof and before any permit for the erection of a structure in such proposed subdivision shall be granted, the

subdividing owner, or his authorized agent, shall apply and secure approval of

such proposed subdivision in accordance with the following procedure, which includes basically one (1) step for simple subdivisions with less than twenty lots

and three (3) steps for all other subdivisions.

1. Simple subdivisions with nine lots or less:

a. Sketch plat (optional);

b. Final subdivision plat submitted in electronic format and hard

copy.

2. All other subdivisions (Major or Minor):

a. Sketch plat (optional); b. Preliminary Plat submitted in electronic format and hard copy;

c. Construction drawings submitted in electronic format.

d. Final subdivision plat

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-403. Fee Schedule

A. The Planning Commission has the authority to determine fees for applications,

inspections and review. The schedule of fees, as amended from time to time,

henceforth, is attached to these subdivision regulations as Appendix XII. (SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-404. Pre-Application Procedure

A. Previous to the filing of an application for approval of the preliminary plat, the

sub-divider shall submit to the engineer review agency, the plans and data as

specified in Section 17-406(B) and Section 17-4020. This submittal is a pre-requisite to filing an application for approval of any preliminary plats submitted

to the Ascension Parish Planning and Zoning Commission. Informal discussion

between the engineer review agency and the sub-divider are encouraged to correct any noted deficiencies within the plat before submittal to the Ascension

Parish Planning and Zoning Commission for approval.


(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR13-9, 10/3/13)

A. Within thirty (30) days, the engineer review agency shall inform the sub divider

that the plans and data as submitted or as modified, do or do not meet the objectives of the regulations. When the engineer review agency finds the plans

and data do not meet the objectives of these regulations, it shall express its

reasons in writing and annotated on the plan or sketch. Approval by the engineer

review agency does not render the preliminary plat as approved and all other requirements and procedures are still as set forth in the Ascension Parish

Subdivision Regulations must be fully complied with prior to granting approval.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-405. Preliminary Plat Procedure

A. Upon the satisfactory conclusion of the pre-application procedure, if utilized by

the sub divider, then the sub divider shall prepare a preliminary plat and other

supplementary material as specified in section Section 17-406(B).

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Ten (10) full scale prints, one (1) 11" x 17" reduced print of the preliminary plat,

one (1) 11" x 17" reduced print of the preliminary plat submitted in electronic form (.pdf file) or other acceptable format as approved by the Parish of

Ascension Technology Department, and specified supplementary material shall

be submitted to the secretary for the Planning and Zoning Commission at least thirty-five (35) days prior to a regularly scheduled Planning and Zoning

Commission meeting. The Engineering Review Agency and the Department of

Public Works shall review the preliminary plat within ten (10) days. Review and

inspection fees established by the Planning and Zoning Commission shall be submitted with the preliminary plat.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. The Chairman of the Commission may act on behalf of the Commission in the

consideration of a simple subdivision which has nine lots or less where an

affidavit of mortgage declaration has been submitted and the property is not

encumbered by a mortgage. All other subdivisions shall be considered by the Planning Commission at the regular Planning Commission meeting. On these

subdivisions, the Planning Staff, Engineer Review Agency, and the Department

of Public Works shall provide written comments to the Planning Commission prior to the meeting. The Engineer Review Agency shall operate at the direction

of and under the control of the Planning Commission.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR12-11, 3/19/13)

D. The Planning & Zoning Commission shall hold public hearings on all major

subdivisions; the subdivision must be considered at the monthly planning

commission meeting:


1. The sub divider must submit, in electronic format, a copy of the list

indicating the names of the adjacent property owners, addresses and lot and square numbers as shown in the parish assessor’s records, to the

parish planner and engineer review agency.

2. Public Notice requirements

a. Notice of the time and place of the public hearing shall be mailed by

certified mail to the owner/sub-divider and all adjacent property owners

as identified by the Ascension Parish Tax Assessors office at the time of

the submittal and at the applicants sole cost, by the Planning Commission staff.

b. The public hearing shall be advertised in the Ascension Parish

official journal. c. Prior to any hearing before the Planning Commission, the site must

be posted by the applicant with sign(s) that meet the following

requirements for public notice: i. Parcels of land 20 acres or greater in size shall place a sign

facing each public right-of-way it has frontage on as follows;

a) Sign(s) must be no more than 10 feet from the

access way and free of any physical obstruction that could obscure visibility of the sign.

b) Sign(s) must be no more than 1,200 feet apart per

frontage. c) Sign(s) must be placed on the subject property a

minimum of 10 calendar days prior to the scheduled

hearing date. d) Developer must deliver to the Planning and

Development staff, photos of installed sign(s) a

minimum of 10 days prior to the scheduled hearing

date. 1) Photo(s) of the installed sign(s) must include

the date and time digitally identified on the

photo(s). 2) Developer must include a graphic depiction

of the sign location(s).

ii. Developer shall install a sign(s) that meets the following

standards: a) Sign(s) must be a minimum of 24" x 30" in size and

must be a minimum height of 5' to the center line of the

sign b) Sign(s) must have a yellow background with black

letters.

c) Signs must be double faced and oriented perpendicular to the travel lane.

d) Sign(s) must state the following information:

1) Type of the proposed development or

subdivision 2) Public hearing date and time

3) Public hearing location


4) Parish contact information

iii. Parcels of land smaller than 20 acres shall place one sign that meets the requirements of Section 17-405.D.2. The sign

must be posted at the mid-point along the thoroughfare it fronts,

provided, the location must not impede any existing ingress or

egress or other physical attribute of the parcel of land. In such cases, it should be placed as close as possible to the mid-point of

the frontage.

iv. Final Plats shall be excluded from these requirements. d. The sub-divider and/or his representative shall be present at the public

hearing to explain the proposal and answer questions.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DC01-12, 1/5/12)

2. If the commission grants preliminary approval, five (5) prints of the

subdivision plan shall be submitted for signing by the planning staff.

3. Any changes made by the owner/subdivider subsequent to approval of

the preliminary plat shall be submitted in electronic format and reviewed

by the Planning Commission Chairman and his staff. If the change suggested by the owner/subdivider is to be of a substantial nature which

is defined below, then approval can only be granted by the Planning

Commission and then only after a public hearing is held for that purpose. If the suggested change is not substantial in nature, then approval will be

granted.

a. A change in the size of lots, amounting to an increase of ten (10) percent or more of the total number of lots from the previously

approved plat.

b. Re-design of the subdivision or any portion thereof which would change the street pattern or overall layout of the previously

approved plat.

c. Relocation or addition of any sewerage treatment facility.

d. Relocation or addition of any drainage facility, except as mandated by an agency with the legal authority to govern the

change.

e. A change in the amount of green space dedicated, amounting to reduction of ten (10) percent or more from the previously

approved plat.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; SR08-02, 2/19/08; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

E. The Planning & Zoning Commission shall receive in hard copy and electronic

format the preliminary plat, supplemental material, comments from the Planning Staff, the Engineer Review Agency and the Department of Public Works for

review prior to its regular meetings. The Planning & Zoning Commission shall,

at its regular meetings, discuss the plat as to conformity with the subdivision regulations. The Planning & Zoning Commission shall express its approval or

disapproval and reasons therefore.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


F. All actions of the engineer review agency shall be submitted to the planning

commission by the engineer review agency at its regular meetings. The engineer review agency shall operate at the direction of and under the control of the

planning commission.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

G. Approval of the preliminary plat shall not constitute approval of the final plat, but

the sub divider may direct his engineer to proceed with the construction plans.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

H. If the subdivider does not submit the final plat and construction plans within six

(6) months, the Planning & Zoning Commission shall have the right to rescind approval of the preliminary plat. The Engineering Review Agency shall be

responsible for notifying the Planning Commission of any subdividers that fail to

submit construction plans within the six (6) month duration. Notification shall be

in the form of a status update report presented at a regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting.

1. If no construction has begun within twenty-four (24) months following the acceptance of the preliminary plat by the Planning & Zoning

Commission, the owner, subdivider and/or developer shall resubmit all

plats and construction plans to the Planning Commission for review. If changes in the construction plans are warranted, then the construction

plans shall undergo review, and following approval by the Planning

Commission, the developer may commence construction. If no

construction activity takes place within twenty-four (24) months following the approval of the preliminary plat, no construction activity

may be undertaken and no lots or parcels of land may be sold,

transferred, or conveyed prior to approval of the Planning Commission, the preliminary plat being automatically rescinded. The Engineering

Review Agency shall be responsible for notifying the Planning

Commission of an subdividers that fail to begin construction within the

twenty-four (24) month duration. Notification shall be in the form of a status update report presented at a regularly scheduled Planning

Commission meeting.

2. If no permits are requested and utilized prior to the expiration date for a

Respective filing in a subdivision within five years following the

approval of the final plat of said filing, then said filing and development thereon, shall conform to the requirements as set forth in Ascension

Parish Subdivision regulations and Ascension Parish Development Code

applicable at the time the permits for development or building within the

filing sought. The Planning official shall be responsible for notifying the Planning Commission of any subdividers that fail to request permits

within the five (5) year duration. Notification shall be in the form of a

status update report presented at a regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


I. The Department of Public Works and the engineer review agency shall require a

sub divider to provide a drainage impact study and a traffic impact study for a proposed preliminary plan and to require a conclusion and plan that offsets any

adverse impact that the development may have on the drainage system or the

roads/traffic of the Parish of Ascension. The engineer review agency and

Department of Public Works must agree or disagree with the findings of the engineer, or sub divider, or person that submits the drainage plan, and/or traffic

study, and any discrepancies between the findings of the engineer, sub divider, or

person who submits the discrepancies between the findings of the agency and the Department of Public Works will be decided in favor of the engineer review

agency and the Department of Public Works at its discretion. The Department of

Public Works and engineer review agency may waive the requirement for a drainage impact study and/or a traffic impact study at its discretion..

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-406. Plats and Data for Preliminary Approval

A. The purpose of the preliminary plan is to show, geographically, all facts needed

to enable the Planning Commission, the Department of Public Works and other

parish agencies, to determine whether the proposed layout of the land in question is satisfactory from the standpoint of public interest and will meet the

requirements of these regulations. Changes may be necessary in the preliminary

plan before it can be finally approved. Approval of a preliminary plan does not

constitute the approval of a final plat.

B. The following information shall be included on the preliminary plat:

1. Title: The title under which the proposed subdivision is to be recorded;

the location of the property to be subdivided; the name of the owner or

owners and/or the sub divider; and the name of the engineer, surveyor or landscape architect, if any, who is platting the tract.

2. Boundary lines and existing improvements: Boundaries of the

subdivision location; width and names of streets adjoining the subdivision; section and township lines; indication of incorporated areas,

sewer districts, zoning districts, school districts and other legally

established districts; all water courses, drainage ditches, wooded areas, and other features within the area to be subdivided as well as the same

facts regarding adjacent property.

3. Adjoining property: The names of all adjoining subdivisions, the names, addresses and record owners of adjoining tracts of unsubdivided property

and all adjoining tracts of unsubdivided property and all adjoining lots

and streets adjacent to and touching the proposed subdivision. The names and addresses of record owners of adjoining properties to and

touching the proposed subdivision shall also be listed on a separate sheet

of paper submitted with the preliminary plan.

4. Features of proposed subdivision: The proposed location, names and

width of streets; layout, and approximate dimensions of lots; any other

necessary descriptions of lots, servitudes and easements; and location and dimensions of existing buildings, if any; and subdivider's front

building lines with setbacks.

5. Drainage ditches: Existing drainage ditches, drainage ditches from the

proposed subdivision to the ultimate major drainage ditch, canal or

waterway and a contour map where terrain might affect location of ditches.


6. Streets: Statement of proposed street improvements, including contour

map where terrain might affect location of street.

7. Special use areas: Location and size of proposed parks, playgrounds,

church or school sites or other special uses of land to be considered for

dedication to public use.

8. North point, scale and date.

9. Vicinity map: A key or vicinity map at 2,000' scale for subdivisions of

more than twenty lots, or at 500' scale for subdivision or re-subdivisions

of less than twenty lots, showing existing streets, roads, drainage channels and buildings within 1,000' of the property being subdivided.

10. F.E.M.A. Flood Plane Delineation and Designation and Designation and

Inundation/100 year flood elevation.

11. Wetlands Determination.

12. General Subdivision Information as outlined in Section 17-406(A).

13. Location Map Information as outlined in Section 17-406(A).

14. Total acreage involved in the proposed subdivision and total remaining

adjacent owned by the developer and the location thereof.

15. All existing curves on public streets located within one-fourth (1/4) mile of the proposed subdivision entrances or a statement that no curves exist

on public streets within one-fourth (1/4) mile of the proposed subdivision

entrances.

C. The preliminary plat shall be legibly drawn on paper with minimum dimensions

of 11" X 17".

D. When required by the planning commission or Designated Engineering Review

Agency, the preliminary plat shall be accompanied by profiles showing existing

ground surface and proposed street grades, including extensions for a reasonable distance beyond the limits of the proposed subdivision grading, roadway and

sidewalk; preliminary plan of proposed sanitary and storm water sewers with

grades and sizes indicated. All elevations shall be based on a datum plane

approved by the Designated Engineering Review Agency. (SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-407. Consultation with Other Regulatory Agencies Procedure

A. The sub divider shall consult with the designated engineering review agency to

determine the standards and specifications that shall govern the proposed improvements. No construction work shall proceed until this agency has given

written approval of the plans.


B. If no construction work is commenced within six (6) months of approval, the Engineering Review Agency and the Local Health Authority may cancel their

approval.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-408. Procedure for Construction

A. Construction plans approved by the designated engineering review agency (See

Section 17-407(A) above).

B. Construct improvements.

1. Before construction begins, written notice shall be given to the Planning

& Zoning Commission, Department of Public Works and the

Engineering Review Agency.

2. When the development is ready for an intermediate inspection, written

request from the Developer's Engineer shall be given to the Planning & Zoning Commission, the Department of Public Works and the


C. Acceptance of improvements and posting of maintenance bond.

1. When construction (public and private) is complete and in accordance

with the approved plans and specifications and complies with the provisions of these regulations, the Developer's Engineer shall certify

such and request, in writing, final approval and acceptance from the

Designated Engineering Review Agency. This request shall be given to the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Department of Public

Works.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

2. Copies of all testing lab reports shall be submitted along with the written

request for final inspection. A final inspection will be scheduled upon

request when all significant construction activities are completed. All testing reports required on the Construction Certification Testing

Requirements checklist must be received a minimum of two weeks prior

to a Planning Commission meeting in order to be included on the agenda for that meeting. All testing reports required on the Construction

Certification Testing Requirements checklist must be reviewed, and

found to be in accordance with the approved construction specifications

by Chief Engineer or designee in order to receive an unconditional recommendation of approval from the Engineering Department.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR12-16, 12/20/12)

3. A final inspection is attended by the Engineering Review Agency

representative, Department of Public Works representative and the

Developer's Engineer.

4. The Engineering Review Agency will send a copy of the final inspection


findings to the Developer/Engineer.

5. When the comments have been addressed and all items completed,

written request shall be given to the Planning & Zoning Commission,

Department of Public Works and the Engineering Review Agency that

the development is ready for final re-inspection.

6. Submit one (1) set of as-built construction drawings to the Department of

Public Works.

7. The Department of Public Works will send written notification to the

Developer/Engineer of final inspection approval along with a request for the Developer to post the required one (1) year maintenance bond.

8. The Developer/Engineer shall submit a written request to the

Engineering Review Agency for the one (1) year maintenance bond amount, which request shall include a cost estimate for the public

facilities constructed as part of the development. The cost of private

utilities does not have to be included in this cost estimate.

9. Upon receipt of the required one (1) year maintenance bond, the

Planning & Zoning Commission shall send written notification to the Department of Public Works of the one (1) year maintenance bond being

received. Bonds shall be furnished by companies listed in the U.S.

Department of Treasury Circular 570.

10. At the end of the one year period, thirty (30) days prior to the

maintenance bond expiration date, Department of Public Works shall initiate a final inspection to be performed by the Parish Engineer who

shall present a report to the Department of Public Works and the

Planning Commission listing recommendations concerning final

acceptance and release of the maintenance bond as stipulated in Section 50.202 of the Ascension Parish Subdivision Regulations. After this has

been completed, the Department of Public Works will submit to the

Ascension Parish Council a list of streets, with supporting documentation from the Parish Engineer to be taken into the Parish Maintenance

System.

D. Receive approval of final plat (See Section 17-4011).

E. Lots may be sold at this stage.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-409. Construction

A. When approved construction plans, which shall include culvert drawings

showing locations, sizes and gages thereof, shall have been filed with the

planning commission, the sub divider, after notifying the chairman or his designated engineering review agency, in writing, and obtaining a construction

permit, may construct the required improvements.

B. Construction shall be reviewed and inspected by the Designated Engineering Review Agency and the Department of Public Works. The Designated

Engineering Review Agency and the Department of Public Works shall establish

detailed inspection requirements for each project.

C. Neither the Designated Engineering Review Agency nor the Development Permit

Officer shall accept any construction work which is in such condition as it will require needed and excessive maintenance by the public.

D. In lieu of immediate construction of improvements, the sub divider may provide

the commission with a performance surety bond securing to the government the satisfactory construction of the proposed improvements within a period of not

more than two (2) years from the date of such bond. The amount of the bond

shall be approved by the Designated Engineering Review Agency and the form of the bond shall be approved by the government's parish attorney. The bond shall

be subject to cancellation only upon written approval of the Designated

Engineering Review Agency. The bond shall be issued by a company listed with

the U.S. Treasury Circular 570.

E. Testing: The Designated Engineer Review Agency shall approve the testing

laboratory selected by the developer/contractor. The Designated Engineer Review Agency is to determine the extent of testing required by the

developer/contractor at his selected laboratory and may order testing as it deems

appropriate and necessary. The developer/contractor is to pay for these testing services.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

1. The testing lab is responsible for providing installation reports

certifying that all subsurface piping is properly installed, with

appropriate bedding (material, depth, haunching), backfill, backfill

compaction and visual affirmation that all joints have been

correctly sealed. Reports shall clearly identify segments of piping

being reported on by referenced to construction stationing,

bracketing structures, or detailed description. Reports must


account for all piping installations and must be submitted weekly

(at a minimum) while piping installation is in progress. When pipe

installation is complete a summary of the testing reports shall be

submitted showing the date of installation of each pipe, the depth

of the pipe and the date of compaction testing of the pipe bedding

and each layer of the trench backfill. (DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR13-07, 8/1/13;)

2. LaDOTD Specifications for Roads and Bridges, Part X, Section

1003 shall apply unless alternate specifications are submitted and

approved prior to permit issuance.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

3. All piping will be backfilled and compacted in layers not

exceeding 1’. The testing results for piping which is 6”or larger

and is not in the right of way shall be submitted for the mid and top

lifts of the trench backfill and the pipe bedding for at least one

location between all structures/outfalls with at least 20’ of

separation. For pipe runs falling within the right of way, or under

improved surfaces, testing shall also occur and be submitted for

each 100’ feet of piping on the pipe bedding and on each layer of

backfill. All sanitary sewer service crossings must be tested and

results submitted. Compaction testing shall verify compliance with

LaDOTD Specifications for Roads and Bridges, Part VII, Section

701.08 unless alternate specifications are submitted and approved

prior to permit issuance. (DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR13-10, 11/10/13;)

4. Individual lot compaction.

i. For those portions of lots between the building setback lines and

lots with more than Twelve (12) inches of fill, control soil compaction during construction providing minimum percentage of

density as indicated hereinafter

ii. Adequate removal and/or disking of the existing grass and topsoil to be accomplished before placing fill material. In addition, before fill may

be placed all stumps, tree trunks and limbs shall be removed from

the fill site. After testing to determine the in-place natural density of

surrounding soils for the overall site, stump holes shall be filled and compacted to a density equal to the surrounding soil.

iii. Fill shall be placed and compacted in maximum 12-inch loose lifts. Each lift shall increase in density by three (3) percentage points above

natural density of surrounding soil, with a maximum required

density of 95 percent (Standard Proctor). The moisture content at the time of compaction should be within three (3) percent of the

optimum value as defined by ASTM D 698. The moisture content and

density of each lift should be maintained until the next lift is begun or

the final lift is complete. It is the Developer/Contractor’s


responsibility to ensure that all lots are adequately graded for positive

drainage and do not pond or trap water, unless prior written approval has been provided by the Engineering Review Agency.

iv. If any tests result from the initial testing falls below the required density then additional testing locations equal to 25% of lots must be

tested for compaction. Subsequent testing locations will be chosen by a DPW subdivision inspector. If any result from the subsequent

testing falls below the required density then each individual lot shall be tested. A site plan indicating all test locations must be

submitted to the Parish Engineer.

5. The Parish Inspector must be notified 24 hours in advance of lime processing, soil cement processing and asphalt installation.

6. For any result from the concrete curbing break test that does not meet the required strength, the curb is to be demolished, re-graded, poured, and retested

to satisfy a required strength of 4000 psi.

7. The asphalt shall be certified to meet LaDOTD Specifications for

Roads and Bridges, Part V, unless alternate specifications are submitted

and approved prior to permit insurance.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR12-16, 12/20/12) F. Inspection: Inspection shall be required on all developments. The Designated

Review Agency or Department of Public Works shall designate inspection

personnel as necessary. The developer/contractor shall pay all fees established by the Planning Commission for resident inspection prior to the commencement

of any construction.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-4010. Acceptance of Improvements for Construction

A. Upon the satisfactory completion of construction, the sub divider shall obtain written final approval and acceptance from the Department of Public Works. (See

Section 17-408).

B. For a period of twelve (12) months after acceptance of the work, the sub divider

shall keep all filled trenches, pipes, manholes, structures, paving, lights, etc.

constructed by him in good condition, making repairs to such defects in materials

or workmanship as may develop or be discovered. The sub divider shall file with the commission, a Maintenance Surety Bond furnished by companies listed in the

U.S. Department of Treasury Circular 570 or a cash bond (Cashier's Check or

Certified Check payable to the Parish of Ascension), securing to the government the satisfactory performance of this work for a period of one (1) year from the

date of such bond. The amount of the bond shall be ten (10) percent of the cost

of the improvements as approved by the Designated Engineering Review Agency. The form of the bond shall be approved by the local government's parish

attorney. The bond shall be subject to cancellation only upon written approval of

the Designated Engineering Review Agency.


C. Submit one (1) complete set of “AS-BUILT” drawings on electronic media as

approved by the Technology Department and one (1) complete “Blue Line” set of full size (24" x 36") prints. This set shall include construction drawings showing

roadway sections, plan and profile sheets, all drainage structures and ditches,

sanitary sewer layout and “WYE” record. Above shall be submitted to the

Ascension Parish Department of Public Works, Engineering Section. (SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-4011. Approval of Final Plat Procedure

A. Application for approval of the final plat prepared by a registered land surveyor

shall be determined in writing to the Planning Commission at least thirty-five

(35) days prior to the time it is to be considered for major subdivisions.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR12-11, 3/19/13)

B. Simple subdivisions with less than nine lots where an affidavit of mortgage

declaration has been submitted and the property is not encumbered by a mortgage are considered for approval on a weekly basis and no prior notice or application

is essential but is recommended for expedited approval.

C. The final plat and construction plans shall be distributed to the:

1. Planning Commission Secretary - Ten (10) full scale prints; one (1) 11" x

17" reduced print of the signed final plat; and one 11" x 17" reduced

print in electronic format as acceptable and approved by the Parish of Ascension Technology Department.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

D. The Commission Chairman will sign the final plat after approval by the Planning

Commission for minor and major subdivisions, and may himself approve and

sign the final plat for simple subdivisions with nine lots or less where an affidavit of mortgage declaration has been submitted and the property is not encumbered

by a mortgage. It shall be the responsibility of the Planning Commission to file

the plat so signed with the Parish Clerk of Court.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR12-11, 3/19/13)

E. All actions of the engineer review agency shall be submitted to the planning commission by the engineer review agency at its regular meetings. The engineer

review agency shall operate at the direction of and under the control of the

planning commission. (SR07-01, 1/18/07, SR09-01, 1/8/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-4012. Plats and Data for Final Approval

A. The final plat shall be legibly drawn and shall be a minimum dimension of 11" x

17" which can be legibly reproduced. Where necessary, the play may be on several sheets accompanied by an index sheet showing the entire subdivision.

For large subdivisions, the final plat may be submitted for approval progressively


in contiguous sections satisfactory to the planning commission. The final plat

shall show the following:

1. Primary control points, approved by the Designated Engineering Review

Agency, or descriptions and "ties" to such control points, to which all

dimensions, angles, bearings, and similar data on the plat shall be referred.

2. Tract boundary lines, right-of-way lines of streets, servitudes, and other rights-of-way, and property lines of residential lots and other sites; with

accurate dimensions, bearings or angles, and radii, arcs, and central

angles of all curves.

3. Name and right-of-way width and bearing of each street or other right-

of-way.

4. Location, dimension, bearing and purpose of any servitude.

5. Number, letter, or combination thereof to identify each lot or site.

6. Purpose for which sites, other than residential lots, are dedicated or

reserved.

7. F.E.M.A. Flood Plane Delineation and Designation.

8. Location and description of permanent monuments shall be placed at all angle points on subdivision boundaries and street intersections.

9. Name of record owners of adjoining unplatted land.

10. Reference to recorded subdivision plats of adjoining platted land by

record name, date and number.

11. Certification by registered land surveyor certifying to accuracy of survey

and plat.

12. Copy of title showing that applicant is the land owner, if requested by the

Designated Review Engineering Agency.

13. Statement by owner dedicating streets, rights-of-way, and any sites for

public uses.

14. Title, scale, north arrow, and date.

15. Permanent Bench Mark required on all final subdivision plats.

B. A statement signed by the owner and sub divider to the effect that no person shall

provide or install a method of sewage disposal, except connection to an approved

sanitary system, until the method of sewage treatment and disposal has been approved by the local health authority.


C. Restrictive covenants or trusteeships and their periods of existence to apply to

lots in the subdivision shall be signed by the owner or his agent and recorded in the office of the parish recorder, and references to such instrument shall be made

on the plat and a copy shall be furnished to the planning commission.

D. The approval and signature of the Planning Commission Chairman or his designated representative shall be shown on the final plat.

E. Such other certificates, affidavits, endorsements, or deductions as may be required by the planning commission in the enforcement of those regulations.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

F. An Affidavit of Mortgage Declaration shall be filled out by the applicant,

notarized and submitted to the Parish when submitted for review.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR12-11, 3/19/13)


17-4020. Major Subdivision Design Guidelines

A. Applicability

1. This section established design guidelines for Major Subdivision Development.

This section is not applicable for Simple Divisions, Family Partitions, Minor

Subdivisions, SPUDs/ PUDs or TND Developments.

2. Subdivisions created in light, medium or heavy industrial zoning districts are

exempt from these requirements.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR13-9, 10/3/13)

B. Housing Types

1. The lot frontages, percentage of total lots allowed, lot area, block lengths and

setbacks for the different housing types can be found in Appendix I of the Unified

Development Code – Table C.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR13-9, 10/3/13)

C. Net Developable Area

1. Total allowed units for a major subdivision are calculated by utilizing net density.

a. Net Density is calculated by subtracting out any of the following that are

not part of the recreation system from the Gross Site Area;

i. Any portion of pipeline servitudes / ROW’s that is not within a

developable lot, existing road right-of-ways, existing drainage servitudes

that are not mitigated through the development, non-mitigated wetlands

and existing water bodies that are not improved to comply with the

drainage ordinance.

2. No major subdivision will exceed a gross density allowed by the existing

underlying zoning.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR13-9, 10/3/13)

D. Lot Standards

1. Building / Setback Lines


a. Building Line Setbacks shall be applied as identified and required in the Ascension

Parish Development Code (Appendix I.)

b. Side lot lines shall be substantially at right angles or radial to street lines.

c. Corner lots shall have extra width to permit appropriate building setback from, and

orientation to, both streets as per Table C.

d. Each lot in a subdivision shall have an appropriate frontage on a publicly maintained

street or road (See Section 17-4093), except as provided for under VARIANCES,

hereinafter.

e. Double frontage, and reverse frontage lots, should be avoided except where essential

to provide separation of residential development from traffic arteries or to overcome

specific disadvantages of topography and orientation.

2. Lot Width Standards

a. Table C defines the maximum allowed percentage of a single lot width within

a subdivision.

b. There must be a variation of at least 10’ in the lot size to qualify as a new lot

size

c. A Major Subdivision (up to 70 lots) must have at least 2 different lot widths;

anything greater must have at least 3 different lot widths.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR13-9, 10/3/13)

E. Block standards

1. Block lengths shall not exceed the standards as set in Table C.

2. In blocks over 900 feet in length the planning commission may require a pedestrian cross-

walk with a right-of-way not less than ten (10) feet in width to provide circulation, or access

to schools, playgrounds, shopping centers, transportation, or other community facilities.

3. In the case where lot widths are mixed, block lengths listed (Appendix I - Table C)

shall apply to the longer distance, if there are at least 20% of the larger lots located in

the block.

4. When a normal block arrangement is impossible or undesirable, there may be established one

(1) or more "places". Such a "place" may be in the form of a court, a street with a cul-de-sac,

t-turnaround, or other arrangement approved by the planning commission; provided,

however, that proper access shall be given to all lots from a dedicated street or court.


5. A cul-de-sac, as described in Section 17-40100, or a t-turnaround, as provided for in Section

17-4032(K), shall be required at the end of dead-end streets which provide access to

subdivided lots, when the dead-end streets exceed two hundred fifty (250') feet, or a width of

two (2) lots in length.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR13-9, 10/3/13)

F. Major Subdivision located in Rural or Conservation Zoning

1. Major subdivisions in Rural or Conservation zoning must preserve a 200’ minimum

buffer along any perimeter where adjacent large lot residential exists or match the lot

size allowed in the underlying zoning category (1/2 Acre – Rural or 1 Acre –

Conservation.)

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR13-9, 10/3/13)

G. Pedestrian System

1. A pedestrian system is required in all major subdivisions.

2. Each lot must have a pedestrian connection to all recreation amenities in the

subdivision within 50’of the lot, without crossing private property.

a. The pedestrian system shall be a 4’ concrete sidewalk, an asphalt trail or raised

wood boardwalk or any combination thereto.

i. If a sidewalk is to be constructed on a lot, it must be in place prior to the

certificate of occupancy being issued for that home.

b. A non-hard-surfaced trail may be used in the natural areas of the project if

constructed to the following specifications:

i. Trail shall be at least 5 feet wide;

ii. Grass shall be removed from the surface for the full length of the trail;

iii. 1”x 4” pressure treated wood rails shall be staked in place the entire length

of both sides of the trail; Where ends of 2 rails meet, at least 12” of 1”x 4”

material shall be used as an overlap on the outside of the trail for

additional support.

iv. 2 inches of #57 limestone shall be placed the entire length of the trail;

v. 2 inches of red rock (crushed red brick) shall be placed over the 57 stone

to the top of the 1”x 4” wood rails;


vi. Fill shall be placed on the back side of the wood rails compacted, and

sloped from the top of the rail back to natural grade.

vii. Any variance from this described standard must be reviewed by the Parish

Engineer and approved by the Planning Commission.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR13-9, 10/3/13)

H. Park Requirements

1. 8 acres per thousand population generated by the new major subdivision (2.5 persons

per household) shall be provided as recreation / park space.

2. Recreation space shall be defined as active recreation play areas / parks, trails and

passive play areas.

3. Wetlands, wet and dry storm water ponds and lands that are periodically inundated

and un-useable are not acceptable parks unless there have been improvements made

to make them publicly accessible.

4. In no instance shall the amount of upland park space (Lands that are not wetlands or

stormwater ponds) provided be less than 50% of the required acreage.

5. Required park acreage may be split into multiple parks, however, no park shall be less

than .5 acres in size.

6. Park Standards

a. The minimum standards for a Stage 1 Park provided by a developer in a major

subdivision are:

i. Sidewalk / Walking trail that connects the park to the homes in the

subdivision

ii. A sign identifying this place as a private park and under the

ownership/maintenance of the HOA

iii. 12 Class A trees per acre minimum as listed in Section 17-4020.I.4

iv. 24 Ornamental trees per acre minimum

b. A developer may elect to increase their commitment to improve the park provided

beyond the minimum requirements (Stage 1). In this case the following standards

shall apply:

i. Stage 2


1. Park shall include 5 Trash bins and 5 Benches throughout the Park

per 1,000 population served

2. All sidewalks, footpaths, trails within the park are to be lit

3. All requirements of Stage 1

ii. Stage 3

1. Park shall include one or more features to be described by the

developer to the Planning Commission.

2. Features may include fishing piers, Picnic Pavillions, Playgrounds,

playfield with backstop and or goals, Exer-fit courses etc.

3. All requirements of Stages 1 & 2

iii. Stage 4

1. Park shall include full park amenities features to be described by

the developer to the Planning Commission.

2. Amenities must include:

a. At least one of the following: Tennis, volleyball, basketball

or multi-use court

b. A pool sized commensurate with the total development

with a clubhouse.

3. All requirements of Stages 1, 2 & 3

c. Any increase in commitment by the developer to improve the stage of the public

park will result in a decrease in the required acreage.

i. Stage 2 = 20% reduction

ii. Stage 3 = 40% reduction

iii. Stage 4 = 70% reduction

7. Maintenance and upkeep will be the sole responsibility of the owner/developer and

ultimately the HOA.

a. The Final plat must include a note describing the park, the included amenities,

and the maintenance and upkeep responsibilities.


8. If the project is only one filing, the park must be completed before the final plat is

approved. However, landscaping may be withheld until water service has been provided

to the park. If more than one filing, the park must be completed before final plat is

approved for the second filing.

9. Subdivisions where the average lot size for at least 70% of the lots is at least 1 acre are

exempt from the park requirements.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR13-9, 10/3/13)

I. Tree Requirements

1. Lot Trees

a. Each lot within the major subdivision shall have a minimum of 1 Class A tree as

listed below.

b. Tree shall be installed prior to the certificate of occupancy being issued for each

lot

2. Tree shall have a minimum 2.5” caliper (measured at approximately four and one half

[4 ½] feet high on the trunk of the tree) and be at least 8’ tall after planting.

3. Tree Preservation

a. Trees with a trunk diameter greater than listed below, that have been preserved,

may be counted towards the park tree planting requirement at a ratio of 2:1.

i. For every 1 inch of tree that is preserved within the upland area, you can

reduce the inches of trees that need to be planted by 2 inches.

ii. Scientific Name Common Name Minimum Size (dbh)

1. Quercus Alba White Oak 24

2. Quercus falcata Red Oak 36

3. Q. Pagodifolia Cherrybark Oak 36

4. Quercus lyrata Overcup Oak 24

5. Quercus michauxii Cow Oak 18

6. Quercus nuttallii NutallOak 24

7. Quercus phellos Willow Oak 24

8. Quercus shumardii Shumard Oak 24

9. Quercus virginiana Live Oak 18

10. Taxodium ascendends Pond Cypress 18


11. Taxodium distichum Bald Cypress 18

12. Ulmus Americana American Elm 24

13. Ulmus alata Winged Elm 18

4. Trees from the following list are acceptable Class A species and shall be counted

towards the lot tree and park tree requirements:

a. Acer rubrum ‘drummondii’ Swamp Red Maple

b. Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green Ash

c. Ginko biloba Maidenhair Tree

d. Juniperus virginiana ‘canaertii’ Eastern Red Cedar

e. Liquidambar styraciflua American Sweet Gum

f. Liriodendron Tulipifera Tuliptree

g. Magnolia grandiflora Southern Magnolia

h. Nyssa aquatica Black Gum

i. Nyssa sylvatica Tupelo Gum

j. Quercus acustissima Sawtooth Oak

k. Quercus falcata var. pagodifolia Cherrybark Oak

l. Quercus glauca Blue Japanese Oak

m. Quercus lyrata Overcup Oak

n. Quercus michauxii Cow Oak

o. Quercus nuttallii Nuttall Oak

p. Quercus phellos Willow Oak

q. Quercus shumardii Shumard Oak

r. Quercus virginiana Live Oak

s. Taxodium distichum Bald Cypress

t. Tilia americana American Linden

u. Ulmus alata Winged Elm

v. Ulmus americana American Elm**

w. Ulmus crassifolia Cedar Elm

x. Ulmus parvifolia ‘drake’ Chinese Elm

**Dutch Elm Disease Resistant Variety

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR13-9, 10/3/13)


17-4021. Large Scale Development

A. The standards and requirements of these regulations may be modified by the

planning commission in the case of a plan and program for a new town, a

complete community, or a neighborhood unit, which in the judgment of the

planning commission provide adequate public spaces and improvements for circulation, recreation, light, air, and service needs of the tract when fully

developed and populated, and which also provide such covenants or other legal

provisions as will assure conformity to and achievement of the plan. (SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-4022. Townhouse Subdivision

A. Applicability

1. The following standards shall apply to all townhouse subdivisions in

mixed use, mixed use 2 and crossroads commercial zoning districts.

B. Lot standards

1. Lot width standards

a. Minimum lot width: 18 feet

b. Minimum lot area: 1,440 square feet

i. Area within private access servitude shall not count

towards minimum requirements.

2. Minimum living area: 750 square feet

a. Living area is defined as the area that is heated and cooled.

3. Minimum building setback requirements:

a. Front: 20

i. Front building line is to be measured from edge of access

servitude if property lines extend to centerline of roadway

b. Side: 0 feet required for at least one property line;

Ten feet for end units.

c. Side street: 15 feet

d. Rear: 20

C. Recreation Area Requirements

1. The location, layout and proposed type of open space shall conform to

the following:

a. A minimum of 200 square feet of recreation space per dwelling

unit is required for the entire development.

i. When the total required open space area is less than

3,000 square feet, the open space shall be one contiguous

outdoor site.

ii. If the total required area for open space is more than

3,000 square feet, the space may be divided into several

usable indoor or outdoor sites, provided at least one

outdoor area is at least 2,000 square feet, and all others at

least 500 square feet.


iii. Minimum Width: 45 feet

b. The following shall not count toward required open space:

i. Areas with slopes greater than four percent that do not

have an enhanced accessibility system of ramps, stairs,

terraces, trails or other site improvements.

ii. Required landscaping (such as facade and perimeter).

iii. Sensitive area buffers without common access links

such as pedestrian trails.

iv. Driveways, parking areas, and other vehicular uses.

v. Existing servitudes.

c. Open space areas shall be centrally located near a majority of

units, accessible and usable to residents, and visible from

surrounding dwelling units.

i. Any increase in commitment by the developer to improve

the stage of the recreation space will result in a decrease in

the required area. See 17-4020 (H) for requirements for

reduction.

d. In developments greater than 50 units, open space area shall be

divided into several, smaller, usable areas located so as to be

convenient and accessible to each building.

e. A buffer with a minimum width of five feet shall separate the

open space from streets, parking areas, and driveways.

D. Parking Requirements

1. Guest parking shall be grouped in bays either adjacent to streets or in

the interior of blocks. Practicable methods of drainage shall be assured by

developers in connection with common parking facilities, and all such

facilities shall be improved to the same construction standards as the

adjacent street or alley.

2. Two parking spaces shall be provided per dwelling unit and must be on

the lot.

3. There shall be a minimum of one guest parking space for each two

units which may be provided in separate areas. This may be provided in

one of the following ways:

a. Parallel parking

i. Minimum width: nine feet; Minimum length: 22 feet

b. Off street parking areas

E. Access drives

1. Lots may front on private streets with access to a public street.

2. Public or private streets must be in accordance with 17-4034.

3. If a developer desires to construct a rear-loaded product, the unit must

face a public or private street and the alley shall be constructed to the

following standard:

i. Private alleys shall be at least six inch soil cement base with 1.5

inch asphaltic concrete wearing surface or better, a minimum of 22


feet wide with adequate drainage and must be approved by


F. Utility and Service

1. All exterior maintenance equipment, including HVAC equipment,

electrical equipment, storage tanks, satellite dishes, and garbage

dumpsters, shall be screened from off-site and on-site common area view

in an architecturally integrated manner.

2. Utility infrastructure shall be located in areas that are not highly

visible from the public.

G. Design and Architectural Detail

1. Not more than six continuous townhouses shall be built in a row with

the same or approximately the same front building line, and not more than

12 townhouses shall be contiguous.

2. The facades of dwelling units in a townhouse shall be varied by

changed front yards of not less than five feet and variation in materials or

design so that no more than six abutting units will have the same front

yard depth and the same or essentially the same architectural treatment of

facades and roof lines.

3. No portion of a townhouse or accessory structure in or related to one

group of contiguous townhouses shall be closer than 20 feet to any portion

of a townhouse or accessory structure related to another group or to any

building outside the townhouse area. Nor shall any structure be less than

15 feet from a public street right-of-way (corner lots).

4. There shall be a 25 foot buffer yard along the side and rear boundaries

of each townhouse development.

5. Each townhouse unit shall have its own lot yard space (or enclosed

courtyard area) of at least 400 square feet, reasonably secluded from view

of streets or from neighboring property. Such yards shall not be for off

street parking or for any accessory building. If enclosed, the 25 foot

buffer yard may count toward meeting the minimum requirement.

6. There shall be a six foot high wall or solid fence along the sides and

rear of the townhouse development when adjacent to existing single

family detached residential development.

7. The maximum height of a fence or wall in the front yard shall be three

feet

8. The maximum height of a fence or wall along rear or side yards shall

be six feet.

9. Fences and walls shall be constructed of wood, wrought iron, brick,

stone or other high-quality material. Chain-link fencing is prohibited.

H. Density Restrictions

1. The townhouse development area shall be at least 5000 square feet per

dwelling unit, including lots, common open space, yards and buffer areas

adequately landscaped including walkways and access drives.


I. Design and Construction

1. The subdivision construction plans showing all streets, public or

private, private access drives, drainage, and location of utilities shall be

subject to review and approval by the Department of Public Works and the

Engineer Review Agency after approval of the preliminary subdivision

plan by the Planning Commission..

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR14-11, 12/2/14)

17-4023. Campsite Subdivision

A. Individual hunting or fishing campsites that are inaccessible by public or private road for at least three (3) months out of the year shall, at the discretion of the

planning commission be excepted from these subdivision regulations. Nothing

herein shall, however, be construed to alleviate the campsite owner of the

necessity of obtaining a permit as provided for in these regulations nor for being subject to the provisions of Section 17-4094(D) hereinafter.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-4024. Private Subdivision

A. The Commission may approve private subdivisions with gated or guard house entrances or entrance signs notifying the public of the private nature of the

subdivision and improvements which subdivisions meet all of the Ascension

Parish Subdivision Regulations. Streets in private subdivisions meeting all of the public street requirements of the subdivision regulations may remain private

streets rather than public streets with responsibility for maintenance and upkeep

of those streets being vested in the Developer and/or subdivision residents as spelled out in detail in the recorded subdivision restrictions as approved by the

planning and zoning commission which subdivision restrictions shall address the

following issues: 1) school buses; 2) emergency vehicles; 3) public utilities

access; and 4) street maintenance. The subdivision's restrictions shall be approved and filed prior to acceptance of the final plat.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-4025. Condominium

A. Condominium developers shall be required to follow all procedures and

regulations contained herein for streets, alleys, servitudes, drainage, sanitary

sewerage, utilities, plats and data and construction as provided for subdivision that are not in conflict with the Louisiana Condominium Act contained at LSA-

R.S. 9:1121.107 et sequitur.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-4026. Family Partition

A. The Family Partition is a variance and is subject to the conditions set forth in

Section 17-4093 except as further defined herein.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR13-2, 4/4/13; SR14-7, 11/6/14)

B. Family partitions shall only be considered if the applicant has been the owner of

the property since January 1, 2015 or has owned the property for a minimum of 3

years. A bill of sale shall be provided by the applicant in the event of a discrepancy with parish records.

1. If the property limits have changed since January 1, 2015, certain

eligibility requirements shall apply: a. If property limits were changed by simple division which created

a hardship, the property is no longer eligible for a family

partition.

b. If property limits were changed by property exchange, the property is still eligible for a family partition.

c. If property limits were changed by family partition, still eligible

if: i Recipient from original Family Partition still owns and

resides on the lot and provides both proof of ownership

with a current tax bill and proof of occupancy with a current dated utility bill.

(SR14-7, 11/6/14)

C. It shall be the duty of the planning commission to review proposed hardship family partitions meeting the requirements of this section to insure that the

criteria are present within the definition of a family partition (The division or

subdivision of any lot, tract or parcel of land by act(s) of partition among co-heirs or donation consideration and/or other approved means from parent(s) to their

children or grandchildren or children of deceased children or children to their

parent(s) in hardship situations).

1. Any subdivision under this part containing more than eight (8) lots,

where the lots are smaller than one (1) acre, are required to have a

community sewer collection and treatment system. In this case, the applicant shall be required to secure a letter of no objection from the

Ascension Parish Health Unit for sewerage discharge and provide it to

the Planning Commission prior to their approval. This provision shall apply if any subsequent divisions of lands among family members

increases the number of lots to eight (8) lots or greater.

2. Under no circumstances shall the Owner of the parent tract, as defined on

January 1, 2015, receive more than one lot via the Family Partition process, within the limits of the original parent tract.

3. No property owner shall be allowed to donate property to the same

family member more than once through the family partition process, regardless of location.

(SR14-7, 11/6/14)


D. The following procedures shall be followed for the hardship subdivision of

family property, each containing at least one-half (1/2) of an acre, regardless of zoning classification;

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR13-2, 4/4/13; SR14-7, 11/6/14)

1. All provisions of the subdivision regulations shall be followed except the requirements under “Construction standards” for concrete, asphalt or

hard surface roads and streets, (17-4034), except the dead-end private

thirty (30') foot wide servitudes of access may be allowed where it is unlikely that they will ever become through streets as determined by the

Planning Commission.

2. No more than one (1) private servitude of access, of at least thirty (30')

feet in width, shall be allowed across a tract or lot as exists at the time

that approval is given by the Planning & Zoning Commission for the

access servitude. Even if said existing tract or lot is subsequently subdivided, no further access servitudes shall be allowed. In addition, no

private access servitude may be created that intersects with an existing

private access servitude.

a. When any private access servitude services three (3) or more

lots, the minimum construction standard for the private access servitude shall be:

i Within the private access servitude, a gravel or hard-

surfaced road shall be built at least twenty (20) feet in width, 4 inches thick, on a roadbed at least twenty-four

(24) feet in width with adequate drainage ditches on

either side. This road shall be constructed prior to the first building permit being issued for any lot being

served by this private servitude of access and shall

extend the full length of the servitude depicted on the

plat.

b. The following dedication note for a private access servitude

signed by the property owner must be placed on the re-subdivision plat which creates the access servitude:

i "The private access servitude shown here on is hereby dedicated as a means of access to Lot _______. No

trees, shrubs or other plants may be planted, nor shall

any building, fence, structure, or improvements be

constructed or installed within or over any private driveway servitude so as to prevent or unreasonably

interfere with the purpose for which the servitude is

granted. The Parish of Ascension has no responsibility for the maintenance of this private access servitude."

c. Predial Servitude Agreement: In situations where a newly created lot or lots are accessing an existing private servitude of

access, a Predial Servitude Agreement will need to be


completed, signed by all existing lot owners of the servitude of

access and notarized prior to the final plat being signed. This document will be recorded when the final plat is recorded.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; SR08-03, 9/18/08; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR13-2, 4/4/13; SR14-7, 11/6/14)

3. The hardship family partition plat shall contain the signature of the sub divider and the name of each family member on each lot to be transferred

and said lot shall then be transferred by the sub divider only to that

family member. In addition, the plat and all conveyance documents for transfers pursuant to the plat shall contain the following language:

a. “The roads and streets shown on this plat are private and not public roads and streets and are to be developed and maintained

by the lot owners only. The Parish of Ascension shall not

maintain, upgrade or accept said roads into the public system

unless and until brought up to hard surface and all other standards by the lot owners or developer, according to the

subdivision regulations for the Parish of Ascension. The sub

divider and lot owners further are put on notice that school busses do not or are not required to travel down private roads

and it is the obligation of the lot owners to bring their children to

a public road for school bus pick up.”

4. Adjoining property: The names, addresses and record owners of

adjoining tracts of unsubdivided property and all adjoining lots and

streets adjacent to and touching the proposed subdivision shall be included on the plat. The names and addresses of record owners of

adjoining properties to and touching the proposed family partition shall

also be listed on a separate sheet of paper submitted with the plat. (SR07-01, 1/18/07; SR08-03, 9/18/08; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR13-2, 4/4/13; SR14-7, 11/6/14)

E. An Affidavit of Mortgage Declaration shall be filled out by the applicant,

notarized and submitted to the Parish when submitted for review. (SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR12-11, 3/19/13; SR14-7, 11/6/14)

F. The plat shall be approved by the planning commission but shall not be signed by

the planning commission chairman nor released for recordation until all

conveyance documents according to the plat have been recorded. Upon approval, the planning commission shall submit a copy of the minutes to the

developer showing such approval subject to the recordation of the transfer

documents and true copies being submitted to the planning commission. This

recordation must be done within one hundred and eighty (180) days of approval by the planning commission. True copies of the conveyance documents shall be

submitted to the planning commission at which time the plat shall be signed by

the planning commission chairman, or his designee, and be recorded by the Planning Department with the Clerk of Court.

G. The chairman of the planning commission shall sign hardship family partition plats if the planning commission finds that a genuine hardship exists and subject

to the regulations contained herein. If the criteria within the definition of family


partition are not met for the subdivision in its entirety, then the applicant(s) shall

be advised of the appropriate subdivision requirements, where applicable.

H. Violations for the illegal development of family subdivisions or for the illegal

transfer of lot(s) or tract(s) shall carry the same penalties as provided in Section

17-4094 et seq. (SR07-01, 1/18/07; SR08-03, 9/18/08; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR14-7, 11/6/14)



17-4030. Design Criteria

17-4031. Driveways

A. A driveway, as defined in Section 17-40100, of at least twenty (20') feet in

width, may be allowed. (SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-4032. Street Requirements

A. The Commission shall apply the following rules in evaluation of subdivision

applications:

1. Density Restrictions

a. No major or minor subdivision may be developed on any street which is less than 18’ in pavement width.

b. Any division of property of eight (8) or less of the parent tract is

exempt from this provision. (SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DC12-03 6/7/12)

B. The arrangement, character, extent, width, grade, and location of all streets shall conform to the "MAJOR STREET PLAN" and shall be considered in their

relation to existing and planned streets, to topographical conditions, to public

convenience and safety, and in their appropriate relation to the proposed uses of

the land to be served by such streets. (SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. Where such is not shown in the "MAJOR STREET PLAN", the arrangement of streets in a subdivision shall either:

1. Provide for the continuation or appropriate projection of existing streets in surrounding areas; or

2. Conform to a plan for the neighborhood approved or adopted by the

planning commission to meet a particular situation where topographical or other conditions make continuance or conformance to existing streets

impracticable.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

D. Provision should be made for arterial streets at intervals of approximately one-

half (1/2) mile.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

E. Subdivisions should have more than one exit street, preferably on different streets or in different directions. The street network should facilitate the separation of

local and through traffic.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

F. Where a subdivision abuts or contains an existing or proposed major

thoroughfare, the planning commission may require:

1. Marginal access streets, reverse frontage with a non-access reservation

along the rear property line, deep lots with rear service alleys, or such other treatment as may be necessary for adequate protection of

residential properties and to afford separation of through and local

traffic, and


2. The dedication of additional right-of-way, if the existing major or

secondary street has a width less than the minimum established herein. (SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

G. Reserve strips controlling access to streets shall be prohibited except where their

control is definitely placed with the parish under conditions approved by the planning commission.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

H. Street signs and traffic control devices must be furnished and installed by the sub

divider according to state law and the recommendations of the parish governing

authority, and the planning commission. Public street signs shall be nine inch (9") .080 aluminum double faced "green" engineer grade blank with six inch (6")

upper/lower case white engineer grade letters and a half inch (½”) white border.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; SR08-01, 1/10/08; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

I. Street signs for private lanes shall comply with the above ordinance. However

street signs for private streets may not be engineer green but must be blue and

approved by the Department of Public Works. (SR07-01, 1/18/07; SR08-01, 1/10/08; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

J. Design and construction shall be in accordance with L.D.O.T.D. Standard Specifications for Roads and Bridges (Latest Revision), and AASHTO

Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (Latest Revision), as amended.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

K. Cul-de-sacs shall have minimum dimensions as follows:

1. Curb and Gutter Streets - Right-of-way radius of sixty-eight (68') feet with a curb and gutter pavement of twenty-four (24') feet from back to

back of curb and thirty-five (35') feet inside radius.

2. Open Ditch Streets - Right-of-way width of seventy-five (75') feet with a pavement width of twenty (20') feet and a thirty-five (35') foot inside

radius.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

L. T-turnaround pavement shall be a minimum of 90' x 20' with 25' radii and within

a 110' x 40' right-of-way. (SR07-01, 1/18/07; SR07-02, 10/4/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-4033. Streets: Geometric Standards

A. All street and road right-of-ways shall conform to the widths designated on the

"MAJOR STREET PLAN" as adopted by the commission and on all subsequent amendments and additions thereto, but none shall be less than:

1. Freeways 300 Ft. 2. Arterial streets 150 Ft.

3. Collector streets 60 Ft.


4. Local streets

a. - Curb and Gutter 50 Ft. b. - Swale ditches 60 Ft.

5. Marginal access streets 60 Ft.

6. Commercial-industrial streets 60 Ft.

7. Rural roads 80 Ft.

B. Street jogs with centerline offsets of less than one hundred twenty-five (125) feet

shall be prohibited.

C. A tangent, of at least one hundred (100) feet, shall be introduced between reverse

curves on arterial and collector streets.

D. When connecting street lines deflect from each other at any one point by more

than ten (10) degrees, they shall be connected by a curve with a radius adequate

to insure a sight distance of not less than;

1. Three hundred (300) feet for ARTERIAL

2. One hundred and eighty (180) feet for COLLECTORS 3. One hundred (100) feet for ALL OTHERS

4. except in special cases where the planning commission may require a

greater radius.

E. Streets shall be laid out so as to intersect as nearly as possible at right angles and

no street shall intersect any other street at less than seventy-five (75) degrees.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-4034. Streets: Construction Standards

A. Each street designated by the Planning Commission as an arterial or

commercial-industrial street shall be constructed according to the following

minimum standards. 1. Complete curbing, guttering, subsurface storm drainage. Minimum

width shall be twenty-seven (27) feet from back of curb to back of curb.

The road shall be concrete no less than eight (8) inches. Curb shall be of concrete; or

2. Where the fall of the land along the proposed street alignment is less than three (3) feet in 1,500 feet a street twenty-four (24) feet wide, road bed at

least thirty (30) feet wide constructed of eight inches concrete pavement

on a right-of-way of at least sixty (60) feet with swale ditch slopes to be

three (3) to one (1) on each side may be built. In such instance, the surety bond required by section 50.202 shall secure to the government

the satisfactory performance of this work for a period of sixty (60)

months after the acceptance of the work.

B. Each street designated by the Planning Commission as a collector, local,

marginal access or rural street shall be constructed according to the following minimum standards.


1. Complete curbing, guttering, and subsurface storm drainage. Minimum

width shall be twenty-seven (27') feet from back of curb to back of curb. The road shall be concrete no less than six (6") inches. Curb shall be of

concrete; or

2. Same standards as "A" above, but concrete no less than five (5") inches thick with an asphalt overlay of one and one-half (1 1/2") inches may be

used. Curb should be of concrete; or

3. Streets with subsurface drainage twenty-seven (27') feet wide with three

(3") inch asphaltic concrete wearing surface, on a minimum ten (10")

inch soil-cement base at least twenty-three (23") feet wide with concrete curb and gutters; or

4. Streets twenty (20') feet wide with three (3") asphaltic concrete wearing

surface on a minimum ten (10") inch soil cement base at least twenty-one (21') feet wide on a graded roadbed of at least twenty-eight (28') feet

wide with the swale ditch slopes to be at least three (3) to one (1) on each

side; or

5. Streets twenty (20') feet wide with six (6") inch concrete pavement on a

graded roadbed at least twenty-eight (28') feet wide with the swale ditch slopes to be three (3) to one (1) on each side.

C. The base grade of all streets shall be constructed to no lower than one (1) foot

below the FEMA base flood elevation.

D. Each thoroughfare designated by the planning commission as a rural road shall

be a minimum of twenty-four (24) feet wide with a two (2) inch asphaltic concrete wearing surface on a eight and one-half (8 1/2) inch soil cement base at

least twenty-five (25) feet wide. A graded roadbed at least forty (40) feet wide

shall have a swale ditch on each side with a slope of three (3) to one (1) on the

property line side. Approved pipes may be installed under driveways only.

E. Where boulevards are constructed - each line of a street designated as a local or collector street shall be no less than twenty-two (22) feet from back of curb to

back of curb, with a neutral ground of a least thirty (30) feet. Each lane of a

boulevard designated as an arterial street shall be no less than twenty-five and one half (25 1/2) feet from back of curb to back of curb, with a neutral ground of

no less than thirty (30) feet. Construction shall be commensurate with the traffic

designation assigned by the planning commission.

F. All construction shall be in accordance with the Louisiana Department of

Transportation and Development construction standards unless amended by these

regulations. (SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-4035. Alley Requirements


A. Alleys shall be provided at the rear of all commercial and industrial lots, except

that the planning commission may waive this requirement where other definite and assured provision is made for service access, such as off-street loading,

unloading, and parking consistent with and adequate for the uses proposed.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-4036. Alleys: Geometric Standards

A. Alley intersections and sharp changes in alignment shall be avoided, but when

necessary, corners shall be cut off sufficiently to permit safe vehicular

movement.

B. Dead end alleys shall be avoided where possible, but if unavoidable, shall be

provided with adequate turn-around facilities at the dead end, as determined by the planning commission.

C. The minimum width of alleys shall be twenty (20) feet. (SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-4037. Servitudes: (Utilities and Drainage) Requirements

A. Where alleys are not provided, a servitude shall be provided along the rear lot

line of each lot when necessary for poles, wires, conduits, drainage ditches, storm

and sanitary sewers, other utilities, and all proper public purposes.

B. Where it is necessary to install sanitary or storm sewers or drainage ditches along

side lot lines or across lots, a servitude sufficient for the construction and maintenance of the ditch or facility shall be dedicated. If construction of a ditch

is required by the planning commission, or the Ascension Parish Department of

Public Works, such construction shall be performed by the sub divider.

C. Where a subdivision is traversed by a water course, drainage way, channel, or stream, there shall be provided a storm water servitude or drainage right-of-way

conforming substantially with the lines of such water course, as will be adequate

for the purpose. Parallel streets, parkways, or recreational areas may be required in connection therewith. The developer shall arrange for maintenance of this

area with an approved public or private agency.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)



17-4038. Servitudes: (Utility) Geometric Standards

A. The minimum servitude, on side or rear of lot shall be seven and one-half (7 1/2)

feet on each side of the property line, or a total of fifteen (15) feet. A minimum servitude for utility purposes along the front of each lot of twelve (12) feet shall

be created. Utilities shall be located within that servitude according to a typical

section adopted by the Planning Commission. (SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR12-17, 2/7/13)


17-4039. Block Requirements

A. The lengths, widths, and shapes of blocks shall be determined with due regard to:

1. Provision of adequate building sites suitable to the special needs of the type of use contemplated.

2. Zoning requirements as to lot sizes and dimensions.

3. Need for convenient access, circulation, control and safety of street

traffic.

4. Limitations and opportunities of topography.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-4040. Blocks: Geometric Standards

A. A cul-de-sac, as described in Section 17-40100, or a t-turnaround, as provided for in Section 17-4032(L), shall be required at the end of dead-end streets which

provide access to subdivided lots, when the dead-end streets exceed two hundred

fifty (250') feet, or a width of two (2) lots in length. (SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR13-9, 10/3/13)

17-4041. Lot Requirements

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR09-02, 11/19/09; SR13-9, 10/3/13)

17-4042. Lots: Geometric Standards

A. In subdivisions or re-subdivisions, excluding family partitions, where a Louisiana

Department of Health and Hospital Regulations (DHHR) approved community sanitary sewage collection and treatment facility is installed or tied into, a

minimum frontage of eighty (80’) feet and a minimum area of twelve thousand

(12,000) square feet is required for all subdivisions having an open ditch design. In such subdivisions or re-subdivisions where a Louisiana Department of Health

(DHHR) approved community sanitary collection and treatment facility is

installed or tied into, a minimum frontage of seventy (70) feet and a minimum area of ten thousand (10,000) square feet is required for all developments having

curb and gutter design where drain water run off is conducted underground.

Zoning regulations when adopted, will take precedence over these minimum

requirements.

B. In areas not served by sanitary sewage and excluding family partitions, shall be a

minimum frontage of eighty (80) feet and a minimum area of fourteen thousand (14,000) square feet. Zoning regulations, when adopted, will take precedence

over these minimum requirements.

C. In determining the lot area, the area of the public street, servitude, roadway or

driveway shall not be considered.


(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-4043. Public Sites Required

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR13-9, 10/3/13)

17-4044. Drainage Requirements

A. The sub divider shall plan all drainage for his project utilizing sound engineering design, and in accordance with the general drainage plan of the parish governing

authority, the Louisiana Department of Public Works and the U.S. Corp of

Engineers. Major subdivision plats shall show drainage from the subdivision to an acceptable existing drainage artery and, where necessary to reach the nearest

acceptable existing drainage artery, be accompanied by the necessary, parish

government authority approved, right-of-ways from adjoining downstream

property owners for drainage purposes to insure drainage to a ditch, stream, drain or drainage canal deemed adequate by the Department of Public Works.

B. No individual, partnership, or corporation shall deepen, widen, fill, reroute, or change the location of any existing ditch, stream, drain, or drainage canal used

for public drainage without first obtaining written permission from the Ascension

Parish Department of Public Works.

C. Whenever any stream or improved surface drainage course is located in an area

that is being subdivided, the sub divider shall dedicate an adequate right-of-way

along each side of the stream as determined by the Designated Engineering Review Agency.

D. Offsite drainage requirements shall be established by the Designated Engineering Review Agency. The sub divider shall be required to construct to the ultimate

finished width but only to a depth sufficient for his subdivision UNLESS THE

OFFSITE IMPROVEMENTS ARE IN OR NEAR THE CONSTRUCTION

STAGE. Sufficient right-of-way, however, must be dedicated for future enlargement.

E. When new drainage channels are constructed or existing drainage channels (originating within the subdivision) are substantially altered the sub divider shall

conform to requirements as spelled out by the Designated Engineering Review

Agency.

F. Storm drainage shall be located within the street right-of-way except where it is

located in servitudes to facilities outfall needs or for subdivision inter-

connections.

G. Design shall be in accordance with the L.D.O.T.D. Hydraulics Manual (Latest

Revision) as amended by these regulations.

H. In major subdivisions, a drainage ditch or swale shall be located at the rear of all

lots unless:

1. a natural ridge exists at the rear of lots; or


2. a variance is granted by the Planning & Zoning Commission after recommendations by the Department of Public Works and the

engineering review agency that the drainage ditch or swale is not

necessary because it would not accomplish the purpose intended.

I. In minor subdivisions, a drainage ditch or swale shall be located at the rear of all

lots if recommended by the Department of Public Works and the engineering

review agency.

J. Subdivisions designed as “open-ditch”, excluding simple subdivisions and family

partitions (not curb & gutter), shall remain as “open-ditch” subdivisions in perpetuity. No “closing in” of frontages by using pipe and catch basins shall be

allowed. However, this regulation shall only apply to subdivisions receiving

preliminary approval on or after the effective date of this regulation.

K. Minimum elevation for development. All primary buildings in any subdivision

in FEMA Flood Zone A, or A1 – A00 shall be constructed with a minimum

elevation of one (1) foot above the base flood elevation. (SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-4045. Drainage: Design and Construction Criteria

A. All drainage design shall be based on calculations of a ten (10) year twenty-four

(24) hour rainfall as determined by Technical Paper 40 published by the National Weather Service (currently 8.5 inches).

(SR12-10, 7/19/12; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. The natural drainage within a subdivision shall be followed in as far as

economically feasible. Streets and lots shall be arranged so as to keep artificially

relocated drainage canals to a minimum.

C. Drainage pipe used shall meet the requirements of ASTM Designation C-76,

Class III reinforced concrete pipe with rubber gasket joints, and shall be sized

using Manning's roughness coefficient of 0.013 for design.

D. Open canals shall have side slopes of three (3) to one (1) if not lined with

concrete. Slope grades of one and one-half (1 1/2) to one (1) may be used as shown in drawings if concrete lining is utilized.

E. The following servitude criteria shall be required for each ditch, canal, sewer

collection line, and storm sewer: 1. Proposed swale ditches with a maximum depth of 1.5’ and with

maximum side slopes of 5H:1V require a minimum seven and one-half

(7.5') foot servitude on each side of the centerline of the swale. Existing ditches that meet this dimensional criteria will not be required to provide

additional servitude.


2. Existing or Proposed ditches or canals with a top width less than twenty

(20') feet require a minimum of ten (10') foot servitude from the top bank on each side.

3. Existing or Proposed ditches or canals with a top width greater than

twenty (20') feet require a minimum fifteen (15) foot servitude from the top bank of each side.

4. Existing or Proposed ditches or canals with a top width greater than thirty (30') feet require a minimum twenty (20') foot servitude from the

top bank on each side.

5. Existing or Proposed ditches or canals with a top width in excess of forty

(40') feet require a minimum of twenty-five (25') foot servitude on both

sides.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR12-17, 2/7/13) 6. For subsurface drainage pipes smaller than 60” in diameter, a 7.5foot

drainage servitude is required on each side of the outer wall of the pipe.

7. For drainage pipes 60” in diameter and larger and box culverts wider

than 60”, the servitude width shall be a minimum of four times the

diameter of the pipe or width of the box culvert. (SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR12-17, 2/7/13; DR14-06, 10/02/14)

8. For double runs of pipe or other special circumstances, the Drainage Department shall establish the width of servitude.

9. Stormwater ponds/lakes require a thirty (30’) foot servitude from the inlet to the outlet of the pond/lake.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR12-17, 2/7/13)

F. When a proposed ditch must discharge into a major unlined canal, the sub divider shall be required to enclose the ditch, under the access strip of the major canal),

in a metal pipe. The pipe shall extend four (4) feet into the canal beyond the side

slope, and shall discharge into a concrete flume that extends a minimum of five (5) feet into the bottom of the canal. Flume shall be constructed immediately

after conduit is installed.

G. Unless drainage channels are being dedicated or developed for recreational or other public or private open space use, the sub divider shall construct a five (5)

foot chain link fence along channels referred to in Section 17-4045(E).

H. The Designated Review Engineering Agency shall operate under the direction of

and be subject to the control of and follow regulations established by the parish

planning commission.

I. Hydraulic calculations shall be stamped by a Professional Engineer and

submitted with Construction Plans.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


J. Improvements on lots created along MAJOR drainage channels shall not

encroach on the drainage servitude or right-of-way. (SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR12-17, 2/7/13)

17-4046. Sanitary Sewerage Requirements

A. All subdivision sewer lines, and treatment plant or treatment facilities shall have

the approval of the LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HOSPITAL REGULATIONS (DHHR) and the DESIGNATED REVIEW ENGINEERING

AGENCY.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Subdivisions developed in the vicinity of operating sewer systems or districts

shall tie-in to the system if it is adequate to handle the additional sewerage and

provide collection lines to the property line of each lot.

C. For subdivisions with more than 8 lots, where the lots are smaller in size than 1

acre, the developer shall provide for an approved sanitary sewage community collection and treatment system.

D. All Sanitary Sewer mains shall be tested in the following manner. 1. Low Pressure Air Test – Contractor shall test sanitary sewer mains with a

low-pressure air test as per industry standards.

2. Mandrel Test – A rigid “Go-No-Go” mandrel shall be run through the sewer mains to test for deflections.

3. Post-Construction Smoke Test – After all other utilities have been installed the contractor shall perform a smoke test of the sewer mains and

service lines to insure system integrity.

E. The Consulting Engineer and/or Testing laboratory shall certify (in writing) that these tests are conducted and passed. Any segments not passing these tests shall

be repaired and re-tested. Certifications shall be submitted to the Designated

Review Agency and/or the Department of Public Works upon completion of said test.

F. Any community sewage treatment facility shall be no closer than 100 feet to an existing residence. All community sewage treatment plant sites shall be enclosed

with a six (6) feet solid fence.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-4047. Utilities: Water

A. If an approved water system is accessible, the sub divider must tie-in and provide water service to each lot.

B. If no water system is accessible, the sub divider shall:


1. In subdivisions of less than twenty (20) lots, either (1) provide a system

serving each lot with an adequate supply of potable water; or (2) state on his final plat that purchasers of individual lots will be required to install

their own approved water wells.

2. In subdivisions of twenty (20) lots or more, install an approved system and service each lot with potable water for normal needs.

C. All water supplies and distribution systems must be approved by the LOCAL HEALTH AUTHORITY and the LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

AND HOSPITAL REGULATIONS (DHHR).

D. Water lines shall be located on the street right-of-way and placed on the opposite

side of the street from the sanitary sewer line except where a majority of lots to

be served are on one side of the street right-of-way, then, the water line may be

moved to the same side as the sewer line.

1. All newly constructed water distribution lines for either new water

systems or extensions to existing systems, will be designed and constructed in accordance with the criteria established by the Department

of Public Works in conjunction with the utility company providing water

service to subdivisions to provide adequate flow capacity and pressure required for fire protection in that area. The minimum pipe size

providing fire protection will be eight (8") inches. Fire hydrants with

cut-off valves at entrances to the subdivision and at intervals within the

subdivision so that no house is further than four hundred (400) feet from a fire hydrant shall be provided for by the developer.

2. The design and construction shall allow the system's performance to be consistent with generally accepted standards for fire defense and, thereby

allow favorable credit in accordance with established evaluation

procedures, as promulgated by the Insurance Service Office and/or

Property Insurance Association of Louisiana.

3. Materials and methods used to construct the systems will be of such

quality and standards as approved for fire defense by Underwriter's Laboratories, Inc. and/or The American Waterworks Association.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-4048. Utilities: Electrical and Telephone Service and Street Lighting

A. Electrical and telephone facilities shall be located in servitudes. If underground

power and/or underground telephone facilities are used, they shall be placed on opposite sides of the servitude. (See Section17-4049 for specific location)

B. Street lights may be placed on either or both sides of the street right-of-way, or in the center of the median strip of a boulevard, as dictated by the illumination

design. (See Section Section17-4049 for specific location)

C. Street lights shall be provided by the developer for all major subdivisions.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-4049. Utilities Location

A. With the Designated Engineering Review Agency's recommendation, the

Planning & Zoning Commission shall have the authority to waive or alter

locational requirements where there is conflict or where sound engineering practice would be subverted.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-4050. Servitude Revocation:

A. If a property owner desires that an existing utility, drainage or all-purpose servitude be relocated, reduced in size or eliminated completely, an application shall be

submitted to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation to the Parish

Council.

1. At the time of filing the application with the Planning Commission, the applicant shall submit to the office of Planning and Development a plat

showing the existing utility or drainage servitude and the proposed relocation

or re-shaping, if necessary, together with a written request giving the reasons supporting such revocation, re-shaping or relocation.

2. The applicant shall submit to the Office of Planning and Development a fee

to cover the cost of processing the application, together with all legal instruments, ordinances, etc., necessary to complete the revocation, re-

shaping or relocation. All of the legal instruments, ordinances, etc., must be

approved by the Parish Attorney, and the applicant shall supply such other

information as may be deemed necessary by the Parish Attorney or the Office of Planning and Development.

3. The applicant shall include with the application to the office of Planning and

Development, copies of the letter(s) of no objection to be included with the request to the Planning Commission and Parish Council.

B. The Office of Planning and Development shall review the application and the

letter(s) of no objection and determine to which of the following categories the servitude revocation, re-shaping or relocation applies:

1. Unused Servitude

a. If the Planning and Development Department determines that the servitude has not been used for a period of time equal to or greater

than 15 years, then the request is automatically approved by the

Planning Commission and shall be sent to the Parish Council for an introduction of an ordinance to revoke or relocate the servitude.

2. Unneeded Servitude

a. If the Planning and Development Department determines that the

servitude is not needed, by receipt of letters of no objection from all of the interested parties, then the request is automatically approved

by the Planning Commission, and shall be sent to the Parish Council

for an introduction of an ordinance to revoke or relocate the servitude.

3. Reduction in size or revision to applicant request

a. If the Planning and Development Department determines that the servitude is still needed, may be reduced in size or otherwise

different than what the applicant requested, by receipt of letters of no


objection or letters of objection, then the request shall be submitted

to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation to the Parish Council.

i. If the Director of the Drainage Department issues a letter of

objection to the revocation, however, states in the letter that

a hold harmless agreement could be signed by the property owner, thereby allowing an existing encroachment to remain

until any drainage improvements need to be made, then that

agreement needs to be presented to the relevant Drainage Board for their approval. No further public hearings before

the Planning Commission or Parish Council are necessary.

C. In cases where the application falls into category 3 above, the Planning Commission

shall review the application, the letters of objection and/or no objection and hold a

public hearing. The Planning Commission shall make a recommendation to the

Parish Council on the application. 1. There shall be no advertising, adjacent property notification or property

posting requirements for a servitude revocation request to appear before the


D. The Office of Planning and Development shall send the recommendation from the

Planning Commission to the Parish Council for an Introduction of the Ordinance. (SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR13-1, 3/19/13)


17-4091. Conditions

A. In granting variances and modifications as provided for herein, the planning

commission may require such conditions as will, in its judgment, secure

substantially the objectives of the standards or requirements so varied or

modified. (SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-4092. Appeal Procedure

A. If the Planning Commission denies an application, the applicant may appeal the

decision of the Planning Commission to the Planning Commission Appeals Board by filing an application with the Planning Staff no later than 30 days after

the written decision of the Planning Commission.

B. At a minimum, the applicant must submit the following:

1. Application in the form established by the Planning Staff, signed and dated by the applicant or his legal representative;

2. Written statement detailing the basis for the appeal;

3. Supporting information that addresses and supports the applicant’s challenge to the Planning Commission’s denial;

4. Any additional information that the Planning Staff deems material to the

application for review by the Planning Commission Appeals Board; and, 5. Pay the established Appeal application fee.


C. Public notice for an appeal to the Planning Commission Appeals Board shall be

in accordance with section 17-405.D.2. D. The Planning Commission Appeals Board shall review the record of the Planning

Commission public hearing; the written record of the application; and the

provisions of the Unified Land Development Code when rendering a decision on

the appeal. E. The Planning Commission Appeals Board shall consist of three (3) members

appointed by the Parish President and confirmed by the Ascension Parish

Council and whose duty it shall be to comply with and enforce these regulations. F. The appeals hearing must be heard within forty (40) days of lodging with the

secretary.

G. The determination of the Planning Commission Appeals Board shall be final. (SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR14-12, 1/1/15; SR14-12, 2/5/14)

17-4093. Variances

A. Whenever a tract to be subdivided is of such unusual size or shape or is surrounded by such development or contains unusual conditions that the strict

application of the requirements contained in these regulations would result in real

difficulties and substantial hardships or injustices, such requirements may be varied or modified by the Commission.

B. Standards for variances. No variance in the strict application of provisions of this ordinance shall be granted by the Commission unless it finds that the following

requirements and standards are satisfied:

1. The granting of the variance shall be in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the regulations imposed by this ordinance for the

district in which it is located and shall not be injurious to the

neighborhood or otherwise detrimental to the public welfare.

2. The granting of the variance will not permit the establishment of any use

which is not permitted in the district.

3. There must be a showing of unique circumstances.

a. Commentary: There must exist special circumstances or conditions, fully described in the findings, applicable to the land

or buildings for which the variance is sought, which

circumstances or conditions are peculiar to such land or buildings and do not apply general to land or buildings in the

neighborhood, and which circumstances or conditions are such

that the strict application of the provisions of this ordinance

would deprive the applicant of the reasonable use of such land or building.

4. There must be a showing of unnecessary hardship.

a. Commentary: It is not sufficient proof of hardship to show that

greater profit would result if the variance were granted. Furthermore, the hardship complained of cannot be self-created;


nor can it be established on this basis by one who purchases

with or without knowledge of the restrictions; it must result from the application of this ordinance; it must be suffered directly by

the property in question; and evidence of variance granted under

similar circumstances shall not be considered.

5. There must be a showing that a variance is necessary for the reasonable

use of land or building and that the variance as granted by the board is

the minimum variance that will accomplish this purpose.

6. There must be showing that the proposed variance will not impair an

adequate supply of light and air to adjacent property, substantially increase the congestion in the public streets, increase the danger of fire,

endanger the public safety, or substantially diminish or impair property

values within the adjacent neighborhoods.

C. There must be a showing that the granting of the variance requested will not

confer on the applicant any special privilege that is denied by this ordinance to

other lands, structures, or buildings in the same district. The Commission may prescribe any safeguard that it deems necessary to secure substantially that

objectives of the regulations or provisions to which the variance applies.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-4094. Fines and Enforcements

A. Any person who violates any provision of the present subdivision regulations as revised herein shall, upon conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction, be

penalized by a fine of not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00. Each sale,

residential lease, exchange or other disposition of any lot shall constitute a separate violation.

B. All fines and penalties shall be paid to the governing body of Ascension Parish,

Louisiana.

C. In addition to the fines and penalties herein above provided, the planning

commission of the Parish of Ascension shall have the power and authority to seek injunctive relief in any court of competent jurisdiction enjoining any person

who is violation of the present subdivision regulations, as revised herein, so as to:

1. Prevent the sale, residential lease, exchange or other disposition of any

lot in any subdivision not approved in accordance with the present

subdivision regulations as revised.

2. Prevent the installation of utility systems within any subdivision or

prevent utility service to any lot in any subdivision in violation of the

present subdivision regulations as revised.

3. Prevent issuance of buildings and flood permits to any lot in any

subdivision in violation of the present subdivision regulations as revised.


4. Prevent Board of Health approval of any water/sewage improvements for

lot or parcel of land in any subdivision in violation of the present subdivision regulations as revised.

5. Prevent any lending institution from lending funds for the construction of

any improvements on any lot or parcel of land in any subdivision in violation of the present subdivision regulations as revised.

D. No utility company shall provide electric, gas or other utility services to any lot, nor shall any lending institution lend funds for the construction or improvements

on any lot, nor shall any building permit agency issue any building permits for

the construction of any improvements on any lot, tract or parcel of land, nor shall any attorney or notary pass a transfer of any lot, tract or parcel of land subdivided

after April 1, 1993, as evidenced by the public records without first being

presented with a plat of final approval from the engineer review agency or

planning commission of the lot, tract, or parcel of land on which utility services are to be provided, or improvements to be constructed. Any person who violates

any provision of the present subdivision regulations as revised shall, upon

conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction, be penalized by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500. All fines and penalties shall be paid to the

governing body of Ascension Parish.

(SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-4096. Re-submittal Procedure

A. If the Planning Commission denies an application, the applicant has the option of

appealing the decision as defined in section 17-4092 or re-submitting the application if the following conditions have been met;

1. At least 12 months have passed since the original hearing date;

Or 2. Changes have been made to the original application that address the

concerns stated in the Commission’s decision to deny the application.

(SR14-13, 1/1/15)


AASHTO: American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

Alleys: are minor ways which are used primarily for vehicular service access to the back or side of

properties otherwise abutting on a street.

Arterial Streets: and highways are those which are used primarily for fast or heavy traffic. They are

generally several miles long and connect points of major traffic generation or through highways.

Collector Streets: are those which carry traffic from minor streets to the major system of arterial streets

and highways, including the principal entrance streets of a residential development and streets for

circulation within such a development.

Commercial-Industrial Streets: are collector or local streets constructed to serve primarily commercial

or industrial traffic.


Condominium: The property regime under which portions of immovable property are subject to

individual ownership and the remainder thereof is owned in indivision by such unit owners. The definition of terms associated with condominiums as defined by LSA-R.S. 9:1121.103 are hereby

adopted, and as may be amended in the future, by reference thereto.

Cul-de-sacs: are local streets with only one outlet and having an appropriate terminal for the safe and convenient reversal of traffic movement.

Development Permit Officer: The person designated by the Planning Commission to enforce the subdivision regulations.

Driveway: A private way for a vehicle to travel from a public street or road to a single residence.

Family Partition: The division or subdivision of any lot tract or parcel of land by act(s) of partition

among co-heirs or donation, consideration and/or other approved means from parent(s) to their children or

grandchildren or children of deceased children or children to their parent(s) in hardship situations.

Freeways: are the highest type of roadway design and includes full control of access.

Garden Home Subdivision: One of the following:

1. A home located on a lot with minimum lot requirements (area and width) (townhouses or single-family attached dwellings) of 1,280 square feet

minimum 720 square feet for common element with minimum 560

square feet for unit of individual ownership), with a minimum

width of 16 Feet; minimum lot area per family being 1,280 square feet; or

2. A home located on a lot with minimum lot requirements (area and width) (zero lot line housing) of 3,500 square feet, with a minimum width of 30

Feet; minimum lot area per family being 3,500 square feet.

Initial drainage system or minor drainage system: includes street gutters, roadside drainage ditches, culverts, storm sewers, small open channels and any other feature to handle runoff from within the

subdivision being designed or from a relatively small area.

L.D.O.T.D.: Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.

Local Streets: are those which are used primarily for access to the abutting properties but do not provide for through traffic.

Major Street Plan: is a plan delineating a system of streets adopted by the planning commission and

includes all subsequent revisions or extensions.

Major drainage system: consists of those many features such as natural channels, artificial channels and

large, long underground conduit outfalls which convey the storm water runoff from large or major areas. In any drainage design, major drainage is the cornerstone of an urban storm runoff system. The major

drainage system will function whether or not it has been planned and designed, and whether or not urban

development is wisely located in respect to it. Thus, the major drainage system must be given highest priority when considering design and improvements.


Major subdivision: Any subdivision involving twenty or more lots.

Marginal Access Streets: are minor streets which are parallel to and adjacent to arterial streets and

highways; and which provide access to abutting properties and protection from through traffic.

Minor subdivision: Any subdivision involving less than twenty lots.

Parish Attorney: The District Attorney of the 23rd Judicial District or the attorney(s) so designated by

the District Attorney to furnish legal assistance in the administration of these regulations.

Parish Council: The governing body of Ascension Parish having the power to adopt and enforce

ordinances.

Parish Engineer or Designated Engineer Review Agency: The department designated by the Planning

Commission to furnish engineering assistance in the administration of these regulations.

Parish Health Unit: The agency designated by the State to administer health regulations in Ascension

Parish.

Planning Commission: The Planning Commission is an agency legally established by this government in

conformity with State Legislation with all the rights and responsibilities defined by this legislation.

Planning Staff: The staff consists of professional and non-professional personnel employed by the

Commission to carry out its directives pursuant to fulfilling the Planning Commission's responsibilities.

Staff functions may be conducted by private or public consultants at the discretion of the Commission.

Registered Land Surveyor: A land surveyor properly licensed and registered in the State of Louisiana.

Registered Professional Engineer: An Engineer properly licensed and registered in the State of Louisiana.

Right-of-Way: A strip of ground dedicated by the sub divider for public use, title to which shall rest in

the public for the purposes stated in the dedication.

Rural Roads: are roads constructed to serve primarily as access to farms or rural campsites

Servitudes: A strip reserved by the sub divider for public utilities, drainage, and other public purposes,

the title to which shall remain in the property owner, subject to the right of use designated in the

reservation of the servitude; or a strip of ground designated or intended to be used for access to building or other sites.

Simple Division

1. Any Subdivision fronting on an existing publicly dedicated street or streets, not involving any new street or road, or the extension of public facilities, or the creation of any public

improvements, and not adversely affecting the remainder of the parcel or adjoining properties,

and not a major conflict with any provisions or portion of the master plan, or these regulations. 2. The combination or recombination of lots, or portions of lots, previously created and recorded, if

the total number of lots is not increased and the resultant lots are equal to or exceed the standards

of this Ordinance; 3. The acquisition of strips of land for public easements, including the widening or opening of

streets or the location of utility right-of-way;


4. An allocation of land in the settlement of an estate of a decedent or a court decree for the

distribution of property. 5. An adjustment of lot lines as shown on a recorded plat which does not reduce the area, frontage,

width, depth, or building setback lines of each building site below the minimum zoning

requirements, and does not change the original number of lots in any block of the recorded plat.

6. The exchange of land between owners of adjacent property provided that such exchange does not serve to reduce lot area or other dimensions below required minimums.

(DC12-04, 6/7/12)

Street: The term “street” shall be used herein to mean improved corridors designated for vehicle use.

Storm drainage system: as utilized in this ordinance, refers to the system of inlets, closed conduits, manholes, other appurtenances, and open channels which are designed to collect and convey storm water

runoff from and through an area.

Subdivision: One of the following: 1. The division of a lot, tract, or parcel of land into two or more lots, plots, sites, or other division

of land, for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of sale or lease, or of building

development; 2. The dedication, granting or constructing of a road, highway, street, alley, or servitude through

a tract of land regardless of area, unless expropriated by a public entity; or

3. The re-subdivision of land heretofore divided or plotted into lots, sites or parcels.

Vehicle Use Corridor: An area of land designated for vehicular use not specific to the property on which

it is located. A vehicle use corridor may be a public or private servitude or right of way.

(SR09-02, 11/19/09; SR07-01, 1/18/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


PLANNING DEPARTMENT



Phone: (225) 450-1002 / Fax: (225) 450-1352


APPENDIX V

DRAINAGE

Contents:

17-501. Purpose and Intent: 3

17-502. Plan Approval: 3 17-503. Applicability: 3

17-504. Compliance with Federal and State Regulations: 4 17-505. Grade requirements for Structures and Roadways: 5

17-506. Protection of Existing Watersheds and Conveyance Systems: 6 17-507. Placement of fill below the Base Flood Elevation: 7

17-508. Storm Water Detention Design Requirements: 11 17-509. Erosion/Sediment Control and Bank Stability: 11

17-5010. Construction Standards: 12 17-5011. Servitude and Right of Way Requirements: 12

17-5012. Storm Water Conveyance Systems: 13 17-5013. Design Criteria: 13

17-5014. Drainage Servitudes: 14 17-5090. Administration and Enforcement 14

17-5091. Variances: 14 17-5092. Fines and Enforcements: 14

17-50100. Definitions 16

Appendix V: Drainage Regulations Page 2 of 17

ORDINANCE HISTORY

Ord. #DR07-01 adopted 9/6/07

Ord. #DR09-01, adopted 7/16/09

Ord. #DR09-09, adopted 12/17/09









Ord.#DR14-6, adopted 10/02/14


17-501. Purpose and Intent:

A. The purpose of this Ordinance is to codify the requirements of new development

and redevelopment in Ascension Parish. The requirements of this Ordinance are

directed at reducing the potential for flood related damages caused by new development and redevelopment of property in Ascension Parish.

(Ord.# DR07-01, 9/6/07; DR09-01, 716/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-502. Plan Approval:

A. All applicable development and associated elements thereof, as defined herein,

and not specifically exempted by this ordinance, must be approved by the

Ascension Parish Office of Planning & Development, the Ascension Parish Department of Public Works, and/or the appropriate Drainage District, as

applicable.

(Ord.# DR07-01, 9/6/07; DR09-01, 716/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-503. Applicability:

A. This ordinance shall apply to any proposed development within the Parish. Development shall be defined as the division of a parcel of land into two or more

parcels with associated earthwork, the construction of a new major or minor

subdivision, multi-residential or commercial building or structure, the relocation

or enlargement of any commercial building or structure, the construction of parking surfaces for commercial developments or the clearing, grading, filling, or

movement of land. The following shall be exempt from the requirements of this

ordinance as described below:

1. Drainage, soil movement, leveling or cultivation activities performed in

conjunction with an agricultural operation. Agricultural operations

include land use for the production of crops, livestock, forestry, fisheries, horticulture, or any such plant or animal production for sale or resale, or

for private use, as long as the soil movement does not significantly alter

the existing drainage conditions from or adjacent to the site and does not violate the fill mitigation requirements described in Section 17-507.

2. This ordinance shall not apply to construction or uses of buildings, structures or land in industrial facilities provided the industrial facility is

located in Land Use Designation “I” of the Ascension Parish Planning

and Zoning Map. Industrial facilities will be required to comply with

drainage covenants established during the creation of an industrial subdivision as conditioned by the Planning & Zoning Commission.

3. Soil movement and grading, when confined to post-construction residential application of a single family dwelling for minor grading of

yards, driveways, patios, swimming pools or similar homeowner type


site improvements as long as the soil movement does not significantly

alter the existing drainage conditions from or adjacent to the site and does not violate the fill mitigation requirements described in Section 17-

507.

4. The construction, improvement or relocation of accessory buildings such as carports, sheds, barns, pool houses, recreational vehicle storage sheds,

or other outbuildings constructed by a homeowner for his or her personal

use, and not for commercial or business purposes, as long as the activity does not significantly alter the existing drainage conditions from or

adjacent to the site and does not violate the fill mitigation requirements

described in Section 17-507.

5. The placement of spoil material on public lands when such spoil is

excavated for public projects by any Federal, State, or local

governmental entity. All State and Parish Erosion and Sedimentation requirements shall still apply.

(Ord.# DR07-01, 9/6/07; DR09-01, 716/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DR11-02, 7/21/11)

17-504. Compliance with Federal and State Regulations:

A. In addition to the requirements of this ordinance, the owner/developer of any property in Ascension Parish shall be responsible for adhering to all State and

Federal laws regulating grading, drainage, and flood control according to

established policy. Checklists of Federal and State permits required, and the

appropriate time required for submittal to the Parish are available from the Office of Planning & Development.

B. Permits shall be obtained from all appropriate Federal and State agencies having regulations and laws relative to grading, drainage and flood control, including but

not limited to the following:

1. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Coast Guard (USACE) (a) Jurisdictional Wetlands

(b) Navigable Streams

2. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – Permits obtained

from Parish

(a) Construction of structures within flood zones (b) Encroachment on floodways

3. Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ)

(a) Storm water runoff – Louisiana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (LPDES)

4. Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD) (a) Project and driveway Permits

5. Pontchartrain Levee District (a) Construction on or adjacent to the Mississippi River levees


(Ord.# DR07-01, 9/6/07; DR09-01, 716/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-505. Grade requirements for Structures and Roadways:

A. All proposed structures and roadways shall be constructed to the following

criteria:

1. All elevation information submitted to the Parish shall be referenced to

the official list of benchmarks as published by the Department of Public Works or the appropriate Gravity Drainage District. This datum must be

consistent with the benchmark datum referenced in the Flood Insurance

Rate Maps.

2. All references to flood zones and elevations shall be as determined by the

FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) for Ascension Parish, latest

revision. If the FIRM map does not provide a flood elevation for a particular area, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers should be consulted

for an opinion regarding the most currently established flood elevation.

3. Record inundation shall be considered as the highest water surface

elevation recorded at or adjacent to the proposed development as defined

by the Department of Public Works or appropriate Drainage District on a project-by-project basis.

4. The lowest gutter elevation of all proposed public and private roadways

shall not be lower than any of the following criteria:

(a) One foot below the FEMA Base Flood Elevation (latest edition)

(b) Two (2) inches below the design water surface elevation for the

interior subsurface storm water conveyance system draining the

proposed roadway

(c) The ten year design event peak water surface elevation of any

storm water detention system receiving runoff from the proposed

roadway

(d) Record inundation

5. All structures shall be constructed a minimum of one foot above

each of the following criteria:

(a) FEMA Base Flood Elevation, or nearest adjacent FEMA Base

Flood Elevation (latest edition);

(b) Record inundation;

(c) Top elevation of nearest adjacent sanitary sewer manhole on

the sewer collection system servicing the proposed structure.

(d) Accessory buildings are not subject to items a-c in Section 17-

505A.5. However, accessory buildings are subject to FEMA


regulations per Section 17-505A.6. Deviations to this policy

must be based on sound engineering judgment submitted by the

applicant and approved in writing by the Floodplain Administrator.

6. All structures proposed within a recognized FEMA flood zone shall be

constructed in accordance with Title 44 of the Federal Register, Part 60.

(Ord.# DR07-01, 9/6/07; DR09-01, 7/16/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR13-08, 8/1/13)

17-506. Protection of Existing Watersheds and Conveyance Systems:

A. Drainage for proposed developments and redevelopments shall be designed to maintain the existing flow patterns established prior to proposed improvements at

the site. Impacts to existing water surface profiles shall be mitigated for all new

development or redevelopment of existing sites not specifically excluded as follows:

1. Redevelopment – Any proposed improvements to a commercial facility

that result in a net increase in changed surface of less than 17,500 square feet, or the replacement of less than 35,000 square feet of existing

impervious surface area. Any combination of new and replaced surface

area totaling more than 35,000 square feet does not qualify for this exemption.

2. Residential developments having lot sizes equal to or greater than one (1.0) acre and creating eight (8) lots or less.

3. Sites participating in the “pay in lieu of detention” program as detailed in

the Ascension Parish Drainage Impact Fee Policy. This option is only available in watersheds that have had a comprehensive drainage plan

engineered and constructed by the Parish.

(Ord.# DR07-01, 9/6/07; DR13-14, 1/09/14)

B. Storm water detention systems that limit the post developed peak flow rate to the

existing condition peak flow rate shall be required for all residential and commercial developments required to mitigate impacts to existing water surface

profiles except as otherwise allowed in Section 17-509.

C. The natural ridgelines and drainage boundaries for a site shall be established

prior to any development and the developed condition shall maintain the drainage

areas draining to each natural outfall as closely as possible. Exceptions will be considered in instances where modifications are necessary to consolidate

engineered storm system elements.

D. Where an existing storm water conveyance system traverses through a proposed development and accommodates off-site drainage areas, any alterations to the

existing system shall be made such that no increase in the existing water surface

profile will be caused by the development.


(a) An existing condition water surface profile shall be modeled based upon the natural channel, culverts, bridges, and other

natural features through the property to be developed. Approved

methods of analysis and required supporting documentation for

existing condition modeling are outlined in the Ascension Parish Drainage Impact Study Policy document.

(b) A developed condition water surface profile shall be modeled based upon the proposed condition and shall account for all

existing features to remain, the new channel geometry, proposed

culverts or storm drain systems, and any fill placed within the over bank flow section in the existing channel sections.

Approved methods of analysis and required supporting

documentation for proposed condition modeling are outlined in

the Ascension Parish Drainage Impact Study Policy document.

(c) The water surface profile elevation at the upstream and

downstream property lines of the development during the peak runoff period for the sub-basin shall not be greater than the

existing condition water surface profile elevation at those points.

The Planning Director may allow for minimal increases in profile in cases where the development may be restricted from

making improvements to lower the water surface profile.

(d) For major streams as defined by the Department of Public Works or the appropriate Drainage District, the Office of Planning &

Development may require the analysis to be based upon a higher

storm frequency than the 10-year event, particularly when the difference between the 10-year and 100-year design water

surface is potentially greater than 18".

E. No individual, partnership, or corporation shall deepen, widen, fill, reroute, or change the location of any existing ditch, stream, drain, or drainage canal used

for public drainage of off-site upstream or downstream areas without first

obtaining a permit from the Ascension Parish Office of Planning & Development. The Office of Planning & Development will only issue said permit

after written authorization from the Department of Public Works or the

appropriate Drainage District. This provision does not apply to routine maintenance of existing drainage systems.

(Ord.# DR07-01, 9/6/07; DR09-01, 716/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-507. Placement of fill:

A. A proposed Certificate of Elevation shall be submitted for any structure to be

built or placed on any lot, prior to any permit being issued, which shall include, but not be limited to the following information:

1. Address

2. Contractor 3. Proposed Elevation


4. Firm Panel Number

5. FIRM Zone base flood elevation or adjacent base flood elevation 6. Lowest natural ground for the property

7. Explanation for how the elevation of the proposed structure is going to be

achieved (fill, piers, chain-wall, etc.)

(Ord.# DR07-01, 9/6/07; DR09-01, 716/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DR13-11, 12/05/13)

B. For Individual Lots 1. On lots smaller than ½ acre (21,780 square feet)

(a) No more than 36” of fill shall be placed in order to elevate any

structure. (b) Fill shall be limited to the foundation of the structure(s) and shall

not extend more than 24” horizontally beyond the limits of the

foundation before it begins to slope.

(c) Side slope of fill under the structure(s) shall not be steeper than a 3’ horizontal to a 1’ vertical slope

(d) Fill shall not be placed closer than ten (10’) feet to any property

line in order to facilitate the collection and transportation of any increased runoff via side-yard or rear-yard swales if necessary

(e) Compaction tests shall be required when the footer of the

proposed structure does not extend at least 12” into undisturbed soil.

(i) Compaction test requirements

(I) There shall be 1 compaction test per 12” lift per

1,000 square feet of fill (II) The fill shall meet one of the following

standards:

1. 90% modified proctor 2. 95% standard proctor

(f) If the structure(s) must be elevated over 36”, then piers or a

chain-wall shall be utilized to make up the difference in elevation.

(i) The homeowner may choose to combine fill and piers or

a chain-wall to achieve the desired elevation, however,

in no instance shall the fill height be greater than 36” (Ord.# DR07-01, 9/6/07; DR09-01, 716/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DR13-11, 12/05/13)

2. On lots larger than ½ acre (21,780 square feet) (a) No more than 36” of fill shall be placed in order to elevate any

structure without additional consideration.

(b) Fill shall be limited to the foundation of the structure(s) and shall

not extend more than 24” horizontally beyond the limits of the

foundation before it begins to slope. (i) If more than 24” around the perimeter is desired, then

the applicant shall submit a set of drawings stamped and

sealed by a licensed engineer that depicts how the additional fill, greater than 24”, around the structure(s) is

mitigated through the use of storm water ponds and /or

swales.

(c) Side slope of fill under the structure(s) shall not be steeper than a 3’ horizontal to a 1’ vertical slope


(d) Fill shall not be placed closer than ten (10’) feet to any property

line in order to facilitate the collection and transportation of any increased runoff via side-yard or rear-yard swales if necessary

(e) Compaction tests shall be required when the footer of the

proposed structure does not extend at least 12” into undisturbed

soil. (i) Compaction test requirements

(I) There shall be 1 compaction test per 12” lift per

1,000 square feet of fill (II) The fill shall meet one of the following

standards:

1. 90% modified proctor 2. 95% standard proctor

(f) If the structure(s) must be elevated over 36”, then the applicant

shall submit a set of drawings stamped and sealed by a licensed

engineer that depicts how the fill, greater than 36”, under the structure(s) is mitigated through the use of storm water ponds

and /or swales.

(i) The applicant may choose to combine fill and piers or a chain-wall to achieve the desired elevation.

(Ord.# DR07-01, 9/6/07; DR09-01, 716/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DR13-11, 12/05/13)

3. For residential lots where greater than 36” of fill is required, for a major or minor subdivision or for Commercial Development. (a) Any volume of fill placed below the Base Flood Elevation shall

be compensated for and balanced by a hydraulically equivalent

volume of excavation taken from below the Base Flood

Elevation:

(i) The determining criteria for land subject to this

requirement shall be all land below the Base Flood

elevation as determined by actual on-the-ground contours referenced to the official Parish benchmark

system, regardless of whether the FEMA Flood

Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) depict the property in question to be in a recognized flood zone.

(ii) Where lakes are excavated, the volume of dirt removed below the normal water surface (pool elevation) of the

lake cannot be credited as compensating storage.

(iii) Compensating storage excavations must be constructed to drain freely towards the established drainage for the

area. Dead storage volume will not be credited towards

fill mitigation.

(iv) If the compensating storage is derived from an off-site

source that is not a part of the proposed development it

must be located in the same watershed as the proposed development and the base flood elevation at the off-site

source shall not be greater than one (1) foot higher than


or one (1) foot lower than the base flood elevation of the

developed site.

(v) Excess storage credits may be created by a development

and utilized by another development if it meets the

criteria of Section 17-507(A)(4) If excess credits are created by a development, the Office of Planning &

Development shall issue a credit letter that may be

utilized by another project in the same watershed within five (5) years of the issuance of the letter.

(vi) Waivers to this Section due to a property owner’s inability to generate fill credits may be made on a case-

by-case basis by the Director of the Department of

Planning & Development and/or the appropriate Gravity

Drainage District. (Ord.# DR07-01, 9/6/07; DR09-01, 716/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DR13-11, 12/05/13)

4. If after construction, it is determined through an on-site investigation by a Parish Drainage Engineer that an adjacent property owner is experiencing an increase in off-site runoff due to the construction, then the property owner will be required by the Ascension Parish Engineering Department to construct a swale sufficient enough in size as stated by the Parish Drainage Engineer to collect and convey the runoff away from the impacted property.

(Ord.# DR07-01, 9/6/07; DR09-01, 716/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DR13-11, 12/05/13)

C. For a Minor or Major Subdivision 1. On tracts of land being utilized for a minor or major subdivision,

where a master storm water plan is to be designed and constructed, no more than 36” of fill may be placed in the areas where residential lots are to be placed. (a) This restriction does not apply to the roadway being built

to serve those lots. (b) Compaction tests shall be required in the areas where structures

are to be placed.

(i) Compaction test requirements

(I) There shall be 1 compaction test per 12” lift per 10% of the total number of lots in the proposed

subdivision

1. Refer to section 17-409.E.4

(Ord.# DR07-01, 9/6/07; DR09-01, 716/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DR13-11, 12/05/13)


17-508. Storm Water Detention Design Requirements:

A. Commercial developments may be subject to a drainage impact fee in-lieu of, or

in addition to, detention as detailed in the Ascension Parish Drainage Impact Fee

Policy as set by the Ascension Parish Planning Commission.

B. The engineering design of detention facilities shall properly account for the

backwater condition of the receiving stream at the same time increment that the

detention system is discharging into the receiving stream. Detailed time of concentration calculations, illustrated flow path, type of flow, and all pertinent

parameters (Length, Slope, Manning’s n, etc.) as well as hydrographs (graphical

and tabular) shall be included in the Drainage Impact Study to demonstrate proper control of the peak discharge from the subject site.

C. The outfall for storm water detention facilities shall be gravity driven.

Mechanical systems, such as pumps, shall not be used for discharging flow from detention ponds.

D. In-Fill Development may request a special dispensation from the requirements of the detention requirements of this ordinance when the following conditions

apply:

1. The proposed development property encompasses less than 5 acres.

2. Drainage from the development does not enter a different zoning

classification within ¼ mile of the discharge point from the site.

3. 75% of the surrounding land, within a 500 foot offset of all property lines

of the subject property, is fully developed (>85% impervious).

(Ord.# DR07-01, 9/6/07; DR09-01, 716/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DR11-04, 8/4/11)

17-509. Erosion/Sediment Control and Bank Stability:

A. An Erosion/Sedimentation Control (ESC) Plan shall be developed by the

Engineer and submitted for approval to address potential sediment migration from the project site during construction activities. It will be the responsibility of

the Contractor to maintain drainage ditches and detention ponds and to provide

adequate bank stability and erosion protection until the site is fully stabilized. (Ord.# DR07-01, 9/6/07; DR09-01, 716/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DR11-05, 7/21/11)

B. As per LPDES requirements, a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)

shall be developed for all sites that disturb greater than 1 acre. This plan will be submitted to the Engineering Department of Ascension Parish prior the beginning

of construction at the site. All of these sites will be covered under general

permit LAR100000 or LAR200000, please contact LDEQ for specific requirements for each permit. It will be the responsibility of the Contractor to

fulfill and maintain the requirements of the permit.


C. The LPDES permit for small construction activities (LAR200000) requires a

Small Construction Activity Completion Report (SCACR)be submitted within sixty (60) days after completion of covered activities, a copy of this report shall

be submitted to the Parish at the same time. The LPDES permit for construction

activities larger than 5 acres (LAR100000) requires a Notice of Termination

(NOT) be submitted after the site has been finally stabilized, a copy of this NOT shall be submitted to the Parish at the same time.

D. The LPDES permits (LAR 100000 & LAR 200000) require inspection reports be

done on all construction projects that disturb greater than 1 acre at a frequency noted in the project SWPPP. These inspection reports shall be submitted to the

Ascension Parish Storm Water Department at the frequency noted in the project

SWPPP from the start of construction activities regulated under the LPDEA

permits until final stabilization.

E. The following shall be considered as maximum slopes that provide adequate

bank stability and erosion protection:

1. Major streams: Maximum slope shall be 3:1 (horizontal to vertical). If

the slopes are concrete lined, a slope of 1.5:1 may be utilized.

2. Storm Water detention ponds: Maximum side slope shall be 3:1 (horizontal to vertical) to a minimum of two feet below the normal pool

stage. Sides slopes more than two feet below the normal pool stage may

be established at slopes greater than 3:1 (up to a maximum 1.5:1) with written certification by a licensed Geotechnical Engineer stating that the

side slopes will be permanently stable at the design slope.

3. Open Ditches: Maximum slope shall be 3:1 (horizontal to vertical).

F. Where a ditch discharges into an outfall channel, the proposed ditch shall be

enclosed in a properly sized pipe approved by the Department of Public Works under the maintenance access strip of the outfall channel.

(Ord.# DR07-01, 9/6/07; DR09-01, 716/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DR11-05, 7/21/11; DR14-01, 4/23/14)

17-5010. Construction Standards:

A. All drainage and earthwork construction shall be constructed in accordance with the Ascension Parish Subdivision Regulations and Construction Specifications,

latest revision. All temporary culverts require a permit and written approval by

the Department of Public Works and/or appropriate Drainage District.

(Ord.# DR07-01, 9/6/07; DR09-01, 716/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-5011. Servitude and Right of Way Requirements:

Reserved for future expansion

(Ord.# DR07-01, 9/6/07; DR09-01, 716/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09; SR12-17, 2/7/13)


17-5012. Storm Water Conveyance Systems:

A. The following criteria and requirements shall apply to all proposed storm water conveyance systems:

1. Open ditches: Existing open ditches may be utilized to convey offsite

water through a proposed development or to convey water from a subsurface collection system to its ultimate outfall or detention area. No

new open ditches shall be allowed within a proposed development.

2. Subsurface storm water systems shall be utilized to collect runoff from

proposed roadways and the front/rear of lots for conveyance to an outfall

ditch or detention pond. Swales used to direct stormwater to drainage inlets shall have side slopes not exceeding 5:1.

3. Subsurface systems installed to convey off-site water require proper

analysis be performed in accordance with Section 17-506 to ensure that no negative impact is caused to adjoining property owners.

4. For all new developments effluent from individual sanitary sewer treatment systems must ultimately outfall into an enclosed storm

drainage system if such storm drainage system abuts the subject site.

(Ord.# DR07-01, 9/6/07; DR09-01, 716/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-5013. Design Criteria:

A. Storm drainage design, unless otherwise noted, shall utilize at a minimum a ten

year 24-hour storm duration as determined by Technical Paper 40 published by the National Weather Service (Currently 8.5 inches over a 24-hour period).

B. Drainage Impact Studies shall be prepared in accordance with the latest revision of the Drainage Impact Study Policy, as established by the Ascension Parish


C. All drainage impact studies, construction plans, and final drainage calculations for residential subdivisions and commercial developments submitted to the

Office of Planning & Development shall be performed under the direction of and

sealed by a Professional Engineer licensed to practice Civil Engineering in the State of Louisiana. Exceptions will be considered by the Planning Director for

cases showing a clear reduction in total impervious area and no modifications to

existing drainage elements.

D. The Parish Floodplain Administrator may require a flood elevation certificate

from a Professional Land Surveyor or Professional Engineer for residential and

commercial structures at his/her discretion.

E. Interior subsurface stormwater system conveyance may be designed based upon

the five year storm event provided peak flows for the ten year event do not cause a design failure.

(Ord.# DR07-01, 9/6/07; DR09-01, 716/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-5014. Drainage Servitudes:

A. Drainage servitudes are dedicated to the Parish for the exclusive purpose of

maintaining adequate storm water drainage. Any encroachment within such

servitudes that may inhibit this purpose presently, or in the future, as determined

by the Department of Public Works and/or the appropriate Drainage District is prohibited.

B. The removal of such encroachments shall be the responsibility of the landowner, and shall be accomplished no later than ten (10) days from the date of notice by

the Department of Public Works and/or the appropriate Drainage District.

C. The landowner shall be assessed a penalty of $100.00 per day thereafter until the

encroachment is removed and verified by the Department of Public Works and/or

the appropriate Drainage District.

D. When imminent flooding or damage from storm events are possible, as

determined by the Department of Public Works and/or the appropriate Drainage

District, Parish forces shall have the right to enter the property and remove the encroachment. The property owner shall be assessed all costs incurred in the

removal of the encroachment.

(Ord.# DR07-01, 9/6/07; DR09-01, 716/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-5091. Variances:

A. Any request for deviation from the requirements and policies outlined within the Ascension Parish Drainage Ordinance must be made in writing by the applicant.

Written request shall include supporting documentation necessary to prove basis

warranting a variance. The request for a variance must be specific, and addressed to the attention of the Planning & Development Director. A variance

will be granted only upon the written approval of the appropriate Drainage

District Director, the Director of Public Works, and the Office of Planning &

Development. (Ord.# DR07-01, 9/6/07; DR09-01, 716/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-5092. Fines and Enforcements:

A. Any person who violates any element of a Parish required permit or Parish

regulations, or any supporting part thereof (e.g. Construction Plans, Drainage Impact

Study, Erosion/Sedimentation Control Plan) or federal and state regulations (see section 17-504) including violations to the SWPPP will be issued a written warning.

If the violation is not corrected in the time allotted by the written warning the

project will be issued a stop work order by the Engineering department or the

Department of Public Works. B. If the above violations are not corrected within the time allotted by the stop work

order (two working days minimum), all permits shall be rescinded by written notice

from the Parish. A stop work order does not alleviate responsibility for any


violations and shall not indemnify the permit holder against additional enforcement

actions as allowed by local, state and federal laws. C. If the above violations are not corrected within five working days of the permits

being rescinded, the responsible party will be subject to fines, in addition to any

fines leveled by Federal and State regulators. The fine shall be $500.00 for each

violation. Each specific infraction shall constituted a separate violation. Each day the violation continues shall constitute a separate violation. Fines may be enforced

from the date of initial warning of violation(s).

D. All fines and penalties shall be paid to the governing body of Ascension Parish, Louisiana.

(Ord.# DR11-01, 6/16/11)



A. Note: Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this ordinance

shall be interpreted to give them the meaning they have in common usage and to give this ordinance the most reasonable application.

Backwater: Surface waters in a flooding condition where the source of the flooding is a downstream channel or stream

Base Flood Elevation (BFE): The flood elevation shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map for Zones

AE, AH, A1-A30, AR, AR/A, AR/AE, AR/A1-A30, AR/AH, AR/AO, V1-V30, and VE that indicates the water surface elevation resulting from a flood that has a one percent chance of equaling or exceeding that

level in any given year

Channel: means any stream, swale, ditch, diversion, or watercourse that conveys stormwater runoff,

whether natural or manmade

Conveyance: Natural or man-made system accommodating flow of storm water

Detention System: All facilities, channels, basins, and areas, natural or artificial, which serve to store

storm water and release it at a controlled rate

Developed Condition: Means the fully developed or built out condition with respect to stormwater runoff

from a proposed development or residential site plan

Drainage Impact Study: A report prepared for a designated area supporting the design decisions made to

meet all requirements on drainage provisions, flood mitigation measures and performance monitoring

tasks which may be placed on, or located throughout such area. The Parish “Drainage Impact Study Policy” establishes the minimum submittal requirements for a Drainage Impact Study to initiate review

by the Office of Planning & Development as part of the permitting process.

Earthwork: The excavation and/or embankment of soil

Existing Condition: The pre-developed condition of the site with respect to hydrology and hydraulics. Credit will not be given for impervious surface area constructed in the previous 5-year period for a site

being redeveloped.

Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM): Official map for a community in which FEMA has delineated both the special hazard areas and the risk premium zones applicable to that community

Flood Zone: A geographical area where flooding reaches a certain height as shown on a Flood Hazard Boundary Map or a Flood Insurance Rate Map that reflects a severity or type of flooding in an area

Heavy Industrial: Intended to accommodate high-impact manufacturing, compounding, processing, packaging, treatment and other industrial uses, including extractive and waste-related uses, that by their


nature create a nuisance, and which are not properly associated with or are compatible with nearby

residential or commercial neighborhoods.

Impervious Surface: Any surface where the infiltration of storm water into the earth has been reduced by

the works of man.

Industrial Facility: Any development within an Industrially zoned (I) piece of property that is classified

as a Heavy Industrial Use.

Light Industrial: Intended to accommodate light manufacturing, research and development,

warehousing, wholesale and processing uses. Light industrial is intended to encourage originality and

flexibility in design to ensure that the development is properly related to its site and buffered to surrounding land uses. Development should be operated in a relatively clean and quiet manner in

accordance with applicable noise ordinance regulations (Chapter 14, Article III of the Code of

Ordinances) and should not be obnoxious to nearby residential or commercial uses. Uses shall create

little or no environmental or safety problems.

Lowest Floor: The lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including a basement). An unfinished or

flood-resistant enclosure, used solely for parking of vehicles, building access, or storage in an area other than a basement area, is not considered a building's lowest floor provided that such enclosure is not built

so as to render the structure in violation of other requirements.

Lowest Gutter Elevation: The lowest elevation of the road at the gutter.

Peak Flow: The maximum volumetric rate of flow of water at any given point in a channel or conduit

resulting from a predetermined storm.

Storm Frequency: The average period of time during which a storm of a given duration and intensity can

be expected to be equaled or exceeded.

Base Flood Elevation: The anticipated height, in relation to the North American Vertical Datum

(NAVD) of 1988, or other datum where specified, of floodwaters of various magnitudes and frequencies

in the floodplains of coastal or riverine areas.

Peak Water Surface Elevation: The highest design water surface elevation for the design storm in a

detention pond or storm drainage system.

Watershed: The total land area above a given point on a waterway that contributes runoff water to the

flow at that point. (Ord.# DR07-01, 9/6/07; DR09-01, 716/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

42077 ChuGonzalesPhone: (2Web: www

17-601. 17-602. 17-604. 17-605. 17-606. 17-607. 17-608. 17-609. 17-6010.17-6011.17-6012.17-6013.17-6014.17-6070.17-6071.17-6072.17-6073.17-6080.17-6081.17-6082.17-6083.17-6084.17-6085.17-6090.17-6091.17-6092.17-6010017-6011017-60111

urchpoint Ro, Louisiana 7

225)450-1002 /w.ascensionp

General General CRelation tReview aPre-AppliConcept PFinal DevChanges t

. Maintaini

. Expiratio

. The Appr

. Filing and

. Rezoning

. Developm

. Code Mo

. Small Pla

. Additiona

. General

. Common

. Associati

. Landscap

. Environm

. Ownershi

. Administ

. Violation

. Appeal. ..0. Definit0. SPUDs1. Orange

PAROFFI

oad 70737 / Fax: (225) 4parish.net

PLANNE

Purpose: PrCharacter: ...to Zoning D

and Approvaication ConfPlan. ...........velopment Pto an Approving a Final Dn and Lapseroved Final Dd Distributio

g from “PUDment Standaodifications anned Unit Dal RegulationReview Cri Open Spaceon ..............

ping and Scremental Standip and Contrtration and

ns....................................tions ...........s and PUDs e Grove Plan

ISH OCE OF PL

50-1352

APPED UNIT DE

C

rocedures .......................istricts. .......

al Proceduresference. ...........................lan and Finaved Planned

Developmente of Final DeDevelopmenon of Final DD” District toards ............Permitted:

Developmentns for Phaseteria. ..........e Requireme....................eening Standards. ............rol. ...............Enforceme

....................

....................

.......................................

ntation PUD.

OF ALANNING

PLAN

PENDIX VIEVELOPME

Contents:

....................

....................

....................s: General. ...........................................al Plat. .........d Unit Develt Plan. .........

evelopment Pnt Plan. ........Developmento Prior Zonin.......................................t (SPUD) St

ed Developm....................ents. .................................dards. ..................................................

ent ...................................................................................................................

ASCEG AND DENNING D

NT (PUD) C

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................lopment. ..........................Plans. ..............................t Plan Final ng District. ..........................................tandards. ......

ments. ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

NSIOVELOPM

DEPARTM

CODE

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................Plat. ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

ON MENT MENT

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

...... 3

...... 3

...... 4

...... 4

...... 5

...... 6

...... 8

...... 9

.... 13

.... 14

.... 14

.... 14

.... 14

.... 17

.... 17

.... 23

.... 26

.... 27

.... 28

.... 29

.... 30

.... 30

.... 30

.... 33

.... 33

.... 33

.... 35

.... 40

.... 40

Appendix VI: PUD Page 2 of 40

ORDINANCE HISTORY Ord. #PD05-01, adopted December 1, 2005 Ord. #DC09-09, adopted December 17, 2009 Ord. #PD10-01, adopted February 18, 2010


17-601. General Purpose: Procedures (Ord.# PD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-602. General Character:

A. Purpose. It is the intent of this Section to, and the following objectives shall be

achieved, where applicable, through the Use of the Planned Unit Development process: 1. Encourage the Development of large tracts of land as planned

neighborhoods, communities and/or Developments. 2. Encourage flexible and creative concepts in site planning. 3. Preserve the natural amenities of the land by encouraging scenic and

open areas, and create a method for the permanent preservation of Common Open Space, natural vegetation, topographic and geological features, and environmentally appropriate features for the continued Use and enjoyment of the residents of the Development.

4. Accomplish a more desirable environment than would be possible through the strict application of minimum requirements of the current Development Code, and permit a maximum choice in the types of environment available to the public by allowing a Development that would not be possible under the strict application of the other sections of this ordinance.

5. Provide an efficient Use of land, which could result in smaller networks of utilities and Streets, and promote a creative approach to the Use of land and related physical facilities that result in better design and Development, with the inclusion of aesthetic amenities including an increased amount of landscaping.

6. Provide an environment of stable character compatible with surrounding area, and combine and coordinate architectural styles, Building forms, and Building relationships with a possible mixing of different urban Uses in an innovative design.

7. Provide an environment that encourages non-vehicular circulation. 8. Provide for the prevention and/or control of soil erosion, surface

Flooding, and the preservation of subsurface water. 9. Provide for more usable and suitably located recreation facilities,

schools, and other public and private facilities. 10. Create a method for the permanent preservation of architectural and/or

historic landmarks. 11. Promote a land Use which promotes the public health, safety and

welfare.

B. Within the planned area, a variety of land Use types should be designed, in an orderly relation to one another and to existing land Uses, and with due regard to comprehensive planning.


C. Such Development may consist of conventionally subdivided Lots to be sold, unsubdivided single ownership, separate Condominium ownership of Structures, or other ownership methods and shall provide for Development by means of a Planned Unit Development plat which establishes the location and extent of the features of the Planned Unit Development in keeping with its purpose.

D. The unique and substantially different character of Planned Unit Developments require their administrative processing as a “special rezoning” in this ordinance. Planned Unit Developments are more complex and of a different character than other zoning classifications, requiring the establishment herein of specific and additional procedures, standards, requirements and exceptions to govern the recommendations of the Planning Commission and Zoning Commission and the action of the Parish Council.

E. Interpretation.

1. The Subdivision, Development and Use of land as an integral unit which may provide for single-family residential, multiple-family residential, educational, business, commercial, recreational, park and common open areas, is described as a Planned Unit Development.

2. In its establishment and authorization as a special zoning classification, the Planned Unit Development may be excepted from the provisions of the Subdivision and site plan regulations and of the zoning ordinance of Ascension Parish to the extent specified in this ordinance and in the final authorization of the Planned Unit Development as specified in an ordinance approved by the Parish Council.

(Ord.# PD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09) 17-604. Relation to Zoning Districts. An approved Planned Unit Development shall be considered to be a separate zoning district in which the Development plan, as approved, establishes the restrictions and regulations according to which Development shall occur, and may depart from the normal procedures, standards, and other requirements of the other sections of the zoning ordinance and Subdivision regulations to the extent provided herein. Upon approval, the official zoning map will be changed to indicate the area as Planned Unit Development Concept (or “PUD CONCEPT”), or if final approval granted then as Planned Unit Development (or “PUD”). Every approval of a Planned Unit Development shall be considered an amendment to the zoning ordinance.

(Ord.# PD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09) 17-605. Review and Approval Procedures: General.

The Planned Unit Development approval process shall consist of the following four (4) components:

A. Pre-Application Conference B. Recommendation of Concept Plan by the Commissions and approval of Parish

Council for the entire Planned Unit Development; C. Approval of a Final Development Plan, by the Planning Commission; and


D. Approval of a Final Plat, by the Planning Commission. E. If the Planned Unit Development includes the division of property into Lots, the

Final Development Plan shall be approved concurrently with a preliminary plat. F. Subdivisions of property within a Planned Unit Development after Concept Plan

approval, but prior to Final Development Plan approval, shall meet the zoning requirements of the most Restrictive zoning district allowed for each designated Use for that portion of the Concept Plan. These Subdivisions shall require Planning Commission approval and will not allow Development or Building permit approval until a Final Development Plan is approved.

G. Where the Planned Unit Development is to be developed in phases, the Concept Plan that is presented for review and approval shall be the Concept Plan for the entire Planned Unit Development and shall identify the proposed phasing. Each phase of a Planned Unit Development shall have an individual Final Development Plan.

H. Independent Consultants may be retained by the Commissions and/or the Parish Council to seek assistance to properly review the Concept Plans and Final Development Plans. The reasonable cost of such review shall be reimbursed by the applicant. The applicant shall be advised of the estimated fees and costs and may withdraw their request from consideration at that time. All required fees must be paid regardless of whether the proposed plans are approved, amended, rejected or withdrawn.

(Ord.# PD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09) 17-606. Pre-Application Conference.

A. The pre-application conference shall be held with the Zoning Official or the Zoning Official’s designee for the purpose of exchanging information, providing guidance to the applicant and determining the eligibility of the request for consideration as a Planned Unit Development.

B. A request for a pre-application conference shall be made to the Zoning Official. As part of the pre-application conference, the applicant shall submit five (5) copies of a conceptual plan, at least ten (10) days in advance of the pre-application conference, which shows the property location, boundaries, significant natural features, vehicular and pedestrian circulation, land Use(s) for the entire site, and a statement indicating financial responsibility sufficient to complete the Public Improvements shown on the conceptual plan.

C. The Zoning Official or the Zoning Official’s designee shall advise the applicant of the conformance of the Planned Unit Development concept with the intent and objectives of a Planned Unit Development, whether it appears to qualify under the minimum requirements of Section 17-602(A) and Section 17-6080, and whether the general concept appears to be substantially consistent with the Ascension Parish Master Plan and the Ascension Parish Land Use Plan. No formal action will be taken at a pre-application conference, nor will statements made at the pre-application conference be considered legally binding commitments.

(Ord.# PD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-607. Concept Plan. Following the pre-application conference, an applicant shall submit a completed application (Concept Plan) to the Zoning Official. When the Zoning Official determines the application to be complete, the application shall be sent to the Commissions for a public workshop session if deemed necessary by the Zoning Official, followed at a later date by a public hearing. The Concept Plan shall contain all information required in the Concept Plan Checklist.

A. Procedures for Planned Unit Development Concept Plan approval. All applications for Planned Unit Developments shall be processed in the following manner: 1. The Concept Plan shall follow the procedures for approval of planning

items before the Planning Commission and zoning cases before the Zoning Commission and the Parish Council which are not in conflict with this Code.

2. At least fourteen (14) days prior to review and determination by the Commissions, all Abutting property Owners shall be notified by regular mail of the Planned Unit Development and given an opportunity to submit written comments. Notice shall also be published in the Parish’s official journal at least ten (10) days prior to the review.

3. Following required public notice, the Commissions shall hold a public hearing on the proposed Planned Unit Development. Following the hearing, the Commissions shall review the Planned Unit Development request and Concept Plan and any comments submitted by any adjoining property Owners and shall make a recommendation to the Parish Council to approve, approve with conditions, or deny the Planned Unit Development rezoning request. In their recommendation to the Parish Council, the Commissions shall include the reasons for such recommendation.

B. Approval of Planned Unit Development Concept Plan. After receiving the recommendation of the Commissions, the Parish Council shall review the application, including the Concept Plan, the record of the Commissions proceedings and the recommendation, and shall approve, approve with conditions, or deny the application in accordance with the standards and purposes set forth in Section 17-602(A) and Section 17-6080. An approval with conditions shall not be considered final (and the rezoning is not final until such time) until the applicant submits a written acceptance of the conditions and all necessary revisions to the Concept Plan to the Parish Council. 1. If approved by the Parish Council, the Concept Plan and all other

information and material formally submitted with the application shall be adopted as an amendment to this Development Code and shall become the standards of Development for the Planned Unit Development. All future Development shall conform to the standards adopted for the Planned Unit Development regardless of changes in ownership.

2. Upon approval of the Concept Plan, the property shall be designated “PUD CONCEPT” on the official zoning map.

(Ord.# PD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


C. Development Agreement. All PUD concept zoning shall be subject to a Parish/Applicant Agreement prior to or contemporaneous with PUD concept approval. Prior to final approval, the applicant shall be required to enter into a Parish/Applicant Agreement with the Parish. This Agreement is designed and intended to reflect the agreement of the Parish and the applicant as to the phasing of construction to insure the timely and adequate provisions of public works facilities and public type improvements. This Parish/Applicant Agreement is also intended to insure balanced intensity of development to avoid overloading existing public facilities during the construction phase. This Parish/Applicant Agreement will be individually negotiated for each project, but should address the following issues:

1. Any agreement on cost sharing for the installation or over-sizing of major utility systems, lines or facilities.

2. Any agreement on cost sharing for the installation of interior or perimeter roadways, thoroughfares, or Street systems.

3. Any agreement as to a mandatory construction or dedication schedule for Common Open Space area or improvements, school site(s), landscaping or greenbelt Development or other comparable items to be dedicated or constructed for each Acre of property within the Planned Unit Development released for construction by Final Development Plan approval. This requirement is intended to allow the Parish to insure that pre-planned public type facilities, improvements or amenities are installed concurrently with other Development on the basis of a negotiated formula.

4. Any agreement as to the establishment of a maximum residential Density or commercial intensity of Use during the construction process. This requirement is intended to allow the Parish to establish a maximum Development intensity that cannot be exceeded while each phase of the project is being completed. Under this provision, the Parish may establish a maximum overall Density for each phase of the project to be applicable only during the construction phase of the Planned Unit Development. This restriction would require concurrent Development of lower Density or intensity of Use activities with higher Density or intensity of Use activities.

5. Any agreement by the applicant or Association to maintain all Common Open Space at no cost to the Parish.

(Ord.# PUD12-2, 1/19/13)


17-608. Final Development Plan and Final Plat. A. Submittal. Within thirty-six (36) months of the Parish Council’s approval of the

Concept Plan, and except as permitted under Concept Plan approval, the applicant shall submit a Final Development Plan to the Zoning Official prior to commencing construction on property zoned “PUD CONCEPT”. The applicant may request an extension of up to twelve (12) additional months from the Parish Council if the Final Development Plan has not been approved. If the applicant fails to timely submit a Final Development Plan, then the Concept Plan (not the rezoning) shall be determined to be invalid. If the Planned Unit Development is to be developed in phases, the applicant must submit a Final Development Plan for the first phase within thirty-six (36) months of the Parish Council’s approval of the Concept Plan, and within consecutive twelve (12) month periods thereafter for each subsequent phase. If the applicant fails to timely submit a Final Development Plan, then the Concept Plan incorporating all phases not already approved as a Final Development Plan shall be determined to be invalid. The Final Development Plan shall contain all information required in the Final Development Plan Checklist.

B. Certification. The appropriate design professionals shall certify direct involvement in the preparation of the Final Development Plan (such as a Louisiana licensed arborist), but in all cases the Final Development Plan shall be certified by a: 1. Architect or civil engineer; and 2. Landscape architect.

C. Final Plat. A Final Plat shall be submitted with the Final Development Plan,

drawn in ink to a scale of one (1”) inch equals one hundred (100’) feet in one (1) or more sheets whose dimensions are twenty-four (24”) inches by thirty-six (36”) inches, and contain the information required by the Subdivision Ordinance under the Development Code. 1. The title of the Final Plat shall read “Final Plat of [Name of Planned Unit

Development], [Section, Township, and Range”]. 2. Where the Planned Unit Development is of unusual size or shape, the

Planning Commission may permit a variation in the scale or size of the Final Plat.

D. Landscape Plan. A suitable landscape plan is required for all Planned Unit Development Final Development Plans.

E. Substantial Compliance of Final Development Plan. The Final Development Plan shall be in substantial compliance with the Concept Plan. It is not intended that the Planned Unit Development so approved shall be inflexibly applied, but rather, the Planned Unit Development shall be in conformance with the Concept Plan subject to modification due to changed economic, social, market or demographic conditions. The burden shall be upon the applicant to show the Planning Commission good cause for Major Change (as defined below) between the Concept Plan and the Final Development Plan as submitted for final


approval. If the Final Development Plan, as submitted, contains substantial variations from the Concept Plan, or Major Changes as defined in Section 17-609, the Planning Commission may, after a meeting with the applicant, within five (5) days of such meeting, advise the applicant in writing why said variations are not in the public interest, and deny the proposed variations. Nothing contained herein shall prohibit an applicant from requesting a change to an approved Planned Unit Development as set forth in Section 17-609.

F. Procedure for approval. The Final Development Plan and Final Plat shall follow the procedure for planning items going to the Planning Commission with a public hearing. Procedure for approval of a Final Development Plan and Final Plat for a Planned Unit Development shall be processed in the following manner: 1. The Engineering Review Agency shall review and approve the

construction plans for any Public Improvements shown on the Final Development Plan prior to any construction. Improvements may be completed or bonded for final approval in the same manner as required under the Subdivision Ordinance of the Development Code.

2. The Planning Commission shall issue a notice of public hearing by posting the affected site in a conspicuous place at least ten (10) days prior to the hearing date. A record of information and materials presented at the public hearing shall be kept and maintained by the Planning Commission as part of the applicant’s permanent record.

3. Following required public notice, the Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing on the proposed Final Development Plan and Final Plat. Following the hearing, the Planning Commission shall review the Final Development Plan and Final Plat request and any comments submitted by any adjoining property Owners and shall approve, approve with conditions, or deny the request.

4. Upon such approval and subsequent amendment of the Final Development Plan, construction may proceed for public and/or approved private roads, utility installations, Common Open Space, recreational facilities, governmental Structures, and similar Uses provided that a preliminary Subdivision plat has also been approved for the Development in accordance with the Development Code.

5. Any other proposed modifications, including yard Variances and/or setback waivers, affecting the Planned Unit Development’s legal description shall require a review and approval of the Planned Unit Development Final Development Plan and/or the Final Plat by the Commissions Staff. The burden shall be upon the applicant to demonstrate to the Planning Commission justification for any variation from the approved Final Development Plan.

6. Upon approval of a Final Development Plan and the Final Plat, the property shall be re-designated from “PUD CONCEPT” to “PUD” on the official zoning map.

(Ord.# PD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09) 17-609. Changes to an Approved Planned Unit Development.


A. Types of Changes. There are three (3) types of changes; Major Use Change,

Major Site Change and Minor Change. A Major Use Change and a Major Site Change are collectively referred to herein as a “Major Change”.

B. Major Use Change. A major Use change (“Major Use Change”) is one that will have significant impacts on the approved Uses within the Planned Unit Development, or on the site surrounding the Planned Unit Development. Major Use Changes include, but are not limited to:

1. An increase in the Development site area of more than five (5%) percent; 2. An increase in Density of any permitted land Use, including the number

of housing units, by more than five (5%) percent; 3. In residential areas, a change in the mix of Single-Dwelling and Multi-

Dwelling Structures by more than five (5%) percent; 4. An increase in the amount of land in nonresidential Uses by more than

five (5%) percent; 5. Involve any land Use not specified on the approved Concept Plan or the

list of permitted Uses; 6. Substantial and material reduction in the amenities proffered by the

applicant; and/or 7. Material changes in the permitted land Use authorized in the Planned

Unit Development which in the opinion of the Zoning Officer will have a material adverse change with the Planned Unit Development or on the site surrounding the Planned Unit Development.

C. Major Site Change. A major site change (“Major Site Change”) is a major change (other than a Major Use Change) that will have significant impact on the site and layout of the Development in the Planned Unit Development which is not a Major Use Change, or on the site surrounding the Planned Unit Development. Major Site Changes include, but are not limited to: 1. Changes that vary the individual Lot Area requirement as submitted in

the Concept Plan by more than ten (10) percent; 2. Changes in non-residential Floor Areas by more than five (5) percent of

the total Floor Area within a component of the Planned Unit Development;

3. Deleting or changing the purpose of Flood hazard Servitudes or Easements;

4. Changes to the vehicular system which result in a significant adverse change in the amount or location of Streets and shared driveways, common parking areas, circulation patterns, and Access to the Planned Unit Development;

5. Changes in the allocation of prescribed land Uses such that it would result in an increase in the number of vehicle trips generated in excess of ten (10) percent;

6. Changes which are material in the typical sections of Street design; 7. Changes in the designation of Streets between private and public; and/or


8. Material changes in the approved overall layout of the site plan and/or matters related to onsite and/or offsite infrastructure requirements authorized in the Planned Unit Development which in the opinion of the Zoning Officer will have a material adverse change with the Planned Unit Development or on the site surrounding the Planned Unit Development.

D. Minor Change. A minor change (“Minor Change”) is a change that will not alter the basic design and character of the Planned Unit Development, nor any specified conditions imposed as part of the original approval. Minor changes include, but are not limited to: 1. Reduction of the size of any Building; 2. Movement of Buildings and/or Signs by no more than ten (10’) feet, but

in no event in required Buffers and/or setbacks; 3. Landscaping approved in the Final Development Plan that is replaced by

similar landscaping to an equal or greater extent; 4. Changes in non-residential floor plans, of up to five (5) percent of the

total Floor Area, which do not alter the character of the Use or increase the amount of required parking;

5. Internal rearrangement of a parking Lot that does not affect the number of parking spaces or alter Access locations or design;

6. Changes required or requested by the Parish and other State or Federal authorities in order to conform to other laws or regulations;

7. On balance, compared to the approved Planned Unit Development, the change will equally or better meet the purposes and approval criteria set forth in Section 17-602 & 17-6080. above in the opinion of the Zoning Official; and/or

8. Any adverse impacts caused by the change are mitigated to the satisfaction of the Zoning Official.

E. Review Procedures. Requests for changes to an approved Planned Unit Development are processed as follows: 1. Major Use Changes.

a. Application for Major Use Changes. The Owner(s) of record of the property shall file an application with the Zoning Official, upon a form prescribed therefore, which shall contain the reason for the classification of the change as a Major Use Change, as described in Section 17-609(B), and the resulting impacts from the Major Use Change on the Development.

b. Public Hearing. Upon receipt and verification of the completion of the application by the Zoning Official, the Zoning Official shall forward the application to the Commissions. The Commissions shall issue a notice of public hearing by posting the affected site in a conspicuous place at least ten (10) days prior to the hearing date. A record of information and materials


presented at the public hearing shall be kept and maintained by the Commissions as part of the applicant’s permanent record.

c. Findings and Recommendations. The Commissions shall make their findings on the Major Use Change based on the information set forth in the application and the approval criteria set forth in Section 17-609(B), and submit recommendations to the Parish Council within fifteen (15) days from the hearing date. The Commissions shall forward a copy of their findings and recommendations to the applicant.

d. Adoption of Major Use Change. The Parish Council shall adopt or reject the proposed Major Use Change within fifteen (15) days from receipt of the recommendations from the Commissions. The Parish Council shall submit reasons for its decision to the applicant.

2. Major Site Changes. a. Application for Major Site Changes. The Owner(s) of record of

the property shall file an application with the Zoning Official, upon a form prescribed therefore, which shall contain the reason for the classification of the change as a Major Site Change, as described in Section 17-609(C)., and the resulting impacts from the Major Site Change on the Development.

b. Public Hearing. Upon receipt and verification of the completion of the application by the Zoning Official, the Zoning Official shall forward the application to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission shall issue a notice of public hearing by posting the affected site in a conspicuous place at least ten (10) days prior to the hearing date. A record of information and materials presented at the public hearing shall be kept and maintained by the Planning Commission as part of the applicant’s permanent record.

c. Findings and Recommendations. The Planning Commission shall make its findings on the Major Site Change based on the information set forth in the application and the approval criteria set forth in Section 17-609(C). The Planning Commission shall forward a copy of its findings and recommendations to the applicant.

d. Appeal. The applicant may appeal the decision by the Planning Commission pursuant to Section 17-6092.

3. Minor Changes. a. Application. The Owner(s) of record of the property shall file an

application with the Zoning Official, upon a form prescribed therefore, which shall contain the reason for the classification of the change as a Minor Change, as described in Section 17-609(D), and the resulting immaterial impacts from the change on the Development, if any.

b. Findings and Recommendations. Upon receipt and verification of the completion of the application by the Zoning Official, the Zoning Official shall make its findings based on the information


set forth in the application and the approval criteria set forth in Section 17-609(D), and notify the applicant of its decision. If the Zoning Official determines the change to be a Minor Change, the Zoning Official’s decision shall be final and no Appeal shall be available.

4. Appeal of Classification as Major Use Change or Major Site Change. If the Zoning Official determines the change to be a Major Use Change or a Major Site Change, the applicant may appeal the decision by the Zoning Official pursuant to Section 17-6097.

(Ord.# PD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09) 17-6010. Maintaining a Final Development Plan.

A. Construction. Construction may take place only within such portion(s) of a Planned Unit Development for which a current Final Development Plan is in effect.

B. Development Schedule. The Development schedule shall contain the following

information: 1. The order of construction of the proposed stages delineated in the Final

Development Plan. 2. The proposed date for the beginning of construction of each stage. 3. The proposed date for the completion of construction of each stage. 4. The proposed schedule for the construction and improvement of common

area within each stage including any Accessory Buildings.

C. Enforcement of the Development Schedule. The construction and provision of all Common Open Spaces and public facilities and infrastructure which are shown on the Final Development Plan must proceed at no slower a rate than the construction of Dwelling units or other Structures of a commercial nature. The Planning Commission may, at any time, compare the actual Development accomplished with the approved Development schedule. If the Planning Commission finds that the rate of construction of Dwelling units or other commercial Structures is substantially greater than the rate at which Common Open Spaces and public facilities and infrastructure have been constructed and provided, then either or both of the following actions may be taken: 1. The Planning Commission shall cease to approve any additional Final

Development Plans for subsequent phases; and/or 2. The Building Official shall discontinue issuance of Building permits. 3. In any instance where the above actions are taken, the Planning

Commission shall gain assurance that the relationship between the construction of Dwellings or other Structures of a commercial nature and the provision of Common Open Spaces and public facilities and infrastructure are brought into adequate balance prior to the continuance of construction.


D. Permits. No Building permit for a Structure other than a temporary contractor’s office or temporary storage Building shall be issued for a Lot or Parcel within an approved Planned Unit Development prior to a determination by the fire marshal or designee that adequate fire protection and Access for construction needs exists. No occupancy permit for a Structure other than a temporary contractor’s office or other approved temporary Building shall be issued for a Structure on a Lot or Parcel within an approved Planned Unit Development prior to final inspection and approval of all required improvements which will serve such Lot or Parcel to the satisfaction of the Director of the Department of Public Works and the Building Official.

(Ord.# PD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09) 17-6011. Expiration and Lapse of Final Development Plans.

A. Final Development Plan approval shall expire three (3) years from the date of Planning Commission approval of a Final Development Plan. The applicant may request an extension from the Planning Commission for not more than one (1) year if the project is not complete after three (3) years. Nothing herein shall be construed to limit the time limitations for phased Developments as set forth in Section 17-608(A).

(Ord.# PD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09) 17-6012. The Approved Final Development Plan.

A. Development restrictions and/or conditions, as required by the Commissions and/or the Parish Council, shall be recorded by the applicant with the Clerk of Court of Ascension Parish within fifteen (15) days of the date of the final approval of the Concept Plan and/or the Final Development Plan by the Commissions and/or Parish Council, as the case may be. Certified copies of these documents shall also be filed with the Office of the Commissions. The applicant shall record Development restrictions and other required documents, which pertain to a Subdivision within the approved Final Development Plan, with the Clerk of Court of Ascension Parish within fifteen (15) days of the signing of the Final Plat, as provided in this Section X17-6012.

(Ord.# PD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09) 17-6013. Filing and Distribution of Final Development Plan Final Plat.

A. The applicant shall have a total of ten (10) black-line prints of the approved Final Plat to be disbursed as required by the Commissions Staff.

(Ord.# PD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09) 17-6014. Rezoning from “PUD” District to Prior Zoning District.

The Zoning Official shall request that the Parish Council initiate the rezoning of the property back to the zoning district existing immediately preceding the “PUD CONCEPT” and/or “PUD” zoning within a Planned Unit Development, only as to that portion of the property which has not been developed, if:


A. A Final Development Plan for a portion of the property is not approved within three (3) years after the effective date of the ordinance approving “PUD CONCEPT” for the property unless extended by the Parish Council for up to one (1) additional year; or B. An approved Final Development Plan expires as stipulated in the Final Development Plan.

(Ord.# PD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


(This page left blank intentionally for code expansion)


17-6070. Development Standards 17-6071. Code Modifications Permitted:

A. All PUDs and SPUDs shall strictly adhere to all requirements throughout the Unified Land Development Code (LDC) unless the development standards for the proposed PUD or SPUD were specifically requested, approved, and adopted as part of the PUD special zoning district, the Concept Plan and Final Development Plan specifications. The PUD or SPUD shall include a detail list of all requested modifications to the LDC. At a minimum, the list of modifications to the standards for the PUD or SPUD must include the following:

1. A detail list of each requested and approved modification referencing the specific section, subsection, and paragraph of the code or regulation;

2. Statement of justification for each modification;

3. The new standard for the approved PUD or SPUD; and

4. A statement confirming compliance with all other applicable provisions of the development code and subdivision regulations. The Final Development Plan shall incorporate all approved modifications as adopted by the Parish Council.

(Ord.# PD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09; PD10-01, 2/18/10)

B. The following table of Minimum Development Standards and review criteria shall apply to all Planned Unit Developments and shall constitute minimum Planned Unit Development requirements the Parish Council may allow.

(Ord.# PD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09; PD10-01, 2/18/10)

[See table on following page]


PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT TABLE Minimum Development Standards

CONFORM TO DEVELOPMENT CODE

REQUIREMENTS

REQUIREMENTS TO BE DETERMINED BY

EACH APPROVED FINAL

DEVELOPMENT PLAN CONSISTENT

WITH CONCEPT PLAN

SPECIAL MINIMUM

REQUIREMENTS WHICH MAY NOT

BE WAIVED

MINIMUM SIZE

Twenty (20) acres.

PARKING

Development Code requirements unless shared parking is approved with the Final Development Plan.

SIGNS

X

SETBACK

REQUIREMENTS

X

MINIMUM LOT SIZE

X

MINIMUM LOT

WIDTH

X

HEIGHT OF BUILDINGS

Not more than one hundred fifty (150) percent of Abutting zoning districts. In addition, Buildings may also be increased in Height one (1) foot for each ten (10) feet




REQUIREMENTS


EACH APPROVED FINAL


WITH CONCEPT PLAN

SPECIAL MINIMUM


BE WAIVED

setback from Abutting zoning districts.

RESIDENTIAL

DENSITY

X

NON-RESIDENTIAL FLOOR TO LAND

AREA RATIO

The maximum floor to land area ratio for nonresidential Structures is two and five tenths (2.5). The maximum floor to land area ratio for residential Buildings or mixed Use Buildings where fifty (50) percent or more of the Floor Area is utilized for residential purposes is three and five tenths (3.5).

PROPOSED

ADDITIONAL UTILITY

DISTRIBUTION LINES

Underground

DRAINAGE

Parishwide drainage

ordinance when adopted

Underground along roadways




REQUIREMENTS


EACH APPROVED FINAL


WITH CONCEPT PLAN

SPECIAL MINIMUM


BE WAIVED

A Drainage study shall be required for Development of twenty (20) acres or more.

LANDSCAPING

A perimeter landscaped Buffer Yard shall also be required to screen off-Street parking areas and Building service areas from Abutting Streets and residential zoning and Uses.

PERMITTED USES

All zoning districts except industrial and adult businesses.

PUBLIC STREETS

Subdivision regulation requirements unless deviations in Street typical sections are granted with Concept Plan approval.

Subdivision regulation requirements unless




REQUIREMENTS


EACH APPROVED FINAL


WITH CONCEPT PLAN

SPECIAL MINIMUM


BE WAIVED

PRIVATE STREETS deviations in Street typical sections are granted with Concept Plan approval.

COMMON OPEN SPACE

Common Open Space is defined in Subsection III. B. A minimum of fifteen (15) percent of the gross site area contained within a Planned Unit Development of between twenty (20) and fifty (50) Acres, eighteen (18) percent of the gross site area contained within a Planned Unit Development over fifty (50) Acres and up to one hundred (100) Acres; and twenty (20) percent of the gross site area contained within a Planned Unit Development in excess of one hundred (100)




REQUIREMENTS


EACH APPROVED FINAL


WITH CONCEPT PLAN

SPECIAL MINIMUM


BE WAIVED

Acres shall be dedicated to and maintained as Common Open Space. No reduction in the minimum Common Open Space requirements shall be permitted.

(Ord.# PD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-6072. Small Planned Unit Development (SPUD) Standards. Unless the context requires otherwise and except as otherwise set forth in this section, the provisions of this Code relating to Planned Unit Developments shall apply to Small Planned Unit Developments.

A. Development Standards. The following table of minimum Development standards shall apply to all Small Planned Unit Developments:

SMALL PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT TABLE Minimum Development Standards

CONFORM TO

DEVELOPMENT CODE

REQUIREMENTS

REQUIREMENTS TO BE

DETERMINED BY EACH APPROVED DEVELOPMENT

PLAN

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

MINIMUM SIZE Two (2) Acres

MAXIMUM SIZE

Less than twenty (20) Acres

PARKING

X

Development Code requirements unless shared parking is approved with the Development Plan.

SIGNS X SETBACK

REQUIREMENTS

X

MINIMUM LOT SIZE

X

MINIMUM LOT WIDTH

X

HEIGHT OF BUILDINGS

One hundred fifty (150) percent of Abutting zoning districts. In addition, Buildings may also be increased in Height one (1) foot for each ten (10) feet setback from Abutting zoning districts.

RESIDENTIAL DENSITY

X

The maximum floor to land area ratio for a nonresidential Structure is two and five tenths (2.5). The maximum floor to land area


SMALL PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT TABLE

Minimum Development Standards

CONFORM TO DEVELOPMENT

CODE REQUIREMENTS

REQUIREMENTS TO BE


PLAN


FLOOR TO

LAND AREA RATIO

ratio for residential Buildings or mixed Use Buildings where fifty (50) percent or more of the Floor Area is utilized for residential purposes is three and five tenth (3.5).

PROPOSED ADDITIONAL

UTILITY DISTRIBUTION

LINES

Underground

DRAINAGE

X

LANDSCAPING

A perimeter landscaped Buffer Yard shall also be required to screen off-Street parking areas and Building service areas from Abutting Streets and residential zoning and Uses.

PERMITTED

USES

Zoning districts except Industrial and Adult Entertainment Uses;

PUBLIC

STREETS

Deviations in Street typical sections as required by Subdivision Regulation requirements may be granted with Development Plan approval.

PRIVATE STREETS

Deviations in Street typical sections as required by Subdivision Regulation


SMALL PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT TABLE

Minimum Development Standards

CONFORM TO DEVELOPMENT

CODE REQUIREMENTS

REQUIREMENTS TO BE


PLAN


requirements may be granted with Development Plan approval.

COMMON OPEN SPACE

A minimum of ten (10) percent of the gross site areas contained within a SPUD shall be devoted to and maintained as Common Open Space.

B. Review and Approval Procedures. The Small Planned Unit Development approval process shall consist of the following two (2) components: 1. Approval of a Development Plan by the Commissions and the Parish

Council; and 2. Approval of a SPUD Final Plat by the Commissions.

C. Development Plan. An applicant shall submit a completed application

(Development Plan) to the Zoning Official. When the Zoning Official determines the application to be complete, the application shall be sent to the Commissions. The Development Plan shall contain all information required in the Development Plan Checklist.

D. Procedures for Development Plan Approval. All application for Small Planned Unit Developments shall be processed in the following manner: 1. The Development Plan shall follow the procedures for approval of

planning items before the Commissions which are not in conflict with this Code.

2. The SPUD Final Plat shall be submitted to the Director of the Planning and Zoning Commissions and shall contain all those items set forth in Section 17-608(C).

3. Upon review and approval of the Development Plan and the SPUD Final Plat by the Planning and Zoning Commissions, the property shall be designated as “SPUD” on the official zoning map.


E. Recordation of Development Restrictions, SPUD Final Plat, and Other Documents. The applicant shall record the SPUD Final Plat and any Development restrictions or conditions to the Development Plan by the Planning and Zoning Commissions with the Clerk of Court of Ascension Parish within fifteen (15) days of the date of approval of the Development Plan and the SPUD Final Plat by the Planning and Zoning Commissions.

(Ord.# PD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09) 17-6073. Additional Regulations for Phased Developments.

A Planned Unit Development may be developed in phases or stages in accordance with the following requirements.

A. Boundaries. The boundaries of all proposed Planned Unit Development phases

shall be shown on the Concept Plan.

B. Data. All data required for the project, as a whole, shall be given for each phase shown on the Concept Plan.

C. Improvements. The phasing plan shall be consistent with the traffic circulation,

Drainage, Common Open Space, and utilities plans for the entire Planned Unit Development. Planned Unit Developments that are to be developed in phases or stages shall be required to provide Public Improvements, Common Open Space, and other amenities attributed to such phase at the same time as or before the construction of Principal Buildings and Structures associated with individual phases. The nature, type, and amount of Public Improvements, Common Open Space, and other project amenities provided during an individual phase of the project shall be commensurate with and proportionate to the overall Development of the phase.

(Ord.# PD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-6080. General Review Criteria. A. General. Approval and recommendation of the Commissions shall be

accompanied by a written report stating the reasons for approval of the application, and specific evidence and facts showing that the proposed Planned Unit Development will not adversely affect the immediate vicinity. The Commissions in their review of proposed Planned Unit Development plans shall consider, where applicable: 1. The relation between the proposed Development and surrounding Uses,

and the effect of the proposed Planned Unit Development plan upon comprehensive planning.

2. The adequacy of existing and proposed Streets, utilities, and other public services to serve the Development; and the location with respect to the interstate, major highways and major arterial Streets so as not to create adverse major shifts of traffic generation to intermediate collectors and/or minor Streets; and Access of every Dwelling unit or other Uses within the Planned Unit Development to a public and/or private Street via pedestrian ways, courts or other Access related Servitudes or Easements.

3. The character, design, and appropriateness of the proposed land Uses and their adequacy to encourage desirable living conditions, to provide separation and screening between Uses where desirable, to preserve the natural amenities of streams, wooded areas, and similar natural features where possible, to provide adequate, and to encourage, pedestrian circulation and Access to mass transit if available.

4. The proposed location, arrangement Density/intensity, and Height of land Uses shall be compatible to existing or proposed Dwellings within the vicinity of the Planned Unit Development or to the Development of the neighborhoods.

5. The suitability of the site for Development in the manner proposed without hazard to Persons or property adjacent to the site, the Use of Flood hazard areas if present for recreational areas, and no contribution to erosion or other soil related damage. Soil conditions, Drainage, vegetation cover and topography shall be maximally utilized to fit the intended design of the Development.

6. The requirement of Common Open Spaces within the Planned Unit Development and the devotion of the Development to active and passive recreational purposes.

7. The protection and preservation of any existing historic and archaeological features into the design of the Planned Unit Development.

8. The greater protection and preservation of environmentally sensitive and natural amenities areas within the Planned Unit Development, if any, including, but not limited to, wetlands, problem soils, streams, creeks, wooded areas, and areas containing protected species.

9. The internal compatibility of the land Uses within the plan. 10. The external compatibility of the arrangement of the land Uses within the

Planning Unit Development.


11. The proposed Planned Unit Development is consistent with the spirit and intent of this PUD ordinance and represents an opportunity for improved or innovative Development for the community that could not be achieved through conventional zoning.

12. The promotion of the purposes set forth in Section17-602(A). 13. The proposed Uses within the Planned Unit Development will not

possess conditions or effects that would be injurious to the public health, safety, or welfare of the community.

(Ord.# PD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-6081. Common Open Space Requirements. A. Subject to satisfaction of subsection “C” below, the following Uses may account

for Common Open Space with the stated limitations: 1. Parks, and other open greenbelt areas within in, whether publicly or

privately owned, which are readily accessible must account for not less than fifty (50%) percent of the Common Open Space.

2. Street Trees located within designated landscape common areas or landscape Servitude and located within a Street Right-of-Way may not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the Common Open Space. However, Common Open Space within vehicle Use areas or any noncontiguous green area of less than one thousand (1000) square feet may not be included.

3. Lake and ponds, including storm water wet detention basins provided that they are designed so that they are designed so that a minimum of twenty (20%) percent of the Abutting shoreline is made accessible for the common Use of the Development, but in no event less than 300' feet of frontage.

4. Storm water dry detention basins of not less than one (1) Acre; but may not exceed twenty-five (25%) percent of the Common Open Space and must be designed to provide for acceptable maintenance and upkeep of the detention basin.

5. Golf courses may account for up to fifty (50) percent of the Common Open Space.

6. Wetlands. 7. Hard surface recreation areas such as recreational courts and pedestrian

plazas may account for up to twenty-five (25%) of the Common Open Space.

8. Servitudes with existing below ground utilities and/or facilities with a width of not less than 30’ feet.

9. Electrical transmission line Servitudes with a width of not less than 150’ feet.

10. School sites, excluding the area devoted to Buildings. 11. An existing Building or Buildings that have historical or cultural

significance may be located in a common area space; however, the enclosed Building area may not be included in the Common Open Space requirement.


12. Common Open Space for the Use by the general public, if agreed to by the appropriate governmental authority, in each case in an amount to be determined by the Commissions.

B. Common Open Space shall not include: 1. Required

a. Yards which are not accessible for the common Use of the Development;

b. Parking areas, c. Drives, d. Utility with above ground improvements or road

Easements/Servitudes, 2. Structures (unless a part of the open space such as gazebos), 3. Drainage ditches or canals; and 4. Areas reserved for the exclusive Use and benefit of an individual tenant

or Owner.

C. Common Open Space shall be permanently set aside for the sole benefit, Use, and enjoyment of present and future occupants of the Planned Unit Development through covenant, deed restriction, open space Servitude, or similar legal instrument; or, if agreed to by governmental agency, the open space may be conveyed to a governmental agency for the Use of the general public.

D. The Commissions may consider a Planned Unit Development with a lesser amount of Common Open Space if it is clear that the proposed Planned Unit Development substantially provides for the intent of a Planned Unit Development. It is noted that Common Open Space is a very important element of a Planned Unit Development and reductions to the Common Open Space provision should be granted only as a result of specific, clearly documented reasons (i.e. the Planned Unit Development may be located on a relatively small site in an area where a respective 15% or 20% provision would detract from Building continuity or historic preservation efforts).

E. In the event land shown on a Final Development Plan (as hereinafter defined) as

Common Open Space is dedicated to the Parish, the Parish Council may, but shall not be required to, accept the open space provided: (x) such land is accessible to the residents of the Parish; (y) there is no cost of acquisition other than the costs incidental to the transfer of ownership; and (z) the Parish agrees to and has Access to maintain such lands.

(Ord.# PD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-6082. Association The Common Open Space and associated facilities may be owned by an Association or maintenance association. The Association shall be formed and operated under the following provisions: A. The applicant shall provide the articles and bylaws of the Association and the

methods for maintaining the Common Open Space.


B. The Association shall be organized by the applicant and shall be operated with a financial subsidy from the applicant before the sale of any Lots within the Planned Unit Development.

C. Membership in the Association is mandatory for all purchasers of property therein and their successors in title. The conditions and timing of transferring control of the Association from the applicant to the property Owners shall be identified.

D. The Association shall be responsible for maintenance of insurance and taxes on all Common Open Space, enforceable by liens placed on the Association by the Parish. The Association may place liens on the property of its members who fail to pay their Association dues in a timely manner, as provided in the Association bylaws. Shares shall be defined in the bylaws.

E. The Association shall, at all times, cause the property Owners to have Access to the Common Open Space within the Planned Unit Development.

F. The Association shall be able to adjust the assessments to meet changing needs. (Ord.# PD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-6083. Landscaping and Screening Standards.

A. Overall composition and location of landscaping shall complement the scale of the Development and its surroundings. In general, larger, well-placed contiguous planting areas shall be preferred to smaller, disconnected areas.

B. A Street yard 1,000 square feet or less in size is not required to be landscaped. (Ord.# PD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-6084. Environmental Standards.

A. All Uses in the Planned Unit Development shall conform to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding the environment such as laws and regulations concerning noise, air quality, water quality, radiation, and radioactivity.

(Ord.# PD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09) 17-6085. Ownership and Control.

All land included for purpose of Development within a Planned Unit Development shall be owned by or be under the control of the applicant for such zoning designation (including without limitation a purchase agreement, option agreement, and/or development agreement), whether that applicant be an individual, partnership, corporation (limited liability company, limited liability partnership, trust), or groups of individuals, partnerships, or corporations (limited liability company, limited liability partnerships and/or trusts). The applicant shall present proof of the unified control of the entire area within the Planned Unit Development and shall agree that if applicant proceeds with the Planned Unit Development applicant will: A. Do so in accordance with:

1. The Concept Plan of Development officially adopted for Planned Unit Developments;

2. Regulations existing when the amendment granting the Planned Unit Development was adopted; and


3. Such other conditions or modifications as may be attached to the rezoning of the land to the Planned Unit Development.

B. Secure written consents and agreements satisfactory to the Commissions from all property Owners of record within the Planned Unit Development boundaries that have not joined in the Planned Unit Development application that there is no objection to including their property in the Planned Unit Development site plan and overall Planned Unit Development planning process.

(Ord.# PD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)



(Ord.# PD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-6091. Violations. A. Any violation of the Concept Plan and/or Final Development Plan or any other phase or

plan adopted as part of the amendment to the Development Code shall constitute a violation of the Development Code. Any Person or legal entity violating any provision of this ordinance, or who shall violate or fail to comply with any order made hereunder; or who shall continue to work upon any Structure after having received written notice from the Zoning Official to cease work, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punishable by a fine not to exceed five hundred ($500) dollars per violation. Each day such violation shall be permitted to exist shall constitute a separate offense. Notice of violation shall be sufficient if directed to such Owner, the agent of the Owner, or the contractor and/or left at his known place of residence or place of business.

(Ord.# PD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09) 17-6092. Appeal.

A. An applicant may appeal the findings and recommendations of the Commissions or Zoning Official, as applicable, by filing an objection in writing to the Parish Council within five (5) days of receipt of the Commissions’ or Zoning Official’s recommendations. The Parish Council shall grant or deny the Appeal, and the Council’s decision shall be final. If the Parish Council grants the Appeal, the Council shall submit a notice to the Commissions or Zoning Official stating reasons for its grant of the Appeal.

(Ord.# PD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-60100. Definitions Abutting: Having a common border with, or being separated from such common border by, an Alley or Easement. Access: An entry to or exit from a property. Accessory Building: A Building which is (1) subordinate to and serves a principal Structure or Principal Use; (2) is subordinate in area, extent and purpose to the principal Structure or Principal Use; (3) is located on the same Lot as the principal Structure or Principal Use; and (4) is customarily incidental to the principal Structure or Principal Use. Any portion of a Principal Building which is devoted to an Accessory Use is not an Accessory Building. Accessory Use: A Use which (1) is subordinate to and serves a principal Structure or Principal Use, (2) is subordinate in area, extent, and purpose to the principal Structure or Principal Use served, (3) is located on the same Lot as the principal Structure or Principal Use served except as otherwise expressly authorized by provisions of this ordinance, and (4) is customarily incidental to the principal Structure or Principal Use. Acre: Forty-three thousand five hundred sixty (43,560) square feet. Alley: A public or private way permanently reserved as a secondary means of Access to Abutting property. Appeal: A means for obtaining review of a decision, determination, order, or failure to act under the terms of this ordinance. Association, or Associations: The association or associations of all the Owners of property in the PUD charged with the ownership and maintenance of Common Open Space and associated facilities and operated pursuant to articles of incorporation and bylaws. Initially, the Developer shall maintain control of the Association until such time as seventy-five (75%) percent of Lots in the PUD have been sold, or as otherwise set forth in its Articles or Bylaws. A PUD may have a residential Association and a commercial Association. Buffer, or Buffer Yard: A unit of land, together with a specified type and amount of planting and any fencing which may be required between land Uses to minimize conflicts between them. Building: A Structure built, maintained, or intended for Use as a shelter or enclosure of Persons, animals, or property. The term includes any part of the Structure. Where independent units with separate entrances are divided by party walls, each unit is a Building. Building Line: A line on a Lot, generally parallel to a Lot Line or road Right-of-Way, located a sufficient distance there from to provide the minimum yards required by this ordinance. The Building Line delimits the area where Buildings are permitted subject to all applicable provisions of this ordinance. Commissions: The Planning Commission and the Zoning Commission, individually and collectively.


Common Open Space: A Parcel or Parcels of land and/or an area of water within a Development that are held in some form of common ownership and designated, designed and intended for benefit, Use or enjoyment of the occupants of the Development. It may contain such complementary Structures and improvements as necessary and appropriate for the benefit and enjoyment of the occupants of such Development, including those Uses set forth in Section 17-6081. Concept Plan: The initial plan of Development for a PUD which an applicant/Developer submits to the Commissions containing all those items described in the Concept Plan Checklist, including written and graphic documents, which represents a conceptual plan of the proposed land Uses and their overall impact on the land and surrounding land for rezoning of the land to PUD Concept. Concept Plan Checklist: A list containing items which must be included in a Concept Plan submitted to the Commissions for PUD approval. Condominium: The property regime under which portions or units (whether horizontal or vertical) of immovable property are subject to individual ownership and the remainder thereof is owned in indivision by all unit Owners, in accordance with the Louisiana Condominium Act, LA R.S. 9:1121.101 et seq. Density: A measure of the intensity of Development. In this ordinance, Density for residential Development is calculated in terms of units per Acre. The calculation for residential Density is set forth in Section 17-2073(D) of the Development Code. Density for commercial Development is calculated as the gross Floor Area for each Development project. Developer: The legal or beneficial Owner(s) of a Lot or Parcel of any land proposed for inclusion in a Development, including the holder of an option or contract to purchase. Development: The division of a Parcel of land into two (2) or more Parcels; the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation, or enlargement of any Buildings or Structures; any Use or change in Use of any Buildings or land; or any extension of any Use of land or any clearing, grading, or other movement of land. Drainage: The removal of surface water or groundwater from land by drains, grading, or other means. Drainage includes the control of runoff to minimize erosion and sedimentation during and after Development and includes the means necessary for water supply preservation or the prevention or alleviation of Flooding. Dwelling: Any Building or portion of a Building which is designated or used for residential purposes. Dwelling, Multi- : A Building that contains more than one (1) living unit. Dwelling, Single-: A Building that contains only one (1) living unit, including attached Buildings in the case of Townhomes. Final Development Plan: The final plan of Development for a PUD which an applicant/Developer submits to the Commissions containing all those items described in the Final Development Plan Checklist, including written and graphic documents, for detailed plan review and Subdivision of land zoned PUD Concept.


Final Development Plan Checklist: A list containing items which must be included in a Final Development Plan submitted to the Commissions for final PUD approval. Flood, or Flooding: A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from the overflow of inland or tidal waters, or the unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source. Floor Area: The sum of the gross floor area for each of a Building’s or Structure’s Stories measured from the exterior limits of the faces of the Building or Structure. The Floor Areas of the Building include the basement Floor Area. The Floor Area includes the attic only if it is habitable Floor Area. Height: The vertical distance measured from the lowest ground elevation to the highest point of the Building or Structure. The Building Height may be prescribed as a maximum number of Stories or as a dimension from sidewalk grade to the eave. The Height limit shall not apply to chimneys. Lot: A Parcel of land undivided by any Street or private road and occupied by or intended for occupancy by, or designated to be developed for, one (1) Building or Principal Use and the Accessory Buildings or Uses customarily incidental to such Building, Use or Development, including such open spaces and yards as are designed and arranged or required by this ordinance for such Building Use or Development. Lot Area: The area contained within the boundary lines of a Lot. Lot Line: A line bounding a Lot which divides one (1) Lot from another or from a Street or any public or private space. Lot Width: The horizontal distance between Side Lot Lines measured at the front setback. Where there is only one Side Lot Line, Lot Width shall be measured between such Lot Line and the opposite Lot Line or future Right-of-Way line. Major Change: A change to an approved Planned Unit Development as set forth in Sections 17-609 A-C. Minor Change: A change to an approved Planned Unit Development as set forth in Section 17-609(D). Owner: The Person or Persons having the right of legal title to, beneficial interest in, or a contractual right to purchase a Lot or Parcel of land. Parcel: The area within the boundary lines of a Development. Parish Council, or Council: The governing body of Ascension Parish having the power to adopt and enforce ordinances. Person: An individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, joint stock association or government entity; including a trustee, a receiver, and assignee, or a similar representative of any of them.


Planned Unit Development, or PUD: The Subdivision, Development and Use of land as an integral unit, combining more than one (1) primary land Use which may provide for single-family residential, multiple-family residential, educational, business, commercial, retail, industrial, recreational, park and Common Open Space areas. Planning Commission: An agency legally established by the Parish Council in conformity with state legislation with all the rights and responsibilities defined by such legislation. Planning Staff, or Commissions Staff: Professional and non-professional personnel employed by the Commissions to carry out and fulfill the directives and responsibilities of the Commissions. Staff functions may be conducted by private or public consultants at the discretion of the Commissions. Principal Building: A Building in which the Principal Use of the Lot on which the Building is located is conducted or intended to be conducted. Principal Use: The specific primary purpose for which land is used. Public Improvement: Any improvement, facility, or service, together with customary improvements and appurtenances thereto, necessary to provide for such public needs as vehicular and pedestrian circulation systems, storm sewers, Flood control improvements, water supply and distribution facilities, sanitary sewage disposal and treatment, public utility, and energy services. Rear Lot Line: That Lot Line which is parallel to and most distant from the front Lot Line of the Lot; in the case of an irregular, triangular, or gore-shaped Lot, a line twenty (20) feet in length, entirely within the Lot, parallel to and at the maximum possible distance from the front line, shall be considered to be the Rear Lot Line. In the case of Lots which have frontage on more than one (1) road or Street, the Rear Lot Line shall be opposite the Lot Line along which the Lot takes Access to a Street. Restrictive, more (less): A regulation imposed by this ordinance is more (less) restrictive than another if it prohibits or limits Development to a greater (lesser) extent or by means of more (less) detailed specifications. Right-of-Way: A strip of ground dedicated by the Developer for public Use, title to which shall rest in the public for the purpose stated in the dedication. Servitude (Easement): A strip existing or to be reserved by the Developer for public utilities, Drainage and other public purposes, the title to which shall remain with the property Owner, subject to the right of Use designated in the reservation of servitude; or a strip of ground designated or intended to be used for Access to Buildings and other portions of property. Side Lot Line: Any Lot Line other than a front or Rear Lot Line. Sign: Any Structure, part thereof, or device attached thereto or painted or represented thereon, or any material or thing, illuminated or otherwise, which displays or includes any numeral, letter, word, model, pennant, streamer, banner, emblem, insignia, device, trademark or other representation used as, or in the nature of, an announcement, advertisement, direction or designation of any Person, firm, group, organization, place, commodity, product, service, business, profession, enterprise or industry which is located upon any land or on any Building.


Story, or Stories: A space in a Building between the surface of any floor and the surface of the next floor above, or if there is no such floor above, then the space between such floor and the ceiling or roof above. Street: A strip of land, including the entire Right-of-Way, publicly or privately owned, serving as a means of slow vehicular travel, and furnishing Access to Abutting properties, which may also be used to provide space for sewers, public utilities, shade Trees, and sidewalks. A Street may be public or private. Structure: An object, including a mobile object, constructed or installed by man, including but without limitation, Buildings, towers, cranes, and overhead transmission lines. Subdivision: Any division, subdivision or re-division of a subdivision, tract, Parcel, or Lot of land into two (2) or more Lots, plots, sites, parts, or other division of land by means of mapping, platting, conveyance, or change of rearrangement of boundaries for the purpose of sale, lease or Development, whether immediate or future. All Subdivisions are also Developments. Townhome: Two (2) or more attached living units with common or party sidewalls between units, designated so that each unit may be sold independently as a Lot with its own yards and parking spaces. Tree: Any self-supporting perennial woody plant that is at least four (4) inches in diameter. Use: The purpose or activity for which land or any Building thereon is designed, arranged, or intended, or for which it is occupied or maintained. Variance: Permission to depart from the literal requirements of this ordinance granted by the Planning Commission. Zoning Commission: An agency legally established by the Parish Council in conformity with state legislation with all the rights and responsibilities defined by such legislation.

(Ord.# PD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-60110. SPUDs and PUDs 17-60111. Orange Grove Plantation PUD

A. Rezone from Conservation (C) to PUD Concept (PC) B. LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTY CONTAINED WITHIN THE ORANGE

GROVE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT C. Three certain lots or parcels of land described as "LOT 5-A-1", "LOT 5-A-2" and "LOT

5A-3", together containing 134.724 acres, as shown on the map prepared by Ferris Engineering & Surveying, LLC dated October 17, 2006 entitled "Map Showing Subdivision of Lot 5-A Being a Portion of Orange Grove Plantation into Lots 5-A-1, 5-A-2 & 5-A-3", located in Section 9, Township 10 South, Range 3 East, Southeast Land District, Ascension Parish, Louisiana, for Renaissance Orange Grove, LLC, recorded October 20, 2006 as Instrument No. 00651540, official records of Ascension Parish, State of Louisiana, the outermost boundary of such combined tracts being more fully described as: Commence at the apparent lower 80 arpent corner of Orange Grove Plantation as shown on map referenced above, said point also being the POINT OF BEGINNING; Thence South 46° 02' 34" West a distance of 2,273.1 0 feet to a point and corner; Thence North 41 ° 09' 09" West a distance of 2,310.37 feet to a point and corner; Thence North 37° 04' 37" East a distance of 1,114.12 feet to a point and corner; Thence North 48° 35' 24" West a distance of 414.90 feet to the eastern right-of-way of Louisiana Highway 22 being a point and corner; Thence in a northerly direction along the eastern right-of-way of Louisiana Highway 22 North 37° 04' 37" East a distance of 208.60 feet to a point and corner; Thence continuing along said right-of-way North 42° 24' 37" East a distance of 125.60 feet to a point and corner; Thence leaving said right-of-way in an easterly direction South 52° 55' 23" East a distance of 402.04 feet to a point and corner; Thence North 37° 04' 37" East a distance of 570.17 feet to a point and corner; Thence North 52° 55' 23" West a distance of 108.71 feet to a point and corner; Thence North 37° 04' 37" East a distance of 190.10 feet to a point and corner; Thence North 52° 55' 23" West a distance of 287.27 feet to the eastern right-of-way of Louisiana Highway 22 being a point and corner; Thence in a northerly direction along the eastern right-of-way of Louisiana Highway 22 North 36° 59' 37" East a distance of 162.31 feet to a point and corner; Thence leaving said right-of-way in an easterly direction South 41 ° 09' 09" East a distance of 3.076.96 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING.

(Ord.# PD08-01, 1/10/08)

4207GonzPhonWeb:


17-701. 17-702. 17-703. 17-7020. 17-7021. 17-7022. 17-7023. 17-7024. 17-7025. 17-7030. 17-7031. 17-7032. 17-7033. 17-7034. 17-7035. 17-7036. 17-7040. 17-7041. 17-7042. 17-7043. 17-7044. 17-7045. 17-7046. 17-7047. 17-7048. 17-7049. 17-7050. 17-7051. 17-7052. 17-7053. 17-7054. 17-7055. 17-7056. 17-7057. 17-7058. 17-7080. 17-7081. 17-7090. 17-7091.


TRADI

Purpose/ Relation toOverview ProcedureApplicatioPre-ApplicGeneral ImSpecific ImConsolidaTND ProjChanges toMaintaininExpirationThe ApproFiling andRezoning TND DistAssociatioLand Use NeighborhDevelopmAdditionalStormwateLot and BlThoroughfParking reArchitectuGuidelinesGuidelinesGuidelinesLandscapiEnvironmeOther CodUnified CoAdditionalStreet DesTable 1: SAdministrFees. .......

PAROFFI

225) 450-1352net

ITIONAL N

General .......o Zoning Dist.....................es and Proce

on Procedure cation Confermplementationmplementatioted General Ijects Approvo an Approveng a Specific n and Lapse ooved Final De

d Distribution from "TND"

trict Design Ron ..................Allocations. .

hood Uses. ....ment Units. ....

l Common Oper Managemelock Standardfare Network

equirements. .ural Standardss for garages s for exterior s for lighting.ing and Screeental Standar

de and Ordinaontrol. ..........l Regulationssign Requiretreet Design Gration and E.....................

ISH OCE OF PL

2

APPNEIGHBORH

C

.....................tricts. .................................

ess .................and Approvarence. ............n Plan. ..........

on Plan and Fimplementatio

ved ................ed Specific ImImplementati

of Specific Imevelopment Pof Specific ImDistrict to Pr

Requirement....................................................................................pen Space Re

ent. ................ds. .................. .........................................s. ...................and Secondarsignage. ........ ....................ning Standardds. ................

ances Applica.....................

s for Phased Dements: .........Guidelines ...

Enforcement ......................

OF ALANNING

PLAN

PENDIX VIIHOOD DEVE

Contents:

......................

......................

......................

......................al Process; Ge............................................inal Plat. .......on Plan and S......................

mplementationion Plan. .......

mplementationPlan. ...............mplementatiorior Zoning Dts. ..........................................................................................................equirements. ...............................................................................................................ry Dwelling U............................................ds. .......................................ability. .................................Developments........................................................................................

ASCEG AND DENNING D

I ELOPMENT

.....................

.....................

.....................

.....................eneral. ..........................................................................

Specific ..............................n Plan. ...............................

n Plans. ..............................on Plan Final

District. .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Units. .........................................................................................................................................s. ......................................................................................................

NSIOVELOPM

DEPARTM

T (TND) COD

.....................

.....................

.....................

.....................

.....................

.....................

.....................

.....................

.....................

.....................

.....................

.....................

.....................

.....................Plat. .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

ON MENT MENT

DE

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

....... 3

....... 4

....... 4

....... 7

....... 7

....... 8

....... 8

....... 9

..... 12

..... 13

..... 13

..... 19

..... 21

..... 21

..... 21

..... 22

..... 23

..... 23

..... 24

..... 24

..... 27

..... 28

..... 30

..... 30

..... 31

..... 34

..... 36

..... 38

..... 38

..... 38

..... 38

..... 40

..... 40

..... 40

..... 41

..... 43

..... 43

..... 45

..... 45

Appendix VII: TND Page 2 of 52

17-7092. Violations. ............................................................................................................................... 45 17-7093. Appeal. .................................................................................................................................... 45 17-70100. Definitions. ......................................................................................................................... 47

ORDINANCE HISTORY ORD. #TD05-01, adopted December 1, 2005 ORD. #DC09-09, adopted December 17, 2009


17-701. Purpose/ General

The purpose of a Traditional Neighborhood Development Zoning District ("TND District") is to encourage mixed-Use, compact Development and facilitate the efficient use of services. A TND District diversifies and integrates land Uses within close proximity to each other, and it provides for the daily recreational and shopping needs of the residents. A TND District is a sustainable, long-term community that provides economic opportunity and environmental and social equity for the residents. This ordinance's intent is to encourage its use by providing incentives, rather than prohibiting conventional Development. A Traditional Neighborhood Development:

A. Is designed for the human scale;

B. Provides a mix of Uses, including residential, commercial, civic, and open space Uses in close proximity to one another within the neighborhood;

C. Provides a variety of housing types, and sizes to accommodate households of all ages, sizes, and incomes;

D. Includes residences, shops, workplaces and civic Buildings interwoven within the neighborhood, all within close proximity;

E. Incorporates a system of relatively narrow, interconnected Streets, Roads, Drives, and other Thoroughfare Types with sidewalks and bikeways, that offer multiple routes for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists and provides for the connections of those Thoroughfare Types to existing and future Developments; Includes compatibility of Buildings and other improvements as determined by their arrangement, bulk, form, character and landscaping to establish a livable, harmonious and diverse environment;

F. Incorporates environmental features into the design;

G. Coordinates transportation systems with a hierarchy of appropriately designed facilities for pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicles;

H. Provides well-configured squares, plazas, greens, landscaped Streets, preserves, greenbelts and parks woven into the pattern of the neighborhood;

I. Incorporates architecture, landscape, lighting and signage standards integrated with the zoning provisions that respond to the unique character of the region; and

J. Provides an increased range of options than are allowed by conventional zoning. (Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-702. Relation to Zoning Districts.

A. An approved Traditional Neighborhood Development shall be considered to be a separate zoning district in which the Development plan, as approved, establishes the restrictions and regulations according to which Development shall occur, and may depart from the normal procedures, standards, and other requirements of the other sections of the zoning ordinance and Subdivision regulations to the extent provided herein. Upon approval, the official zoning map will be changed to indicate the area as "TND CONCEPT, or if final approval granted then as "TND". Every approval of a Traditional Neighborhood Development shall be considered an amendment to the zoning ordinance.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-703. Overview

A. TND District consists of an area of not less than 50 contiguous Acres. In this Article, property is considered contiguous even if separated by a public roadway.

B. TND Types: TND District is divided into at least two types of areas, and each type of area has different land Use and site Development regulations. A TND District must have one Neighborhood Center Area (also sometimes referred to as Town Center or Village Center) and at least one Mixed Residential Area. A TND District may also have a Neighborhood Edge Area, Civic Spaces and Green Spaces.

C. Neighborhood Center Area: serves as the focal point of a TND District, containing retail, commercial, civic, and/or public services to meet the daily needs of community residents. A "Neighborhood Center" is pedestrian-oriented, and it is designed to encourage pedestrian movement. A square may be located in a Neighborhood Center Area. Retail and commercial Uses should generally be located adjacent to a square. The Neighborhood Center Uses include retail shops, restaurants, offices, banks, hotels, post office, governmental offices, churches, community centers, and attached residential Dwellings.

D. Mixed Residential Area: includes a variety of residential land Uses, including single-family residential, duplex, Townhome, and multi-family. Residential scale retail and commercial Uses are permitted within a Mixed Residential Area with strict architectural and land Use controls. Retail and commercial Uses in a Mixed Residential Area are required to blend into the residential character of the neighborhood. A Mixed Residential Area includes open spaces including small squares, pocket parks, community parks, and greenbelts. A Mixed Residential Area promotes pedestrian activity through well designed and varied streetscapes that also provide for the safe and efficient movement of vehicular traffic. Mixed Residential Area Uses include single-family homes, condominiums, Townhomes, apartments, offices, restaurants, neighborhood scale retail, and civic Uses. Mixed Residential areas often utilize Alleys.


E. Neighborhood Edge Area is the least dense portion of a TND District, with larger Lots and greater setbacks than the rest of the neighborhood. Alleys are not required, and direct vehicular Access to Streets is permitted. Only single family residential Dwellings are permitted. A Neighborhood Edge Area is appropriate along the perimeter of the neighborhood. A portion of a TND District that adjoins existing or platted conventional low Density housing must be designated as a Neighborhood Edge Area.

F. Large office, low-impact manufacturing Uses and industrial Uses that are not appropriate for a Neighborhood Center Area or a Mixed Residential Area but which serve the local residents may be located in a specified district.

G. Civic Uses that are oriented to the general public are permitted in a Neighborhood Center Area and a Mixed Residential Area. These Uses are essential components of the social and physical fabric of a TND District. Civic space shall be integrated in residential and commercial areas in the TND. TND's shall incorporate civic Common Open Spaces to be maintained by the municipality and/or private open spaces to be maintained by the community or landowners within the TND. Special attention should be paid to the location of government offices, libraries, museums, schools, churches, and other prominent public Buildings to create focal points and landmarks for the community. The locations of these major public civic Uses are designated on the Development Plan at the time of Commission approval of a particular Development.

H. Open space is a significant part of a TND District design. Formal and informal open spaces are required. These serve as areas for community gatherings, landmarks, and as organizing elements for the neighborhood. Open space includes squares, plazas, greens, preserves, parks, and greenbelts.

I. A TND District is designed to be pedestrian oriented. To accomplish this goal, pattern and design of the various Thoroughfare Types are used to reduce vehicle travel speeds and encourage pedestrian activity. An interconnected network of Streets, and other Thoroughfare Types, is required. Streets may be smaller than in conventional Development and more varied in size and form to control traffic and give character to the neighborhood.

J. Thoroughfares and utilities in TND Districts shall connect to existing Thoroughfares and utilities, or dead-end as stubs intended for connection to future Thoroughfares, unless otherwise prohibited by topography, environmental constraints or other considerations, as further described in Section 17-7048.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-7020. Procedures and Process

17-7021. Application Procedure and Approval Process: General.

A. Prior to the issuance of any permits for Development within a TND District, the following three steps shall be completed according to the procedures outlined in this Section:

1. Pre-Application Conference;

2. Approval of a General Implementation Plan by the Commissions and the Council for the entire Traditional Neighborhood Development; and

3. Approval of a Specific Implementation Plan by the Planning Commission; and

4. Approval of a Final Plat by the Planning Commission.

B. If the Development includes the division of property into Lots, the Specific Implementation Plan shall be approved concurrently with a preliminary plat.

C. Subdivisions of property within a TND District after General Implementation Plan approval, but prior to Specific Implementation Plan approval, shall meet the zoning requirements of the most Restrictive zoning district allowed for each designated Use for that portion of the General Implementation Plan. These Subdivisions shall require Planning Commission approval and will not allow Development or Building permit approval until a Specific Implementation Plan is approved.

D. Where the Development is to be developed in phases, the General Implementation Plan that is presented for review and approval shall be the General Implementation Plan for the entire Development and shall identify the proposed phasing. Each phase of a Development shall have an individual Specific Implementation Plan.

E. Independent Consultants may be retained by the Commissions and/or the Council to seek assistance to properly review the General Implementation Plans and Specific Implementation Plans. The reasonable cost of such review shall be reimbursed by the applicant. The applicant shall be advised of the estimated fees and costs and may withdraw their request from consideration at that time. All required fees must be paid regardless of whether the proposed plans are approved, amended, rejected or withdrawn.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-7022. Pre-Application Conference.

A. The pre-Application conference shall be held with the Zoning Official or the Zoning Official's designee for the purpose of exchanging information, providing guidance to the applicant and determining the eligibility of the request for consideration as a Traditional Neighborhood Development.

B. A request for a pre-Application conference shall be made to the Zoning Official. As part of the pre-Application conference, the applicant shall submit five (5) copies of a conceptual plan, at least ten (10) days in advance of the pre-Application conference, which shows the property location, boundaries, significant natural features, Thoroughfare network (vehicular and pedestrian circulation), land Use(s) for the entire site, and a statement indicating financial responsibility sufficient to complete the Public Improvements shown on the conceptual plan.

C. The Zoning Official or the Zoning Official's designee shall advise the applicant of the conformance of the Traditional Neighborhood Development concept with the intent and objectives of a Traditional Neighborhood Development, whether it appears to qualify under the minimum requirements of this code, and whether the general concept appears to be substantially consistent with the Ascension Parish Master Plan and the Ascension Parish Land Use Plan. No formal action will be taken at a pre-Application conference, nor will statements made at the pre-Application conference be considered legally binding commitments.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-7023. General Implementation Plan.

A. Following the pre-Application conference, the applicant shall submit a completed Application (General Implementation Plan) to the Zoning Official. When the Zoning Official determines the Application to be complete, the Application shall be sent to the Commission for a public workshop session if deemed necessary by the Zoning Official, followed at a later date by a public hearing. The General Implementation Plan shall contain all information required in the General Implementation Plan Checklist, including architectural design guidelines as described in Section and subsections to 17-7040, 17-7080.

B. Procedures for General Implementation Plan approval. All Applications for Traditional Neighborhood Developments shall be processed in the following manner:

1. The General Implementation Plan shall follow the procedures for approval of planning items before the Planning Commission and zoning cases before the Zoning Commission and the Council which are not in conflict with this code.

2. At least fourteen (14) days prior to review and determination by the Commissions, all Abutting property Owners shall be notified by regular mail of the Traditional Neighborhood Development and given an


opportunity to submit written comments. Notice shall also be published in the Parish's official journal at least ten (10) days prior to the review.

3. Following required public notice, the Commissions shall hold a public hearing on the proposed Traditional Neighborhood Development. Following the hearing, the Commissions shall review Traditional Neighborhood Development request and General Implementation Plan and any comments submitted by any adjoining property Owners and shall make a recommendation to the Council to approve, approve with conditions, or deny the Traditional Neighborhood Development rezoning request. In its recommendation to the Council, the Commissions shall include the reasons for such recommendation.

C. Approval of a General Implementation Plan. After receiving the recommendation of the Commissions, the Council shall review the Application, including the General Implementation Plan, the record of the Commissions' proceedings and the recommendation, and shall approve, approve with conditions, or deny the Application in accordance with the standards and purposes set forth in this code. An approval with conditions shall not be considered final (and the rezoning is not final until such time) until the applicant submits a written acceptance of the conditions and all necessary revisions to the General Implementation Plan to the Council.

D. If approved by the Council, the General Implementation Plan and all other information and material formally submitted with the Application shall be adopted as an amendment to this Development Code and shall become the standards of Development for the Traditional Neighborhood Development. All future Development shall conform to the standards adopted for the Traditional Neighborhood Development regardless of changes in ownership.

E. Upon approval of the General Implementation Plan, the property shall be designated "TND CONCEPT' on the official zoning map.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-7024. Specific Implementation Plan and Final Plat.

A. Submittal. Within thirty-six (36) months of the Council's approval of the General Implementation Plan, and except as permitted under General Implementation Plan approval, the applicant shall submit a Specific Implementation Plan to the Zoning Official prior to commencing construction on property zoned "TND CONCEPT'. The applicant may request an extension of up to twelve (12) additional months from the Council if the Specific Implementation Plan has not been approved. If the applicant fails to submit a Specific Implementation Plan, then the General Implementation Plan (not the rezoning) shall be determined to be invalid. If the Traditional Neighborhood Development is to be developed in phases, the applicant must submit a Specific Implementation Plan for the first phase within thirty-six (36) months of the Council's approval of the General Implementation Plan, and within consecutive twelve (12) month periods thereafter for each subsequent phase. If the applicant fails to submit a Specific Implementation Plan, then the General Implementation


Plan incorporating all phases not already approved as a Specific Implementation Plan shall be determined to be invalid. The Specific Implementation Plan shall contain all information required in the Specific Implementation Plan Checklist.

B. Certification. The following design professionals shall certify direct involvement in the preparation of the Specific Implementation Plan. A Final Plat shall be certified by a:

1. Architect or civil engineer; and

2. Landscape architect.

C. Final Plat. A Final Plat shall be submitted with the Specific Implementation Plan, drawn in ink to a scale of one (1") inch equals one hundred (100') feet in one (1) or more sheets whose dimensions are twenty-four (24") inches by thirty-six (36") inches, and contain the information required by the Subdivision Ordinance under the Development Code.

1. The title of the Final Plat shall read "Final Plat of [Name of Traditional Neighborhood Development], [Section, Township, and Range"].

2. Where the Traditional Neighborhood Development is of unusual size or shape, the Commission may permit a variation in the scale or size of the Final Plat.

D. Landscape Plan. A Landscape Plan is required for all Traditional Neighborhood Development Specific Implementation Plans.

E. Substantial Compliance of Specific Implementation Plan.

1. The Specific Implementation Plan shall be in substantial compliance with the General Implementation Plan. It is not intended that the Traditional Neighborhood Development so . approved shall be inflexibly applied, but rather, the Traditional Neighborhood Development shall be in conformance with the General Implementation Plan subject to modification due to changed economic, social, market or demographic conditions. The burden shall be upon the applicant to show the Planning Commission good cause for Major Change (as defined below) between the General Implementation Plan and the Specific Implementation Plan as submitted for final approval. If the Specific Implementation Plan, as submitted, contains substantial variations from the General Implementation Plan, or Major Changes as defined in Section 17-7031, the Planning Commission may, after a meeting with the applicant, within five (5) days of such meeting, advise the applicant in writing why said variations are not in the public interest, and deny the proposed variations. Nothing contained herein shall prohibit an applicant from requesting a change to an approved Traditional Neighborhood Development as set forth in Section 17-7031.


F. Procedure for approval.

1. The Specific Implementation Plan and Final Plat shall follow the procedure for planning items going to the Planning Commission with a public hearing. Procedure for approval of a Specific Implementation Plan and Final Plat for a Traditional Neighborhood Development shall be processed in the following manner:

a. The Engineering Review Agency shall review and approve the construction plans for any Public Improvements shown on the Specific Implementation Plan prior to any construction. Improvements may be completed or bonded for final approval in the same manner as required under the Subdivision Ordinance of the Development Code.

b. The Planning Commission shall issue a notice of public hearing by posting the affected site in a conspicuous place at least ten (10) days prior to the hearing date. A record of information and materials presented at the public hearing shall be kept and maintained by the Commission as part of the applicant's permanent record.

c. Following required public notice, the Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing on the proposed Specific Implementation Plan and Final Plat. Following the hearing, the Planning Commission shall review the Specific Implementation Plan and Final Plat request and any comments submitted by any adjoining property Owners and shall approve, approve with conditions, or deny the request.

d. Upon such approval and subsequent amendment of the Specific Implementation Plan, construction may proceed for public and/or approved private Thoroughfares, utility installations, Common Open Space, recreational facilities, governmental Structures, and similar Uses provided that a preliminary Subdivision plat has also been approved for the Development in accordance with the Development Code.

e. Any other proposed modifications, including yard Variances and/or setback waivers, affecting the Traditional Neighborhood Development's legal description shall require a review and approval of the Traditional Neighborhood Development Specific Implementation Plan and/or the Final Plat by the Commissions staff. The burden shall be upon the applicant to demonstrate to the Planning Commission justification for any variation from the approved Specific Implementation Plan.


f. Upon approval of a Specific Implementation Plan and the Final Plat, the property shall be redesignated from "TND CONCEPT' to "TND" on the official zoning map. Once land is rezoned to "TND", the provisions of this ordinance are mandatory.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-7025. Consolidated General Implementation Plan and Specific

A. Implementation Plan. The applicant may file a General Implementation Plan, Specific Implementation Plan and Final Plat simultaneously with the Specific Implementation Plan conforming in all respects to the requirements of the General Implementation Plan.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-7030. TND Projects Approved

17-7031. Changes to an Approved Specific Implementation Plan.

A. Types of Changes. There are three (3) types of changes: Major Use Change, Major Site Change, and Minor Change. A Major Use Change and a Major Site Change are collectively referred to herein as a "Major Change".

B. Major Use Change. A major Use change ("Major Use Change") is one that will have significant impacts on the approved Uses within the Traditional Neighborhood Development, or on the site surrounding the Traditional Neighborhood Development. Major Use Changes include, but are not limited to:

1. An increase in the Development site area of more than five (5%) percent;

2. An increase in Density of any permitted land Use, including the number of housing units, by more than five (5%) percent;

3. In residential areas, a change in the mix of Single-Dwelling and Multi-Dwelling Structures by more than five (5%) percent;

4. An increase in the amount of land in nonresidential Uses by more than five (5%) percent;

5. Involve any land Use not specified on the approved General Implementation Plan or the list of permitted Uses;

6. Substantial and material reduction in the amenities proffered by the applicant; and/or

7. Material changes in the permitted land Use authorized in the Traditional Neighborhood Development which in the opinion of the Zoning Officer will have a material adverse change with the Traditional Neighborhood Development or on the site surrounding the Traditional Neighborhood Development.

C. Major Site Change. A major site change ("Major Site Change") is a major change (other than a Major Use Change) that will have significant impact on the site and layout of the Development in the Traditional Neighborhood Development which is not a Major Use Change, or on the site surrounding the Traditional Neighborhood Development. Major Site Changes include, but are not limited to:

1. Changes that vary the individual Lot Area requirement as submitted in the General Implementation Plan by more than ten (10) percent;

2. Changes in non-residential Floor Areas by more than five (5) percent of the total Floor Area within a component of the Traditional Neighborhood Development;


3. Deleting or changing the purpose of Flood hazard Servitudes or Easements;

4. Changes to the Thoroughfare network which result in a significant adverse change in the amount or location of Thoroughfares and shared Driveways, common parking areas, circulation patterns, and Access to the Traditional Neighborhood Development;

5. Changes in the allocation of prescribed land Uses such that it would result in an increase in the number of vehicle trips generated in excess of ten (10) percent;

6. Changes which are material in the typical sections of Thoroughfare design;

7. Changes in the designation of Thoroughfares between private and public; and/or

8. Material changes in the approved overall layout of the site plan and/or matters related to onsite and/or offsite infrastructure requirements authorized in the Traditional Neighborhood Development which in the opinion of the Zoning Officer will have a material adverse change with the Traditional Neighborhood Development or on the site surrounding the Traditional Neighborhood Development.

D. Minor Change. A minor change ("Minor Change") is a change that will not alter the basic design and character of the Traditional Neighborhood Development, nor any specified conditions imposed as part of the original approval. Minor changes include, but are not limited to:

1. Changes in location of the Neighborhood Center Area, a Mixed Residential Area, a Neighborhood Edge Area, a civic area, green area, Common Open Space or other designated areas, if the Commissions determine that (a) the basic layout of the TND District remains the same, and (b) the TND District functions as well as before the revision;

2. Changes in size of a Neighborhood Center Area, a Mixed Residential Area, a Neighborhood Edge Area, a civic area, green area, Common Open Space or other designated areas, if the size is increased or decreased by not more than ten (10%) percent, and the Commission determines that (a) the basic layout of the TND District remains the same, and (b) the district functions as well as before the revision;

3. Changes in the general location of a major civic Use, if the Commission determines that (a) the revised location is appropriate, and (b) the Thoroughfare network, the infrastructure, and the overall land Use mix are not adversely affected. The Commissions may not approve a revision that includes the addition of a major civic Use within 500 feet of an area that is part of a final plat in a Mixed Residential Area or Neighborhood Edge Area;


4. Changes in the location of a commercial Use in a Mixed Residential Area, if the Commissions determine that the revised location is appropriate;

5. Change in the layout of a Thoroughfare network, if the Commissions determine that (a) the basic layout remains the same, and (b) the revised layout functions as well as the previous layout;

6. Change in the location or size of a private open space, if the overall amount of private open space acreage does not decrease by more than ten (10%) percent, and the Commissions determine that the quality and functionality of the revised private open space is the same or better. The Commissions may not approve a revision that includes the deletion of a private open space within 500 feet of an area that is part of a final plat in a Mixed Residential Area or Neighborhood Edge Area;

7. Change in the location or size of a public open space, if the overall amount of public open space acreage does not decrease by more than ten (10%) percent, and the Commissions determine that the quality and functionality of the revised public open space is the same or better. The Commissions may not approve a revision that includes the deletion of a public open space within 500 feet of an area that is part of a final plat in a Mixed Residential Area or Neighborhood Edge Area;

8. Change in the location or description of a major private open space improvement, if the Commissions determine that the revised improvement is as beneficial to the residents as the previous improvement;

9. Change in a construction phasing plan for major private open space improvements if the change extends a deadline by not more than twenty-four (24) months;

10. Change in the location or type of a Drainage or water quality control, if the Commissions determine that (a) the basic layout of the TND District remains the same, and (b) the revised location or type of control functions as well as the previous location or type of control;

11. Change in the location of a 1OO-year floodplain, if the Commissions determine that the revision more accurately describes the location of the floodplain;

12. Change in the locations of major utility facilities and Easements, if the Commissions determine that the revised locations are more appropriate or functional;

13. Change in a preliminary architectural standard, if the Commissions determine that the revised standard is consistent with the architectural character of the TND District;

14. Reduction of the size of any Building;


15. Movement of Buildings and/or Signs by no more than ten (10') feet, but in no event in required Buffers and/or setbacks;

16. Landscaping approved in the Specific Implementation Plan that is replaced by similar landscaping to an equal or greater extent;

17. Changes in non-residential floor plans, of up to five (5%) percent of the total Floor Area, which do not alter the character of the Use or increase the amount of required parking;

18. Internal rearrangement of a parking Lot that does not affect the number of parking spaces or alter Access locations or design;

19. Changes required or requested by the Parish and other State or Federal authorities in order to conform to other laws or regulations;

20. On balance, compared to the approved Traditional Neighborhood Development, the change will equally or better meet the purposes and approval criteria set forth in Sections and Subsections of 17-7040 and 17-7080 in the opinion of the Zoning Official; and/or

21. Any adverse impacts caused by the change are mitigated to the satisfaction of the Zoning Official.

E. Permitted Uses. Any changes to the permitted Uses within the TND District must be approved by the Council.

F. Review Procedures. Requests for changes to an approved Traditional Neighborhood Development are processed as follows:

1. Major Use Changes.

a. Application for Major Use Changes. The Owner(s) of record of the property shall file an application with the Zoning Official, upon a form prescribed therefore, which shall contain the reason for the classification of the change as a Major Use Change, as described in Section 17-7031(B), and the resulting impacts from the Major Use Change on the Development.

b. Public Hearing. Upon receipt and verification of the completion of the application by the Zoning Official, the Zoning Official shall forward the application to the Commissions. The Commissions shall issue a notice of public hearing by posting the affected site in a conspicuous place at least ten (10) days prior to the hearing date. A record of information and materials presented at the public hearing shall be kept and maintained by the Commissions as part of the applicant's permanent record.


c. Findings and Recommendations. The Commissions shall make their findings on the Major Use Change based on the information set forth in the application and the approval criteria set forth in Section 17-7031(B), and submit recommendations to the Council within fifteen (15) days from the hearing date. The Commissions shall forward a copy of their findings and recommendations to the applicant.

d. Adoption of Major Use Change. The Council shall adopt or reject the proposed Major Use Change within fifteen (15) days from receipt of the recommendations from the Commissions. The Council shall submit reasons for its decision to the applicant.

2. Major Site Changes.

a. Application for Major Site Changes. The Owner(s) of record of the property shall file an application with the Zoning Official, upon a form prescribed therefore, which shall contain the reason for the classification of the change as a Major Site Change, as described in Section 17-7031(C), and the resulting impacts from the Major Site Change on the Development.

b. Public Hearing. Upon receipt and verification of the completion of the application by the Zoning Official, the Zoning Official shall forward the application to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission shall issue a notice of public hearing by posting the affected site in a conspicuous place at least ten (10) days prior to the hearing date. A record of information and materials presented at the public hearing shall be kept and maintained by the Planning Commission as part of the applicant's permanent record.

c. Findings and Recommendations. The Planning Commission shall make its findings on the Major Site Change based on the information set forth in the application and the approval criteria set forth in Section 17-7031(C). The Planning Commission shall forward a copy of its findings and recommendations to the applicant.

d. Appeal. The applicant may appeal the decision by the Planning Commission pursuant to Section 17-7093.

3. Minor Changes.

a. Application. The Owner(s) of record of the property shall file an application with the Zoning Official, upon a form prescribed therefore, which shall contain the reason for the classification of the change as a Minor Change, as described in Section 17-7031(D), and the resulting immaterial impacts from the change on the Development, if any.


b. Findings and Recommendations. Upon receipt and verification of the completion of the application by the Zoning Official, the Zoning Official shall make its findings based on the information set forth in the application and the approval criteria set forth in Section 17-7031(D), and notify the applicant of its decision. If the Zoning Official determines the change to be a Minor Change, the Zoning Official's decision shall be final and no Appeal shall be available.

4. Appeal of Classification as Major Use Change or Major Site Change. If the Zoning Official determines the change to be a Major Use Change or a Major Site Change, the applicant may appeal the decision by the Zoning Official pursuant to Section 17-7093.

G. Subdivision of Land. If the TND District involves the Subdivision of land as defined in the Parish's Subdivision ordinance, the applicant shall submit all required land division documents in accordance with the requirements of the Subdivision ordinance. If there is a conflict between the design standards of the Subdivision ordinance and the design guidelines of this ordinance, the provisions of this ordinance shall apply. It being understood that the size and configuration of Lots within a TND District may otherwise be disallowed under the Parish's Subdivision regulations, but encouraged and permitted within a TND District.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-7032. Maintaining a Specific Implementation Plan.

A. Ownership and Maintenance of Public Space. Provision shall be made for the ownership and maintenance of public Thoroughfares, squares, parks, open space, and other public spaces in a TND District by dedication to the Parish and/or Association(s).

B. Construction may take place only within such portion(s) of a Traditional Neighborhood Development for which a current Specific Implementation Plan is in effect.

C. Development Agreement. All "TND" zoning granted on the basis of Specific Implementation Plan approval shall be subject to a Parish/Applicant Agreement prior to or contemporaneous with Final Plat approval. Prior to final approval, the applicant shall be required to enter into a Parish/Applicant Agreement with the Parish. This Agreement is designed and intended to reflect the agreement of the Parish and the applicant as to the phasing of construction to insure the timely and adequate provisions of public works facilities and public type improvements. This Parish/Applicant Agreement is also intended to insure balanced intensity of Development to avoid overloading existing public facilities during the construction phase. This Parish/Applicant Agreement will be individually negotiated for each project, but should address the following issues:

1. Any agreement on cost sharing for the installation or oversizing of major utility systems, lines or facilities.

2. Any agreement on cost sharing for the installation of interior or perimeter roadways or Thoroughfare network.

3. Any agreement as to a mandatory construction or dedication schedule for Common Open Space area or improvements, school site(s), landscaping or greenbelt Development or other comparable items to be dedicated or constructed for each Acre of property within the Traditional Neighborhood Development released for construction by Specific Implementation Plan approval. This requirement is intended to allow the Parish to insure that preplanned public type facilities, improvements or amenities are installed concurrently with other Development on the basis of a negotiated formula.


4. Any agreement as to the establishment of a maximum residential Density or commercial intensity of Use during the construction process. This requirement is intended to allow the Parish to establish a maximum Development intensity that cannot be exceeded while each phase of the project is being completed. Under this provision, the Parish may establish a maximum overall Density for each phase of the project to be applicable only during the construction phase of the Traditional Neighborhood Development. This restriction would require concurrent Development of lower Density or intensity of Use activities with higher Density or intensity of Use activities.

5. Any agreement by the applicant or Association to maintain all Common Open Space at no cost to the Parish.

D. Development Schedule. The Development schedule shall contain the following information:

1. The order of construction of the proposed stages delineated in the Specific Implementation Plan.

2. The proposed date for the beginning of construction of each stage.

3. The proposed date for the completion of construction of each stage.

4. The proposed schedule for the construction and improvement of common area within each stage including any Accessory Buildings.

E. Enforcement of the Development Schedule. The construction and provision of all Common Open Spaces and public facilities and infrastructure which are shown on the Specific Implementation Plan must proceed at no slower a rate than the construction of Dwelling units or other Structures of a commercial nature. The Planning Commission may, at any time, compare the actual Development accomplished with the approved Development schedule. If the Planning Commission finds that the rate of construction of Dwelling units or other commercial Structures is substantially greater than the rate at which Common Open Spaces and public facilities and infrastructure have been constructed and provided, then either or both of the following actions may be taken:

1. The Planning Commission shall cease to approve any additional Specific Implementation Plans for subsequent phases; and/or

2. The Building Official shall discontinue issuance of Building permits.

3. In any instance where the above actions are taken, the Planning Commission shall gain assurance that the relationship between the construction of Dwellings or other Structures of a commercial nature and the provision of Common Open Spaces and public facilities and infrastructure are brought into adequate balance prior to the continuance of construction.


F. Permits. No Building permit for a Structure other than a temporary contractor's office or temporary storage Building shall be issued for a Lot or Parcel within an approved Traditional Neighborhood Development prior to a determination by the fire marshal or designee that adequate fire protection and Access for construction needs exists. No occupancy permit for a Structure other than a temporary contractor's office or other approved temporary Building shall be issued for a Structure on a Lot or Parcel within an approved Traditional Neighborhood Development prior to final inspection and approval of all required improvements which will serve such Lot or Parcel to the satisfaction of the Director of the Department of Public Works and the Building Official.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-7033. Expiration and Lapse of Specific Implementation Plans.

A. Specific Implementation Plan approval shall expire three (3) years from the date of Planning Commission approval of a Specific Implementation Plan. The applicant may request an extension from the Planning Commission for not more than one (1) year if the project is not complete after three (3) years. Nothing herein shall be construed to limit the time limitations for phased Developments as set forth in Section 17-7058.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-7034. The Approved Final Development Plan.

A. Development restrictions and/or conditions, as required by the Commissions and/or the Council, shall be recorded by the applicant with the Clerk of Court of Ascension Parish within fifteen (15) days of the date of the final approval of the General Implementation Plan and/or the Specific Implementation Plan by the Commissions or Council, as the case may be. Certified copies of these documents shall also be filed with the Office of the Commissions. The applicant shall record Development restrictions and other required documents, which pertain to a Subdivision within the approved Specific Implementation Plan, with the Clerk of Court of Ascension Parish within fifteen (15) days of the signing of the Final Plat.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-7035. Filing and Distribution of Specific Implementation Plan Final Plat.

A. The applicant shall have a total of ten (10) blackline prints of the approved Final Plat to be disbursed as required by the Commissions staff.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-7036. Rezoning from "TND" District to Prior Zoning District.

A. The Zoning Official shall request that the Council initiate the rezoning of the property back to the zoning district existing immediately preceding the "TND CONCEPT' and/or "TND" zoning within a Traditional Neighborhood Development, only as to that portion of the property which has not been developed, if:

1. A Specific Implementation Plan for a portion of the property is not approved within three (3) years after the effective date of the ordinance approving "TND CONCEPT" for the property unless extended by the Council for up to one (1) additional year; or

2. An approved Specific Implementation Plan expires as stipulated in the Specific Implementation Plan.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-7040. TND District Design Requirements

17-7041. Association

A. Conditions, covenants, and restrictions for all the property within a TND District must be filed in the Parish records by the Owner before a Lot is sold and/or a Building permit is issued.

B. In addition to other terms and conditions acceptable to the applicant, the conditions, covenants, and restrictions must create one (1) or more property owners Associations with mandatory membership for each property Owner, governed by Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, which shall:

1. be organized by the applicant and operated with a financial subsidy from the applicant before the sale of any Lots within the TND District;

2. provide for the conditions and timing of transferring control of the Association from the applicant to the property Owners;

3. be responsible for maintenance of insurance and taxes on all Common Open Space, enforceable by liens placed on the Association by the Parish, as provided in the Association Bylaws;

4. at all times, cause all Owners to have Access to the Common Open Space within the TND District;

5. establish architectural standards that are in conformity with the requirements of this ordinance which shall be subject to review and approval by the Board of Directors of the Association or the Architectural Control Committee, as described below;

6. create an Architectural Control Committee to review Development for compliance with the architectural standards, to issue certificates of approval, and to review and approve the Development's architect, designer, and/or other professionals contributing to the Development;

7. provide for the ownership, Development, management, and maintenance of private open space (except plazas owned by individual property Owners), community parking facilities, community meeting hall, and other common areas;

8. provide for a maintenance program for all property within the TND, including landscaping and Trees within the streetscape;

9. require the collection of assessments from members in an amount sufficient to pay for its functions; and

10. be effective for a term of not less than fifty (50) years. (Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-7042. Land Use Allocations.

A. Each Lot within a TND District must be allocated particular permitted land Use categories. The identification of permitted land Uses within all or a portion of a TND District may be made by reference to other zoning districts available within the Parish. Areas which would permit the sale or consumption of alcohol must be approved for an alcohol license by the Alcohol and Beverage Board.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-7043. Neighborhood Uses.

A. In order to achieve the proximity necessary to make neighborhoods walkable, it is important to mix land Uses. A TND District should consist of a mix of residential Uses, a mixed Use area, and open space as provided below:

B. A mix of residential Uses of the following types can occur anywhere in the TND District, provided that single-family Dwellings shall account for at least fifty (50%) percent of the residential units in the TND. For infill Development, the mix of residential Uses may be satisfied by existing residential Uses adjacent to the TND District by including some and/or all of the following:

1. Single-family detached Dwellings, including manufactured homes;

2. Single-family attached Dwellings, including duplexes, Townhomes, row houses;

3. Multi-family Dwellings, including senior housing;

4. Secondary Dwelling Units ("granny flats");

5. "Special needs" housing, such as community living arrangements and assisted living facilities;

6. Residential units above commercial Uses, which shall be considered Multi-Family Units.

C. Mixed Use area, of commercial, residential, civic or institutional, and open space Uses as identified below. All residents should be within approximately 1/2 mile or a 15-minute walk from existing or proposed commercial, civic, and open space areas.


1. Commercial Uses may include the following:

a. Food services (including without limitation, neighborhood grocery stores; butcher shops; bakeries; restaurants (including the sale and consumption of alcohol), not including drive-throughs; cafes; coffee shops; neighborhood taverns, bars or pubs); delis, ice cream parlors, specialty foods, and/or outside dining patios and areas;

b. Retail Uses (including without limitation, retail sales, florists or nurseries; gas stations, hardware stores; stationery stores; book stores; galleries, studios and shops of artists and artisans, drug stores, apparel, antiques, furniture, music, pets, armers market, and toys);

c. Services (including without limitation, child care centers; music, dance or exercise studios; offices, including professional and medical offices; financial and banks; medical clinics, barber; laundromats; educational, hair salon; dry cleaning, health or fitness, dry cleaners, tailor shops, repair and service shops, and postal);

d. Accommodations (bed and breakfast establishments, small hotels or inns); and

e. Clubs and organizations, including fraternal organizations.

2. Residential Uses may include the following, for sale or rent:

a. Single-family attached Dwellings, including duplexes, Townhomes, row houses;

b. Multi-family Dwellings, including senior housing;

c. Residential units located on upper floors above commercial Uses or to the rear of storefronts;

d. Live-Work Units that combine a residence and the resident's workplace; and

e. "Special needs" housing, such as community living arrangements and assisted living facilities.

3. Civic or institutional Uses may include the following:

a. Municipal offices, fire stations, libraries, museums, Community meeting facilities, and post offices;

b. Places of worship;


c. Transit shelters;

d. Philanthropic institutions; and

e. Educational facilities.

4. Office which may include the following:

a) Art galleries and studios;

b) Banks;

c) Child care centers;

d) Clubs;

e) Offices; and

f) Medical clinics.

5. Open space Uses may include the following:

a. Central square;

b. Neighborhood parks;

c. Recreational facilities; and

d. Playgrounds.

D. Open space. Uses identified below should be incorporated in the TND District as appropriate. Large outdoor recreation areas should be located at the periphery of neighborhoods rather than central locations. Common Open Space is more particularly described in Section 17-7045 below.

1. Environmental corridors;

2. Protected natural areas;

3. Community parks;

4. Streams, ponds, and other water bodies; and

5. Stormwater detention/retention facilities.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-7044. Development Units.

A. The number of residential Dwelling units and the amount of nonresidential Development, excluding open spaces, shall be determined as follows, provided that single-family detached Dwellings shall account for at least fifty (50%) percent of the total number of residential units in the TND, and two-family units, Townhomes, and Multi-Family Units shall comprise less than fifty (50%) percent of the units:

B. In areas devoted to mixed residential Uses:

1. The number of single-family attached and detached units permitted shall be 5 - 8± Dwelling units per Net Acre;

2. The number of Multi-Family units shall be 8 - 40 Dwelling units per Net Acre.

3. Secondary Dwelling Units shall be permissible in addition to the number of Dwelling units authorized under this Section. However, the total number of Secondary Dwelling Units shall not be more than ten (10%) percent of the total number of Single-Family attached and detached units.

4. For each affordable housing unit provided under this Section, one (1) additional Dwelling unit shall be permitted, up to a maximum fifteen (15) percent increase in Dwelling units.

C. In mixed-Use areas:

1. The number of Single-Family and Multi-Family Dwelling units permitted shall be calculated the same as above plus an additional number of units not to exceed ten (10%) percent of the amount permitted above.

2. All Dwelling units constructed above commercial Uses shall be permissible in addition to the number of Dwelling units authorized under this Section. However, the total number of Dwelling units shall not be increased by more than 10 Dwelling units or ten (10%) percent, whichever is greater.

3. The total ground Floor Area of nonresidential Development Uses, including off-Street parking areas, shall not exceed twenty-five (25%) percent of the TND District.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-7045. Additional Common Open Space Requirements.

A. At least twenty (20%) percent of the gross acreage of the TND District must be open space. At least twenty-five (25%) percent of the Common Open Space must be dedicated to the public for parkland. Ninety (90%) percent of the Lots within the areas devoted to mixed residential uses shall be within a 1/2 mile or a 15-minute walk from Common Open Space.

B. The following Uses may account for Common Open Space with the stated limitations:

1. Parks and other open greenbelt areas which are readily accessible must account for not less than twenty-five (25%) percent of the Common Open Space.

2. Trees along Thoroughfare Types located within designated landscape common areas or landscape Servitude and located within a Street Right-of-Way may not exceed twentyfive (25) percent of the Common Open Space. There shall be one (1) Street Tree per forty (40') feet of frontage. However, Common Open Space within vehicle Use areas or any noncontiguous green area of less than one thousand (1000) square feet may not be included.

3. Lake and ponds, including storm water wet detention basins provided that they are designed so that a minimum of twenty (20%) percent of the Abutting shoreline is made accessible for the common Use of the Development, but in no event less than 300' feet of frontage.

4. Storm water dry detention basins of not less than one (1) Acre; but may not exceed twenty-five (25%) percent of the Common Open Space and must be designed to provide for acceptable maintenance and upkeep of the detention basin.

5. Golf courses may account for up to fifty (50) percent of the Common Open Space.

6. Wetlands with not less than fifty (50%) bottomland hardwood.

7. Hard surface recreation areas such as recreational courts and pedestrian plazas may account for up to twenty-five (25%) of the Common Open Space.

8. Servitudes with existing below ground utilities and/or facilities with a width of not less than 30' feet.

9. Electrical transmission line Servitudes with a width of not less than 150' feet.

10. School sites, excluding the area devoted to Buildings.


11. An existing Building or Buildings that have historical or cultural significance may be located in a common area space; however, the enclosed Building area may not be included in the Common Open Space requirement.

12. Common Open Space for the Use by the general public, if agreed to by the appropriate governmental authority, in each case in an amount to be determined by the Commissions.

C. Common Open Space shall not include:

1. Required

a. Yards which are not accessible for the common Use of the Development;

b. Parking areas;

c. Drives;

d. Utility with above ground improvements or Road Easements/Servitudes;

2. Structures (unless a part of the open space such as gazebos);

3. Drainage ditches or canals; and

4. Areas reserved for the exclusive Use and benefit of an individual tenant or Owner.

D. No more than twenty (20%) percent of the Common Open Space shall be devoted to paved areas and Structures such as courts or recreation Buildings. Parking Lots and on-street parking shall not be located within or along the side of a Street or Road bordering parks, greens and squares.

E. Common Open Space shall be permanently set aside for the sole benefit, Use, and enjoyment of present and future occupants of the Traditional Neighborhood Development through covenant, deed restriction, open space Servitude, or similar legal instrument; or, if agreed to by governmental agency, the open space may be conveyed to a governmental agency for the Use of the general public.

F. The Commissions may consider a Traditional Neighborhood Development with a lesser amount of Common Open Space if it is clear that the proposed Traditional Neighborhood Development substantially provides for the intent of a Traditional Neighborhood Development. It is noted that Common Open Space is a very important element of a Traditional Neighborhood Development and reductions to the Common Open Space provision should be granted only as a result of specific, clearly documented reasons (i.e. the Traditional Neighborhood Development may be located on a relatively small site in an area where a respective 15% or 20% provision would detract from Building continuity or historic preservation efforts).


G. In the event land shown on a Specific Implementation Plan (as hereinafter defined) as Common Open Space is dedicated to the Parish, the Council may, but shall not be required to, accept the open space provided: (x) such land is accessible to the residents of the Parish; (y) there is no cost of acquisition other than the costs incidental to the transfer of ownership; and (z) the Parish agrees to and has Access to maintain such lands.

H. Common Open Space shall be protected against Building Development and environmental damage by conveying to the municipality, parish, association, or land trust an open space Servitude restricting the area in perpetuity against any future Building and against the removal of soil, Trees and other natural features, except as the Commissions determine is consistent with conservation or recreational purposes.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-7046. Stormwater Management.

A. The design and Development of the TND District should minimize off-site stormwater runoff, promote on-site filtration, and minimize the discharge of pollutants to ground and surface water. Natural topography and existing land cover should be maintained/protected to the maximum extent practicable. New Development and redevelopment shall meet the following requirements:

B. Untreated, direct stormwater discharges to wetlands or surface waters are not allowed.

C. A Drainage analysis shall be submitted in conformance with the Parish's Subdivision regulations.

D. Erosion and sediment controls must be implemented.

E. Redevelopment stormwater management systems should improve existing conditions and meet standards to the extent practicable.

F. All treatment systems or BMPs must have operation and maintenance plans to ensure that systems function as designed.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-7047. Lot and Block Standards.

A. Block and Lot size diversity. Thoroughfare layouts should provide for perimeter Blocks that are generally in the range of 200-400 feet deep by 400-800 feet long. Block length shall not exceed 2000 feet in perimeter. The Commissions may approve block perimeters of more than 2000 feet if required because of existing topography. A block longer than 500 feet in length shall be traversed near the midpoint by a pedestrian Path. A variety of Lot sizes should be provided to facilitate housing diversity and choice and meet the projected requirements of people with different housing needs.


B. Lot Widths. Lot Widths should create a relatively symmetrical Street or Road cross section that reinforces the public space of the Street or Road as a simple, unified public space.

C. Building Setback, Front - Mixed Use Area. Structures in the mixed-Use area have no minimum setback. Commercial and civic or institutional Buildings should abut the sidewalks in the mixedUse area.

D. Building Setback, Front· Areas of Mixed Residential Uses. Single-family detached residences shall have a Building Setback in the front between zero (0) and twenty-five (25) feet. Single-family attached residences and multifamily residences shall have a Building Setback in the front between zero (0) and fifteen (15) feet.

E. Building Setback, Rear· Areas of Mixed Residential Uses. The Principal Building on Lots devoted to single-family detached residences shall be setback no less than thirty (30') feet from the rear Lot line.

F. Side Setbacks. Provision for zero (0) Lot-line single-family Dwellings should be made, provided that a reciprocal Access Easement is recorded for both Lots and Townhomes or other attached Dwellings, provided that all Dwellings have pedestrian Access to the rear yard through means other than the principal Structure.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-7048. Thoroughfare Network.

A. The circulation system shall allow for different modes of transportation.

B. The circulation system shall provide functional and visual links within the residential areas, mixed-Use area, and open space of the TND District and shall be connected to existing and proposed external Development. The circulation system shall provide adequate traffic capacity, provide connected pedestrian and bicycle routes, especially off-Street bicycle or multi-Use Paths or bicycle lanes on the Streets where required and ADA-approved crosswalks and sidewalks, control through traffic, provide adequate Transit Stops, limit Lot Access to Streets of lower traffic volumes, and promote safe and efficient mobility through the TND District.

C. The general requirements of Table 1 attached hereto shall apply, which may be modified by the Commissions.

D. Pedestrian Circulation. Convenient pedestrian circulation systems that minimize pedestrian-motor vehicle conflicts shall be provided continuously throughout the TND. Where feasible, any existing pedestrian routes through the site shall be preserved and enhanced. All Streets, except for Alleys, shall be bordered by sidewalks on both sides in accordance with the specifications listed in Table 1. The following provisions also apply:


a. Sidewalks in residential areas. Clear and well-lighted sidewalks, [three (3') to five (5')] feet in width, depending on projected pedestrian traffic, shall connect all Dwelling entrances to the adjacent public sidewalk. Sidewalks shall be provided along both sides of each Street in residential areas. For pedestrian safety, sidewalks shall be separated at least seven (7') feet from the curb.

b. Sidewalks in mixed-Use areas. Clear and well-lighted walkways shall connect Building entrances to the adjacent public sidewalk and to associated parking areas. Such walkways shall be a minimum of [five (5') feet] in width. Sidewalks shall be provided along both sides of each Thoroughfare Type located within a mixed-Use area. For pedestrian safety, sidewalks shall be separated at least seven (7') feet from the curb.

c. Disabled Accessibility. Sidewalks shall comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

d. Crosswalks. Intersections of sidewalks with Thoroughfares shall be designed with clearly defined edges. Crosswalks shall be well lit and clearly marked with contrasting paving materials at the edges or with striping.

E. Bicycle Circulation. Bicycle circulation shall be accommodated on Streets and/or on dedicated bicycle Paths. Where feasible, any existing bicycle routes through the site shall be preserved and enhanced. Facilities for bicycle travel may include off-Street bicycle Paths (generally shared with pedestrians and other non-motorized users) and separate, striped, four (4') foot bicycle lanes on Streets. If a bicycle lane is combined with a lane for parking, the combined width should be fourteen (14') feet.

F. Public Transit Access. Where public transit service is available or planned, convenient Access to Transit Stops shall be provided. Where transit shelters are provided, they shall be placed in highly visible locations that promote security through surveillance, and shall be well lighted.

G. Motor Vehicle Circulation. Motor vehicle circulation shall be designed to minimize conflicts with pedestrians and bicycles. Traffic calming features such as "Queuing Streets", curb extensions, traffic circles, and medians may be used to encourage slow traffic speeds.

H. The Thoroughfare network of the TND shall be connected to existing Thoroughfares, unless the Commissions and Council determine that topography, requirements of traffic circulation or other considerations make such connections impractical. In suburban areas, TND Streets should be laid out to allow extensions to future neighborhoods. Dead-end Streets are prohibited unless the Commissions and Council determine otherwise.


I. Design of Thoroughfares.

1. General.

a. Thoroughfares consist of moving lanes, parking lanes, curbs or swales, planters, Trees, Street lights and sidewalks.

b. Thoroughfare Types shall be designated in the Specific Implementation Plan.

c. Roads, Streets, and Commercial Streets may be modified to become avenues, Boulevards and Drives.

d. Thoroughfares passing from one (1) Use area to another shall change appropriately except those designated as a "connector" in the Specific Implementation Plan.

e. The exact locations of Trees and lights along Thoroughfares may be adjusted for specific conditions, such as Building entrances.

f. Thoroughfares that exist in or near a TND at the time of rezoning and are consistent with the intent of this ordinance may become an approved standard for use in that TND. An example of such a condition is commonly found in a nearby historic neighborhood.

g. If striped, on-street parallel parking spaces shall be striped collectively, not individually.

h. The full width of all Paths, Passages, rural lanes, lanes and Alleys shall be designated a utility Easement. Only in the absence of these Thoroughfare Types are utility Easements permitted elsewhere.

i. Traffic signals shall be timed on sixty (60) second I thirty (30) second intervals, with exceptions only for unorthodox intersections with an unusually high number of turning motions.

j. All Thoroughfares within a TND shall terminate at other Thoroughfares, forming a network. Cul-de-sacs shall be granted only when justified by site conditions.

2. Design of Thoroughfares in Commercial Areas.

a. All Lots shall enfront on a Thoroughfare, except that a maximum of twenty (20%) percent of Lots served by a real lane or Alley may enfront a Path or Passage.

b. Thoroughfares may intersect at non-orthogonal angles as acute as thirty (30) degrees.


3. Design of Thoroughfares in Civic Areas. Thoroughfares enfronting civic Buildings or civic spaces shall follow the standards of the underlying Use area.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-7049. Parking requirements.

A. Parking areas for shared or community Use should be encouraged. On-street parking shall count toward the parking requirements. Side and rear parking shall be allowed. In addition:

B. In the mixed-Use area, any parking Lot shall be located at the rear or side of a Building. If located at the side, screening shall be provided as specified in Section 17-7054.

C. A parking Lot or Garage may not be adjacent to or opposite a Street, or other Thoroughfare, intersection.

D. In the mixed-Use area, a commercial Use must provide one (1) parking space for every five hundred (500') feet of gross Building area.

E. Parking Lots or Garages must provide not less than one (1) bicycle parking space for every ten (10) motor vehicle parking spaces.

F. Adjacent on-street parking may apply toward the minimum parking requirements.

G. In the mixed residential areas, parking may be provided on-site. One (1) off-Street parking space with unrestricted ingress and egress shall be provided for each Secondary Dwelling Unit.

H. Multi-family Uses must provide one (1) parking space for every Dwelling unit and [0.5] parking space for each additional bedroom.

I. In residential areas, Garage doors which face the front of a Lot shall be placed twenty (20') feet beyond the setback of the principal Structure. However, the Commissions may modify this requirement for no more than twenty (20%) percent of the Dwelling units if warranted by topography or other environmental conditions.

J. In non-residential areas, parking Lots shall be located to the rear or side of Buildings. Side parking Lots shall account for no more than twenty-five (25%) percent of parking, and shall be screened from sidewalks by a combination of low walls or fences and landscaping.

K. In the case of commercial or office Uses which have shop or store fronts adjacent to sidewalks and Thoroughfares, parking along the Thoroughfare directly in front of the Lot shall count toward fulfilling the parking requirements.

L. The required number of spaces for commercial and office Uses may be further reduced by demonstrating the use of shared parking.


M. If a Developer desires additional customer parking for nonresidential Uses, it shall be provided on grassy, pervious surfaces (of reinforced/plastic grid, reinforced block or similar material) which are adequate to sustain parked vehicles.

N. Off-street parking shall be located in mid-block parking Lots located behind the Buildings.

O. Parking shall be accessed by Alley or Rear Lane, when available. However, there shall be no parking in an Alley or lane.

P. Parking shall be prohibited within thirty (30') feet of intersections to enable public service and emergency vehicles adequate turning radii, and in mid-block sections such that emergency vehicles can park and operate within 125 feet of all Buildings on the block.

Q. Required parking may be provided within a five (5) minute (onequarter mile) radius of the site which it serves.

R. The location of permitted parking along Thoroughfares should be coordinated to allow access to mail boxes.

S. One (1) bicycle rack space shall be provided for every ten (10) vehicular parking spaces.

T. Parking Lots greater than two (2) double loaded parking rows should be carefully arranged to minimize breaks between pedestrian destinations.

U. Shared Parking.

1. If an office Use and a retail sales and service Use share parking, the parking requirement for the retail sales and service Use may be reduced by twenty (20%) percent, provided that the reduction shall not exceed the minimum parking requirement for the office Use.

2. If a residential Use shares parking with a retail and service Use other than lodging Uses, eating and drinking establishments or entertainment Uses, the parking requirement for the residential Use may be reduced by thirty (30%) percent, provided that the reduction does not exceed the minimum parking requirement for the retail and service Use.

3. If an office and a residential Use share off-Street (or other Thoroughfare) parking, the parking requirement for the residential Use may be reduced by fifty (50%) percent, provided that the reduction shall not exceed the minimum parking requirement for the office Use.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-7050. Architectural Standards.

A. A variety of architectural features and Building materials is encouraged to give each Building or group of Buildings a distinct character. In order to achieve harmonious design throughout the TND District, architectural design guidelines for the residential, commercial, office and civic and institutional Uses shall be submitted to the Commissions and used in creating the Development by the Developer, as set forth in this code and in the General Implementation Plan Checklist.

B. Guidelines for Existing Structures

1. Existing Structures, if determined to be historic or architecturally significant, shall be protected from demolition or encroachment by incompatible Structures or landscape Development.

2. The U.S. Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Properties shall be used as the criteria for renovating historic or architecturally significant Structures.

C. Guidelines for New Structures

1. Height. New Structures within a TND District shall be no more than three (3) Stories for single-family residential, or five (5) Stories for commercial, multi-family residential, or mixed Use.

2. Entries, Facades, Windows, Doors and Roofs.

a. The architectural features, materials, and the articulation of a facade of a Building shall be continued on all sides visible from a public Thoroughfare.

b. The front facade of the Principal Building on any Lot in a TND District shall face onto a public Thoroughfare.

c. The front facade shall not be oriented to face directly toward a parking Lot.

d. Porches, pent roofs, roof overhangs, hooded front doors or other similar architectural elements shall define the front entrance to all residences.

e. For commercial Buildings, a minimum of fifty (50%) percent of the front facade on the ground floor shall be glass (transparent), including window or door openings allowing views into and out of the interior.


f. New Structures on opposite sides of the same Thoroughfare should follow similar design guidelines. This provision shall not apply to Buildings bordering civic Uses.

g. Building and parking placement within the Neighborhood Center, or Town Center, should be arranged to create appropriately scaled continuous Building facades with as few non-pedestrian oriented breaks as possible.

h. Building wall materials may be combined on each facade only horizontally, with the heavier generally below the lighter.

i. Walls along Thoroughfares shall be made of brick, or block and stucco, or other material to match the fa(fade of the Principal Building.

j. Windows shall use clear glass panels.

k. All openings including porches, galleries, arcades and windows, with the exception of storefronts, shall be square or vertical in proportion.

l. Openings above the first Story shall not exceed fifty (50%) percent of the total Building wall area, with each fa(fade being calculated independently.

m. The facades on retail frontages shall be detailed as storefronts and glazed no less than fifty (50%) percent of the sidewalk-level Story.

n. Doors and windows that operate as sliders are prohibited along frontages.

o. Pitched roofs, if provided, shall be symmetrically sloped no less than 5:12, except that porches may be attached sheds with slopes no less than 2:12.

p. Flat roofs shall be enclosed by parapets a minimum of forty-two (42") inches high, or as required to conceal mechanical equipment to the satisfaction of the Developer, Board or Directors and Architectural Control Committee.

3. Dwelling units may be constructed above the ground floor in commercial and office Buildings.

4. Commercial and office Development within the TND shall have an architectural design compatible with the design of residential Buildings.

D. Utilities. All utilities shall be placed underground and/or shall run within Alley Easements within the TND.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-7051. Guidelines for garages and Secondary Dwelling Units.

A. Garages and Secondary Dwelling Units may be placed on a single-family detached residential Lot within the Principal Building or an Accessory Building provided that the Secondary Dwelling Unit shall not exceed 800 square feet. Garage doors shall have a minimum setback of twenty (20') feet.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-7052. Guidelines for exterior signage.

A. Comprehensive Sign guidelines are required for the entire TND District which establishes a uniform Sign theme. Such guidelines shall be submitted to the Board of Directors of the Architectural Control Committee, if any, for approval. Signs shall share a common style, as to size, shape, and material. In the mixed-Use area, all Signs shall be wall Signs or cantilever Signs; provided, however, that no billboards shall be allowed within the TND. Cantilever signs shall be mounted perpendicular to the Building face and shall not exceed [eight (8')] square feet.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-7053. Guidelines for lighting.

A. Lighting along Thoroughfares, including pedestrian scale lighting, shall be provided along all Thoroughfares. Generally more, smaller lights, as opposed to fewer, high-intensity lights, should be used. Lights shall be installed on both sides of Streets at intervals of no greater than seventy-five (75') feet apart. The lighting design shall meet the minimum standards developed by the Illumination Engineering Society.

B. Exterior lighting shall be directed downward in order to reduce glare onto adjacent properties.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-7054. Landscaping and Screening Standards.

A. Overall composition and location of landscaping shall complement the scale of the Development and its surroundings. In general, larger, well-placed contiguous planting areas shall be preferred to smaller, disconnected areas. Where screening is required by this ordinance, it shall be at least three (3') feet in height, unless otherwise specified. Required screening shall be at least fifty (50%) percent opaque throughout the year. Required screening shall be satisfied by one (1) or some combination of a decorative fence not less than fifty (50%) percent behind a continuous landscaped area, a masonry wall, or a hedge.


B. A yard 1,000 square feet or less in size is not required to be landscaped.

C. Trees Along Thoroughfares.

1. A minimum of one (1) deciduous canopy Tree per forty (40') feet of frontage, or fraction thereof, shall be required. Trees can be clustered and do not need to be evenly spaced, subject to further provisions as set forth herein.

2. Trees should preferably be located between the sidewalk and the curb, within the landscaped area of a Boulevard, or in Tree wells installed in pavement or concrete.

3. If placement of Trees within the right-of-way will interfere with utility lines, Trees may be planted within the front yard setback adjacent to the sidewalk.

4. Native shade Trees which grow to a minimum height of forty (40') feet at maturity shall be planted along all Streets at a maximum average spacing of thirty (30') feet on center.

5. Trees shall have a minimum caliper of two and one-half (2 ½") inches at the time of planting.

D. Parking area landscaping and screening.

1. All parking and loading areas fronting public Thoroughfares or sidewalks, and all parking and loading areas abutting residential districts or users, shall provide a landscaped area at least five (5') feet wide along the public Thoroughfare or sidewalk; screening at least three (3') feet in height and not less than fifty (50%) percent opaque; and one (1) Tree for each twenty-five (25') linear feet of parking Lot frontage.

2. Parking area interior landscaping. The corners of parking Lots, "islands", and all other areas not used for parking or vehicular circulation shall be landscaped. Vegetation may include turf grass, native grasses or other perennial flowering plants, vines, shrubs or trees. Such spaces may include architectural features such as benches, kiosks or bicycle parking.

3. For all parking Lots with more than six (6) spaces, the landscaped area shall be comprised of a minimum of twenty (20%) percent of the total parking Lot area.

4. In large parking Lots containing more than 200 parking spaces, an additional landscaped area of at least 200' square feet shall be provided for each twenty-five (25) parking spaces or fraction thereof, containing one (1) native shade Tree or canopy Tree. The remainder shall be covered with turf grass, native grasses or other perennial flowering plants, vines or shrubs.


E. Landscape materials that are used for screening shall be of a size that allows growth to the desired height and opacity within two (2) years.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-7055. Environmental Standards.

A. All Uses in the Traditional Neighborhood Development shall conform to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding the environment such as laws and regulations concerning noise, air quality, water quality, radiation, and radioactivity.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-7056. Other Code and Ordinances Applicability.

A. The Ascension Parish Development Code and Subdivision Regulations ("Other Codes and Ordinances") for the Parish applies to a TND District unless:

1. this ordinance expressly provides otherwise; and

2. only as long as such Other Codes and Ordinances do not impede the accomplishment of the stated purpose of the TND District as described in this ordinance.

B. The requirements of this Article supersede any inconsistent provision of any Other Codes and Ordinances.

C. A TND District is a separate and distinct zoning district which shall allow the permitted Uses as provided in the General Implementation Plan, notwithstanding any other zoning classification provided in Other Codes and Ordinances.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-7057. Unified Control.

A. All land included in any TND District shall be under the complete, unified and legal control of the applicant, whether the applicant be an individual, partnership, limited liability company, corporation and/or other Person. Upon request by the Parish, the applicant shall furnish the Parish sufficient evidence to the satisfaction of the Parish that the applicant is in the complete, legal and unified control of the entire area of the proposed Traditional Neighborhood Development. Upon request by the Parish, the applicant shall provide the Parish all agreements, contracts, guarantees and other necessary documents and information that may be required by the Parish to assure the Parish that the Development project may be lawfully completed according to the plans sought to be approved.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-7058. Additional Regulations for Phased Developments.

A. A Traditional Neighborhood Development may be developed in phases or stages in accordance with the following requirements:

1. Boundaries. The boundaries of all proposed Traditional Neighborhood Development phases shall be shown on the General Implementation Plan.

2. Data. All data required for the project, as a whole, shall be given for each phase shown on the General Implementation Plan.

3. Improvements. The phasing plan shall be consistent with the traffic circulation, Drainage, Common Open Space, and utilities plans for the entire Traditional Neighborhood Development. Traditional Neighborhood Developments that are to be developed in phases or stages shall be required to provide Public Improvements, Common Open Space, and other amenities attributed to such phase at the same time as or before the construction of Principal Buildings and Structures associated with individual phases. The nature, type, and amount of Public Improvements, Common Open Space, and other project amenities provided during an individual phase of the project shall be commensurate with and proportionate to the overall Development of the phase.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-7080. Street Design Requirements:

17-7081. Table 1: Street Design Guidelines

Table 1: Street Design Guidelines in a TND District

(Each subject to Modification by the Commissions)

Collector or

Avenue

Subcollector or

Drive

Local Street or

Road

Alley

Average Daily Trips

750 or more 750-1500 Less than 250 Not Applicable

Right-of-Way 76-88 feet 58-72 feet 35-50 feet 15-30 feet Auto Travel lanes Two or three 12

foot lanes Two 10 foot lanes Two 10 foot lanes,

or one 14 foot (Queuing) lane

Two 8 foot lanes for two-way

traffic, or one 12 foot lane for yield

traffic Bicycle lanes Two 6 foot lanes

combined with parking lanes

4 foot lanes with no parking, or 6

foot lanes combined with parking lanes

None None

Parking Both sides, 8 feet None, one, or both sides, 8 feet

None or one both side, 8 feet

None (Access to individual Drives & garages outside

Right-of-Way) Curb and Gutter Required Required Not Required Not Required Planting Strips Minimum 6 feet Minimum 6 feet Minimum 3 feet None

Sidewalks Both sides, 5 feet minimum

Both sides, 3 – 5 feet

Both sides, 3 – 5 feet

None

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)



17-7091. Fees.

A. The Council may, by resolution, establish fees for the administration of this ordinance.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-7092. Violations.

A. Any violation of the General Implementation Plan and/or Specific Implementation Plan or any other phase or plan adopted as part of the amendment to the Development Code shall constitute a violation of the Development Code. Any Person or legal entity violating any provision of this ordinance, or who shall violate or fail to comply with any order made hereunder; or who shall continue to work upon any Structure after having received written notice from the Zoning Official to cease work, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punishable by a fine not to exceed five hundred ($500) dollars per violation. Each day such violation shall be permitted to exist shall constitute a separate offense. Notice of violation shall be sufficient if directed to such Owner, the agent of the Owner, or the contractor and/or left at his known place of residence or place of business.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-7093. Appeal.

A. An applicant may appeal the findings and recommendations of the Commissions or Zoning Official, as applicable, by filing an objection in writing to the Council within five (5) days of receipt of the Commissions' or Zoning Official's recommendations. The Council shall grant or deny the Appeal, and the Council's decision shall be final. If the Council grants the Appeal, the Council shall submit a notice to the Commissions or Zoning Official stating reasons for its grant of the Appeal.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-70100. Definitions.

The following definitions shall be observed and applied, except when the context clearly indicates otherwise. Words used in the present tense shall include the future tense. Words used in the singular form shall include the plural form. Words used in the plural form shall include the singular. The word "shall" is mandatory and the word "may" is permissive.

Abutting: Having a border with, or being separated from such common border by, an Alley or Easement.

Access: An entry to or exit from a property, Lot, Building, parking Lot, or other area within the TND.

Accessory Building: a Building which is (1) subordinate to and serves a principal Structure or Principal Use; (2) is subordinate in area, extent and purpose to the principal Structure or Principal Use; (3) is located on the same Lot as the principal Structure or Principal Use; and (4) is customarily incidental to the principal Structure or Principal Use. Any portion of a Principal Building which is devoted to an Accessory Use is not an Accessory Building.

Accessory Use: A Use which (1) is subordinate to and serves a principal Structure or Principal Use, (2) is subordinate in area, extent, and purpose to the principal Structure or Principal Use served, (3) is located on the same Lot as the principal Structure or Principal Use served except as otherwise expressly authorized by provisions of this ordinance, and (4) is customarily incidental to the principal Structure or Principal Use.

Acre: Forty-three thousand five hundred sixty (43,560) square feet.

Alley: a public or private way permanently reserved as a secondary means of Access to Abutting property.

Appeal: A means for obtaining review of a decision, determination, order, or failure to act under the terms of this ordinance.

Application: an application filed by a Developer/applicant for TND District zoning.

Association, or Associations: the association or associations of all the Owners of property in the TND charged with the ownership and maintenance of Common Open Space and associated facilities and operated pursuant to articles of incorporation and bylaws. Initially, the Developer shall maintain control of the Association until such time as two-thirds (213) of Lots in the TND have been sold, or as otherwise set forth in its Articles or Bylaws. A TND may have a residential Association and a commercial Association.

Block: a unit of land bounded by Thoroughfares or by a combination of Thoroughfare Types, public land, railroad rights-of-way, waterways, or any other barrier to the continuity of Development.

Boulevard: a major Thoroughfare for carrying a large volume of through traffic in the area, normally controlled by traffic Signs and signals with relatively few intersections and/or Drives.

Buffer, or Buffer Yard: a unit of land, together with a specified type and amount of planting and any fencing which may be required between land Uses to minimize conflicts between them.


Building: a Structure built, maintained, or intended for Use as a shelter or enclosure of Persons, animals, or property. The term includes any part of the Structure. Where independent units with separate entrances are divided by party walls, each unit is a Building.

Building Height, or Height: the vertical distance measured from the lowest ground elevation to the highest point of the Building or Structure. The Building Height may be prescribed as a maximum number of Stories or as a dimension from sidewalk grade to the eave. The Height limit shall not apply to chimneys.

Building Setback: the distance from the Street Right of Way line to the closest point of the foundation of a Building or projection thereof.

Collector: a Street designed to carry moderate volumes of traffic from local Streets to Boulevards or from Boulevard to Boulevard. Collectors are also referred to as Avenues.

Commercial Street: a very urban condition which comprises a Street with raised curbs drained by inlets. Wide sidewalks along both sides are separated from the Thoroughfare by small separate Tree wells. Trees along the Commercial Street consist of a single species aligned in a row or rows. Tree spacing may be irregular to stay clear of shop entrances. Commercial Streets have the highest pedestrian Use.

Commissions: the Planning Commission and the Zoning Commission, individually and collectively.

Common Open Space: a Parcel or Parcels of land and/or an area of water within a Development that are held in some form of common ownership and designated, designed and intended for benefit, use or enjoyment of the occupants of the Development. It may contain such complementary Structures and improvements as necessary and appropriate for the benefit and enjoyment of the occupants of such Development as set forth in Section 17-7045 herein, including those Uses set forth in the Development Code.

Council: the Ascension Parish Council.

Density: A measure of the intensity of Development. In this ordinance, Density for residential Development is calculated in terms of units per Acre. The calculation for residential Density is set forth in Section 17-2073(D) of the Development Code. Density for commercial Development is calculated as the gross Floor Area for each Development project.

Developer: - the legal or beneficial Owner(s) of a Lot or Parcel of any land proposed for inclusion in a Development, including the holder of an option or contract to purchase.

Development: the division of a Parcel of land into two (2) or more Parcels; the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation, or enlargement of any Buildings or Structures; any Use or change in Use of any Buildings or land; or any extension of any Use of land or any clearing, grading, or other movement of land.

Development Code: the Ascension Parish Development Code and Subdivision Regulations.

Drainage: the removal of surface water or groundwater from land by drains, grading, or other means. Drainage includes the control of runoff to minimize erosion and sedimentation during and after Development and includes the means necessary for water supply preservation or the prevention or alleviation of Flooding.


Drive or Driveway: a vehicular Access way within a Lot.

Dwelling: any Building or portion of a Building which is designated or used for residential purposes.

Dwelling, Multi- or Multi-Family: a Building that contains more than one (1 ) Dwelling unit.

Dwelling, Single- or Single-Family: a Building that contains only one (1) living unit, including attached Buildings in the case of Townhomes.

Flood, or Flooding: a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from the overflow of inland or tidal waters, or the unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source.

Floor Area: the sum of the gross floor area for each of a Building's or Structure's Stories measured from the exterior limits of the faces of the Building or Structure. The Floor Areas of the building include the basement Floor Area. The Floor Area includes the attic only if it is habitable Floor Area.

General Implementation Plan: the initial plan of Development for a TND which an applicant/Developer submits to the Commissions containing all those items described in the General Implementation Plan Checklist, including written and graphic documents, which represents a conceptual plan of the proposed land Uses and their overall impact on the land and surrounding land for rezoning of the land to TND Concept.

General Implementation Plan Checklist: a list containing items which must be included in a General Implementation Plan submitted to the Commissions for TND approval.

Highway: a long-distance, speed-movement Thoroughfare designed for vehicle use, traversing open countryside. A Highway should be relatively free of intersections, Driveways and adjacent Buildings, otherwise it becomes strip Development which interferes with traffic flow and human comfort. Variants include freeways, expressways and parkways.

Live-Work Unit: those dwelling structures or units that combine a residence and a workplace, as permitted in this ordinance.

Lot: a Parcel of land undivided by any Street or private Road and occupied or intended for occupancy by, or designated to be developed for, one (1) Building or Principal Use and the Accessory Buildings or Accessory Uses customarily incidental to such Building, Use or Development, including such open spaces and yards as are designed and arranged or required by this ordinance for such Building Use or Development.

Lot Area: the area contained within the boundary lines of Lot.

Lot Line: a line bounding a Lot which divides one (1) Lot from another or from a Street or any public or private space.

Lot Width: the horizontal distance between Side Lot Lines measured at the front setback. Where there is only one Side Lot Line, Lot Width shall be measured between such Lot Line and the pposite Lot Line or future Right of Way line.

Major Change: a change to an approved Traditional Neighborhood Development as set forth in Section 17-7031.


Minor Change: a change to an approved Traditional Neighborhood Development as set forth in Section 17-7031.

Net Acre: an Acre of land excluding Street rights-of-way and other publicly dedicated improvements such as parks, open space, and stormwater detention and retention facilities.

Owner: The Person or Persons having the right of legal title to, beneficial interest in, or a contractual right to purchase a Lot or Parcel of land.

Parcel: The area within the boundary lines of a Development.

Parish: The Parish of Ascension, State of Louisiana.

Passage: a pedestrian connector passing between Buildings. Passages provide shortcuts through long blocks and connect rear parking areas with Street frontages. Passages may be roofed over and lined by shopfronts. Variants include Courts, a Passage that is wide enough to be landscaped, being the frontage for Buildings which are otherwise provided with vehicular Access only by Rear Alleys.

Path: a pedestrian way traversing a park or the countryside. Paths should connect directly with the sidewalk network at the urban edge.

Person: An individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, joint stock association or government entity; including a trustee, a receiver, and assignee, or a similar representative of any of them.

Planning Commission: An agency legally established by the Council in conformity with state legislation with all the rights and responsibilities defined by such legislation.

Planning Staff or Commissions Staff: Professional and nonprofessional personnel employed by the Commissions to carry out and fulfill the directives and responsibilities of the Commissions. Staff functions may be conducted by private or public consultants at the discretion of the commissions.

Principal Building: a Building in which the Principal Use of the Lot on which the Building is located is conducted or intended to be conducted.

Principal Use: The specific primary purpose for which land is used.

Public Improvement: Any improvement, facility, or service, together with customary improvements and appurtenances thereto, necessary to provide for such public needs as vehicular and pedestrian circulation systems, storm sewers, Flood control improvements, water supply and distribution facilities, sanitary sewage disposal and treatment, public utility, and energy services.

Queuing: the Use of one travel lane on local Streets with parking, usually an intermittent parking pattern, on both sides.

Rear Alley: a narrow service Access way to the rear of more urban Buildings providing service areas, parking Access, and utility Easements. Alleys, as they are used by trucks and must accommodate dumpsters, should be paved from Building face to Building face, with drainage by inverted crown at the center. Buildings facing the Alley must have windows.

Rear Lane: a vehicular Access way located to the rear of a Lot providing Access to parking and outbuildings as well as Easements for utilities. Rear Lanes are paved as lightly as possible to Driveway


standards or with gravel. Rear Lanes should be as rural as possible in character. Buildings facing the Rear Lane must have windows. Posted speed should equal design speed.

Rear Lot Line: that Lot Line which is parallel to and most distant from the front Lot Line of the Lot; in the case of an irregular, triangular, or gore-shaped Lot, a line twenty (20) feet in length, entirely within the Lot, parallel to and at the maximum possible distance from the front line, shall be considered to be the Rear Lot Line. In the case of Lots which have frontage on more than one (1) Road or Street, the Rear Lot Line shall be opposite the Lot Line along which the Lot takes Access to a Street.

Restrictive, more (less): A regulation imposed by this ordinance is more (less) restrictive than another if it prohibits or limits Development to a greater (lesser) extent or by means of more (less) detailed specifications.

Right-of-Way: A strip of ground dedicated by the Developer for public Use, title to which shall rest in the public for the purpose stated in the dedication.

Road: a Thoroughfare with open swales drained by runoff percolation and an informal walking Path or bicycle trail along one (1) side. Trees along Roads consist of multiple species composed in clusters. Roads have low pedestrian use. Design speed can exceed the posted speed.

Rural Road: a Thoroughfare with open swales drained by runoff percolation and no separate pedestrian Path. Trees along Rural Roads consist of multiple species composed in clusters.

Secondary Dwelling Unit: an additional Dwelling unit located within the principal Dwelling on the Lot, in a freestanding Building or above a residential garage.

Servitude, or Easement: A strip existing or to be reserved by the Developer for public utilities, Drainage and other public purposes, the title to which shall remain with the property Owner, subject to the right of Use designated in the reservation of servitude; or a strip of ground designated or intended to be used for Access to Buildings and other portions of property.

Side Lot Line: any Lot Line other than a front or Rear Lot Line.

Sign: Any Structure, part thereof, or device attached thereto or painted or represented thereon, or any material or thing, illuminated or otherwise, which displays or includes any numeral, letter, word, model, pennant, streamer, banner, emblem, insignia, device, trademark or other representation used as, or in the nature of, an announcement, advertisement, direction or designation of any Person, firm, group, organization, place, commodity, product, service, business, profession, enterprise or industry which is located upon any land or on any Building.

Story, or Stories: a space in a Building between the surface of any floor and the surface of the next floor above, or if there is no such floor above, then the space between such floor and the ceiling or roof above.

Street: a strip of land, including the entire Right of Way, publicly or privately owned, serving as a means of slow vehicular travel, and furnishing Access to Abutting properties, which may also be used to provide space for sewers, public utilities, shade Trees, and sidewalks. A Street may be public or private.

Structure: An object, including a mobile object, constructed or installed by man, including but without limitation, Buildings, towers, cranes, and overhead transmission lines.


Subdivision: Any division, subdivision or re-division of a subdivision, tract, Parcel, or Lot of land into two (2) or more Lots, plots, sites, parts, or other division of land by means of mapping, platting, conveyance, or change of rearrangement of boundaries for the purpose of sale, lease or Development, whether immediate or future. All Subdivisions are also Developments.

Thoroughfare: A paved vehicular way with moving lanes and parking lanes accompanied by streetscapes at the sides, both within and outside of a public right-of-way, and including all of the Thoroughfare Types as set forth and described herein.

Thoroughfare Types: Boulevards, Roads, Rural Roads, Streets, Commercial Streets, Collectors, Driveways, Highways, Passages, Paths, Rear Alleys, and Rear Lanes.

Townhome: Two (2) or more attached living units with common or party sidewalls between units, designated so that each unit may be sold independently as a Lot with its own yards and parking spaces.

Traditional Neighborhood or Traditional Neighborhood Development: a compact, walkable, mixed-Use neighborhood where residential, commercial and civic Buildings are within close proximity to each other as contemplated under this ordinance.

Transit Stop: a location where passengers board and alight. Transit Stops can serve one or more routes and include various levels of amenities depending on the level of actual or anticipated riders. Amenities can include Transit Stop sign pole, benches, trash receptacles, shelters and lighting. Transit Stops can be placed within the public right-of-way or on private property depending on service needs and passenger comfort.

Tree: Any self-supporting perennial woody plant that is at least four (4) inches in diameter.

Urban Street: a typical urban condition which comprises a Street with raised curbs drained by inlets. A narrower, continuous planter separates wide sidewalks along both sides from the Thoroughfare. Trees along Urban Streets consist of a single species aligned in a row or rows.

Use: The purpose or activity for which land or any Building thereon is designed, arranged, or intended, or for which it is occupied or maintained.

Variance: Permission to depart from the literal requirements of this ordinance granted by the Council.

Zoning Commission: An agency legally established by the Council in conformity with state legislation with all the rights and responsibilities defined by such legislation.

(Ord.#TD05-01, 12/1/05; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

4207GonzPhonWeb:


17-801. 17-802. 17-803. 17-804. 17-8040.17-8041.17-8042.17-8043.17-8044.17-8045.17-8046.17-8047.17-8048.17-8049.17-8050.17-8051.17-8052.17-8053.17-8054.17-8055.17-8056.17-8057.17-8058.17-8059.17-8060.17-8061.17-8062.17-8063.17-8064.17-8065.17-8066.17-8067.17-8068.17-8090.17-8091.17-8092.


ProcedurRules .....Mobile HApplicati

. Design S

. Mobile H

. Site Selec

. Site Drain

. Park Main

. Park Den

. Setbacks

. Mobile H

. Lot Stand

. Access an

. Parking o

. Servitude

. Lots Alon

. Flood Pla

. Individua

. Stabilizin

. Fire Prote

. Landscap

. Service B

. Accessory

. Fences ...

. Storage A

. Refuse D

. Insect and

. Mobile H

. Sewage D

. Mobile H

. Mobile H

. Responsib

. Administ

. Amendm

. Appeals .

PAROFFI

225) 450-1352net

MOB

res and Pro...................

Home Park Gon Procedurtandards ...

Home Park...ction Standanage Criteriantenance Sta

nsity ...............................

Home Lot Ardards ...........nd Interior Pof Vehicles .es ................ng Drainage ain Provisional Mobile Hong Devices oection .........ping .............Buildings .....y Structures ...................

Areas ...........isposal .......d Rodent Co

Home Park WDisposal SysHome Park EHome Park G

bilities of thtration and ents ...............................

ISH OCE OF PL

2

BILE HOME

C

cess.................................

General Provire and Appro........................................

ards ..............a ..................andards ...............................................rea....................................

Park Streets ..........................................Course .......

n ..................omes in Placor Piers, Grou............................................................and Buildin

....................

....................

....................ontrol ...........Water Systemstem .............

Electrical SysGas Systems .he Park Own

Enforceme........................................

OF ALANNING

PLAN

APPENDIX E PARK REG

Contents:

........................................isions ..........oval Process........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

ce .................und Anchors............................................................

ngs ...............................................................................................

m ......................................stems ...............................er or Operat

ent .......................................................

ASCEG AND DENNING D

VIIIGULATION

....................

....................

....................s ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................s, and Diago................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................tor ............................................................................

NSIOVELOPM

DEPARTM

S

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................onal Ties. .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

ON MENT MENT

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

....................

...... 3

...... 3

...... 3

...... 4

.... 19

.... 19

.... 19

.... 19

.... 19

.... 20

.... 20

.... 20

.... 21

.... 21

.... 22

.... 22

.... 23

.... 23

.... 25

.... 25

.... 26

.... 27

.... 27

.... 27

.... 27

.... 28

.... 28

.... 29

.... 29

.... 30

.... 31

.... 32

.... 33

.... 35

.... 35

.... 35

Appendix VIII: Mobile Home Park Regulations Page 2 of 42

17-8093. Separability Clause ..................................................................................................... 35 17-8094. Repeal of Conflicting Ordinances .............................................................................. 35 17-8095. Variances .................................................................................................................... 35 17-8096. Effective Date ............................................................................................................. 36 17-8097. Non-Conforming Uses and Structures ........................................................................ 37 17-8098. Supervision and Penalties ........................................................................................... 38 17-80100. Definitions .............................................................................................................. 41 ORDINANCE HISTORY Ordinance.# MP85-01, adopted 6/6/85 Ordinance.# MP95-01, adopted 8/3/95 Ordinance.# MP97-01, adopted 8/21/97 Ordinance.# DC09-09, adopted 12/17/09 Ordinance.# MP09-01, adopted 12/17/09


17-801. Procedures and Process (Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-802. Rules

A. The language set forth in the test of these standards should be interpreted in

accordance with the following rules of construction: 1. the singular number includes the plural and plural the singular;

2. the present tense includes the past and future tenses and the future the

present;

3. the word "shall" is mandatory, while the word "may" is permissive;

4. the masculine gender includes the feminine and the neuter; (Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-803. Mobile Home Park General Provisions

A. TITLE: These regulations shall be known, cited and referred to as the Mobile Home Regulations of Ascension Parish, Louisiana, and may hereinafter be referred to simply as the "Regulations."

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09) B. Authority: These Regulations are adopted in accordance with the provisions of

the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, Title 33, as amended. (Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. Purpose: These Regulations are adopted for the following purposes: To protect

and promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the parish; to prevent overcrowding and undue congestion of the population; to provide adequate and convenient open space for vehicular traffic and parking, utilities, access for emergency and service apparatus by;

1. Establishing minimum standards and requirements for the design,

construction and maintenance of mobile home parks and related utilities and facilities which are subject to the jurisdiction of these Regulations as hereinafter set forth.

2. Authorizing the licensing of owners and/or operators and inspection of

mobile home parks which are subject to this ordinance and by defining duties and responsibilities of owners and/or operators in making mobile home parks safe, sanitary, and fit for human habitation;

3. Specifying a period for compliance for all nonconforming mobile home

parks and by fixing penalties for violations. (Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


D. Jurisdiction: These Regulations shall govern mobile home parks, which are

operated as a business for the purpose of renting space or lots for mobile homes within Ascension Parish, excluding the municipal incorporated areas of the City of Donaldsonville, the City of Gonzales and the Town of Sorrento, as now and hereafter established.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09) E. Enforcement: It shall be unlawful for any person to construct, maintain or operate

any mobile home park within the area of Ascension Parish, Louisiana, as set forth in Paragraph D of this ordinance unless he holds a valid license issued by the Police Jury of Ascension Parish in the name of such person for the specific mobile home park. Before a license and building permit can be issued for the construction, alteration or extension of a mobile home park, comments and recommendations of all plans, construction drawings and other requested material shall be required for the Parish Engineer as directed by the Regulations herein.

A sworn statement shall be filed with the Secretary of the Ascension Parish Police Jury by the owner and/or developer of any mobile home park signifying the purpose of the development of the lots of said mobile home park to be either (1) for the sale of lots (2) for lease. rent or letting of said lots or "(3) a combination of sale and/or lease, rent or let of said lots. The Mobile Home Regulations adopted by this ordinance shall only apply to those mobile home parks which shall have for its purpose either (1) the lease, rent or letting of said lots or (2) a combination of sale and/or lease, rent or let of any lots in said mobile home park. The development of a mobile home park which shall have for its purpose the sale only of lots for use by mobile homes shall be governed by the Subdivision Regulations now in effect for the Parish of Ascension, Louisiana.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09) 17-804. Application Procedure and Approval Process

A. Application For A New License The licensing of mobile home parks within Ascension Parish, Louisiana, within the jurisdiction set forth in Section 17-803(D) herein above shall be the sole responsibility of the Secretary of the Police Jury upon authorization by the Police Jury of Ascension Parish at its regularly scheduled public meeting. Prior to the approval and issuance of a license and building permit for the construction, alteration, or extension of a mobile home park, the Office of the Secretary must receive from the Parish Engineer recommendations and comments on all plans, construction drawings and other required documents.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


B. Location The site for a mobile home park or individual mobile home shall be subject to all applicable regulations of Ascension Parish, Louisiana.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. Application Procedure For A Mobile Home Park

1. Preapplication Consideration

Before the submittal of the preliminary plan, the applicant is encouraged to meet with the Parish Engineer or their authorized representative to unofficially review and discuss the application and the compliance of the proposed project to regulations, submittal procedures, fees, penalties, etc., contained herein. A Sketch Plan shall be submitted at this time and shall show the proposed layout of streets, lots, and other features, in relation to existing conditions.

2. Submittal Procedure for Preliminary Plat

a. The applicant shall submit to the Parish Engineer or its authorized representative two (2) copies of both the application for approval of mobile home parks and the Preliminary Plat a least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the Police Jury Meeting at which it is to be considered. After the Parish Engineer's decision on the Preliminary Plat is determined, the remaining copy shall be returned to the applicant with any comments from the Parish Engineer.


b. Before the to the Planning Commission for review and approval, the developer and his consulting engineer must meet with the Parish Engineer, a representative of the Department of Public Works) the Chairman of the Planning Commission and the Commission staff for a pre-application meeting, providing the same information as specified in Section 17-406 of the Ascension Parish Subdivision Regulations. Prior to the issuance of a permit for a mobile home park, the site plan shall be subject to a public hearing held by the Planning Commission with the Planning Commission staff mailing notices by certified mail to the adjacent property owners. The site plan shall be reviewed by the Department of Public Works, the chief of the fire department responsible for providing fire protection services and the Parish Engineer prior to the Planning Commission Public Hearing. After approval of the site plan by the Planning Commission, the construction plans shall be reviewed and approved by the Department of Public Works and the Parish Engineer. With the submittal of the construction plans, the wetlands determination, delineation and permit shall also be submitted. Construction of the improvements shall be reviewed and inspected by the Parish Engineer and the Department of Public Works. (MP97-01)

c. The Parish Engineer shall mail notices to the owners of land

immediately adjoining the platted and. as their names and addresses appear on the preliminary plat. The notice shall state the time and place of the Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission meeting, at which the preliminary plat will be presented, not less than five (5) days before such date. (MP95-01)

d. The Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission shall

approve or disapprove the application for preliminary plat approval at the meeting at which it is considered or may take same under advisement until the next regularly scheduled meeting unless such time is extended by mutual consent of the Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission chairman, and the owner or developer of the mobile home park. If the Ascension 1Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission approves the plat as is, or subject to conditions, it shall so indicate this approval and the nature of any required conditions on the plat and in the Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission minutes. If it disapproves such plat, it shall furnish the applicant with a written statement Setting forth the reasons for disapproval and specifying with particularity the aspects in which the proposed plat fails to conform to these regulations; this process will likewise be entered into the Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission minutes. (MP95-01)


e. Approval of the preliminary plat by the Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission shall constitute authorization to prepare and submit a final plat in compliance with these regulations and with all preliminary plat comments addressed. Approval of the preliminary plat shall not constitute an acceptance of the final plat. The Ascension Planning &. Zoning Commission may require additional changes as a result of further study of the preliminary plat in final form. (MP95-01)

f. The approval of the preliminary plat shall lapse within six (6) months from the date of such approval unless a final plat has been submitted and approved during this same six (6) month period or unless an extension of time is applied for and granted by the Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission. (MP95-01)

3. Preliminary Plat Requirements The Preliminary Plat shall meet the minimum standards and requirements set forth in these Regulations for mobile home parks Section and Sub-section of 17-8040 and shall give the following information:

a. A site plan at a scale of l" = 100 ft b. A location map, to scale, showing general location of the

proposed project, property boundaries, true north, and significant natural and manmade features of the site and immediate surroundings.

Appendixx VIII: Mobilee Home Park Regulations

Page 8 of 42

Appendixx VIII: Mobilee Home Park Regulations

Page 9

of 42


c. The proposed project's name and location, the name(s) and addressees) of the owner or owners and the name of the designer of the plat who shall be a competent engineer, or land surveyor.

d. Date, approximate north point, and graphic scale as well as the

section, range, township, and total acreage.

e. The location of existing streets, buildings, water courses, culverts, and any public utility easements.

f. The location and dimensions of all proposed streets, sidewalks, alleys, easements, parks, and other open spaces.

g. Typical cross section of the proposed grading of roadways and

sidewalks and topographic conditions drawn to a scale of not less than one (1) inch equals one hundred (100) feet horizontal and one (1) inch equals twenty (20) feet vertical when required by the Police Jury.

h. The number, location, and site of all existing and proposed

mobile home spaces, including the location of minimum setback lines, buildings, utilities, and all other improvements. Typical plat plans for individual mobile homes at a scale of 1" = 10'.

i. Plans of proposed utility servitude layouts (sewer, water, and

electricity) showing feasible connections, where possible, to existing and proposed utility systems along with letter from utility companies stating availability of proposed utilities.

j. Contour intervals to sea level datum of not more than two (2)

feet when the slope is less than or equal to four (4) percent, and contour intervals of not more than five (5) feet when the slope is greater than four (4) percent. Show spot elevations of all breaks in grades along drainage channels or swales and at selected points not more than two hundred (200) feet apart in all directions for slopes less than two (2) percent. If any portion of the land being developed is below the elevation of the flood as designated on Flood Insurance Administration (F.I.A.) flood hazard boundary maps or flood insurance rate maps, the limits of such flood prone areas or zones shall be shown.

k. Drainage and grading plans.

l. The location, size and type (material) of automobile parking

spaces, screening, fencing, and landscaping existing or proposed for construction.


m. Such further information as may be requested by the Parish Engineer or the Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission to enable them to determine that the proposed mobile home park will comply with legal requirements. (MP95-01)

4. Submittal Procedure for Final Plat

a. Within six (6) months after approval of the preliminary plat by the Ascension Parish Planning & Zoning Commission. the applicant shall submit 10 the Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission or its authorized representative. at least fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the meeting of the Ascension Parish Planning & &. Zoning Commission at which it Is 10 be considered: Two (2) copies of the Application for Approval of Mobile Home Parks; One (1) film or paper sepia and two (2) black line or blue line ammonia prints of the final plat; and all supporting data and materials required under ·Pinal Plat Requirements-, The final plat shall retain the design characteristics of the approved preliminary plat. shall address and comply with all comments cited by the Ascension Parish Planning & Zoning Commission in its review of the preliminary plat and shall conform 10 the requirements and standards as set forth in these regulations.

b. (b) In case application for approval of the final plat is made for

part or parts of an approved preliminary plat. The Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission may extend the time for other parts of the approved preliminary plat until dates beyond the foregoing six (6) mouth period,

c. The final plat will be thoroughly evaluated at the regular

Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission meeting for which the final plat is placed for consideration and which shall be not later than sixty (60) days from the dale the application for approval of the final plat was med with the Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission or its authorized representative. Whichever date is later. If said plat is said 10 be in conformity with the approved preliminary plat and other requirements of these regulations. The Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission shall approve or disapprove the final plat as submitted.


d. Upon approval by the Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission and receipt of all remaining required documents. the Ascension Parish Planning & Zoning Commission or its authorized representative shall have the plat recorded in its final form as approved by the Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission in the conveyance records of Ascension Parish with the clerk of court and in the records of the Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission.

e. If the Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission

receives a recommendation by the Parish Engineer to disapprove the reviewed mobile home park it may. at its next regular meeting. Require the applicant 10 address and comply with the Parish Engineer's comments and recommendations.

f. Upon satisfactory compliance with these regulations. the

Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission may authorize issuance of a building permit and encourage application for a license 10 operate and maintain the proposed project. (MP95-01)

Appendix

x VIII: Mobilee Home Park

Regulations

Page 13 of 42


5. Final Plat Requirements: Review of the Final Plat shall require the following information:

a. All requirements listed in Section 17-804(C)(3), Preliminary

Plat Requirements b. A letter from the Office of Health Services and Environmental

Quality, State of Louisiana, approving water and sewerage plans for the proposed project.

c. One (1) full set of construction drawings and specifications of

the proposed project for purposes of review and comment by the Parish Engineer.

d. Requested information. The applicant may submit all

information requested by the Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission u recorded in the preliminary plat comments. (MP95-01)

e. Certificates. The final certificate shall be on the final plat when

submitted:

i Owner's certificate; ii Surveyor's certificate;

iii Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission

certificate of approval.

The application for approval of the final plat shall not be deemed completed until all certificates, other than parish certificates, have been duly executed and placed on the final plat. (MP95-01)

f. Supporting documents. The final plat shall be complete plans, specification and cost estimates of the improvements to be installed, prepared by a registered professional engineer and based on the renditions of approval of the preliminary plans and specifications. Such plans and specifications shall be approved by the Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission or its authorized representative or other public officials having jurisdiction and shall be certified on the final plat. (MP95-01)

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP95-01, 8/3/95; MP97-01, 8/21/97; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


D. Prerequisite to issuance of license and building permit:

1. Prior to approval and issuance of a license by the Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission and a building or construction permit by the Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission for the construction, alteration or extension of a mobile home park, the Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission must receive from the Parish Engineer recommendations and comments on all plans, construction, drawings and other requirements.

2. A sworn statement shall be med with the Secretary of Je Ascension

Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission by the owner and/or developer of any mobile home park signifying the purpose of the development of the lots of said mobile home park to be either:

a. For the sale of lots; b. For lease, rent or letting of said lots; or

c. A combination of sale and/or lease, rent or let of said lots.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP95-01, 8/3/95; DC09-09, 12/17/09) E. Permits Required / Fees

1. It shall be unlawful for any individual to construct, alter or extend a mobile home park, including but not limited to buildings and utilities without a building permit issued by the Ascension Parish Building Official or his authorized representative. Such work shall be inspected and must comply with the codes and regulations of the parish and state. The building permit fee for each mobile home park shall be in accordance with a schedule published by the Ascension Parish Building Official.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP95-01, 8/3/95; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

F. Licenses

1. License Requirements a. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a mobile home

park within Ascension Parish within the jurisdiction set forth in Paragraph 1.4 hereinabove unless he holds a valid license issued by the Secretary of the Ascension Parish Police Jury in the name of such person for the specific mobile home parks. No new license or renewal license shall be issued by the Police Jury until the mobile home park has been inspected by the Parish Engineer and found to be in compliance with health standards of Ascension Parish Health Unit, the Sanitary Code for the State of Louisiana as administered by the Office of Health Services and Environmental Quality, and all other applicable local and legal requirements.


2. License Fees

a. For each license issued under the provisions of these regulations, there shall be paid to the Parish of Ascension, an annual fee as listed in the approved fee schedule for Ascension Parish. The Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission shall have authority to amend this fee and establish a schedule of fees. This schedule shall be present in the office of the Ascension parish Planning & Zoning Commission in Donaldsonville, Louisiana and Gonzales, Louisiana and may be altered or amended by the Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission by resolution. Until all applicable shall have been paid in full, no action can be taken on any application or appeal. (MP09-01)

3. New Licenses

a. Recommendations, Issuance. Any person making application for a new mobile home park shall first comply with the requirements of Sections and subsections of 17-803 and 17-8040 and receive the approval of the Ascension Parish Planning & Zoning Commission on all plans, construction drawings and other required documents. After the building permit has been issued, and after the construction, alteration, or extension of a mobile home park has been completed, and upon compliance with these regulations and the approval of the Ascension Parish Planning & Zoning Commission, the applicant will be issued a license. (MP95-01)

4. License Term and Renewal

a. A license for a mobile home park shall be valid for the calendar year in which it was issued. Such license shall be renewable annually upon request and after a satisfactory inspection in which the applicant's mobile home park is found to be in compliance with these Regulations. Each license renewal must be obtained by the owner and/or operator on or before January 31, of each year.


5. Transferral of License

a. Every person holding a license to operate and maintain a mobile home park shall give notice in writing to the Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission no later than three (3) calendar days after having sold, transferred, given away or otherwise disposed o( interest in or control o( such mobile home park. Such notice shall include the name and address of the person succeeding to the ownership or control of such mobile home park. Upon application in writing (or transfer of the license, Ascension Parish will transfer the license which will remain valid until its expiration. (MP95-01)

6. Inspections

a. It shall be the duty of the Parish Engineer to make an inspection of each mobile home park to insure compliance with these Regulations prior to the issuance of any license.

7. License Revocation or Suspension

a. Revocation upon conviction. The Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission may revoke any license to maintain and operate a mobile home park; when the licensee bas been found guilty by the parish court or the 23rd Judicial ;District Court (or the parish violating any provision o( these regulations. After such conviction, the license may be reissued if the circumstances leading to conviction have been remedied and the park is being maintained and operated in full compliance with the law. (MP95-01)

b. Suspension or revocation after show-case hearing. When the

office of the secretary or its authorized representative determines that any person holding a license under these regulations has or may have violated any of the provisions of these regulations or any health regulation of the state, a written notice shall be served on such licensee. in person or by registered mail, specifying the violations and requiring correction within thirty (30) days; the licensee must appear before the Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission within ten (10) days after the expiration of this time and show cause why such license should not be suspended or revoked. At such time the chairman of the Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission and the appropriate health official (as applicable) and licensee will present such evidence as may be relevant to determine whether or not the violations specified have been committed and other pertinent facts. If, in the opinion of the Ascension Parish Planning & Zoning Commission, sufficient evidence is produced


to establish that a violation of these regulations has been committed and still exists, then the Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission may revoke or suspend the subject's license. The owner and/or operator of any license revoked or suspended may appeal the decision of the Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission to a court of competent jurisdiction within ninety (90) days of date of such decision. It shall be unlawful for any person whose license has been revoked or suspended to operate the mobile home park in question after the date of such revocation or during the term of suspension until a new license is issued or until the terms for suspension have expired and deficiencies have been corrected. (MP95-01)

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP95-01, 8/3/95; DC09-09, 12/17/09; MP09-01, 12/17/09)


17-8040. Design Standards

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-8041. Mobile Home Park

A. means two or more mobile homes located on the same tract of land occupying such space as required by the following regulations. These regulations apply to mobile homes which are inhabited by persons who are not related by blood, marriage or legal adoption. These regulations apply to mobile home parks in all districts or areas where permitted. No mobile home park shall be developed until the developer has secured approval of the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals on the method of sewage treatment and disposal and on the public water supply. All mobile home parks shall be built in accordance with the following minimum construction standards:

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP97-01, 8/21/97; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-8042. Site Selection Standards

A. Individual trailer sites may be leased or rented but not subdivided or sold. (Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP97-01, 8/21/97; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. No hazards to the property, to the health, or to the safety of the occupants shall be

created by soil condition, water level of the ground, or drainage and topography, no site shall be subjected to adverse and objectionable influences (i.e. smoke, odors, noise), no portion of any site shall be subject to sudden and/or unpredictable flooding, and erosion or subsidence shall not be used for any purpose that would expose any person or his property to hazards.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09) 17-8043. Site Drainage Criteria

A. The park shall be drained, graded and surfaced where necessary to facilitate

drainage and prevent earth movement, and shall be free from depressions in which water collects and stagnates.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-8044. Park Maintenance Standards

A. The park shall be maintained in a clean sanitary condition at all times. Grasses, weeds and other such vegetation which is not part of the ornamental landscape, shall not exceed a height of twelve (12) inches.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Garbage hoppers with a minimum capacity of .5 cu. yards per family per week must be provided and must be enclosed with a 6 foot solid fence.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP97-01, 8/21/97; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-8045. Park Density A. The mobile home park shall not have a gross density.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. A minimum site of 3 acres would be required, with a minimum frontage of 200 feet on a publicly maintained street.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP97-01, 8/21/97; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. Maximum density would be 7.5 trailer sites per acre. (Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP97-01, 8/21/97; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-8046. Setbacks

A. Any mobile home park developed under these standards shall provide a 20 ft.

side and rear yard buffer. No mobile home shall be located closer than 25 feet from a public street right-of-way or 20 feet from the private access servitude for the mobile home park drive. No mobile home may be located closer than 20 feet to another mobile home within the park.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP97-01, 8/21/97; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Mobile home accessory buildings shall be no closer than three feet from a mobile home or mobile home lot line. Fences shall not be located closer than five (5) feet to any mobile home or accessory building structure.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. No mobile home shall be parked in such a manner as to obstruct any roadway or walkway within the mobile home park.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

D. Unless the mobile home is situated on a mobile home space, it shall be unlawful to allow any mobile home to be occupied within the mobile home park.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09) 17-8047. Mobile Home Lot Area

A. Each minimum trailer lot or site shall be 40 feet in width and 145 feet in length.

The private drives can be included in the lot area of the individual trailer lots or sites.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP97-01, 8/21/97; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. The area of a mobile home lot occupied by a mobile home and accessory structures shall not exceed seventy-five (75) percent of the lot's total area.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


C. Each trailer site shall have a 4 inch thick, 18 ft. by 24 ft. concrete parking pad to be measured from the edge of the pavement of the private drive at the front of the site.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP97-01, 8/21/97; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-8048. Lot Standards A. All lots shall front on a public street or park street having a width of at least forty

(40') feet. (Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP95-01, 8/3/95; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. In an attempt to avoid pointed or very irregular lots, side lines of lots should be at

approximate right angles to straight streets and on radial lines on curved streets. (Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. Lots of double frontage should not be platted, except that where desired along

major streets, lots may face on an interior street and back on such thoroughfare. (Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-8049. Access and Interior Park Streets

A. Access of a safe and convenient nature shall be provided for pedestrian and

vehicular traffic as well as emergency and service vehicles at all times. All park streets within a mobile home park shall have a right of way of at least 50 feet.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Vehicular park streets shall be clearly named and identified and all lots shall bear a number clearly visible.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. All streets shall comply with the roadway grades and design standards specified by the Ascension Parish Subdivision Regulations, with the exception that hard surface streets shall not be required, which regulations are adopted herein by reference thereto.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP95-01, 8/3/95; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

D. Access to each mobile home site shall be provided by 20 foot wide private drives located within private servitudes of access having a minimum width of 50 feet. All drives shall be constructed of 8.5 inches of soil cement base with 1.5 inches of asphaltic wearing surface. All drives shall be named and street signs and traffic control signs shall be provided.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP97-01, 8/21/97; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

E. Where only one drive is to be provided, each trailer park shall include an adequate circular turnaround at the rear of the property with a minimum inside radius of 30 feet for garbage trucks and other vehicles.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP97-01, 8/21/97; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


F. The street layout of park streets shall discourage through traffic use. All dead end streets in mobile home parks shall have a cul-de-sac so as to provide a turn around approved by the Parish Engineer.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

G. Streets designed for the general use of the residents of the mobile home park shall be adequately lighted during darkness hours with a street lighting system of vapor lights spaced on light poles not more than 400 feet apart and at subdivision height as recommended by the Electric Public Utility providing the Electric Utility service for the mobile home park.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

H. All streets shall be named and accordingly marked. (Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

I. Street lights shall be provided along the private drives within the mobile home

park, as dictated by the illumination design. (Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP97-01, 8/21/97; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-8050. Parking of Vehicles

A. The design of mobile home parks shall include two automobile spaces per mobile

home lot as off-street parking. An adequate parking space surface of gravel or shell shall be required. (These spaces may be hard surfaced at the owner's option.)

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-8051. Servitudes A. Servitudes across the front of lots or centered on rear or side lot lines shall be

provided for utilities where necessary. These servitudes shall be no less than ten (10) feet wide at ground level.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Where servitudes intersect or sharp changes in alignment are necessary, corners shall be sufficiently cut off to permit equipment access.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. No permanent structures will be permitted within utility or drainage servitudes. (Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

D. Any overhanging limbs, shrubbery, or vegetation of any kind may be removed

from within the servitude at the sale discretion of the maintenance personnel of the utilities installed above or in the servitude.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


E. Every servitude shall terminate at both ends upon a street, alley, or another servitude, except dead end servitudes which will be permitted if not more than 150 feet in length and with no turns or bends.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

F. All servitudes and rights-of-way as required by the Department of Public Works and/or the Parish Engineer shall be dedicated

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP97-01, 8/21/97; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-8052. Lots Along Drainage Course A. No lot created along a drainage channel shall encroach upon the drainage

servitude. All such servitudes shall be excluded from the lot area. (Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. The proposed mobile home park shall comply with drainage requirements set

forth in the subdivision regulations for the parish, unless deemed by the Ascension Parish Planning & Zoning Commission not to be applicable.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP95-01, 8/3/95; DC09-09, 12/17/09) 17-8053. Flood Plain Provision

A. Any mobile home park or portion thereof which is located within the special

flood plain hazard area defined by the Federal Insurance Administration (FIA) shall be required to comply with the provisions of the Flood Insurance Act of 1968, the Flood Disaster Act of 1973 and all applicable FIA Regulations.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. The Ascension Parish Planning & Zoning Commission may attach conditions including, but not limited to the following for the approval of plans for areas subject to development hazards:

1. Construction and modification of sewage, water supply and drainage

facilities to meet the standards of this article and to promote the health, safety, and general welfare.

2. Requirements for construction of channel modification dikes, levees, and various other protective measures.

3. Installation of flood warning systems.

4. Imposition of operational controls enforceable by the Ascension Parish

Planning & Zoning Commission to restrict the types and design of uses. Such restrictions may include flood proofing of intended uses, subject to the individual approval of the parish engineer at the time such uses are constructed through:

a. Anchorage to resist flotation in lateral movement.


b. Installation of watertight doors, bulkheads, and shutters, or

similar construction methods.

c. Reinforcement of walls to resist water pressures.

d. Use of paints, membranes, or mortars to reduce seepage of water through walls.

e. Addition of mass or weight to structures to resist flotation.

f. Installation of pumps to lower water levels in structures.

g. Construction of water supply and waste treatment systems so as

to prevent the entrance of flood waters.

h. Pumping facilities or comparable practices for subsurface drainage systems for buildings to relieve external foundation wall and basement flood pressures.

i. Construction to resist rupture or collapse caused by water

pressure of floating debris.

j. Installation of valves or controls on sanitary and storm drains

which will permit the drains to be closed to prevent backup of sewage and storm waters into buildings or structures. Gravity drainage basements may be eliminated by mechanical devices.

k. Location of all electrical equipment, circuits and installed electrical appliances in a manner which will assure they arc not subject to flooding and to provide protection from inundation by the regional flood.

l. Location of any structural storage facilities for chemicals,

explosives, buoyant materials, flammable liquids or other toxic materials, which could be hazardous to public health, safety and welfare in a manner which will assure that the facilities are situated at elevations above the height associated with the flood protection elevation or arc adequately flood-proofed to prevent flotation of storage containers, or damage to storage containers which could result in the escape of toxic materials into flood waters. (Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP95-01, 8/3/95; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-8054. Individual Mobile Homes in Place

A. To secure a mobile home against uplifting, sliding, over-turning, shifting or

uneven settling, mobile homes shall be installed on a mobile home stand which must provide a sound structural support.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Whenever any mobile home shall be placed upon a permanent foundation or on foundation piers and the wheels have been removed, the unit shall be made to comply with all of the requirements, codes, ordinances, etc., for single-family dwellings.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. All mobile home stands shall have, as a minimum for support, eight (8) i8-inch

by 18-inch concrete pads four (4) inches in thickness for every five hundred (500) square feet of floor area; or two (2) four (4)-inch thick concrete runners; or one large concrete pad sufficient enough to provide adequate footing for all the mobile home's blockings or jacks.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

D. All owners of mobile units shall be required to place on all sides at the base of the unit a skirting or a rigid type material to prevent unauthorized access beneath the unit. Openable doors or access panels shall be installed as part of the skirting to permit convenience access to the water, gas, and sewer connections. This provision will be waived by the Ascension Parish Planning & Zoning Commission for an entire mobile home park when petition for waiver has been applied for by the owner or operator and at least tiny (50%) percent of the residents of said park have resided there for at least six (6) months prior to the petition.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP95-01, 8/3/95; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

E. All mobile homes shall be required to have on all sides at the base of the unit a skirting or a rigid type material

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP97-01, 8/21/97; DC09-09, 12/17/09) 17-8055. Stabilizing Devices or Piers, Ground Anchors, and Diagonal Ties.

A. No mobile home shall be permanently attached to a foundation. Piers or

stabilizing devices may be used. Where specified by the manufacturer, they shall be installed according to his specifications.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Ground anchors shall be installed at each mobile home stand when a mobile home is located thereon to permit tie-downs of mobile homes.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


C. The capability of resistance of each ground anchor shall be an allowable working load exceeding or equal to 3,150 pounds applied in the direction of the tie-down. Each ground anchor shall also be capable of withstanding a fifty (50) percent overload without failure of either the anchoring equipment or the mobile home's attachment point.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

D. Ground anchors shall be resistant to weathering and deterioration at least equivalent to that provided by a coating of zinc on steel straping of not less than 0.30 ounces per square foot of surface coated.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

E. Unless the entire system of ground anchors is designed by a registered professional engineer or architect, ground anchors shall not be placed more than twelve (12) feet on centers beginning from the front line of the mobile home stand (congruent with the front wall of the mobile home). Not more than six (6) feet open-end spacing shall be provided at the rear line of the mobile home stand unless additional tie-downs are installed.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

F. When vertical ties consist of continuous straps, such ties shall be positioned at studs and rafters. Where a vertical tie and a diagonal tie are located at the same place, both ties may be connected to a single ground anchor, if the anchor used is capable of handling both loadings.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

G. Diagonal ties only are required on double-wide mobile homes. These shall be provided along the main frame and below the outer side walls.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09) 17-8056. Fire Protection

A. Each mobile home park's location and arrangement shall meet the approval of the

Chief of the Fire Department responsible for providing the necessary fire protection services.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. For fire protection purposes, access to a mobile home shall be such as to allow fire apparatus to approach within one-hundred (100) feet of each mobile home unit.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. Every mobile home park shall be equipped at all times with fire extinguishing equipment in good working order of such type, size and number, and so located within the park as prescribed by the local fire prevention authority, or to satisfy other applicable fire regulations.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-8057. Landscaping

A. Trees shall be planted or existing within each mobile home park, in the manner,

type, size and location required by the Police Jury. Longitudinal spacing shall not exceed one-hundred (100) feet along access streets.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Where mobile home parks are established, a recreational area shall be provided at a rate of 10 % of the overall park area, but shall' not be required to exceed one acre in size.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP97-01, 8/21/97; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. Each mobile home park shall be landscaped in accordance with a landscape plan approved by the Planning Commission staff. Trees are required to be planted along the interior access drives and within the recreational area. Landscaping is required across the front of the mobile home park. All plant material shall be labeled with the name and size of each plant indicated on the plan which has been drawn to scale.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP97-01, 8/21/97; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-8058. Service Buildings A. In the event a service building is constructed, it shall provide for emergency use

sanitary facilities for each sex. The building shall not be located further than two-hundred (200) feet from the furthest mobile home lot. The interior of the toilet buildings shall be kept clean, properly lighted and adequately ventilated. These facilities shall consist of no less than one flush type toilet and one lavatory; and for each toilet building for males, one urinal.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-8059. Accessory Structures and Buildings A. All mobile home accessory structures and buildings shall be designed and

constructed according to the applicable specifications of the Ascension Parish building, plumbing and electrical codes. As required, building permits shall be obtained and inspections by proper authorities shall be conducted.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-8060. Fences A. Fences shall be constructed of wood along the boundaries of the mobile home

park common with any adjoining property owner and shall be six (6) feet in height and shall be placed on and along the said common boundary property line so as not to create an encroachment upon the adjoining property owner's property. Said fences shall be properly maintained by the owner and/or operator of the mobile home park.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


B. Where mobile home parks are established, a solid fence or wall at least 6 ft. high

shall be provided along all sides and rear property lines) around the sewage treatment plant and the garbage hoppers.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP97-01, 8/21/97; DC09-09, 12/17/09) 17-8061. Storage Areas

A. Outdoor storage area surfaced with gravel, shell, asphalt, concrete or similar such

substances for boat trailers, camping units, and horse trailers shall be provided for within the mobile home park in an amount equal to fifty (50) square feet per mobile home space.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. An outdoor storage area, either common or individual, for the personal use of mobile home occupants shall be provided in an amount equal to fifty (50) square feet per mobile home space. (Space beneath the mobile home unit shall not fulfill this requirement.)

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09) 17-8062. Refuse Disposal

A. The storage, collection and disposal of household garbage or other refuse in the

mobile home park shall be conducted so as to create no health hazards, rodent harborage, insect breeding areas, accident or fire hazards or air pollution. The mobile home park shall comply with the applicable codes and regulations by the Office of the Ascension Parish Health Unit.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. All household garbage or refuse shall be stored in watertight, fly tight, rodent proof containers, at least one for each mobile home lot, and placed within five (5) feet of the curb of the fronting public street or park street. Where refuse service is not provided, the owner and/or operator of the park shall provide a depository within one hundred (100) feet of each mobile home lot and provide service for disposal of the household garbage or refuse.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. The mobile home park owner and/or operator shall provide, as part of the rental, that household garbage or refuse shall be routinely collected and removed from the premises not less than once weekly. All refuse shall be disposed of at lawful disposal sites in a manner complying with the Sanitary Code of the State of Louisiana.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-8063. Insect and Rodent Control A. All grounds, buildings, and structures shall be maintained free of insect and

rodent harborage and infestation. Methods of extermination and other measures to control insects and rodents shall conform with the requirements of the Parish Health Authority and shall be the obligation of the mobile home park owner and/or operator.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. The growth of weeds, brush, and grass shall be controlled to prevent harborage of cheggers, ticks and other noxious insects. Parks shall be maintained so as to prevent the growth of ragweed, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac and other noxious weeds considered detrimental to health. Open areas shall be maintained free of heavy undergrowth of any type or description. This maintenance shall be the obligation of the mobile home park owners and/or operator.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09) 17-8064. Mobile Home Park Water System

A. All mobile homes, service buildings and other facilities shall be provided at all

times with an adequate supply of water, and shall be served by a water system designed, constructed, and protected in accordance with current health standards, codes and ordinances adopted and administered by the State of Louisiana and the Parish of Ascension.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. The water distribution system shall be so designed and maintained as to provide a pressure for normal operating conditions at each mobile home stand. Also, the system shall be capable of supplying up to fifty (50) mobile homes with a demand load of 100 gpm, one hundred (100) mobile homes with 180 gpm, and three-hundred (300) homes with 370 gpm for basic water supply needs. Greater design values may be required when the system is to provide fire protection.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. The inlet water pressure per mobile home stand shall be designed not to exceed eighty (80) pounds per square inch.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

D. The water piping system shall not be connected with questionable or non-potable

water supplies and shall be protected against the hazards of backflow or back siphonage.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


E. Water service lines, including valves, riser pipes and connections shall be installed in compliance with Parish Engineer's requirement to waive compliance with this provision and the codes and regulations adopted by the State Fire Marshal for mobile home parks.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

F. Water-riser pipes shall extend at least four (4) inches above ground elevation. The pipe diameter shall be at least 3/4 inch. The riser shall terminate with two (2) threaded valve outlets which provide connections for mobile home piping and for a garden hose. Each mobile home shall be connected to the park water service outlet by a flexible connector, such as copper tubing, not less than 1/2 inch interior diameter.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

G. A shutoff valve shall be provided on the water-riser pipe on each mobile home lot. Where frost conditions occur, the shutoff valve shall be located below the frost line. Surface drainage shall be diverted from the location of the riser pipe.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

H. Underground stop and waste valves shall not be installed on any water service. (Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

I. An adequate supply of hot water shall be provided at all times in service

buildings if constructed. (Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-8065. Sewage Disposal System

A. Each trailer site shall be provided with a sanitary sewer connection and each

trailer park shall be provided with a collection and treatment system and a public water supply in compliance with the standards of the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP97-01, 8/21/97; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. An adequate and safe sewage collection system shall be provided in all mobile home parks for conveying and disposing of all sewage. Wherever feasible, connection shall be made to the public system if one exists. All sewage disposal apparatus, including appurtenances thereto, shall be designed, constructed and maintained in compliance with applicable codes and regulations of the Parish of Ascension, Louisiana and the Office of Health Services and Environmental Quality (Ascension Parish Health Unit).

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. Where the sewage collection lines of the mobile home park are not connected to a public sewer, all proposed sewage disposal facilities shall be approved by the Office of Health Services and Environmental Quality (Ascension Parish Health Unit) prior to construction.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


D. All sewage collection lines shall be located in trenches of sufficient depth to be

free of breadage from traffic or other movements. Sewerage collection lines shall be at a grade which will insure a velocity of two feet per second when flowing full. The system shall be designed for a minimum flow of two-hundred (200) gallons per day per mobile home lot.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

E. The drain inlet shall not be smaller than the piping to which it is connected and shall be equipped with a water-tight cap or plug matching the drain inlet. The drain inlet shall not be less than three (3) inches inside diameter. Surface drainage shall be diverted away from the riser pipe. The rim of the riser pipe shall extend at least four inches above ground elevations.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

F. All materials used for sewer connections between a mobile home and the inlet shall be semi-rigid, approved pipe, corrosive-resistant, non-absorbent and durable. The inner surface shall be smooth.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

G. The Sewer Treatment Apparatus for a mobile home park which is not connected to a public system must comply with the following specific requirements in addition to the requirements set forth in Sections 17-8065(A) through (F) herein above. 1. The Sewer Treatment Facility or Apparatus shall be a Package Treatment

Plant of such specifications required by the State of Louisiana. Said facility shall be enclosed with a wood fence at least six (6) feet in height and shall provide for a gate for access to be secured by lock and key for entrance only by authorized personnel for maintenance.

2. The Sewer Treatment Facility or Apparatus may be a sewer treatment pond or cell facility of such specifications required by the State of Louisiana. The outer perimeters of the sewer treatment pond or cell facility shall not be located nearer than 200 feet from any mobile home park lot or from any boundary property line of adjoining property owners. The sewer treatment pond or cell facility shall be enclosed with a wood fence or storm wire fence at least six (6) feet in height and shall provide for a gate for access to be secured by lock and key for entrance only by authorized personnel for maintenance.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09) 17-8066. Mobile Home Park Electrical Systems

A. All electrical installations in mobile home parks shall be designed and

constructed according to applicable provisions of the Ascension Parish building and electrical code as amended and/or ordinances pertaining to such.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


B. At least one electrical single-phase outlet supplying a minimum of 115/230 volts

shall be provided per mobile home lot. (Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. All exposed noncurrent carrying metal parts of mobile homes and all other

equipment shall be grounded by means of an approved grounding conductor with branch circuit conductors or other approved methods of grounded metallic wiring. The neutral conductor shall not be used as an equipment ground.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09) 17-8067. Mobile Home Park Gas Systems

A. Gas equipment and installations within a mobile home park shall be designed and

constructed in accordance with the applicable codes adopted by the authority having jurisdiction. Where the State or other political subdivision does not assume jurisdiction, such installations shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the appropriate provisions of the Parish of Ascension, Louisiana, as amended.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Each mobile home lot supplied with piped gas shall have an approved manual shutoff valve installed upstream of the gas outlet. The outlet shall be provided with an approved "quick-disconnect" device, which shall be designed to provide a positive seal on the supply side of the gas system to prevent the accidental discharge of gas when the outlet is disconnected or not in use.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. Piping shall be buried to a sufficient depth or covered in a manner so as to protect the piping system from physical damage. Piping shall not be installed underground beneath mobile homes with an enclosing foundation.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

D. Piping systems in mobile homes shall be tested for leakage by an authorized agent of the Parish of Ascension prior to approving connections to the existing gas system. Piping systems shall stand a pressure of at least six inches mercury or three PSI gage for a period of not less than ten (10) minutes without showing any drop in pressure. Pressure shall be measured with a mercury manometer or slope gage calibrated so as to read in increments of not greater than one-tenth (1/10) pound, or an equivalent device. The source of normal operating pressure shall be isolated before the pressure tests are made. Before a test is begun, the temperature of the ambient air and of the piping shall be approximately the same, and constant air temperature be maintained throughout the test. After all connections have been completed, the piping system shall be pressurized to not less than ten (10) inches nor more than fourteen (14) inches water column and the connections tested for leakage with soapy water or bubble solution.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-8068. Responsibilities of the Park Owner or Operator A. The owner and/or operator of the mobile home park shall be responsible for the

supervision, operation, and maintenance of the park. The owner and/or operator designee shall be available or on call at all times in the event of an emergency. A copy of these Regulations shall be kept available by the park manager in the mobile home park office at all times for use as guidelines by the park occupants and the park manager.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. The owner or licensee shall be responsible for insuring that each mobile home within his mobile home park complies with the provisions of these Regulations.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. It shall be the duty of each licensee to keep a register containing a record of all mobile home owners and occupants located within the park. The register shall contain the following information:

1. The name and address of the owner of each mobile home;

2. The name and address of the occupant of each mobile home, if different

from the owner;

3. The make, model, year and current license number of each mobile home;

4. The state issuing such licenses; and

5. The date of arrival and of departure of each mobile home. (Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

D. The mobile home park licensee shall keep the register available for inspection at

all times by law enforcement officers, public health officials, and other officials whose duties necessitate acquisition of the information contained in the register. The register record for each occupant registered shall not be destroyed for a period of one (1) year following the date of departure of the registrant from the mobile home park.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

E. The park management shall notify park occupants of all applicable provisions of these Regulations and inform them of their duties and responsibilities under these Regulations.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

F. The park management shall notify the health authority immediately of any suspected communicable or contagious disease within the park.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


G. The mobile home park owner and/or operator shall furnish the Secretary of the Police Jury a copy of its current annual and complete register record at any time upon request, which request shall not be made more than twice in anyone calendar year and not be made more than once within anyone six (6) month period of any calendar year.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)



(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09) 17-8091. Amendments

A. These Regulations may be amended by ordinance at any time by the Ascension

Parish Police Jury after notice and public hearing has been completed on such amendment.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-8092. Appeals A. In the event that application for new licensing of a mobile home park has been

disapproved by the Ascension Parish P1annlna &. Zoning Commission, the applicant may petition to the Parish Council (or a full public hearing upon said rejection at the next regular Parish Council meeting. After hearing arguments for and against the petition, the Parish Council, upon favorable vote of a majority of its members voting at such hearing, may approve the license application or take other action consistent with the provisions of this article.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP95-01, 8/3/95; DC09-09, 12/17/09) 17-8093. Separability Clause

A. If any part or provision of these Regulations or application thereof to any person

or circumstances is adjudged invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such judgment shall be confined in its operation to the part, provision, or application directly involved in all controversy in which such judgment shall have been rendered and shall not affect or impair the validity of the remainder of these Regulations or the application thereof to other persons or circumstances.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-8094. Repeal of Conflicting Ordinances A. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed,

except any ordinances that impose more restricting regulations that are imposed herein.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-8095. Variances A. The Planning Commission shall have the authority to grant a variance of these

requirements for the development of a mobile home park, if, in the opinion of the Planning Commission, a departure can be made without destroying the intent of these regulations

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP97-01, 8/21/97; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


B. Where it can be shown by the owner or his designated representative that any provision(s) of these Regulations would cause any unnecessary hardship if strictly adhered to because of topographical or other conditions peculiar to the site, then a variance must be petitioned for in writing and submitted to the Police Jury. The petition shall state fully the petitioner's reasoning for the variance.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. The Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission will study the variance requested and all comments, and approve or disapprove the variance. If, in the opinion of the Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission, a departure, can be made without destroying the intent of these regulations, the requested variance shall be approved, unless the Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission finds that it would not be in the best interest and welfare of the Parish to approve the requested variance, and the reasons for the approval or disapproval shall be entered into the minutes of the meeting; with the party requesting the variance being informed of the decision in writing. If the' requested variance is disapproved, the reasons for disapproval shall be entered in the minutes of the meeting and the party requesting the variance shall be informed of such in writing.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP95-01, 8/3/95; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

D. In no case shall any variance, modification or waiver be more than a minimum easing of the requirements.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

E. One (1) appeal shall be available from any decision of the Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission in the granting of or the denial of a variance under the provisions of this section, which appeal shall be to the Ascension Parish Council, as provided for in Section 17-8092 in one point.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP95-01, 8/3/95; DC09-09, 12/17/09) 17-8096. Effective Date

A. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect ten (10) days after its Publication in the Official Journal of the Police Jury after adoption by the Police Jury of Ascension, Louisiana.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-8097. Non-Conforming Uses and Structures

A. Noncomformance

1. Certain mobile home parks may be found in existence at the time of passage of these Regulations which are in conflict or incompatible with the requirements set forth herein. It is the intent of this ordinance that mobile home parks shall hereafter comply with the following minimum requirements to insure and protect the health, safety, and general welfare of the public.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Mobile Home Parks

1. Within sixty (60) days of enactment of these regulations, mobile home parks existing in operation prior to the day of enactment shall have been inspected by the authorized personnel of the Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission or its designated representative, for a current permit issued by the office of health services and environmental quality (parish health unit) to operate and maintain said park. Within a reasonable time thereafter not to exceed sixty (60) days, an inspection by authorized representatives from the stale health services and environmental quality, as requested by Ascension Parish Planning & Zoning Commission, shall have been conducted of the park for compliance with the sanitary code of the state. Upon receipt of a letter from the office of health services and environmental quality indicating the park was in compliance with all codes and regulations, the owner may have filed an application to obtain a license, upon approval from the Ascension Parish Planning & Zoning Commission authorizing the owner to operate and maintain said mobile home park.

2. The owner or operator of a mobile home park shall have, within ninety

(90) days of enactment of these regulations, been required to prepare and present to the Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission a drawing of the park with the following information:

a. The location of each existing mobile home lot with construction

utilities;

b. The location of all rights-of-way, including private roads and streets;

c. Overall dimension of the park and each lot;

d. The location of main utility lines and hydrants;


e. North arrow, graphic scale, .name and address of park and names of owners and operators and their addresses. (Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP95-01, 8/3/95; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. Mobile Home Parks Constructed After Date

1. No mobile home park shall be altered, extended or constructed after the day of enactment of this ordinance without complying with the procedures and regulations of this ordinance. Failure to comply shall subject the owner to a penalty as defined herein.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

D. Special Regulations To Be Complied With By Existing Mobile Home Parks

1. Any and all mobile home parks in operation as such as of the effective date of these Regulations shall be requested to comply with the procedures of Paragraphs: Sections and Subsections to 17-804(E), 17-804(F), 17-8044, 17-8055,17-8056, 17-8062, 17-8063, 17-8064(A), 17-8065(B), 17-8065(C), 17-8068, and 17-8097 in order to obtain and maintain a license to operate a mobile home park facility as provided for by these Regulations.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09) 17-8098. Supervision and Penalties

A. Responsibility of Licensee

1. The person to whom a license for a mobile home park is issued shall at all times operate the park in compliance with these Regulations, and shall provide adequate supervision to maintain the mobile home park, its facilities and equipment in good repair and in a clean and sanitary condition at all times.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. Revocation of License

1. The Ascension Parish Police Jury may revoke any license to maintain and operate a mobile home park when the licensee has been found guilty by this Parish Court for the Parish of Ascension or the 23rd Judicial District Court for the Parish of Ascension of violating any provision of these Regulations. After such conviction, the license may be reissued if the circumstances leading to conviction have been remedied and the park is being maintained and operated in full compliance with the law.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


C. Fines

1. Any person who violates any provision of these Regulations shall upon conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction be punished by a fine of not less than $50.00; nor more than $100.00; and each day's failure of compliance with any such provision shall constitute a separate violation. All fines and penalties shall be paid to the Police Jury of Ascension Parish, Louisiana.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

D. Utility Service - Requirement of Permit Issuance

1. Any Public Service Utility Company providing public utility service to any mobile home park who has not received a building permit as requested by these Regulations for the construction and development of said mobile home park shall be deemed in violation of this ordinance and shall be subject to the fines imposed by Section 17-8090 of this ordinance.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

E. Discontinuance of Utility Service - Lapse or Revocation of License

1. Any public service utility company providing electric service to any mobile home park whose owner or operator does not possess a valid license for the operation of said mobile home park shall discontinue said electric service to the customers of said mobile home park within ninety (90) days after request from the Ascension Parish Planning & Zoning Commission of notice in writing that the owner or operator of said mobile home park no longer holds a valid license required by these regulations. Upon receipt of said written notice from the Ascension Parish Planning &. Zoning Commission, the public service utility company shall promptly notify each customer of said mobile home park receiving electric service that said service shall be discontinued at the time required by this chapter and the reason for this discontinuance of electric utility service. Should the owner or operator receive a valid license issued by the Ascension Parish Planning & Zoning Commission within the said ninety-day period, the Ascension Parish Planning & Zoning Commission shall notify the public service utility company thereof, and thereafter, no interruption or discontinuance of electric service shall occur.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; MP95-01, 8/3/95; DC09-09, 12/17/09)



Accessory Building: A detached subordinate structure, the use of which is clearly incidental and related to that of the principal structure (mobile home), and which is located on the same lot. Diagonal Tie: A tiedown intended to primarily resist horizontal forces, but which may also be used to resist vertical forces. Ground Anchor: Any device of the mobile home stand designed to transfer mobile home anchoring loads to the ground. Health Authority: The Louisiana State Office and Environmental Quality and the Ascension Parish Health Unit. Individual Mobile Home Site: A parcel of land which has been so designated and improved for the placement of one and only one mobile home for residential occupancy and any accessory buildings, structures, and equipment for the exclusive use of the occupants. License: A written document issued by the Police Jury or its authorized representative permitting the operation and maintenance of a mobile home park under these Regulations. Lot: A parcel of land occupied by one mobile home and the accessory buildings or used customarily incident to it including such open spaces as are arranged and designed to be used in connection with the mobile home. Mobile Home: A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is eight (8) body feet or more in width and is thirty-two (32) body feet or more in length, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling with or without a permanent stand when connected to the required utilities. Also, a recreational vehicle when used as a permanent residence shall be included in the definition of a mobile home. Mobile Home Park: A parcel or tract of land under single ownership which is or has beep used and/or planned and/or improved for the placement thereon of ' mobile homes on individual mobile home lots and operated as a business for rental or lease of lots therein for the placement of mobile homes for dwelling purposes. Mobile Home Space or Lot: A parcel of land in a mobile home park or subdivision designated for the accommodation of one mobile home, its accessory buildings or structures and accessory equipment for the exclusive use of the occupants. Mobile Home Stand: That part of an individual mobile home space which has been planned and improved for placement of the mobile home and additions or attachments thereto. Mobile Home Subdivision: A residential subdivision designed exclusively for and occupied only by mobile homes in which the homes and land are owned by the occupants. Such a subdivision shall not be included in the definition of a Mobile Home Park and shall be regulated by the Ascension Parish Subdivision Regulations and not by this ordinance.


Parish: The Parish of Ascension, State of Louisiana. Police Jury: Police Jury of the Parish of Ascension, State of Louisiana. Parish Engineer: The engineering firm or engineer appointed by the Police Jury as Parish Engineer. Permit: A written document issued by the health authority permitting the maintenance and operation of a mobile home park under the provisions of the Sanitary Code of the State of Louisiana. Person: An individual, firm, co-partnership, joint venture, association, social club, fraternal organization, corporation, estate, trust, business trust, receiver, syndicate, or any group or combination acting as a unit. Structure: That which is built or constructed an office or building of any piece or work artificially built up or composed of parts joined together in some definite manner. Tiedown: A strap, cable, or security device used to connect the mobile home to ground anchors.

(Ord.# MP85-01, 6/6/85; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

4207GonzPhonWeb:


17-901. 17-902. 17-903. 17-904. 17-905. 17-906. 17-9040. 17-9090. 17-9091. ORDINAOrdinancOrdinanc


General IRecreationPre-ApplicSite Plan RPublic HeaApproval, Design StAdministrVariances

ANCE HISTOce #RV99-01ce #DC09-09

PAROFFI

225) 450-1352net

RECREA

nformation, nal Vehicle Pacation ...........Review .........aring ............construction

andards ......ration and E.....................

ORY , adopted M, adopted De

ISH OCE OF PL

2

APPATION VEHI

C

Procedures,arks ............................................................................., inspection .......................

Enforcement ......................

ay 27, 1999ecember 17, 2

OF ALANNING

PLAN

PENDIX IXICLE PARK

Contents:

and Process................................................................................................................................................................................

2009

ASCEG AND DENNING D

K REGULAT

s ...........................................................................................................................................................................................

NSIOVELOPM

DEPARTM

TIONS

.....................

.....................

.....................

.....................

.....................

.....................

.....................

.....................

.....................

ON MENT MENT

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

....... 3

....... 3

....... 3

....... 3

....... 3

....... 3

....... 4

....... 5

....... 5

RV Parks: Appendix IX, Page 2 of 5



17-901. General Information, Procedures, and Process

17-902. Recreational Vehicle Parks

A. RV parks are camp grounds for recreational vehicles. These parks are designed specifically to provide parking spaces with electricity, water, sanitation and health facilities required by campers, motor homes and travel trailers. These regulations apply to RV parks in all districts or areas where permitted. No recreational vehicle park shall be developed until the developer has received approval from the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals on the method of sewage treatment and on the public water supply.

(Ord.#RV99-01, 5/27/99; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-903. Pre-Application

A. Before the site plan is submitted to the Planning Commission for review and approval, the developer and his consulting engineer must meet with the Parish Engineer, a representative of the Department of Public Works, the Chairman of the Planning Commission and the Commission staff for a pre-application meeting, providing the same information as specified in Section 17-406 of the Ascension Parish Subdivision Regulations.

(Ord.#RV99-01, 5/27/99; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-904. Site Plan Review

A. The site plan shall be reviewed by the Department of Public Works, the chief of the fire department responsible for providing fire protection services and the Parish Engineer prior to the Planning Commission Public Hearing.

(Ord.#RV99-01, 5/27/99; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-905. Public Hearing

A. Prior to the issuance of a permit for a recreational vehicle park, the site plan shall be subject to a public hearing held by the Planning Commission with the Planning Commission staff mailing notices by certified mail to the adjacent property owners.

(Ord.#RV99-01, 5/27/99; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-906. Approval, construction, inspection

A. After approval of the site plan by the Planning Commission, the construction plans shall be reviewed and approved by the Department of Public Works and the Parish Engineer. With the submittal of the construction plans, the wetlands determination, delineation and permit shall also be submitted. Construction of the improvements shall be reviewed and inspected by the Parish Engineer and the Department of Public Works.

(Ord.#RV99-01, 5/27/99; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-9040. Design Standards

A. All recreational vehicle parks shall be constructed in accordance with the following minimum construction standards:

1. A minimum site area of 3 Acres is required, with a minimum frontage of 200 feet on a publicly maintained street having an 18 ft. minimum pavement width.

2. Maximum density is 18 RV sites per acre.

3. Individual RV sites may be leased or rented, but not subdivided or sold.

4. Access to each RV site shall be provided by 20 ft. wide private drives located within private servitudes of access having a minimum width of 50 ft. All drives shall be constructed of 8.5 inches of soil cement base with 1.5 inches of asphalt wearing surface. All drives shall be named and street signs and traffic control signs shall be provided.

5. Whenever a cul-de-sac is provided at the end of a drive, a minimum inside radius of 50 feet is required.

6. Each recreational vehicle site shall be a minimum size of 30 feet in width and 50 feet in length. The private drives cannot be included in the lot area of the individual RV sites or lots. \

7. Each RV site shall have a 9 ft. by 20 ft. concrete parking pad, 4 inches in thickness; the parking pad shall be measured from the edge of the pavement of the private drive.

8. Garbage hoppers with a minimum capacity of .5 cu. Yds. per family per week must be provided and must be enclosed with a 6 ft. solid fence.

9. Each recreational vehicle park shall be provided with a sewer collection and treatment system and a public water supply in compliance with the standards of the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals.

10. Where recreational vehicle parks are established, a solid fence or wall at least 6 ft. high shall be provided along all sides and rear property lines, around the sewage treatment plant and the garbage hoppers.


11. Yards: There shall be a 20 ft. side and rear yard buffer wherever a recreational vehicle park is developed. No RV shall be closer than 25 feet from a public street right-of-way or 20 feet from the private access servitude for the RV park drive. There shall be a minimum spacing of 10 ft. between recreational vehicles or between recreational vehicles and other structures.

12. Where recreational vehicle parks are established, a recreational area shall be provided at a rate of 10% of the gross park area.

13. Each recreational vehicle park shall be landscaped in accordance with a landscape plan approved by the Planning Commission Staff. Trees are required to be planted along the interior access drives and within the recreational area. Landscaping is required across the front of the park site. All plant material shall be labeled, with the name and size of each plant indicated on the plan which has been drawn to scale.

14. All servitudes and rights-of-way as required by the Department of Public Works shall be dedicated.

15. Street lights shall be provided along the private drives within the recreational vehicle park, as required by the illumination design.

(Ord.#RV99-01, 5/27/99; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-9091. Variances

A. The Planning Commission shall have the authority to grant a variance of these requirements for the development of a recreational vehicle park, if, in the opinion of the Planning Commission, a departure can be made without destroying the intent of these regulations.

(Ord.#RV99-01, 5/27/99; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

42 Go Ph W

2077 Churchponzales, Louhone: (225) 4

Web: www.asc

17-1001. 17-1002. 17-1003. 17-1004. 17-1005. 17-1006. 17-1007. 17-1008. 17-1009. ORDINAOrdinancOrdinanc

point Road isiana 70737 50-1002 / Fax

censionparish

Purpose ...Fire HydraFire ProtecInstallationMarking oPlacementObstructioFire hydraTesting of

ANCE HISTOce# FH07-01ce# DC09-09

PAROFFI

x: (225) 450-13h.net

.....................ants Regulatioction and Pren: .................

of fire hydrantt of fire hydraon of fire hydrants out of serf fire hydrants

ORY , adopted Ma, adopted De

ISH OCE OF PL

352

APFIRE HY

C

.....................ons ...............vention: Gen.....................ts: .................ants: ..............rants: ............rvice: .............s: ...................

ay 17, 2007 ecember 17, 2

OF ALANNING

PPENDIX XYDRANT CO

Contents:

......................

......................eral Provision....................................................................................................................................

2009

ASCEG AND DE

ODE

.....................

.....................ns ...............................................................................................................................................

NSIOVELOPM

.....................

.....................

.....................

.....................

.....................

.....................

.....................

.....................

.....................

ON MENT

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

......................

....... 3

....... 3

....... 3

....... 3

....... 4

....... 5

....... 5

....... 5

....... 6

Appendix X: Fire Hydrant Regulations Page 2 of 6



17-1001. Purpose

To promulgate rules and regulations for the uniform installation of fire hydrants in the Parish of Ascension, and for the proper maintenance of such devices. BE IT ORDAINED that the following rules and regulations are hereby adopted for the uniform installation of fire hydrants in the Parish of Ascension and for the proper maintenance of such devices:

(Ord.# FH07-01, 5/17/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-1002. Fire Hydrants Regulations

A. It shall be unlawful to install, repair, or test fire hydrants, appurtenances, and water lines on either private or public property, except in strict conformity with the regulations of this article, the Fire Prevention Code of the Parish of Ascension and other local ordinances, rules, or regulations of the water authority serving that area, federal or state law, as amended.

(Ord.# FH07-01, 5/17/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. All fire hydrants, appurtenances and water lines shall be maintained in accordance to this article, rules and regulations of the water authority serving that area, as amended.

(Ord.# FH07-01, 5/17/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-1003. Fire Protection and Prevention: General Provisions

(Ord.# FH07-01, 5/17/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-1004. Installation:

A. All fire hydrants, public and private shall be constructed and installed in

accordance with specification provided by the local fire chief or his authorized representative. Prior to a development permit or building permit being issued, the applicant shall submit plans to the local fire chief for his approval for the placement and specifications for fire hydrants. Prior to the occupancy permit being issued the local fire chief shall examine the place and certify that the hydrants are installed in conformity with these regulations. The local building official shall be notified of the approval or disapproval by the fire chief or his designee. If adequate water service is not available, property owners are required to stub out where fire hydrants are to be placed and are to be responsible for paying to have fire hydrants installed at the time adequate water service is provided.

B. The property owners of all newly construction apartment complexes, townhouses, condominiums, multifamily dwellings, shopping centers, and other commercials or industrial buildings or portions thereof exceeding two thousand (2,000) square feet in building area shall install and maintain, at the owner=s expense, an adequate number of fire hydrants, the location and number of which shall be determined by the local fire chief or his authorized representative.


C. When deemed necessary by the local fire chief or his authorized representative all fire hydrants shall be protected, if subject to mechanical or physical damage. The method of protection shall be approved by the local fire chief or his authorized representative. The means of protection shall be arranged in a manner which will not interfere with connection to or operation of the hydrant.

D. Fire hydrants along all roadways shall have two 4% inch N.S.T. pumper connections facing the street side. Fire hydrants located in parking lots or others alike shall have two 4 % inch N.S.T. pumper connections as determined by the local fire chief or his authorized representative.

E. Wherever the Fire Official determines that a hydrant is not readily visible to arriving fire companies because of curbside parking, features of terrain, construction, plantings, or other obstructions, the pavement shall be marked to indicate the location. This marking shall consist of the traffic lane nearest the hydrant. On paved streets, the blue reflector shall be affixed to the center of the travel lane nearest the hydrant.

F. Access for apparatus to all fire hydrants shall be an approved material capable of providing emergency vehicle access and support at all times. The access shall be a minimum of twenty (20) feet wide. All access shall be maintained in a passable condition at all times.

G. In addition, the installation of all fire hydrants shall be done in compliance with the following standards:

1. ANSI/American WaterWorks Association (AWWA) Standard 502-94 (or latest version) Standard for Dry Barrel Fire Hydrant.

2. ANSI/National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) 14(03) Standard for the installation of Standpipe, private Hydrants, and Hose Systems, 2003 Edition.

3. ANSIINFPA 24 Standard for the installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances.

4. ANSI/Standard 291-1995, Fire Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants. (Ord.# FH07-01, 5/17/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-1005. Marking of fire hydrants:

A. Top of the hydrant (bonnet) and nozzle caps of fire hydrants shall be painted and maintained by the owner with a different color application to indicate the water main size. Such colors shall be approved and supplied by the respective fire chief servicing the area.

(Ord.# FH07-01, 5/17/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-1006. Placement of fire hydrants:

A. The placement of all fire hydrants shall be approved by the local fire chief or his authorized representative.

B. Fire hydrants shall be spaced for commercial, industrial, or multifamily buildings so that all proposed and existing buildings will be no more than three hundred (300) feet measured along traveled ways from a fire hydrant by fire apparatus.

C. If a developer of a subdivision is required by the Ascension Parish Subdivision Regulations or the Ascension Parish Development Code or any other building or safety code to install fire hydrants, then fire hydrants shall be spaced for one-and-two family dwellings so that all proposed and existing buildings will be no more than five hundred (500) feet attached directly to the public water system measured along traveled ways from fire hydrant by fire apparatus.

D. A fire hydrant shall be provided within fifty (50) feet of a fire department connection for fire suppression systems.

E. Hydrants shall be located no closer than forty (40) feet from any building or structure.

(Ord.# FH07-01, 5/17/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-1007. Obstruction of fire hydrants:

A. No person shall place or keep a fence, growth, trash, or other material near a fire hydrant that would prevent such hydrant from being immediately discernible or in any other matter hinder the fire department from gaining immediate access to a fire hydrant.

(Ord.# FH07-01, 5/17/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

17-1008. Fire hydrants out of service:

A. Notification shall be made to the fire department prior to the disconnection and the interruption of protection due to test, repairs, alterations, or additions and upon completion of such work for uses other than fire protection.

(Ord.# FH07-01, 5/17/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. All hydrants placed out of service shall be marked by a method approved by the fire department.

(Ord.# FH07-01, 5/17/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)


17-1009. Testing of fire hydrants:

A. Upon completion of installation and/or repairs, fire hydrants shall be flushed in order to remove foreign materials and flow tested in accordance with the American Water Works Association Manual of Water Supply Practices (AWWA M17) and accepted by the local fire chief or his authorized representative.

(Ord.# FH07-01, 5/17/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

B. All private fire hydrants shall be flushed and flow tested biannually by the owners of said hydrant. Documentation of this activity shall be provided to the local fire department and the fire board.

(Ord.# FH07-01, 5/17/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

C. All flow test results shall be submitted to and kept on file by the local fire chief or his authorized representative.

(Ord.# FH07-01, 5/17/07; DC09-09, 12/17/09)

4207GonzPhonWeb:


ORDINAZM09-09ZM09-10


ANCE HISTO9, adopted Ju0, adopted Au

PAROFFI

225) 450-1352net

ORY une 30, 2009 –ugust 20, 200

ISH OCE OF PL

2

APPZON

– New Offici09 – RM to M

OF ALANNING

PLAN

PENDIX XINING MAP

ial Map MU2

ASCEG AND DENNING D

NSIOVELOPM

DEPARTM

ON MENT MENT




Phone: (225) 450-1002 / Fax: (225)450-1352


APPENDIX XII

FEES

Commission September 12, 2007 Appeal

Council April 2, 2009 Building Department

Commission October 10, 2007 Zoning Commission April, 13, 2005 Subdivision

History:

Subdivision Fees:

10/10/1996

11/12/2003

08/25/2004 04/13/2005

05/3/2012

04/04/2013 F14-14, adopted 1/8/15

F14-15,adopted 1/8/15

Appendix X, Page 2 of 2

42 Go Ph W

2077 Churchponzales, Louhone: (225) 4

Web: www.asc

CommissiCouncil

point Road isiana 70737 50-1002 / Fax

censionparish

ion

PAROFFI

x: (225) 450-13h.net

March 13, 2April 4, 20

ISH OCE OF PL

352

APPMAJOR

2013 13

OF ALANNING

PENDIX XIIIR STREET PL

ASCEG AND DE

I LAN

NSIOVELOPM

ON MENT

ASCENSION PARISH

MAJOR STREET PLAN

The Major Street Plan developed for Ascension Parish documents the existing transportation system; principle of Major Street or thoroughfare planning; existing and future planning variables; and Major Street Plan recommendations.

A Major Street or thoroughfare plan is one of the basic tools of orderly urban and rural development which guides the location and size of new roadways and facilities to meet projected growth. Louisiana State Law (RS33.140.23) recognizes the importance of major street planning and enables municipalities and other government entities to create a Major Street or Thoroughfare Plan and use it to support subdivision regulations and protect and acquire right-of-way for roadway purposes. The Major Street Plan is a means of assuring that basic infrastructure needs and right-of-way will be available when travel demands warrant new or widened roadways and facilities.

Purpose and Benefits of Thoroughfare Plan

Major Street or Thoroughfare planning is a process that can be used by municipalities and other governmental entities to provide for the development of an efficient and appropriate street system to meet existing and future travel needs. The primary purpose is to ensure the orderly and progressive development of the urban and rural street system to serve the mobility and access needs of the public. Major Street planning is interrelated with other components of the planning and development process. The Major Street Plan is a local government’s adopted general plan for guiding roadway and street system improvements, including the existing and planned extension of city streets and highways. Roadway improvements may or may not include medians, depending on the governing entity’s Major Street development policies and standards. The primary objective of the Major Street Plan is to ensure the reservation of adequate right-of-way on appropriate alignments and of sufficient width to allow the orderly and efficient expansion and improvement of the roadway system to serve existing and future transportation needs.

The benefits provided by effective thoroughfare planning are realized by achieving the

following objectives: • Reservation of adequate rights-of-way for future long-range transportation

improvements; • Making efficient use of available resources by designating and recognizing the

major streets that will likely require design of improvements; • Minimizing the amount of land required for street and highway purposes; • Identifying the functional role that each street should be designed to serve in

order to promote and maintain the stability of traffic and land use patterns; • Informing citizens of the streets that are intended to be developed as arterial

and collector streets, so that private land use decisions can anticipate which streets will become major traffic facilities in the future;

• Providing information on thoroughfare improvement needs which can be used to determine priorities and schedules in the city's capital improvement program and capital budget; and,

• Minimizing the negative impacts of street widening and construction on neighborhood areas and the overall community, by recognizing where future improvements may be needed and incorporating thoroughfare needs in the city's planning process.

Basic Definition of Street Types or Functional Classification of a Street Functional classification is the process by which streets and highways are grouped into classes, or systems, according to the character of traffic service that they are intended to provide. There are three highway functional classifications: arterial, collector, and local roads. All streets and highways are grouped into one of these classes, depending on the character of the traffic (i.e., local or long distance) and the degree of land access that they allow.

Functional System

Services Provided

Arterial Provides the highest level of service at the greatest speed for the longest uninterrupted distance, with

some degree of access control.

Collector Provides a less highly developed level of service at a lower speed for shorter distances by collecting traffic from local roads and connecting them with arterials.

Local Consists of all roads not defined as arterials or collectors; primarily provides access to land with little

or no through movement.

There is a basic relationship between functionally classified highway systems in serving traffic mobility and land access, as illustrated below. Arterials provide a high level of mobility and a greater degree of access control, while local facilities provide a high level of access to adjacent properties but a low level of mobility. Collector roadways provide a balance between mobility and land access.

Arterials • higher mobility

• low degree of access

Collectors • balance between mobility and access

Locals • lower mobility

• high degree of access

Freeways/Expressways - These facilities include interstate highways, freeways, expressways, parkways and loops, and provide for the rapid and efficient movement of large volumes of through traffic between regions and across the urban area. Direct access to abutting property is not an intended function of these facilities. Design characteristics support the function of traffic movement by providing multiple travel lanes, a high degree of access control, and few or no intersections at grade. Arterial Streets - Arterials primarily provide for traffic movement, with a secondary function being the provision of direct access to abutting property. Primary arterials typically serve as connections between major traffic generators and land use concentrations, and facilitate large volumes of through traffic traveling across the community. Because direct access to abutting property is a secondary function of arterial streets, access should be carefully managed to avoid adverse impacts on the movement and function intended for these facilities.

Collector Streets - Collector streets provide for a balance of the traffic movement and property access functions. Traffic movement is often internal to local areas and to connect residential neighborhoods, parks, churches, etc., with the arterial street system. As compared to arterial streets, collector streets accommodate lower traffic volumes over shorter distances and provide access to abutting property dependent upon the density and specific function of the road. Local Streets - Local streets function to provide access to abutting property and to collect and distribute traffic between parcels of land and to provide a connection collector or arterial streets. Access is the main role of a local street.

Roadway Design Standards

While street classification reflects the functions that roadways serve as part of the street and highway network, roadway design standards are related to traffic volume, design capacity, and level-of-service. Typical cross sections identify the recommended minimum dimensional criteria for right-of-way and pavement width and configurations for the number of travel lanes, median, sidewalks and on-street parking.

The following terms will be interchangeably throughout all of the roadway classifications:

− ROW (Right of Way): A right-of-way is a strip of land that is granted, through an

easement or other mechanism, for transportation purposes, such as for a street, trail, driveway, highway or rail line. The right-of-way is reserved for the purposes of maintenance or expansion of existing services with the right-of-way.

− Corridor Width: The reserve area on either side of a street, typically from the edge of the paved surface to the edge of the ROW. This area is commonly used for utility placement, drainage, green space, sidewalks and trails.

− Pavement Width: The actual width of the paved surface area of the roadway − Travel Lane Width: The width of the designated travel lanes on the pavement. Travel

lanes typically vary between 9’ and 12’ in width. − No of Travel Lanes: The actual number of striped or designated travel lanes. Number

of lanes will depend on the functional class of the roadway or travel demand. − Shoulder Width: The striped or designated area outside of the travel lane to the edge

of the pavement. The width of shoulders will vary and are typically not shown on arterial streets that have curb and gutter. Shoulders are used more in an open ditch street sections and are sometimes referred to as refuge or emergency areas for motorists.

− Shoulder Type: The actual type of surface of the shoulder. Depending on the functional class or use of roadway, the shoulder may be paved with gravel (aggregate) or have an actual asphalt surface.

− Median: A median is the portion of a roadway that separates opposing directions of traffic. Medians are highly desirable on arterials carrying four (4) or more lanes of traffic. The principle function of a median is to separate opposing traffic; provide storage for left-hand turning vehicles; provide storage for U-turning vehicles; provide for future lanes; and provide for an area to stop in case of emergency. Additional benefits are an area to provide green space, drainage and a refuge area for pedestrians. Medians can be a raised barrier of some type or a depressed area.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easement

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transportation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trail

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Driveway

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_line

− Sidewalks: The paved area on both sides of the roadway within the ROW that is typically used by pedestrians and sometimes bicyclists. Sidewalks will vary in size from 4’ to in some cases 10’ in width depending on the intended function of the sidewalk.

The following terms are used to describe the land type or area that the street or

roadway is serving:

− Urban: Urban areas are usually classified according to the density of population and also upon the use of land. The term ‘urban’ refers to town and main city areas where development may have reached a quite significant stage. Typically the city core with high density residential and mixed commercial uses.

− Suburban: Suburban refers to areas which surround the urban area or the core of the city. These areas have a lower density and are considered as the ideal residential areas since they are close to the main part of the city which makes life convenient as well as far enough from the hustle and bustle and heavier traffic of the urban areas.

− Rural: The outlying areas surrounding the suburban areas. Much lower density; larger lots or tracts of land; less access to roads and utilities.

Recommended roadway cross section standards for each thoroughfare classification are

discussed in the following sections

Arterials (UA-2; SA-1 & SA-2; RA-1 & RA-2) - Arterials are streets and highways that provide a high degree of mobility, serve relatively high traffic volumes, have high operational speeds, and serve a significant portion of through travel or long-distance trips. These facilities generally serve high-volume travel corridors that connect major generators of traffic, but lower volume roadways that are continuous over long distances may also function as arterials, particularly in fringe and rural areas. The cross section of arterials may vary from multi-lane roadways with four or more lanes, down to two-lane roadways in developing fringe and rural areas where traffic volumes have not increased to the point that more travel lanes are needed. Functional classification is not dependent on the existing number of lanes, since the functional role served by a roadway typically remains constant over time, while the roadway's cross section is improved to accommodate increasing traffic volumes.

The following types of arterials are recommended for Ascension Parish:

UA-2 (Urban Arterial – 90’ ROW) Figure 1

ROW 90’ Corridor Width 20’ Pavement Width 48’ Travel Lane Width 12’ No. of Travel Lanes 4 Shoulder Width N/A Shoulder Type N/A Median 14’

Curb & Gutter Yes Speed Limit 45 Sidewalks 8’ Front Setback from Centerline

SA-1 (Suburban Arterial – 70’ ROW) Figure 2

ROW 70’ Corridor Width 34’ Pavement Width 24’ Travel Lane Width 12’ No. of Travel Lanes 2 Shoulder Width N/A Shoulder Type N/A Median None Curb & Gutter Yes Speed Limit 50 Sidewalks 8’ Front Setback from Centerline

SA-2 (Suburban Arterial – 70’ ROW) Figure 3

ROW 70’ Corridor Width 38’ Pavement Width 24’ Travel Lane Width 12’ No. of Travel Lanes 2 Shoulder Width 5’ Shoulder Type Paved Median None Curb & Gutter None Speed Limit 65 Sidewalks 8’ Front Setback from Centerline

RA-1 (Rural Arterial – 80’ ROW) Figure 4

ROW 80’ Corridor Width 48’ Pavement Width 24’ Travel Lane Width 12’ No. of Travel Lanes 2

Shoulder Width 8’ Shoulder Type Aggregate Median None Curb & Gutter None Speed Limit 50 Sidewalks 8’ Front Setback from Centerline

RA-2 (Rural Arterial – 90’ ROW) Figure 5

ROW 90’ Corridor Width 46’ Pavement Width 36’ Travel Lane Width 12’ No. of Travel Lanes 3 Shoulder Width 8’ Shoulder Type Paved Median Lane (CLTL) Curb & Gutter None Speed Limit 60 Sidewalks 8’ Front Setback from Centerline

Collectors (UC-1; SC-1 & SC-3; RC-1 & RC-2) - Collector streets are the connections between arterial and local streets which serve to collect traffic and distribute it to the arterial network. Collectors also serve to provide direct access to a wide variety of residential, commercial, and other land uses, and their design involves site-specific considerations. They provide direct service to neighborhoods and other local areas, and may border or traverse neighborhood boundaries.

Since collectors are used for short distance trips between local streets and arterials,

they should be continuous in the spaces between arterials. Collectors may also extend across arterials. Subdivision street layout plans should include collectors as well as local streets in order to provide efficient traffic access and circulation. Operating speeds for collectors are typically about 35 to 40 miles per hour but could be higher in rural or areas of low density. Collectors generally carry higher traffic volumes than local streets, they require a wider roadway cross section and possibly added lanes at intersections with arterials to provide adequate capacity for both through traffic and turning movements.

Collectors serve an important role in collecting and distributing traffic between arterials and local streets. Their identification is essential in planning and managing traffic ingress/egress and movement within residential neighborhoods as well as commercial and industrial areas.

UC-1 (Urban Collector – 80’ ROW) Figure 6

ROW 80’ Corridor Width 36’ Pavement Width 36’ Travel Lane Width 12’ No. of Travel Lanes 3 Shoulder Width N/A Shoulder Type N/A Median Lane (CLTL) Curb & Gutter Yes Speed Limit 40 Sidewalks 8’ Front Setback from Centerline

SC-1 (Suburban Collector – 58’ ROW) Figure 7


SC-3 (Suburban Collector – 58’ ROW) Figure 8

ROW 58’ Corridor Width 26’ Pavement Width 24’ Travel Lane Width 12’ No. of Travel Lanes 2 Shoulder Width 8’ Shoulder Type Paved Median None Curb & Gutter None Speed Limit 50 Sidewalks 8’ Front Setback from

Centerline

RC-1 (Rural Collector – 60’ ROW) Figure 9


RC-2 (Rural Collector – 60’ ROW) Figure 10

ROW 60’ Corridor Width 28’ Pavement Width 24’ Travel Lane Width 12’ No. of Travel Lanes 2 Shoulder Width 5’ Shoulder Type Mixed Median None Curb & Gutter None Speed Limit 50 Sidewalks 8’ Front Setback from Centerline

Local Streets - Local streets include all other streets and roads that are not included

in the higher classes. They include internal and access streets that allow direct access to residential and commercial properties. Direct access to abutting land is their primary role, for all traffic originates from or is destined to abutting land. On-street parking is generally permitted. Traffic volumes and speeds are lower typically 25 to 30 miles per hour and local streets typically comprise about a large percent of the total street system in urban areas.

The minimum cross section of a local street is also dependent upon the density of the adjacent development, which influences traffic volumes and the frequency of on-street parking. A minimum pavement width must allow safe passage of moving traffic in each direction, exclusive of other interferences, such as conventional on-street parking. Because the frequency of on-street parking varies with density of development, cross section standards also vary with development density. Narrower pavement widths are utilized in

single family residential areas, with wider local street pavement widths being utilized near higher density developments, such as apartments and townhouses.

Through traffic and excessive speeds should be discouraged on local streets by using appropriate geometric designs, traffic control devices, curvilinear alignments, and discontinuous streets. Local streets should be designed for low speed traffic with an emphasis on providing access.

UL-2 (Urban Local – 50’ ROW) Figure 11


RL-1 (Rural Local – 50’ ROW) Figure 12

ROW 58’ Corridor Width 22’ Pavement Width 20’ Travel Lane Width 10’ No. of Travel Lanes 2 Shoulder Width 2 Shoulder Type Aggregate Median None Curb & Gutter None Speed Limit 40 Sidewalks 8’ Front Setback from Centerline

RL-3 (Rural Local – 55’ ROW) Figure 13

ROW 55’ Corridor Width 25’ Pavement Width 22’ Travel Lane Width 11’

No. of Travel Lanes 2 Shoulder Width 5’ Shoulder Type Aggregate Median None Curb & Gutter None Speed Limit 50 Sidewalks 8’ Front Setback from Centerline

Corridor Preservation

Corridor preservation is the first action in the corridor management process. Corridor preservation techniques are important tools for local, state, and federal agencies to protect needed future right-of-way for proposed transportation facilities. AASHTO defines corridor preservation as a “concept utilizing the coordinated application of various measures to obtain control of or otherwise protect right-of-way for a planned transportation facility.

Corridor preservation techniques should be applied as early as possible after the transportation corridor is identified either along a new alignment, or along an existing facility to:

• prevent inconsistent development; • minimize or avoid environmental, social, and economic impacts; • reduce displacement; • prevent the foreclosure of desirable location options; • permit orderly project development; and, • reduce costs

Successful corridor preservation actions require cooperation and a working relationship

between numerous public agencies, private developers, and public interest groups. Agencies and groups which should be included in corridor preservation activities include the following:

• Federal: FHWA and Resource Agencies (EPA, Corps of Engineers, etc.); • State: DOTD, State Legislature, and, Resource Agencies; • Local: City Council, Mayors and Executives, Planning Commissions, City Planning

and Public Works Departments, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Economic Development Offices;

• Private: Land Owners, Developers, Chamber of Commerce, and Bankers; and, • Citizens: Corridor Neighborhood and Civic Groups, Umbrella Public Interest Groups,

and Environmental Activists.

Establishing means of corridor preservation for the implementation of the Master Street Plan is important. Before a new facility is constructed, all sections throughout the route should have protected right-of-way to assure ultimate development of the entire facility Preservation techniques definitely ensure that right-of-way is, or will be, available for a transportation facility when needed. Preservation techniques include such measures as fee simple acquisition, landowner donations, and development easement acquisitions.

Access Management

Access Management is another important component of the corridor preservation. Access management is defined as the protecting of the capacity of existing transportation routes and systems by controlling access from adjacent properties. Access management techniques serve to limit and separate vehicle (and pedestrian) conflict points, reduce locations requiring vehicle deceleration, remove vehicle turning movements from through lanes, create intersection spacing that facilitate signal progression, and provide adequate on-site capacity to accommodate ingress and egress traffic movements.

Access management techniques are extremely important for managing congestion on existing transportation facilities. The implementation of access management can eliminate the need for expensive roadway widening or potential right-of-way acquisitions. In many cases, controlling access and tuning movements can have the same affect on capacity that can be obtained by widening a four-lane divided arterial to six lanes.

Also, safety will be increased and congestion reduced to a greater extent than by the roadway widening. Research has consistently shown that access management helps to reduce the rate and severity of traffic accidents and improves pedestrian and bicycle safety. From a land development perspective, access management assists in the orderly layout and use of land and helps to discourage poor subdivision and site design. Poorly designed entrances and exits to major developments not only present a traffic hazard, but also cause increased congestion which can create a negative image of the development. In addition, access management techniques such as reducing the number and frequency of driveways and median openings improve the appearance of major corridors. Scenic and environmental features can be increased, which improves the image of streetscapes and can attract additional economic development.

Access management relies on a variety of access control techniques to promote

efficient vehicular movements. These include the following:

• Limit number of conflict points; • Separate conflict points; • Limit deceleration; • Remove turning vehicles from through lanes; • Space major intersections to facilitate progressive travel speeds along arterials; • Provide adequate on-site storage to accommodate both ingress and egress

traffic.

PARISH OF ASCENSIONENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

TOMMY MARTINEZPARISH PRESIDENT

Ascension Parish Roadway Section

Urban Arterial90' ROW

UA-2

Airline Hwy

La H

wy

431

La Hwy 30

La Hwy 74

N B

urns

ide

Ave

La H

wy 7

0

La Hwy 42

S B

urns

ide

AveO

ld J

effe

rson

Hw

y

I-10

AIRLINE

HWY 30

HWY 42

HWY 22

HWY 75

HW

Y 43

1

HWY 1

HWY 74

HWY 405

BLUFF

RO

DD

Y

HWY 73

HW

Y 18

HWY 70HWY 943

HWY 621

ASHLAND

HW

Y 44

HWY 933

HW

Y 944

PERKINS

HW

Y 308

HWY 429

HWY 942

HWY 936

HWY 937

TENTH

HW

Y 31

40

HWY 931

HW

Y 44

HWY

22

HWY 621

HW

Y 70

ROW 90'Corridor Width 20'Pavement Width 48'Travel Lane Width 12'No. of Travel Lanes 4Shoulder Width N/AShoulder Type N/AMedian 14'Curb and Gutter YesSpeed Limit 45 mphSidewalks 8'Front Setback from centerline 65'ADTLevel of Service

Urban Arterial ‐ 90' ROW (UA‐2)

Miles = 72.33Airline Hwy 17.17E Hwy 30 1.21John LeBlanc Blvd 1.91La Hwy 22 0.43La Hwy 30 7.53LA HWY 30 1.99La Hwy 3089 2.70La Hwy 42 2.36La Hwy 431 9.63La Hwy 44 0.76La Hwy 70 3.19La Hwy 74 3.54Marcand St 0.05Marchand Dr 0.36Marchand St 0.25N Airline Hwy 1.44N Burnside Ave 6.20Oak Grove‐Port Vince 5.98Old Jefferson Hwy 2.22S Airline Hwy 0.41S Burnside Ave 3.01

UA‐2 Classified Roadways

rmiller

Typewritten Text

FIGURE 1




Suburban Arterial70' ROW

SA-1

La Hwy 621

La Hwy 22

La H

wy

1 S

Perkins Rd

I-10

AIRLINE

HWY 30

HWY 42

HWY 22

HWY 75

HW

Y 43

1

HWY 1

HWY 74

HWY 405

BLUFF

RO

DD

Y

HWY 73

HW

Y 18

HWY

70

HWY 943

HWY 621

BUR

NS

IDE

ASHLAND

HW

Y 94

1

HW

Y 44

HWY 933

CORNERVIEW

HW

Y 308

HWY 429

HWY 942

HWY 936

HWY 937

TENTH

JOHN LE

BLANC

COONTRAP

HW

Y 31

40

HWY 3120

C BRAUD

HWY 931

HW

Y 70

HWY

22

HW

Y 44 ROW 70'

Corridor Width 34'Pavement Width 24'Travel Lane Width 12'No. of Travel Lanes 2Shoulder Width N/AShoulder Type N/AMedian NoneCurb and Gutter YesSpeed Limit 50 mphSidewalks 8'Front Setback from centerline 55'ADTLevel of Service

Suburban Arterial ‐ 70' ROW (SA‐1)

Miles = 15.58La Hwy 1 S 3.49La Hwy 22 2.96La Hwy 621 6.82Perkins Rd 2.31

SA‐1 Classified Roadways

rmiller

Typewritten Text

rmiller

Typewritten Text

FIGURE 2




Suburban Arterial70' ROW

SA-2

I-10

AIRLINE

HWY 30

HWY 42

HWY 22

HWY 75

HW

Y 43

1

HWY 1

HWY 74

HWY 405

BLUFF

RO

DD

Y

HWY 73

HW

Y 18

HWY

70

HWY 943

HWY 621

BUR

NS

IDE

ASHLAND

HW

Y 94

1

HW

Y 44

HWY 933

HW

Y 944

WEBER CITY

CORNERVIEW

PERKINS

GERMANY

HW

Y 308

HWY 429

HWY 942

HWY 936

HWY 937

TENTH

JOHN LE

BLANC

COONTRAP

HW

Y 31

40

HWY 3120

C BRAUD

HWY 931

HW

Y 70

HWY

22

HW

Y 44 ROW 70'

Corridor Width 38'Pavement Width 24'Travel Lane Width 12'No. of Travel Lanes 2Shoulder Width 5'Shoulder Type PavedMedian NoneCurb and Gutter NoneSpeed Limit 65 mphSidewalks 8'Front Setback from centerline 55'ADTLevel of Service

Suburban Arterial ‐ 70' ROW (SA‐2)

Miles = 0.00None at this time 0.00

SA‐2 Classified Roadways

rmiller

Typewritten Text

FIGURE 3




Rural Arterial80' ROW

RA-1

La Hwy 1 N

La Hw

y 70

W Tenth St

I-10

AIRLINE

HWY 30

HWY 42

HWY 22

HWY 75

HW

Y 43

1

HW

Y 1

HWY 74

HWY 405

BLUFF

RO

DD

Y

HWY 73

HW

Y 18

HWY

70

HWY 943

HWY 621

BUR

NS

IDE

ASHLAND

HW

Y 94

1

HW

Y 44

HWY 933

WEBER CITY

CORNERVIEW

PERKINS

GERMANY

HWY 429

HWY 942

HWY 936

HWY 937

JOHN LE

BLANC

COONTRAP

HW

Y 31

40

HWY 3120

C BRAUD

HWY 931

HWY

22

HW

Y 44

Crawford Leblanc Bl

Miles = 9.64Crawford Leblanc Bl 0.35La Hwy 1 N 5.52La Hwy 70 2.82W Tenth St 0.95

RA‐1 Classified Roadways

ROW 80'Corridor Width 48'Pavement Width 24'Travel Lane Width 12'No. of Travel Lanes 2Shoulder Width 8'Shoulder Type AggregateMedian NoneCurb and Gutter NoneSpeed Limit 50 mphSidewalks 8' Front Setback from centerline 60'ADT < 5,000Level of Service

Rural Arterial ‐ 80' ROW (RA‐1)

rmiller

Typewritten Text

FIGURE 4




Rural Arterial90' ROW

RA-2

La H

wy

941

La Hwy 22

I-10

AIRLINE

HWY 30

HWY 42

HWY 22

HWY 75

HW

Y 43

1

HWY 1

HWY 74

HWY 405

BLUFF

RO

DD

Y

HWY 73

HW

Y 18

HWY

70

HWY 943

HWY 621

BUR

NS

IDE

ASHLAND

HW

Y 44

HWY 933

HW

Y 944

WEBER CITY

CORNERVIEW

PERKINS

GERMANY

HW

Y 308

HWY 942

HWY 936

HWY 937

TENTH

JOHN LE

BLANC

COONTRAP

HW

Y 31

40

HWY 3120

C BRAUD

HWY 931

HW

Y 70

HWY

22

HW

Y 44 ROW 90'

Corridor Width 46'Pavement Width 36'Travel Lane Width 12'No. of Travel Lanes 3Shoulder Width 8'Shoulder Type PavedMedian LaneCurb and Gutter NoneSpeed Limit 60 mphSidewalks 8' Front Setback from centerline 65'ADT > 5,000Level of Service

Rural Arterial ‐ 90' ROW (RA‐2)

Miles = 12.26La Hwy 22 7.40La Hwy 941 4.32Main St 0.51River Highlands Dr 0.04

RA‐2 Classified Roadways

rmiller

Typewritten Text

FIGURE 5



Ascension Parish Roadway SectionUrban Collector

80' ROW

UC-1

I-10

AIRLINE

HWY 30

HWY 42

HWY 22

HWY 75

HW

Y 43

1

HWY 1

HWY 74

HWY 405

BLUFF

RO

DD

Y

HWY 73

HW

Y 18

HWY

70

HWY 943

HWY 621

BUR

NS

IDE

ASHLAND

HW

Y 94

1

HW

Y 44

HWY 933

HW

Y 944

WEBER CITY

CORNERVIEW

PERKINS

GERMANY

HW

Y 308

HWY 429

HWY 942

HWY 936

HWY 937

TENTH

JOHN LE

BLANC

COONTRAP

HW

Y 31

40

HWY 3120

C BRAUD

HWY 931

HW

Y 70

HWY

22

HW

Y 44 ROW 80'

Corridor Width 36'Pavement Width 36'Travel Lane Width 12'No. of Travel Lanes 2Shoulder Width N/AShoulder Type N/AMedian 12' LaneCurb and Gutter YesSpeed Limit 40Sidewalks 8'Front Setback from centerline 60'ADTLevel of Service

Urban Collector ‐ 80' ROW (UC‐1)

Miles = 9.01La Hwy 44 2.00Old Jefferson Hwy 7.01

UC‐1 Classified Roadways

rmiller

Typewritten Text

FIGURE 6




Suburban Collector58' ROW

SC-1

La Hwy 931

Bra

ud R

d

Causey Rd

Old Jeffe

rson

Hwy

La H

wy

44

I-10

AIRLINE

HWY 30

HWY 42

HWY 22

HWY 75

HW

Y 43

1

HWY 1

HWY 74

HWY 405

BLUFF

RO

DD

YHW

Y 73

HW

Y 18

HWY

70

HWY 943

HWY 621

BUR

NS

IDE

ASHLAND

HW

Y 94

1

HW

Y 44

HWY 933

HW

Y 944

WEBER CITY

CORNERVIEW

PERKINS

HW

Y 308

HWY 429

HWY 942

HWY 936

HWY 937

TENTH

JOHN LE

BLANC

COONTRAP

HW

Y 31

40

HWY 3120

HWY 931

HW

Y 70

HW

Y 44

HWY

22

HWY 621

Ascen

sion Pari

sh H

wy 929

Merritt Evans Rd

Indu

stria

l Dr

ROW 58'Corridor Width 24'Pavement Width 22'Travel Lane Width 11'No. of Travel Lanes 2Shoulder Width N/AShoulder Type N/AMedian NoneCurb and Gutter YesSpeed Limit 40 mphSidewalks 8'Front Setback from centerline 49'ADTLevel of Service

Suburban Collector ‐ 58' ROW (SC‐1)

Miles = 13.08AP Hwy 929 3.39Braud Rd 2.01Causey Rd 1.02Industrial Dr 0.19La Hwy 44 0.86La Hwy 931 3.03Merritt Evans Rd 1.01Old Jefferson Hwy 1.56

SC‐1 Classified Roadways

rmiller

Typewritten Text

FIGURE 7




Suburban Collector58' ROW

SC-3

La Hwy 74Black Bayou Rd

La H

wy 931

La H

wy

930

Bayou Narcisse Rd

I-10

AIRLINE

HWY 30

HWY 42

HWY 22

HWY 75

HW

Y 43

1

HWY 1

HWY 74

HWY 405

BLUFF

HWY 73

HW

Y 18

HWY

70

HWY 943

HWY 621

BUR

NS

IDE

ASHLAND

HW

Y 94

1

HW

Y 44

HWY 933

HW

Y 944

CORNERVIEW

PERKINS

HW

Y 308

HWY 429

HWY 942

HWY 936

GOLD PLACE

HWY 937

TENTH

JOHN LE

BLANC

HW

Y 31

40

HWY 3120

C BRAUD

HW

Y 70

HWY

22

HW

Y 44

ROW 58'Corridor Width 26'Pavement Width 24'Travel Lane Width 12'No. of Travel Lanes 2Shoulder Width 8'Shoulder Type PavedMedian NoneCurb and Gutter NoneSpeed Limit 50 mphSidewalks 8'Front Setback from centerline 49'ADTLevel of Service

Suburban Collector ‐ 58' ROW (SC‐3)

Miles = 14.84Bayou Narcisse Rd 2.53Black Bayou Rd 3.03Black Bayou Rd Ext 0.84Daigle Rd 0.97La Hwy 74 3.46La Hwy 930 1.75La Hwy 931 2.26

SC‐3 Classified Roadways

rmiller

Typewritten Text

FIGURE 8



Ascension Parish Roadway SectionRural Collector

60' ROW

RC-1

La Hwy 22

I-10

AIRLINE

HWY 30

HWY 42

HWY 22

HWY 75

HW

Y 43

1

HWY 1

HWY 74

HWY 405

BLUFF

RO

DD

Y

HWY 73

HW

Y 18

HWY

70

HWY 943

HWY 621

BUR

NS

IDE

ASHLAND

HW

Y 94

1

HW

Y 44

HWY 933

HW

Y 944

WEBER CITY

CORNERVIEW

PERKINS

GERMANY

HW

Y 308

HWY 429

HWY 942

HWY 936

HWY 937

TENTH

JOHN LE

BLANC

COONTRAP

HW

Y 31

40

HWY 3120

C BRAUD

HWY 931

HW

Y 70

HWY

22

HW

Y 44 ROW 60'

Corridor Width 26'Pavement Width 22'Travel Lane Width 11'No. of Travel Lanes 2Shoulder Width N/AShoulder Type N/AMedian NoneCurb and Gutter YesSpeed Limit 40 mphSidewalks 8'Front Setback from centerline 50'ADTLevel of Service

Rural Collector ‐ 60' ROW (RC‐1)

Miles = 4.45La Hwy 22 4.45

RC‐1 Classified Roadways

rmiller

Typewritten Text

FIGURE 9



Ascension Parish Roadway SectionRural Collector

60' ROW

RC-2

River Rd

La Hwy 4

05

Rod

dy R

d

Ashland Rd

La Hwy 933

Bec

o R

d

La Hwy 18 W

Cornerview Rd

Babin Rd

Norwood RdLa Hwy 18 E

Geo

rge

Lam

bert

Rd

La Hwy 937

La H

wy

308

S

La Hwy 936 S

I-10

AIRLINE

HWY 30

HWY 42

HWY 22

HWY 75

HW

Y 43

1

HWY 1

HWY 74

HWY 405

BLUFF

HWY 73

HWY

70

HWY 943

HWY 621

BUR

NS

IDE

HW

Y 94

1

HW

Y 44

PERKINS

HWY 942TENTH

HW

Y 31

40

C BRAUD

HWY 931

HWY

22

HW

Y 44

HW

Y 73

HW

Y 70

HW

Y 44

ROW 60'Corridor Width 28'Pavement Width 24'Travel Lane Width 12'No. of Travel Lanes 2Shoulder Width 5'Shoulder Type MixedMedian NoneCurb and Gutter NoneSpeed Limit 50 mphSidewalks 8'Front Setback from centerline 50'ADTLevel of Service

Rural Collector ‐ 60' ROW (RC‐2)

Miles = 85.60Ashland Rd 3.77Babin Rd 2.23Beco Rd 2.44Boudreaux Rd 1.11Churchpoint Rd 2.53Coontrap Rd 1.49Cornerview Rd 4.00George Lambert Rd 2.19Harry Savoy Rd 1.54Joe Sevario Rd 3.36La Hwy 18 0.27La Hwy 18 E 1.89La Hwy 18 W 3.99La Hwy 308 0.68La Hwy 308 S 1.55La Hwy 3120 1.02La Hwy 405 8.70La Hwy 429 1.81La Hwy 933 4.47La Hwy 936 E 1.49La Hwy 936 N 0.64La Hwy 936 S 1.13La Hwy 936 W 0.51La Hwy 937 1.74La Hwy 942 5.11Norwood Rd 2.08Parker Rd 1.78River Rd 12.04Roddy Rd 3.81Stringer Bridge Rd 4.03Weber City Rd 2.19

RC‐2 Classified Roadways

rmiller

Typewritten Text

FIGURE 10




Urban Local50' ROW

UL-2

I-10

AIRLINE

HWY 30

HWY 42

HWY 22

HWY 75

HW

Y 43

1

HWY 1

HWY 74

HWY 405

BLUFF

RO

DD

Y

HWY 73

HW

Y 18

HWY

70

HWY 943

HWY 621

BUR

NS

IDE

ASHLAND

HW

Y 94

1

HW

Y 44

HWY 933

HW

Y 944

WEBER CITY

CORNERVIEW

PERKINS

GERMANY

HW

Y 308

HWY 429

HWY 942

HWY 936

HWY 937

TENTH

JOHN LE

BLANC

COONTRAP

HW

Y 31

40

HWY 3120

C BRAUD

HWY 931

HW

Y 70

HWY

22

HW

Y 44

ROW 50'Corridor Width 16'Pavement Width 22'Travel Lane Width 11'No. of Travel Lanes 2Shoulder Width N/AShoulder Type N/AMedian NoneCurb and Gutter YesSpeed Limit 30 mphSidewalks 8'Front Setback from centerline 45'ADTLevel of Service

Urban Local ‐ 50' ROW (UL‐2)

Miles = 14.50Abby James Rd 1.01Aikens Rd 0.51Bishop Woods Rd 1.01C Braud Rd 0.72Henry Rd 1.02J D Broussard Rd 0.51Josh Brown Rd 0.23K C Rd 1.02L Landry Rd 1.01Loosemoore Rd 1.02Post Office Rd 0.41S St Landry Ave 1.91Tiggy Duplessis Rd 1.03Tommy Moore Rd 0.60W Worthy St 2.00West Ln 0.50

UL‐2 Classified Roadways

rmiller

Typewritten Text

FIGURE 11




Rural Local50' ROW

RL-1

Cannon Rd

Frank Noel Rd

I-10

AIRLINE

HWY 30

HWY 42

HWY 22

HWY 75

HW

Y 43

1

HWY 1

HWY 74

HWY 405

BLUFF

RO

DD

Y

HWY 73

HW

Y 18

HWY

70

HWY 943

HWY 621

BUR

NS

IDE

ASHLAND

HW

Y 94

1

HW

Y 44

HWY 933

HW

Y 944

CORNERVIEW

PERKINS

GERMANY

HW

Y 308

BLACK BAYOU

HWY 429

HWY 942

HWY 936

GOLD PLACE

HWY 937

TENTH

JOHN LE

BLANC

COONTRAP

HW

Y 31

40

HWY 3120

C BRAUD

HWY 931

HWY

22

HW

Y 70

HW

Y 44 ROW 50'

Corridor Width 22'Pavement Width 20'Travel Lane Width 10'No. of Travel Lanes 2Shoulder Width 2'Shoulder Type AggregateMedian NoneCurb and Gutter NoneSpeed Limit 40 mphSidewalks 8'Front Setback from centerline 45'ADT < 400Level of Service

Rural Local ‐ 50' ROW (RL‐1)

Miles = 12.49Cannon Rd 3.29Frank Noel Rd 2.07Lemanville Cutoff Rd 1.79Musco Ln 0.63O'Neal Rd 1.01Souveneir Rd 1.12Swamp Rd 1.22Swamp Rd E 0.48Swamp Rd N 0.17Swamp Rd S 0.39Swamp Rd W 0.31

RL‐1 Classified Roadways

Swamp

rmiller

Typewritten Text

FIGURE 12




Rural Local55' ROW

RL-3

Bluff Rd

La Hwy 943 S

La Hwy 943 N

Gold Place Rd

Duplessis Rd

Geo

rge

Rou

yea

Rd

Moody Dixon Rd

I-10

AIRLINE

HWY 30

HWY 42

HWY 22

HWY 75

HW

Y 43

1

HWY 1

HWY 74

HWY 405

BLU

FF

RO

DD

Y

HWY 73

HW

Y 18

HWY

70HW

Y 94

3

HWY 621

BUR

NS

IDE

ASHLAND

HW

Y 94

1

HW

Y 44

HWY 933

CORNERVIEW

PERKINS

HW

Y 308

HWY 429

HWY 942

HWY 936

HWY 937

TENTH

JOHN LE

BLANC

HW

Y 31

40

HWY 3120

HW

Y 93

1

HW

Y 73

HWY

22

HW

Y 70

HW

Y 44

La Hw

y 944 W

La Hwy 944 W

Henderson B

ayou Rd

Che

ster

Die

z R

d

William Ficklin Rd

Den

ham

Rd

La Hwy 944 SLa Hwy 944 S

Ernest Floyd Rd S

Erne

st F

loyd

Rd

N

ROW 55'Corridor Width 25'Pavement Width 22'Travel Lane Width 11'No. of Travel Lanes 2Shoulder Width 5'Shoulder Type AggregateMedian NoneCurb and Gutter NoneSpeed Limit 50 mphSidewalks 8'Front Setback from centerline 48'ADT > 400Level of Service

Rural Local ‐ 55' ROW (RL‐3)

Miles = 29.37Bluff Rd 5.69Chester Diez Rd 0.97Denham Rd 0.65Duplessis Rd 1.65Ernest Floyd Rd N 0.50Ernest Floyd Rd S 0.91George Rouyea Rd 2.03Gold Place Rd 2.33Henderson Bayou Rd 1.57La Hwy 943 N 4.16La Hwy 943 S 3.66La Hwy 944 S 0.87La Hwy 944 W 1.68Moody Dixon Rd 1.68William Ficklin Rd 1.02

RL‐3 Classified Roadways

rmiller

Typewritten Text

FIGURE 13

Ascension Parish Unified Land Development Code (LDC)

Documents

Transcript of Ascension Parish Unified Land Development Code (LDC)