article iv. supplementary regulationssjbparish.com/pdfs/article iv_supplemental regs.pdfmay 2015 st....

May 2015

St. John the Baptist Parish IV-1 Article IV: Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Supplementary Regulations

Article IV. Supplementary Regulations 1. GENERALLY

Section 113-474 Use and Performance Standards.

Purpose: The purpose of this Article is to set forth additional requirements for certain uses of land. These standards are intended to ensure that the use is compatible with the surrounding area.

A. Temporary Buildings:

1. Temporary buildings, or including temporary concrete or asphalt plants, used in conjunction with construction work only, may be permitted in any district during the period the construction work is in progress, but such temporary buildings or uses shall be removed upon completion of the construction work.

2. Temporary buildings may be permitted in conjunction with a residential subdivision development as a temporary sales office only, for a maximum period of two years. No other use or activity is allowed.

3. All temporary buildings must first receive a permit from the Department of Planning and Zoning.

B. Fences:

1. Fences may be erected along the boundaries of a lot or yard area subject to the requirements of the state building code, this chapter, chapter 111, subdivision regulations, or other applicable regulations.

2. In all zoning districts, no sight-obscuring fence, wall or hedge shall be erected to exceed three feet in height in the required front yard or in the area from the front of the structure to the front property line. Any tapering of the fence or wall must begin at the front of the structure and must reach the maximum of three feet within eight feet of the beginning of the taper.

3. No fence or wall may be constructed within a utility servitude without prior written approval from the affected utility. Approval of the construction of the fence or wall by a utility shall create no obligation to repair or replace a fence or wall damaged or removed by the utility in the course of its lawful use of the servitude.

C. Power, heating, or refrigerating plants, apparatus, or machinery which are accessory to permitted uses shall be permitted only if placed and operated so as to comply with existing ordinances and not cause serious annoyance or injury to occupants of adjoining premises.

D. Public Utilities: Existing facilities and installations of public utilities, whether privately or publicly owned, may continue to be operated and maintained in all districts. Poles, transformers, voltage regulators, switches, wires, underground facilities and installations may be constructed, operated and maintained in all districts. Electric substations, electric and telephone switching stations, electric and gas regulator stations, cathodic protection stations, and similar facilities and installations may be constructed, operated and maintained in residential districts if the

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same can be located in the rights-of-way or easements used in the same manner as streets or alleys.

E. Model Homes: Model homes, when built in conjunction with a new subdivision, complying with all parish zoning regulations and subdivision restrictive covenants regulations, may be used as a display model and a temporary sales office only. No other use is permitted within the Model Home. The model home must first be issued a permit from the Department of Planning and Zoning and a temporary certificate of occupancy. Temporary power only will be allowed for a maximum period of three years with a one-year optional extension upon approval of the administration.

F. Home Occupations: Home occupations shall be required to conform to the following standards:

1. The individual primarily responsible for the home occupation shall live in the dwelling. No person shall be employed on the premises who is not a bona fide resident of the dwelling.

2. The use of the dwelling unit for home occupation shall be clearly incidental and secondary to its use for residential purposes. Not more than 20 percent of the living area of the dwelling unit or 400 square feet, whichever is the lesser, shall be used in the conduct of home occupations.

3. No outdoor display or storage of equipment or supplies associated with the home occupation is permitted.

4. There shall be no change in the exterior appearance of the building or premises as a result of such occupations.

5. A home occupation is allowed only one identification sign attached to the primary structure and measuring no more than one (1) square foot or 144 square inches in area.

6. No home occupation shall be conducted in any accessory building or attached garage exceeding 400 square feet.

7. No mechanical equipment shall be used or stored on the premises except that which is normally used for purely domestic or household purposes. The home occupation shall not create noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors, dust, smoke, or heat detectable to the normal senses outside the dwelling unit. No equipment or process shall be used which creates visual or audible interference in any radio or television sets off the premises, or causes fluctuations in line voltage. There shall be no illegal discharge of any materials, fluids or gases into the sewer or drainage system or any other manner of discharging such items in violation of any applicable government code.

8. No stock-in-trade shall be sold on the premises or displayed or warehoused on the premises for sale or use elsewhere, provided that orders previously made by telephone, mail or at a sales party conducted off-premises may be filled on the premises and delivered.

9. No traffic shall be generated by such home occupation in greater volume than three vehicles per 24-hour day in the residential neighborhood and any need for parking generated by the conduct of such home occupation shall be met off the street and other

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than in the required front yard. Deliveries from commercial suppliers shall be made during daylight hours and shall not restrict circulation in the neighborhood.

10. No more than one home occupation related vehicle, regardless of the number of home occupations, is permitted at any one premises, any such vehicle must be 20 feet or less in overall length and not more than seven feet in overall height and must be parked off any public right-of-way. All exterior storage of cargo, equipment or other material on the vehicle shall be shielded from view at all times when such vehicle is located on a residential lot.

11. The term "address of convenience" means a home occupation that consists solely of the receiving of phone calls, mail, and keeping business records in connection with any profession or occupation, and shall not require a home occupation permit. The term "address of convenience" does not include any home occupation that receives clients or customers.

12. When in compliance with the requirements of this section, a home occupation includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Art studio;

a. Child care for not more than six children, including any children of the adult provider;

b. Dressmaking and tailoring;

c. Professional office of a lawyer, engineer, architect, accountant, salesman, or other similar occupation;

d. Teaching or tutoring, including musical instruction and dance instruction, limited to not more than two pupils at a time;

e. Typing/word processing service;

13. The following uses shall not be considered an appropriate as home occupations uses. Personal services such as:

a. Cosmetology, barbershops, beauty parlors, kennels, dog grooming;

b. Real estate and insurance offices;

c. Radio, television and appliance repair, cabinet making, boat building for others, auto servicing or rebuilding and repair for others;

d. Metal fabrications or cutting, employing welding or cutting torches, ambulance service, helium balloons, house painters; and

e. Other uses similar in nature or in effect on the surrounding neighborhood;

14. Home occupations that are existing as legal uses shall not be allowed to continue once the occupants who have established the legal use status no longer occupy the premises.

15. The Department of Planning and Zoning shall determine whether the home occupation meets the established criteria and shall issue a home occupation permit when such application is in compliance with the established criteria.

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Section 113-475 Supplementary Area Requirements.

A. Where a lot has an area or frontage less than the minimum requirements for the district in which it is located, but was a lot of record in separate ownership from adjacent property at the time of passage of the ordinance, such lot may be used for any use or purpose permitted in district in which the property is located.

B. In residential districts, only one principal building, together with the customary accessory buildings, shall occupy each lot. More than one (1) principal building is permitted per lot in the commercial and Industrial districts.

Section 113-476 Supplementary Height Requirements.

The height limitations as set forth in this chapter shall not apply to church spires, belfries, monuments, tanks, water towers, fire towers, stage towers, or scenery lofts, cooling towers, spires, radio or television antennas, chimneys, elevator bulkheads, smoke stacks, oil derricks, conveyors, or flagpoles; except, that all uses including the uses in this section shall comply with the provisions of any other applicable governmental height requirements.

Section 113-477 Supplementary Yard Requirements.

A. Where the frontage on one side of a street between two intersecting streets is zoned partly as residential and partly as commercial or industrial, the front yard depth in the commercial or industrial district shall be the same as the required front yard depth of the residential district.

B. On corner lots having yard requirements, no fence, wall, hedge, or other structure or planting more than three feet in height shall be erected, placed or maintained within the triangular area formed by the intersecting street rights-of-way lines and a straight line joining said street rights-of-way lines at points which are 15 feet distant from the point of intersection, measured along said street rights-of-way lines.

C. In determining all yard requirements, measurements shall be made from the foundation of the main building or dwelling and any accessory structure. Roof, gutter, eave, bay window, and other similar projections on the main building or dwelling and any accessory structure shall have a minimum sky clearance of two feet from the property line.

D. If 40 percent or more of the frontage on the same side of the street between two intersecting streets is improved with buildings that have existing front yards less than that required, no building need be set back from the street more than average front yard depth of such buildings.

E. All new subdivision development will prohibit the use of trees and shrubs in servitudes to prevent blockage of view, access, and drainage.

F. Carports, storage buildings, and other accessory structures are not allowed in the required front yard under any circumstances.

Section 113-478 Community or Group Homes.

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A. No community home shall be within 1,000 feet of another community home.

B. In conformance with state statues, in particular R.S. 28:478, and in order to monitor the operation, number and locations of community homes in the parish, and to protect the citizens and residents of both the neighborhood and the community home, the sponsors or operators of all proposed community homes in the Parish shall notify the Parish of their intent to apply for a state license to open a community home at a particular site.

C. Said operator shall file a community home registration request form with the Parish Zoning Regulatory Administrator. This information shall include the site of the proposed facility, the number of residents and staff proposed, the particular handicap of the residents and proof of state licensing application. The planning commission shall review the information, including the state license application, for each community home, and shall approve or disapprove a certificate of occupancy for a particular site within 45 days of the original notification. If there is no response by the planning commission within 45 days, it shall be assumed that there is no objection to the site proposed by the sponsor.

D. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent a reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities as defined in the federal Fair Housing Act in accordance with federal, state and parish procedures.

Section 113-479 Truck Stops or Terminals with Video Poker Gaming Facilities.

Upon review and approval of the Planning Commission and a supporting resolution of the Parish Council, truck terminals shall conform to the regulation set forth by the state and to the following regulations:

A. Frontage shall be on a median-divided major arterial with a minimum of four roadway lanes, and having federal or state designation.

B. Minimum lot size of site shall be ten acres.

C. Truck terminals with video poker gaming facilities shall have all the following amenities:

1. A separate truckers' lounge.

2. A full-service laundry facility located in a convenient area for truckers use.

3. Private showers for men and women and not located in an area open to the general public facilities.

4. A travel store with items commonly referred to as truckers' supplies (items commonly used by commercial motor vehicles).

5. Truck scales.

6. Separate truckers' telephones.

7. Permanent storage facilities for fuel and fuel accessories.

8. These regulations shall not apply to any truck stops with video poker gaming facilities having a certificate of zoning compliance prior to the effective date of the ordinance from which this Chapter is derived.

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Section 113-480 Automobile Service Stations, Repair and Similar Uses.

Purpose: In order to regulate and control the problems of noise, odor, light, fumes, vibration, dust, danger of fire and explosion, and traffic congestion which result from the unrestricted and unregulated construction and operation of gasoline automobile service stations and related uses; and, to regulate and control the adverse effects which these and other problems incidental to the service station may exercise upon adjacent and surrounding, areas, the following additional regulations and requirements are provided herein for service stations located in any zone in which they are permitted

Uses: These Supplementary regulations apply to the following uses, as defined in this ordinance: Automotive Repair, Major; Automotive Repair, Minor; Automobile Service Station; Car Wash.

A. All service stations, etc., erected after the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived shall comply with all requirements of this section. No service station existing on the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived shall be structurally altered so as to provide a lesser degree of conformity with the provisions of this section than existed on the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived.

B. A service station shall be located on a lot having a frontage along the principle street of not less than 100 feet, and having a minimum area of not less than 10,000 square feet.

C. The sale of used or new automobiles is not permitted.

D. A service station building, housing an office and/or facilities for servicing, greasing, and/or washing motor vehicles shall be located not less than 40 feet from any street lot line, and not less than ten feet from any other lot line.

E. All driveways providing ingress to or egress from a service station shall not be more than 35 feet wide at the property line. Not more than one curb opening shall be permitted for each 50 feet of frontage or major fraction thereof along any street. No driveway or curb opening shall be located nearer than ten feet to any corner or nearer than five feet on interior lot line, as measured along the property line. No driveway shall be located nearer than 25 feet, as measured along the property line, to any other driveway giving access to or from the same service station.

F. The entire lot, excluding the area occupied by a building and any required buffer area or landscaping space, shall be hard surfaced with concrete or a paint-mixed bituminous material. If any part of the lot is not so surfaced, than that area shall be landscaped and separated from all surface areas by low barrier or curb.

G. Outdoor storage area shall not intrude on any required parking or landscaping areas.

H. All lubrication equipment, motor vehicle washing equipment, hydraulic hoists and pits shall be enclosed entirely within a building.

I. All gasoline pumps shall be located not less than 20 feet from any lot line, and shall be arranged so that motor vehicles shall not be supplied with gasoline or serviced while parked upon or overhanging any public sidewalk, street or right-of-way.

J. A service station located on a lot having an area of up to 10,000 square feet, shall include not more than eight gasoline dispensers and two enclosed stalls for servicing, lubricating, greasing

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and/or washing motor vehicles. An additional two gasoline dispensers and/or one enclosed stall may be included with the provision of each additional 2,000 square feet of lot area.

K. Buffer Requirements: Where a service station, automotive repair establishment, or similar use adjoins a residential use or any property located in any residential zone, or is separated from any such property by a public alley only, a 100 percent opaque wall or fence six feet in height shall be erected and maintained along the common lot line or along the alley lot line. All masonry walls shall be protected by a fixed curb or barrier to prevent vehicles from contacting with the wall.

L. All exterior lighting, including illuminated signs, shall be erected and hooded or shielded so as to be deflected away from adjacent and neighboring property.

M. Any service activity that is not customarily part of vehicular servicing (i.e., automobiles, trailers, or trucks) shall be prohibited unless and until reviewed and approved by the Planning and Zoning Department.

Section 113-481 Manufactured Home Regulations.

A. Manufactured homes in any zoning district must meet all of the following criteria:

1. Generally: These Supplementary regulations apply to all manufactured homes and housing, as defined in this Ordinance, in St. John Parish.

2. Recreational vehicles (RV’s), modular homes, and “pre-HUD” mobile homes are not considered “manufactured homes.”

3. Location: Manufactured homes and buildings are only allowed in those zoning districts where expressly permitted in the district regulations of this ordinance in Article III. No variances are permitted to these location requirements as that could constitute a spot zone.

4. Pre-HUD mobile homes are allowed only in Mobile Home Parks in MHD zoning districts.

5. Installation Standards: All manufactured housing units must adhere to the following installation standards:

a. Certified as meeting the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards of the Department of Housing and Urban Development;

b. Apparent bulk should be similar to those structures existing in the general vicinity;

c. The manufactured home unit shall be supported by permanent foundation and anchored;

d. Only one manufactured home unit per lot, unless otherwise permitted by the district regulations;

e. No manufactured home unit shall be placed upon a parcel of land that is already occupied by a residential dwelling unit, unless otherwise permitted by the district regulations;

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f. All regulations described by the state department of health and hospitals relating to the placement of a single manufactured home unit on a parcel of land shall be complied with;

g. Roof pitch and type must be similar in degree of pitch and materials to that of structures existing in the general vicinity;

h. The hitch tongue and wheels will be removed;

i. The Manufactured home will be skirted;

j. All plumbing, water, sewer connections, etc., shall be permanent and are to be placed underground according to accepted plumbing specifications;

k. All electrical connections must be permanent and conform to accepted standards of the residential construction in the general vicinity; and;

l. All existing subdivision restrictions, where not in conflict with this chapter, must be adhered to.

Section 113-482 Public Impact Review.

The use of land as a lawful operation of a golf course, school, park, church, or civic center shall not be changed to any other permitted use unless and until a public impact review of the proposed new use is conducted and authorization given by the Planning Commission.

The Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing and review the location and site plan of the proposed use as being appropriate with regard to transportation and access, water supply, waste disposal, fire and police protection, adequate alternative recreation facilities and open space, and other externalities.

In its review, the Planning Commission may impose terms and conditions as it deems appropriate to negate the potential for adverse impact and to avoid substantial detriment to the public good without substantially impairing the delivery and accessibility to public and social services.

Section 113-483 Special Regulations for Automobile Sales Establishments – New, Used, and Rental

A. Automobile sales establishments shall only be located in those districts where they are specifically permitted as per Chapter 113, Article IV, District Regulations.

B. Site Development Criteria:

1. All Automobile Sales and Rental establishments shall have a permanent building as a primary structure. No portable, temporary, or manufactured building shall be used as the primary structure.

2. Public street rights of way shall not be used for parking or inventory display.

3. Required landscaping areas shall not be used for parking or inventory display.

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4. Parking – all automobile sales establishments shall provide dedicated customer parking spaces over and above those spaces used for inventory parking. Parking shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 113, Article V, Supplementary Regulations, Division 2, Off-Street parking and Loading Requirements.

5. The outdoor area devoted to storage, loading, parking and display of vehicles shall only take place on the same lot with and ancillary to a sales room. Such areas shall not be used for the storage or display of vehicles that are not in operating condition.

6. Surfacing – all areas for parking and storage must be hard-surfaced (concrete, asphalt, or pervious paving). Limestone, gravel and similar surfacing materials are not allowed.

Section 113-484 Servitudes.

No building, structure, parking lot, driveway, fence or wall may be constructed within a servitude without prior written approval from the affected utility or property owner. This includes private utility providers as well as all St. John Parish servitudes. Approval of the construction of the structure, fence or wall by a utility company or St. John Parish shall create no obligation to repair or replace such structure, fence or wall damaged or removed by the utility in the course of its lawful use of the servitude.

Section 113-485 Swimming Pools

A. Residential swimming pools. A residential swimming pool is an accessory use to a primary single-family detached residence located in any residential, rural, or mobile home park district. Residential swimming pools shall not be operated as a business; therefore, home occupational licenses shall not be permitted. Excluded from this definition are country clubs and leisure clubs specifically permitted in residential zoning districts as accessory uses.

1. In-ground pools.

a. Setback. No rear or side yard setback shall be required, and decking to the property line shall be permitted except that the water line shall be a minimum of five feet from any property line, except where servitude prohibitive.

b. Buffer required. Residential swimming pools shall be enclosed by a fence with a minimum height of six feet.

c. Front yard prohibited. In-ground pools at or above 15 feet in diameter, four feet in depth, shall only be permitted in rear or side yards.

d. Two safety devices required. The fence shall have and maintain a locking device. An Additional device of the owner's choice shall also be maintained. Such device may include, but is not limited to, an alarm, removable ladder, pool cover, or any mechanism capable of preventing a small child from entering.

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2. Above-ground pools at 15-foot diameter/four-foot depth.

a. Setback. A minimum setback of five feet shall be required from the rear property line. A minimum of five feet shall be required from any side property line, except where servitude prohibitive.

b. Buffer required. Residential swimming pools shall be enclosed by a fence with a minimum height of four feet.

c. Front yard prohibited. Above-ground pools at and above 15 feet in diameter, four feet in depth, shall only be permitted in rear or side yards.

d. Two safety devices required. The fence shall have and maintain a locking device. An additional device of the owner's choice shall also be maintained. Such device may include, but are not limited to, an alarm, removable ladder, pool cover, or any mechanism capable of preventing a small child from entering.

B. Commercial swimming pool. Pools owned by a business or non-profit organization, including multifamily complexes whose primary use is as a leased family dwelling in appropriate zoning districts, where recreational activities are a primary or accessory use to the profitability of the organization and swimming lessons may be taught.

1. In-ground and above ground pools.

a. Setback. No rear or side yard setback shall be required and decking to the property line shall be permitted except that the water line shall be a minimum of five feet from any property line, except where servitude prohibitive.

b. Buffer required. Commercial swimming pools shall be enclosed by a fence that is a minimum height of six feet.

c. Safety devices required. A life guard who has met the safety certification standards of the American Red Cross shall be on duty at the premises and a fence shall be erected with a maintained locking device.

Section 113-486 through 512 Reserved.

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2. OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS

Section 113-513 General Provisions.

A. Location.

1. One- and Two-Family Dwellings: Off-street parking areas for one-family and two-family dwellings shall be provided on the same lot or plot of ground as the building served.

2. Multi-Family Dwellings: Off-street parking areas for multifamily uses shall be located:

a. On the same lot as the main building or on an immediately adjacent lot; and

b. Within a minimum 300 feet from the main building

3. Other Land Uses: The location of off-street parking areas for other land uses shall be a minimum 300 feet from the main building.

4. Spit-Zoned Development Sites or Lots: When a proposed parking area expands across lot lines or across zoning district designations, parking areas may be permitted on adjacent properties or within different zoning designations provided:

a. The zoning classification is the same or less restrictive than the classification of the lot where the main building is located;

b. The parking area shall be reviewed as part of a building permit application in conjunction with the principal use; and

c. The parking area shall be owned by the applicant; i.e. not leased.

B. Shared Parking Areas Permitted: Parking requirements for two or more uses of the same or different type may be satisfied by the allocation of a common or collective parking facility when such uses adjoin the area to be allocated for the parking facility. Such facility shall not be less than the sum of the requirements for the individual uses computed separately.

C. Changes to Existing Parking Areas Prohibited: Area reserved for off-street parking or loading in accordance with the provisions of this Section shall not be reduced in area or changed to any other use unless the permitted use that it serves is discontinued or modified, except where equivalent off-street parking or loading space is provided.

D. Parking Requirements for Land Uses Not Specifically Listed: For uses not specifically mentioned in this Section, the requirements for off-street parking and loading facilities for a similar use specifically mentioned in this Section shall apply. The Director of Planning and Zoning shall determine the most similar land use.

E. Pedestrian and Vehicular Areas Shall Be Reviewed and Approved: Prior to approval of the off-street parking requirements hereof sidewalk design, curb design, curb openings, vehicular exit ways and vehicular entrance ways from the streets from egress and ingress for abutting properties shall be approved by the Department of Planning and Zoning based upon safe and efficient movement of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

F. Parking Area Surface Materials: When off-street parking is required, the parking area must be surfaced with permanent dust free paving. Although not required, pervious concrete, asphalt, pavers and other types of permeable and pervious materials are encouraged.

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G. Striping Required: All off-street parking must be striped according to the required dimensional standards.

H. ADA Compliance Required: All parking and access shall be in compliance with the regulations and design guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended and revised.

I. Dimensional Standards: The following dimensional standards apply to off-street parking in all districts:

Parking Angle Stall Width (W) Stall Length

(L)

Aisle Width

(A)

Single Loaded Module b

Width (SL)

Double Loaded

Module b Width (DL)

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0 (parallel) 8.5’ 21’ 12’/24’ a 20.5’/32.5’ a 29’/41 a

45 8.5’ 18’ 13’ 32’ 51’

60 8.5’ 18’ 18’ 38’ 58’

75 8.5’ 18’ 20’ 40.8’ 61.6’

90 8.5’ 18’ 24’ a 42’ a 60’ a

a Two way traffic permitted.

b A module is defined as a drive aisle with automobiles parked on each side of the drive aisle.

Section 113-514 Off-Street Parking Requirements for Specific Land Uses.

A. The off-street parking spaces required for each use permitted by this Ordinance shall not be less than that found in Table xxx.

B. All non-residential uses must provide a minimum of three (3) parking spaces, unless specifically allowed otherwise by these regulations.

C. For uses not mentioned in this Section, the Director of Planning and Zoning or a designee shall determine the requirements for off-street parking and loading facilities. The determination shall be based upon the most comparable use listed, AASHTO or ITE standards, and/or the specific needs of the development as determined by the Parish.

LAND USE MINIMUM SPACES REQUIRED ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS or

RECOMMENDATIONS

RESIDENTIAL

Single Family 2 spaces/dwelling unit

Two- to Four-Family 2 spaces/dwelling unit

Multi-Family (5+) 1.5 spaces/dwelling unit

1 bicycle parking space recommended/unit; and

all 4-plexes shall provide one parking space/unit

behind the building setback line

Townhouses 2 spaces/dwelling unit A minimum of one space must be located behind the building setback line

Assisted living 1 space/two (2) rooms

COMMERCIAL

Automobile Sales 1 space/500ft2 GFA See Supplementary Regulations, Article IV,

Section 113-481

Automotive Repair, Major or

Minor 1 space/150ft2 GFA

See Supplementary Regulations, Article IV,

Section 113-480

Bar or Pool Hall 1 space/100ft2 GFA

Bed and Breakfast 1 space/2 guestrooms Plus 2 additional spaces

Bowling Alley 2 space/lane

Clinic 1 space/300ft2 GFA

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Animal Clinic, Hospital and

Kennels 1 space/300ft2 GFA

Auditoriums, theaters, funeral

homes, gymnasiums,

stadiums, and other places, of

assembly without fixed

seating

1 space/25ft2 of floor area

devoted to sales or display

Plus 1 space/2,000ft2 of gross storage assembly

area

Auditoriums, theaters, funeral

homes, gymnasiums,

stadiums, and other places, of

assembly with fixed seating

1 space/3 seats

Clubs & Lodges/Bingo Hall,

Reception Halls 1 space/100ft2 GFA

Car Wash 2 spaces/car wash bay Plus 3 stacking spaces/bay

Day Care Centers (adult or

child) 1 space/350ft2 GFA 3 space minimum

Financial Institutions 1 space/250ft2 GFA

Hospitals 1.5 spaces/bed

Hotels or Motels 1 space/guest room Plus 4 additional spaces

Marina 1 space/2 slips

Ministorage Warehouse 1 space/25 storage units

Nursing Homes 1 space/6 beds

Offices 1 space/300ft2 GFA

Personal Service

Establishment 1 per 300 sf GFA

Places of Worship 1 space/3 fixed seats in the main

assembly area

Restaurants

Drive-Thru & Carry-Out

Up to 500ft2 GFA: 2 spaces

501 to 1000ft2 GFA: 5 spaces

1000ft2 or more GFA: 10 spaces

Plus 3 stacking spaces per drive-through lane

Fast Food 1 space/100ft2 GFA Plus 3 stacking spaces per drive-through lane

Specialty 1 space/100ft2 GFA Plus 3 stacking spaces per drive-through lane

Full Service 1 space/100ft2 GFA

Retail Goods Establishment 1space/250ft2 GFA

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Shopping Centers, Multi-

Tenant

4 spaces/1,000ft2 of gross

leasable area

INDUSTRIAL

Truck Stop 1 truck space/5,000ft2 GFA

Additional uses within the truck stop

(retail, restaurant, etc.): Cumulative -

determined by sum of requirements for each

use on site

Warehouses and Wholesale

Establishments

1 space/20,000ft2 GFA of

warehouse Plus 2 spaces/1,000ft2 GFA of office

Manufacturing and Industrial

Establishments 2 spaces/1,000ft2 GFA

Plus 1 space/company vehicle operating from

premises

INSTITUTIONAL AND GOVERNMENT

Educational Facilities

Primary 2 spaces/classroom

Secondary 6 spaces/classroom Plus 1 space/500ft2 GFA of office; 4 bicycle

parking spaces recommended/classroom

University 10 spaces/classroom

Vocational 10spaces/classroom

Libraries and Museums 1 space/400ft2 GFA

Manufacturing and Industrial

Establishments 2 spaces/1,000ft2 GFA

Plus 1 space/company vehicle operating from

premises

Government Offices 1 space/300ft2 GFA

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Section 113-515 Off-Street Loading Requirements.

Every commercial or industrial building or use having 5,000 square feet of floor area or more shall have at least one permanently maintained off-street loading space for each 20,000 square feet of loading area or portion thereof. In no case shall any loading space be part of an area used to satisfy the off-street parking requirements of this section. This provision does not apply to commercial or industrial uses or buildings that do not necessitate the use of trucks or other vehicles for delivery or disposition of goods to and from the building.

USE TYPE NUMBER OF REQUIRED

LOADING SPACES

Multi-Family Dwelling

20,000 – 50,000ft2 GFA 1

50,001 – 100,000ft2 GFA 2

Each additional 40,000ft2 GFA 1

Commercial, Government and Institutional

5,000 – 10,000ft2 GFA 1

10,001 – 30,000ft2 GFA 2

30,001 – 50,000ft2 GFA 3

Each additional 20,000ft2 GFA 1

Industrial

5,000 – 10,000ft2 GFA 1

10,001 – 30,000ft2 GFA 2

Each additional 40,000ft2GFA 1

Section 113-516 through Section 113-534 Reserved.

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3. TELECOMMUNICATION TOWERS AND SATELLITE DISHES

Section 113-535 Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this division shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning.

Antenna: an apparatus external to or attached to the exterior of a building or telecommunication tower for sending and/or receiving electromagnetic waves. Antennas may be principal or accessory structures.

Antenna structures: any new or existing manmade object or structure and the radiating and/or received system, its supporting structures and any appurtenances mounted thereon, used for telecommunications. Most antenna structures are registered with the FCC.

Colocation-Reuse: an existing telecommunications antenna structure or tower for additional radiators, receivers, and/or equipment operation.

Guyed tower: a telecommunication tower that is supported, in whole or in part by guy wires and related ground anchors.

Monopole Tower: a telecommunication tower consisting of a single pole or spire self-supported by a permanent foundation, constructed without guy wires and related ground anchors.

Satellite Dish Antenna: a device or instrument designed for the reception of television or other electronic communications, signals, broadcasts relayed from earth satellites and which, at the widest part of the dish, is a maximum of ten feet in diameter. It may be solid, open mesh, or bar configured, typically eight to 12 feet in diameter and in the shape of a shallow dish, parabola, or horn.

Self-Support Lattice Tower: a telecommunications tower that is constructed without guy wires and related ground anchors and which is not a monopole tower.

Telecommunications: the transmission between or among points specified by the user, of information for the user's choosing, without change in the form or content of the information as sent and received.

Telecommunications tower: a tower, pole, or similar structure constructed principally for the purpose of supporting one or which supports several telecommunications antennas, operated for commercial purpose above ground, in a fixed location, freestanding, guyed, or on a building or other structures. The term "telecommunications tower" is synonymous with the term "antenna support structure" or "antenna structure."

Tower Height: the distance from the ground elevation of the base of the telecommunication tower to the top of the telecommunication tower or any attached wireless transmission and relay equipment.

Wireless Facility: includes the telecommunication tower, antennae, wireless transmission and relay equipment, perimeter fencing, and any other equipment or buildings necessary for the operation of wireless reception and transmission.

Wireless Transmission and Relay Equipment: any system of rods, wires, poles, reflecting discs, or similar devices used for the transmission or reception of telecommunications signals external to or attached to the exterior of any building or other structures.

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Section 113-536 Telecommunications Towers.

A. Permits required. Obtaining a permit shall include meeting the requirements of an occupational license and a building permit.

B. Applications.

1. Contents. Application contents are as follows:

a. One copy of the complete specifications for the proposed structure and antennas, including a description of the design characteristics and materials.

b. A site plan drawn to scale showing property boundaries, tower location, tower height, guy wires, and related ground anchors, any proposed structures, parking, fences, and landscaping. Existing conditions surrounding the site such as any structures, fences, etc., shall also be shown. The site plan should also include a vicinity map.

c. A survey from a licensed land surveyor or civil engineer indicating all zoning/land uses within a three-mile radius of the wireless facility with existing towers and structures shown.

d. A certificate from a licensed engineer of capacity by type and number of the communications tower, certified or stamped drawings and calculations detailing the design basis for the tower or support structure, and a certification that the tower is designed to withstand winds in accordance with ANSI/EIA/TIA 222-G, latest revision standards. This certification shall also show that the proposed tower is designed for colocation.

e. Identification of the owners, operators, and call signs of all telecommunications antenna and equipment existing and to be located on the site.

f. Written authorization from the site owner allowing the applicant to submit the application.

g. Certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that the proposed activity is in compliance with FAA requirements. A written description of the proposed operation and need for a new structure. Also, for new towers, a written description of opportunities for future colocation on the tower.

h. Payment of appropriate fees as established in section 14-113.

i. Notification shall be provided to citizens of the parish within three miles of the proposed tower site by conspicuous publication of the proposed site in the official journal of the parish ten days after the administrative committee review, to be printed two times before the scheduling of utility board or planning commission meetings. This notice requirement is separate from any parish publication requirements.

2. Review procedure. The applications hereunder shall require, with regard to the applicant's compliance with the standards and requirements set forth in this division, approval from each of the following boards and committees to reach final approval. Rejection by any of the boards or committees will deny siting:

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a. Administrative committee review.

b. Parish engineer's review.

c. Utility board review, if any utilities or drainage are involved.

d. Planning commission review.

e. Parish council's use permit and/or ordinance.

C. Siting requirements.

1. Zoning.

a. Priority/preference will be given to existing structures, and on public property.

b. Telecommunication towers are permitted only in C-3 Commercial, rural, and industrial zoning districts, as per Article III, District Regulations, of this zoning ordinance.

2. Colocation. To minimize the visual impact associated with the proliferation and clustering of communication towers, colocation of facilities on existing towers and suitable structures shall be encouraged by administrative approval. The parish shall issue permits to shared facilities upon administrative approval. A telecommunications provider submitting a proposal for colocation shall omit this subsection and subsections (d) and (e) of this section. Subsections (b)(1)a., b., e. and f. of this section shall be submitted and this should be accompanied by FAA certification and written authorization from the site owner and tower owner allowing the applicant to submit the application.

3. Qualified shared and colocation facilities. When a telecommunications provider can show that:

a. The facility is appropriately designed for sharing;

b. The telecommunications provider has adopted policies, leases, interagency agreements, or other contracts that has prepared it to offer the facility to others on fair, reasonable, nondiscriminatory terms; and

c. The facility will approve referrals from the parish planning commission or independently identified colocators to three additional antenna or monopoles and four additional antenna on lattice towers. The facility shall be deemed a qualified shared facility and in addition to administrative approval will benefit from:

i. The elimination of the area requirements for front, side and rear that mandate regular setbacks in the application's zoning district. The Supplementary height requirements and minimum lot areas shall remain required.

ii. The ability to exceed the maximum of 250 foot height limitation up to a height determined by the administrative committee to be appropriate to satisfy both the needs of the applicant as well as the goals for colocation and sharing of facilities under this section.

4. New construction. Colocation of telecommunications facilities on existing or new structures shall take precedence over the construction of new single use

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telecommunications towers. Construction of new telecommunication towers or structures shall follow all five steps in the review procedure of subsection (b)(2) of this section.

5. Transfer of use. Approved telecommunications towers or antennas may be transferred to the successor and assigns of the approved party, subject to all of the conditions which apply to new location approval.

D. Design standards.

1. Height restrictions. Telecommunication towers shall not exceed 250 feet in tower height except upon certification as a qualified shared facility, whereupon the maximum height shall be 300 feet. An additional two-foot setback for each foot over 35 feet shall be required from the nearest property line.

2. Structural integrity. Wireless facilities, cellular, and PCS installations shall be certified by an engineer registered in the state. The tower and any other transmission equipment must be certified to meet any structural standards for steel antenna towers and support structures set in the Electronic Industry Association/Telecommunication Industry Association Standards referenced as ANSI/EIA/TIA-222-G or latest revision.

3. Loading capacity. A statement shall be submitted, prepared by a professional registered engineer licensed to practice in the state, which, through standards acceptable as engineering analysis certifies the tower's compliance with applicable standards and describes the tower's capacity, including 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 structure can support the load superimposed from the tower. All towers shall have the capacity to permit multiple users, two at a minimum.

4. Buffering. Buffering shall be determined by the zoning district requirements. For the purpose of buffering telecommunications sites, the eight-foot site-obscuring fence may be constructed of wood, brick or masonry for security purposes.

5. Color requirements. Except when superseded by state or federal regulations telecommunications towers shall be galvanized unpainted metal, gray, forest green, or other colors approved on an individual special basis.

6. Prohibited designs. The use of the following designs are prohibited:

a. Towers in excess of 300 linear feet.

b. Satellite dish antennas in front yards of residential districts.

c. Sign advertising appurtenant to a telecommunications device or base station.

d. Towers in primary colors such as red, orange, blue, or yellow.

e. Equipment storage at the telecommunications base station other than temporary repair supplies or equipment customarily functioning with the wireless facility.

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E. Abandonment. In the event the use of any communication tower has been discontinued for a period of 180 consecutive days, the tower shall be deemed to have been abandoned.

1. Determination of the date of abandonment shall be made by the director of the planning commission who shall have the right to request documentation and/or affidavits from the telecommunication owner regarding the issue to tower usage.

2. Upon such abandonment, the owner/operator of the tower shall have an additional 60 days from receipt of written notice by the parish of the abandonment within which to:

a. Reactivate the use of the tower or transfer the tower to another owner/operator; or

b. Dismantle and remove the tower and associated facilities.

3. At 61 days from the date of the carrier's receipt of the aforesaid written notice from the parish all permits issued shall be deemed expired and a penalty amount of $100.00 a day shall be imposed upon the owner of record until the date of removal.

4. Tower owners shall provide an adequate surety bond to guarantee dismantling.

Section 113-537 Satellite Dishes and Antennas.

B. Residential districts.

1. Roof mounted. In any residential district, roof-mounted accessory antennas of any type may be erected on the roof of a principal building to a maximum height of 35 feet above the maximum height of the building on which it is located. However, the following additional requirements shall also apply to roof-mounted satellite dish antennas:

a. Only one satellite dish shall be permitted per lot.

b. Satellite dish antennas shall not be visible between ground level and ten feet above ground level from any street adjoining a lot.

c. Satellite dish antennas shall not exceed ten feet in diameter.

d. Satellite dish antennas shall be neutral in color, and to the extent possible, compatible with the appearance and character of the neighborhood.

2. Ground mounted. In any residential district, one accessory ground-mounted satellite dish antenna may be erected to a maximum height of 12 feet above adjacent ground level, provided:

a. The diameter of such satellite dish antenna shall not exceed ten feet.

b. Such satellite dish may only be located in the rear yard, a maximum of ten feet from the lot line.

c. The satellite dish shall be neutral in color, and to the extent possible, compatible in character and appearance with the surrounding neighborhood.

d. Citizen band radio tower antennas and other radio tower antenna shall be restricted to the maximum height of 12 feet above the adjacent ground level.

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They shall be neutral in color and to the extent possible compatible in character and appearance with the surrounding neighborhood.

C. Commercial districts.

1. Roof mounted. In addition to the provisions of this division governing the erection of telecommunication towers in industrial districts, roof-mounted accessory antennas of any type may be erected on the roof of the principal building to a maximum height of 45 feet above the maximum height of the building on which it is located. However, the following additional requirements shall also apply to roof mounted satellite antennas:

a. Satellite dish antennas shall not be visible between ground level and ten feet above ground level from any street adjoining the lot.

b. Satellite dish antennas shall not exceed ten feet in diameter.

c. Satellite dish antennas and their accompanying supports shall be neutral in color and, to the extent possible, be compatible with the appearance and character of the neighborhood.

2. Ground mounted. Ground-mounted satellite dish antennas may be erected in commercial or industrial districts to the maximum building height applicable to the underlying zoning district: provided:

a. They are not located between a building and a front lot line.

b. The visual impact of such satellite dish antennas is reduced by screening or buffering.

c. If the subject parcel abuts a residence district, all such antennas shall be placed a minimum of ten feet from the lot line and effectively screened by a solid fence, wall, or dense screening hedge to a minimum height of eight feet. Said fence wall, or hedge shall be located on or near the lot line abutting the residential district and shall otherwise comply with the applicable zoning requirements governing its location.

d. The satellite dish antenna shall be neutral in color and, to the extent possible, compatible in appearance with the surrounding neighborhood.

e. In all commercial and all industrial districts, the maximum diameter of satellite dish antennas shall not exceed four feet in diameter.

Section 113-538 Exceptions and Exemptions.

A. Nothing in this division shall be interpreted as to restrict the local governing authority, or any of its departments or agencies of the parish from installing and/or replacing any tower, antenna, or

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any other communication-type devices used specifically for daily operations of the parish for health and safety.

B. Any towers and/or antennas, used for public communications licensed to the parish by the Federal Communication Commission, shall specifically be excluded from the requirements of this division.


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DIVISION 4: SIGNS

Sec. 113-557 - General Requirements.

I. Purpose and Intent.

A. The purpose of this Article is to establish a comprehensive system of sign controls governing the

display, design, construction, location, installation and maintenance of signs:

1. To comply with and to implement the goals and recommendations of the St. John the

Baptist Parish Comprehensive Plan.

2. To promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of the Parish by ensuring the

compatibility of signs with surrounding architecture and land uses.

3. To create a more attractive business and economic climate by enhancing and protecting the

orderly and effective display of signs.

4. To discourage an excessive number of signs, and unsightly and inappropriate signs.

5. To protect the public from hazardous conditions that result from the indiscriminate use and

placement of signs, structurally unsafe signs, signs which obscure the vision of pedestrians

or motorists, and signs which compete or conflict with necessary traffic signals and warning

signs.

6. To avoid visual clutter that is potentially harmful to traffic and pedestrian safety, property

values, business opportunities, and community appearance.

II. In General.

A. The requirements of this Sign Code apply to all signs, sign structures, awnings, and other

types of sign devices located in St. John the Baptist Parish. Additional requirements may

apply in the Major Corridor Overlay District (Article III of this ordinance).

B. Where there is a conflict between a land use regulation and a structural regulation, or other

conflicts not otherwise addressed by this section, the most restrictive applies.

C. Where the Code is silent, or where the rules of this Code do not provide a basis for

concluding that a sign is allowed, said sign is therefore prohibited.

D. No sign shall be erected so as to prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window, or

fire escape; and, no sign of any kind shall be attached to a stand-pipe or fire escape.

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E. No sign shall be erected at the intersection of any streets, in such a manner as to obstruct

free and clear vision or interfere with or obstruct the view of traffic sign lines or traffic

control devices.

F. Directional or informational signs of a public or quasi-public nature not exceeding four (4)

square feet in area may be permitted in any district on approval of the Department of

Planning and Zoning. Any illumination shall be non-flashing, uncolored and confined to the

face of the sign. No advertising matter whatsoever shall be permitted on signs of this type.

G. Whenever a sign becomes structurally unsafe, or endangers the safety of a building or

premises, or endangers the public safety, the Department of Planning and Zoning shall give

written notice to the owner of the sign or the owner of the premises on which the sign is

located that such a sign be made safe or removed within ten (10) days.

H. Unless otherwise provided by these provisions, all signs shall be constructed and erected in

accordance with all applicable building codes for the St. John the Baptist Parish.

III. Administration and Enforcement of the Sign Code

A. Sign Permit Required - It is unlawful for any person to erect, relocate or structurally alter any

sign without first obtaining a sign permit in accordance with these Sign Regulations, unless

specifically permitted as an exempt sign by this Article. The Director of Department of Planning

may revoke any sign permit where there has been a violation of the provisions of this Ordinance

or misrepresentation of fact on the sign permit application.

B. Sign Permit Application Process

1. Before any permit is issued, an application shall be filed with the Department of Planning

and Zoning with the location, construction, materials, manner of illumination, and/or

securing or fastening, the number of signs applied for, and the wording of the sign or

advertisement to be carried on the sign.

2. Applicants shall have six (6) months from the day the sign permit is issued to erect proposed

sign(s). After this timeframe, the permit shall be void and a new permit shall be required;

however, the Planning and Zoning Department may grant in writing one or more time

extensions, for a period not to exceed 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in

writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.

3. Each sign requiring a permit shall be clearly marked with the permit number and name of

the person or firm placing the sign on the premises.

4. No permit will be issued for any sign that does not conform to the size, location and other

criteria in this Sign Ordinance.

5. No variance will be granted for the sign area requirements of this Article.

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6. Fees for sign permits shall be per Section____.

C. Computation of Sign Dimensions

1. Computation of Sign Area:

a. The surface area of a sign shall be calculated by enclosing the extreme limits of all

lettering, background, emblem, logo, corporate banding, representation, or other

display within a single continuous perimeter composed of squares or rectangles.

b. Sign area calculations do not include any supports or bracing. (Figure 4-1: Sign Area

Computation)

c. The sign area of a three-dimensional, freeform, or sculptural (non-planar) sign is

calculated as 50% of the sum of the area of the four vertical sides of the smallest cube

that will encompass the sign. (Figure 4-2)

Figure 4-1

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2. Measurement of Sign Height:

a. Sign height is measured as follows: When measuring sign height, the height of the entire

structure, including decorative elements, must be included. (See Figure 4-3: Sign Height

Computation)

b. For freestanding signs, height is calculated as the vertical distance measured from grade

to the highest point of the sign.

c. For signs attached to buildings, height is calculated as the vertical distance from the

base of the building to which a sign is attached to the highest point of the sign.

Figure 4-2

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d. Sign clearance is calculated as the vertical distance from grade or the base of the

building to which the sign is attached to the lowest point of the sign. (See Figure 4-4:

Sign Clearance)

D. Exempt Signs and Activities - The following sign activities do not require a permit:

1. Changing of advertising copy or message on an existing legally permitted or legal

nonconforming sign.

2. Painting, repainting, cleaning, changing permitted items of information, or other normal

maintenance and repair of a sign, not involving structural changes or changes in the

electrical components of the sign.

3. Signs erected by or on behalf of or pursuant to the authorization of a governmental body or

agency.

4. Flags, pennants, or insignia of any governmental or nonprofit organization, when not

displayed in connection with a commercial promotion or as an advertising device. The flag

pole shall not exceed the allowed height in the district.

5. Signs directing and guiding traffic on private property that do not exceed four square feet

in size each and that bear no advertising message or logo.

6. Signs not exceeding four square feet in size that are customarily associated with residential

use and that are not of a commercial nature, such as signs giving names of occupants, signs

on mailboxes and newspaper tubes, and signs posted on private property relating to

private parking or warning the public against trespassing or danger from animals.

Figure 4-3 Figure 4-4

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7. Hanging signs located below a canopy or awning that do not exceed 18 inches in height or

five square feet in area, provided there is no more than one such sign per customer

entrance and the sign maintains a clear height of eight feet above the ground.

E. Prohibited Signs - The following types of signs are prohibited within the St. John the Baptist

Parish:

1. Abandoned signs

2. Audible signs

3. Beacons

4. Billboards and off premises outdoor advertising signs except as allowed in Section IV of

these sign regulations.

5. Flashing signs

6. Inflatable signs except for use in conjunction with grand openings and special events limited

to two (2) times per year for a maximum of two days each time (permit required)

7. Lasers

8. Portable or trailer signs

9. Revolving or rotating signs

10. Roof signs

11. Search lights

12. Signs resembling traffic control devices or emergency devices.

13. Signs which encroach into a public right-of-way, except subdivision name signs, when

approved as part of a subdivision approval process.

14. Signs on vehicles when the vehicle is placed in a location not normally expected for such

vehicles, and the location apparently has the primary purpose of attracting attention or

providing advertising in addition to that permitted for legal wall and/or freestanding signs

on the site.

15. Any other sign not expressly permitted by this ordinance

F. Nonconforming Signs

1. All signs that existed legally before the adoption of this Article and do not conform to its

provisions shall be permitted to remain and be termed a “legally nonconforming sign.”

2. A legally nonconforming sign may not be enlarged or altered in any way that would increase

its nonconformity with the provisions of this Sign Code. This condition shall not prohibit

regular maintenance, painting, or repairs including the replacement of an existing sign face,

or a change in a sign face when these changes do not affect the location, size, height, or

area of the existing sign.

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3. No sign structure shall be permitted on a site that contains an existing nonconforming sign

until the nonconforming sign has been removed or brought into conformance with the

provisions of this Article.

4. Nonconforming signs shall lose their legal nonconforming status and shall be required to be

removed if any of the following events occur:

a. The sign is relocated on the same premises, moved to different premises, or replaced;

however, if a sign is partially damaged or destroyed less than fifty (50) percent of its

current market or replacement value, it may be replaced in accordance with the

requirements of this Section.

b. The supporting structure, height, or size of the sign is altered

c. The sign is damaged more than fifty (50) percent of its current market or replacement value. Replacement value shall be equal to the mean average of at least three (3) estimates obtained by the property owner.

d. The sign is discontinued or removed for a period of six (6) months; i.e abandoned,

regardless of any intent to resume or maintain use of such sign

e. The sign is partially damaged or destroyed less than fifty (50) percent of its current

market or replacement value and is voluntarily removed for replacement, and

reconstruction of the sign has not commenced within sixty (60) days.

5. Any period of discontinuance caused by government actions, strikes or acts of God, without

any contributing fault by the persons responsible for maintaining the nonconforming sign,

shall not be included in the length of discontinuance for the purposes of this Article.

6. A nonconforming sign repaired within sixty (60) days may only be reconstructed or repaired

to its original condition as to height, area and location.

G. Enforcement -The provisions of these Sign Regulations shall be enforced by the St. John the

Baptist Parish Department of Planning and Zoning.

1. Enforcement of Removal - If any sign is not removed as required by this section, the

Department of Planning and Zoning shall initiate the necessary proceedings to secure

removal of such illegal or nonconforming sign, or secure compliance with the provisions of

this Sign Code.

2. Upon the determination of the Department of Planning and Zoning that a sign remains

nonconforming after termination of the allowable time periods provided for above, the sign

or property owner shall be notified and shall have 30 days after such written notice within

which to remove said sign or to appeal the administrative decision.

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3. The removal expense may be made a lien upon such real property by the Department of

Planning and Zoning sending by certified mail to the owner of such real property, a notice

of lien for the cost of such removal. The cost of all such mailing and the cost of obtaining

the name and address of the owners shall be part of the cost of such removal.

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Section 113-558 Sign Regulations and Standards

A. Standards for Off-Premises Signs. (BILLBOARDS)

1. Size. The maximum area of a sign face shall be 672 square feet with maximum width of 48

feet, but not to exceed two display faces on the same structure, which may be placed either

horizontally or vertically.

2. Spacing. For the purpose of this division, each side of the thoroughfare shall be considered

separately. No two off-premises advertising sign structures shall be placed closer than 500

feet apart.

3. Height. The overall height of an off-premises sign structure shall not exceed 60 feet above

the adjoining ground level.

4. Location.

a. An off-premises advertising sign may only be permitted in industrial zoned areas.

b. Unless otherwise stated in this chapter, off-premises signs shall meet the yard setbacks

of the district in which they are located

c. No sign may be permitted within 250 feet of any public park or playground, any

residential district or any residential structures.

d. No sign may be permitted in such a manner as to obscure, obstruct or otherwise

physically interfere with the clear or unobstructed view of an official traffic sign, signal

or device.

5. Construction. All off-premises signs shall be built, constructed and erected in accordance

with the building and electrical codes of the parish upon posts or standards installed at a

sufficient level below the natural surface of the ground to secure safe anchoring for the

calculated wind load. Detailed engineering drawings with the seal of a state-licensed

engineer must accompany the building permit application.

6. Electronic billboards are permitted subject to the following:

a. Only one (1) electronic billboard is permitted per lot.

b. Electronic billboards shall be separated from other electronic billboards along either

side of the same street a minimum distance of one thousand (1,000) feet.

c. Each message or image displayed on an electronic billboard shall be static or depicted

for a minimum of eight (8) seconds. Animation, streaming video, and images that move

or give the appearance of movement are prohibited.

d. No illumination from any electronic billboard may glare into any residential premises or

interfere with the safe movement of motor vehicles on public thoroughfares.

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e. An electronic billboard shall not exceed a maximum illumination of six-thousand (6,000)

nits during daylight hours, and a maximum illumination of five-hundred (500) nits

between dusk and dawn, as measured from the sign’s face at maximum brightness. All

electronic billboards shall have ambient light monitors, which automatically adjust the

brightness level of the digital sign based on ambient light conditions.

f. No nonconforming billboard may be converted to an electronic billboard.

g. No billboard may have audio speakers or any audio component.

B. Attached / Wall Signs.

1. General Regulations.

a. Wall signs shall be safely and securely attached to the building wall.

b. No wall sign affixed to a structure, including sign support structure, may project beyond

the ends or top of the wall to which it is attached. On existing structures, a parapet wall

shall not be constructed for the sole purpose of increasing the allowable height of a wall

sign. For new construction, when a sign is to be mounted on a parapet wall, that

parapet wall shall be consistent with the architectural design of the building, including

building materials. Wall signs may not be attached to un-reinforced masonry parapets.

c. Wall signs shall not cover windows, doors or architectural features.

2. Sign Number. Businesses shall be permitted one (1) attached/wall sign on the primary

building frontage; however, additional attached signs may be permitted if the following

conditions apply:

a. The business is located on a corner property and fronts on more than one (1) public

street; or

b. The business does not meet the condition (a) above, but has a highly visible secondary

building facade; or

c. The business proposes two (2) signs on the primary building facade; and

d. There are no existing legally nonconforming signs constructed or maintained on the site;

and

e. Proposed sign(s) comply with the sign area requirements of this Section.

3. Sign Area.

a. Maximum: No single attached sign shall exceed three hundred (300) square feet.

b. Sign(s) Constructed on the Primary Building Frontage:

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i. Total sign area shall not exceed two (2) square feet per linear foot of building width

or individual tenant space along the primary street frontage, which shall be

determined by the location of the building’s main entrance.

ii. When two (2) wall or attached signs are proposed, at least one (1) sign shall be a

hanging or projecting sign that meets the following conditions:

1. Hanging Sign: A hanging sign shall be limited to six (6) square feet in area, hang

from the underside of a balcony or arcade, be located at least eight (8) feet

above ground level measured from the bottom of the sign to the surface of the

sidewalk or exterior walkway, be considered an accessory sign, and not be

included in computation of sign area.

2. Projecting Sign: A projecting sign shall not be larger than twenty (20) square

feet, be located at least eight (8) feet above ground level measured from the

bottom of the sign or awning to the surface of the sidewalk or exterior walkway,

and not extend more than six (6) feet from the building façade or over public

right-of-way.

c. Additional Sign Located on Secondary Building Façade: On sites with a highly visible

secondary building façade, total sign area on the secondary building façade shall not

exceed one (1) square foot per linear foot of secondary building width or secondary

individual tenant space.

d. Additional Sign Located on a Secondary Building Frontage: On corner properties, the total area of the secondary sign shall be no greater than one (1) square foot per linear foot of secondary building frontage or secondary individual tenant space.

4. Dimensions: The height of any attached main building sign measured from the bottom to the top shall be no greater than one-half (1/2) the width from one side to the other.

5. Permitted height: No attached main building sign shall be erected above the parapet level of the main building.

6. Permitted illuminations: Attached signs may be illuminated but shall not flash, blink or fluctuate.

7. Animation: No sign shall be animated or change physical position by any movement or rotation.

C. Freestanding (Detached/Pole) Signs

1. Only one (1) freestanding sign is permitted per street frontage per development site.

2. The sign shall be setback from all adjacent public rights-of-way a minimum distance equal to

the height of the sign. The setback shall be measured from the nearest part of the sign to

the public right-of-way

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3. No part of a freestanding sign may project or otherwise encroach into a public right-of-way.

4. Illumination: Freestanding monument signs may be internally or externally illuminated.

Freestanding pole signs may only be internally illuminated.

5. Permitted Sign Area. Maximum of one (1) square foot per linear foot of lot frontage along

the adjacent public right-of-way, or three hundred (300) square feet, whichever is less.

6. Permitted Height.

a. Maximum of thirty (30) feet.

b. The height may be increased one (1) foot for every one (1) foot of additional setback

from the lot line, not to exceed forty (40) feet in height

7. Monument Signs: In order to encourage their use, the following incentives are offered for

the placement of monument signs:

a. A bonus of twenty (20) percent of the total square footage of the detached sign shall be

allowed for a monument sign in lieu of a freestanding detached pole sign.

b. Monument signs shall not exceed a height of eight (8) feet from the ground. Mounds or

berms on which a monument sign is located shall be no more than two feet in height

measured from the average lot elevation.

D. Electronic Message Signs

1. In Commercial and Industrial Zones

a. EMC signs shall have a minimum display time of eight (8) seconds. The transition time

between messages and/or message frames is limited to three (3) seconds and these

transitions may employ fade, dissolve, and or other transition effects.

b. The following EMC display features and functions are prohibited: continuous scrolling

and/or traveling, flashing, spinning, rotating, and similar moving effects, and all dynamic

frame effects or patterns of illusionary movement or simulating movement.

2. Number of Signs: Only one electronic message sign shall be permitted per development site.

3. Location: Electronic message signs shall only be located along street frontage as part of a

detached or freestanding sign.

4. Minimum Yard Setback Shall be in accordance with the respective zoning district

5. Maximum Height: Shall be in accordance with the respective zoning district.

6. Content: The content of the sign for a development containing a single use is limited to

identification by letter, numeral, symbol or design of the use, its name and/or address,

May 2015


product(s) sold and rates of products sold. The content of a detached electrical sign for a

development of multiple uses may identify individual tenants only.

7. Area: The image component of any electronic message sign may not exceed thirty-five

percent of the sign's total area.

8. Spacing:

a. Electronic message signs are prohibited within three hundred feet (300) of a building

containing a residential dwelling unit or a residential zoning district as measured in a

straight line from the nearest point of the sign’s support foundation to the nearest point

of the property line of the residential dwelling unit or district.

b. Electronic message signs are prohibited to be within one hundred feet of another

electronic sign as measured in a straight line from the nearest point of the signs support

foundations.

9. Orientation: The sign face and vision cone must be oriented away from residential uses and

districts.

10. Brightness: Electronic message signs may not exceed a maximum illumination of five

thousand nits (candelas per square meter) during daylight hours or more than five hundred

nits during nighttime hours (between dusk and dawn), as measured from the sign's face at

maximum brightness. The signs shall not vary in luminescent intensity.

11. Minimum Duration: Each image and/or message must be maintained for at least eight

seconds.

12. Message Transition: The transition from one message or image display to the next must be

accomplished in no less than three (3) seconds.

13. Default Image: Electronic signs must have a default design or image that will freeze in one

position if a malfunction occurs. If a partial or incomplete message freezes or remains static

on the sign due to a technical malfunction or a portion of the display face malfunctions, the

sign's illumination must be turned off until the sign is repaired.

14. Prohibited Display Types: Electronic signs may not include animated, intermittent or full-

motion video elements. Also, the image component of the sign shall not produce any

sudden burst of bright light, any rapid and/or repeated movement, or quick irregular

motions.

15. Audio or Pyrotechnics: Audio or pyrotechnic elements are prohibited.

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E. Multi-Family Identification Sign - One (1) multi-family identification sign is permitted per multi-

family use identifying the name of the development and address, whether wall-mounted or

freestanding. Multi-family identification signs are limited to twenty-four (24) square feet in area.

Section 113-559 Temporary Sign Regulations

A. Temporary Signs - Generally

1. Unless exempted otherwise in this Section, temporary signs in this Section require a

temporary sign permit from the St. John Parish Department of Planning and Zoning.

2. Signs that meet the standards of this subsection are exempt from the standards for

permanent signs and are not counted in the total square footage of signage allowed on any

particular property or site. Signs that do not meet the standards of this subsection are

subject to the standards for permanent signs.

3. Temporary signs may not have external or internal illumination.

4. Temporary banners: Temporary banners are subject to the following regulations:

a. In all Residential Zones, temporary banners are not permitted with the following

exceptions: banners for holidays, religious commemoration, and special family events.

b. In Commercial and Industrial Zones, one banner no larger than thirty-two (32) square

feet in size is permitted per property or, on a multi-use property, per storefront. Only

one (1) of these banners may be hung on each building wall or on each separate

structure. Any additional banners, or banners larger than thirty-two (32) square feet in

size, must meet the following standards for permanent signs in this Code.

i. In no case may a site or storefront have more than two (2) temporary banners.

ii. In no case shall a temporary banner be larger than fifty (50) square feet in size.

iii. A temporary banner may be displayed no longer than ninety (90) days per

calendar year.

c. Banners that do not meet the regulations of this subparagraph, must meet the

standards for permanent signs.

5. Temporary Wall or Fascia Signs.

a. One (1) temporary wall sign is allowed per street frontage in Commercial and

Industrial Zones.

b. Temporary wall signs may be up to thirty-two (32) square feet in area.

May 2015


c. Temporary wall signs may not extend above roof lines. Extensions into the right-of-

way are prohibited.

d. A temporary wall sign may be displayed no longer than ninety (90) days per

calendar year.

6. Temporary Freestanding or Portable Signs.

a. One (1) temporary freestanding sign is allowed per property in the Commercial

Zones and is not counted in the total square footage of permanent signage allowed

on the site.

b. Temporary freestanding signs may be up to thirty-two (32) square feet in area.

Extensions into the right-of-way are prohibited.

c. A temporary freestanding sign may be displayed no longer than ninety (90) days per

calendar year

Section 113-560 Political and Non-Commercial Message Signs

A. Generally. Political and non-commercial message signs are permitted in all districts and are

exempt from sign permit requirements subject to the following:

1. Signs may not be posted on any public property or right-of-way.

2. Signs posted on private property require the permission of the property owner.

3. When political signs refer to an election or referendum, displaying of political signs shall be

permitted for a period of time not to exceed 90 consecutive days prior to a primary election

date. If the candidacy or ballot proposal involves more than one election, the sign

permitting time shall be automatically extended to the tenth day following the date of the

concluding general election to which the sign pertains.

4. The candidate or proponent of a ballot proposal shall remove all political signs erected or

displayed under this Section no later than ten calendar days from the day of the relevant

election. If these signs are not removed, the Parish shall remove and dispose of them.

B. Garage/Yard Sale Signs - Temporary residential garage/yard sale signs are permitted in all

districts and are exempt from sign permit requirements, subject to the following:

1. Temporary residential garage/yard sale signs may not exceed six (6) square feet each.

May 2015


2. Signs shall be posted no more than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the event and all signs

shall be removed within twenty-four (24) hours after the event.

3. Signs may not be posted in the public right-of-way or off-premises.

C. Real Estate Signs - Real estate signs are permitted in all districts and are exempt from sign

permit requirements, subject to the following:

1. Maximum Size - Real estate signs are limited to:

a. Six (6) square feet in area in residential districts and may only advertise the sale, rental,

lease, or management of the premises upon which said signs are located.

b. Sixteen (16) square feet in size for developments under two acres, and

c. Thirty-two (32) square feet in size or six feet in height for all developments larger than

two acres. Only one sign on each street frontage may be erected.

2. Real estate signs are limited to six (6) feet in height when installed as freestanding signs.

3. Real estate signs may not encroach into the public right-of-way.

4. Real estate signs shall be removed within forty-eight (48) hours of sale or lease.

D. A-Frame Signs

1. A-frame signs are limited to six (6) square feet in area per sign face and four feet (4’) in

height.

2. The use of A-frame signs is limited to business hours only and must be stored indoors at all

other times.

3. Only one (1) A-frame sign is permitted per business and a minimum twenty-foot (20’)

separation is required between all A-frame signs.

4. An A-frame sign must be placed within twenty feet (20’) of the primary entrance of the

business, and must not interfere with pedestrian traffic or violate standards of accessibility

as required by the ADA or other accessibility codes.

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Section 113-561 Sign Definitions

The following are definitions pertaining to signs:

Abandoned Sign: A sign that no longer identifies or advertises an ongoing business, product, location, service, idea, or activity on the premises where such sign is displayed, or has fallen into disrepair or otherwise deteriorated as a result of a lack of maintenance, repair or upkeep.

Accessory Sign: A sign relating only to the main use of the premises on which the sign is located, or indicating the name and address of a building or the occupants or management of a building on the premises where the sign is located

A-Frame Sign: An advertising device, ordinarily in the shape of an “A” or some variation such as a “T” shape, located on the ground, not permanently attached, and easily movable.

Alteration: Any change in copy, color, size or shape, which changes appearance of a sign, or a change in position, location, construction or supporting structure of a sign, except that a copy change on a sign is not an alteration.

Animated Sign: A sign which has any visible moving part, flashing or osculating lights, visible mechanical movement of any description, or other apparent visible movement achieved by any means that move, change, flash, osculate or visibly alters in appearance in a manner that is not permitted by these regulations.

Attached Sign: A sign attached parallel to, but within six inches of, a wall or building, painted on the wall or building surface, or erected and confined within the limits of an outside wall of any building or structure, which is supported by such wall or building and displays only one sign surface. Also called Wall Sign

Balloon Sign: An inflatable object or balloon, tethered in a fixed location that has a sign with a message on its surface or attached in any manner to the balloon.

Banner: A sign of lightweight fabric or similar material attached at one or more edges to a pole, building, or structure. A flag is not a banner.

Beacon: A strong or bright light focused or directed in one or more directions

A-Frame Sign

Attached or Wall Signs

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Billboard: A permanent off-premise sign that directs attention to a business, commodity, service or entertainment conducted, sold or offered at a location other than the premises where the sign is located. A billboard is also called an outdoor general advertising sign or an off-premise sign.

Canopy (Awning) Sign: A sign that is part of, or attached to, an awning, canopy, or other fabric, plastic, or structural protective cover over a door, entrance, window, or outdoor service area. A marquee sign is not a canopy sign.

Canopy (Gas Station) Sign: A sign that is part of, or attached to, the canopy cover of a gas station.

Changeable Copy or Message Sign: A sign or portion thereof with characters, letters, or illustrations that can be changed or rearranged without altering the face or surface of the sign.

Construction Sign. A nonpermanent sign identifying the persons, firms or business directly connected with a construction project. See also Project Sign

Conforming Sign: A sign that is legally installed in conformance to all prevailing jurisdictional laws and ordinances.

Copy: The graphic content or message of a sign.

Double-faced Sign - A sign with two faces, back to back.

Electric Sign: Any sign activated or illuminated by means of electrical energy.

Electronic Message Center or Sign (EMC): An electrically activated changeable sign whose variable message and/or graphic presentation capability can be electronically programmed by computer from a remote location. EMCs typically use light emitting diodes (LEDs) as a lighting source.

Flag: Any fabric or bunting containing distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols and used as a symbol of a government, political subdivision, or other entity. A photo, drawing or similar depiction of a flag on non-fabric material is not included in this definition.

Foot Candle – An English unit of measurement of the amount of light equivalent to the illumination produced by a source of one candle at a distance of one foot. One foot candle is equal to one lumen per square foot and can be measured by means of an illuminance meter. Abbreviation – FC3.

Freestanding Sign: A sign anchored directly to the ground or supported by one or more posts, columns, or other vertical structures or supports and not attached to or dependent for support from any building. See also “Pole Sign”.

Changeable Message Sign

Canopy Sign

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Home Business or Home Occupation Sign: A sign located in a residential district that contains no commercial message except advertising for goods and/or services offered on the premises, where such goods or services may legally be offered on the premises under this Code and other applicable laws and regulations.

Identification Sign: a sign used to identify the name of the individual, family, organization, or enterprise occupying the premises, the profession of the occupant, or the name of the building on which the sign is displayed.

Illuminated Sign. Any sign for which an artificial source of light is used in order to make readable the sign’s message, including internally and externally lighted signs and reflectorized, glowing or radiating signs.

Lux – The SI (metric) unit for illuminance. One lux equals 0.093 foot candles.

Marquee Sign: A permanent roof-like structure projecting beyond a building or extending along and projecting beyond the wall of the building, generally designed and constructed to provide protection from the weather..

Menu Board Sign: Signs located adjacent to a drive-through lane that identifies food and beverages offered for sale at the restaurant and associated prices and specials.

Monument Sign: a freestanding sign with the entire length in contact with the ground or a pedestal that rests upon the ground.

Mural. A picture on an exterior surface of a structure. A mural is a sign only if it is related by language, logo, or pictorial depiction to the advertisement of any product or service or the identification of any business.

Nit – A photometric unit of measurement referring to luminance. One nit is equal to one cd/m².

Non-Conforming Sign: A sign in existence on the effective date of this Code that was lawful before this Sign Code took effect but does not comply with the requirements of this Code.

Off-Premise Sign: a sign that directs a person to a different premise or location than that on which the sign is located; which identifies advertised goods, products, or services not available on the premises on which the sign is located; or which conveys a non-advertising idea or message; or identifies or advertises a business, person, firm or corporation not located on or occupying the premises where the sign is located; or which is not otherwise defined as an on-premise sign. See also Billboard and Outdoor Advertising Sign.

Marquee Sign

Menu Board Sign

Monument Sign

May 2015


On-Premise Sign: a sign identifying or advertising a business, person, firm, corporation, activity, goal, product or service located or available on the premises where the sign is installed and maintained or which is displayed and maintained by the owner or occupant of the premises on which it is located.

Outdoor Advertising Sign - A permanent sign erected, maintained or used in the outdoor environment for the purpose of the display of commercial or noncommercial messages not appurtenant to the use of, products sold on, or the sale or lease of, the property on which it is displayed. May also be referenced as an Off-Premise Sign, Billboard, or Commercial Outdoor Advertising Sign.

Parapet Sign: a sign extending above a roof line or which serves as a parapet.

Pole Sign: see Freestanding Sign

Political Sign: any sign urging the election or defeat of any candidate seeking any political office, or urging the passage or defeat of any ballot measure, but not including any billboard owned or maintained by a commercial firm or advertising company when leased or used as a political sign.

Portable Sign: Any sign, display or advertising device initially designed for being moved or transported, and is not attached permanently to a foundation or a permanent location on the site. Portable signs include, but are not limited to, signs mounted upon a trailer, wheeled carrier or other non-motorized mobile structure, with wheels or with wheels removed.

Pre-Existing Sign: see Non-conforming Sign

Project Sign: a temporary sign announcing a proposed land development or construction project.

Projected Sign: a sign or visual image created by the projection of light onto a surface.

Projecting Sign: A sign affixed to a building or wall in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than six inches beyond the surface of such building or wall.

Public Sign: A sign owned by a governmental entity and installed by a governmental official or employee in the performance of his or her public duty. Such signs include, but are not limited to, safety, danger, trespassing, traffic control, memorial, and historic landmark signs.

Freestanding or

Pole Sign

Project or Construction Sign

Public Sign

May 2015


Real Estate Sign: any temporary sign pertaining to the sale, lease or rental of land or buildings, which is erected or displayed on the lot, structure, or parcel to which it applies.

Revolving or Rotating Sign: any sign whose sign face is designed to move or turn on any axis.

Roof Sign: A sign erected or constructed on the roof of a building and supported by the roof structure or that is attached to the roof of a building that projects above the parapet wall or apex of the roof to which it is attached.

Searchlight: A strong or bright light with a reflector in a swivel so that its beam may be sent or directed in various directions.

Sign: Any work, lettering, figures, numbers, phrases, sentences, emblems, devices (including loudspeakers), designs, pictures, trade names or trademarks by which is affixed to, or represented directly or indirectly upon a building, structure, or piece of land and which directs attention to an object, place, activity, person, firm, corporation, institution, business, service, commodity or a product, which are visible from the rights-of-way of any street, road, or highway and designed to attract attention.

Sign Area: The area of a sign shall be defined as the square foot area enclosed within the perimeter of the sign face with each face contributing to the aggregate area of any sign. With respect to signs which are composed of individual symbols, letters, figures, illustrations, messages, forms, or panels, the sign area shall be defined as that area enclosed by one continuous line connecting the extreme points or edges of the advertising message. In cases where there is no definable simple geometric shape, the simplest geometric shape or rectangle enclosing the outer edges of the advertising message shall determine the sign area. In cases of back-lighted awnings with advertising messages, the entire area of the awning shall be considered as the sign area. Criteria for determining sign area are found in Section III.C Sign Area Calculations of this Article

Sign Face: the part of the sign that is or can be used to identify, advertise, communicate, inform or convey a visual representation which attracts the attention of the public for any purpose. "Sign face" includes any background material, panel, trim, frame, color and direct or self-illumination that differentiates the sign from the building, structure, backdrop surface or object upon which or against which it is placed. The sign structure shall not be included as a portion of the sign face provided that no message, symbol or any of the aforementioned sign face criteria are displayed on or designed as part of the sign structure, unless it is outlined in neon.

Sign Height: the vertical distance from the finished grade to the highest point of either the sign or sign structure.

Sign Message: The words or symbols on a sign face which convey a message to those viewing the sign.

Real Estate Sign

Roof Sign

May 2015


Snipe Sign: a temporary sign which is tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued or otherwise attached to poles, stakes, fences, or to other like objects.

Street Banner Sign: Any banner sign which is stretched across and hung over a public right-of-way.

Temporary Sign: Any sign that is not permanently or securely attached to a building, sign pole, other structure, or the ground and that can be used only for a designated period of time. Types of temporary signs include vehicle-, trailer- and skid-mounted signs; banners, portable signs but does not include flags displayed on permanent mountings, freestanding signs, or window signs.

Vehicle Sign: Any sign displayed on or from any mode of transportation, including but not limited to cars, buses, trucks/trailers, trains, boats, or airplanes.

Wall Sign: See Attached Sign

Window Sign: Any sign placed inside a window or upon the panes of glass of a window and visible from the exterior of the window.

Secs. 113-561—113-580. - Reserved.

Snipe Sign

http://library.municode.com/HTML/14768/level4/SPBLADERE_CH113ZO_ARTVSURE_DIV4SI.html#SPBLADERE_CH113ZO_ARTVSURE_DIV4SI_SS113-561--113-580RE

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4. MANUFACTURED/MOBILE HOME PARKS

Section 113-581 Certificate of zoning compliance required.

It shall be unlawful for any person to construct or alter any manufactured home park unless a permit is issued by the parish Department of Planning and Zoning, following the procedure below.

Section 113-582 Procedure

A. Application - An application requesting approval for a Manufactured Home Park shall be filed with

the St. John Parish Department of Planning and Zoning. Each application shall include the following

items and information:

1. Application form completed.

2. A legal description of the property proposed to be developed as a manufactured home park;

3. A site plan showing the dimensions, acreage and location of the tract prepared by an

architect, engineer, landscape architect or land surveyor whose state registration is current

and his seal shall be affixed to plat;

4. The present zoning classification of the property;

5. The name and address of the owners of the land and their legally authorized agents, if any;

and payment of appropriate fees as established in section 14-113

B. Review. The application shall be reviewed by the zoning regulatory administrator or his/her

designee who shall be responsible for determining the application's compliance with the goals and

objectives of the St. John the Baptist Comprehensive Plan and adherence to the applicable

development standards for the district for which application is made. The findings of the Planning

Director shall be forwarded to the planning commission prior to the public hearing.

C. Public Hearing Planning and Zoning Commission. The planning commission shall review and take

action upon each application in accordance with the schedule adopted by the planning commission

after a public hearing has been held, at which parties in interest and citizens shall have had the

opportunity to be fully heard. Each application shall be presented to the planning commission by

Director of the Department of Planning and Zoning, or his/her designee, together with the

Department’s recommendations. A report of the planning commission's recommendation and the

Planning Director’s recommendation shall be submitted to the Parish Council.

D. Approval, Parish Council. The governing authority shall not take official action until the report of

the planning commission is received. A final vote shall have been taken on the proposal by the

parish council within 45 days after the report has been received from the planning commission.

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.

Section 113-583 Location, space and general layout requirements.

A. The manufactured home park shall be located on a well-drained site; shall be so located that its drainage will not endanger adjacent property and water supply; and, shall be in conformity with plans approved by the Department of Planning and Zoning.

B. Any lot or portion of ground proposed to be used for a manufactured home park shall not have manufactured homes parked closer to the street than the general setback line of the surrounding property. For example, if a building setback on surrounding property is 20 feet from the street, then the manufactured home must be set back 20 feet from the street.

C. A patio slab of at least 180 square feet made of concrete, brick, block or other similar material shall be provided on each manufactured home site and located at the entrance of the unit.

Section 113-584 Placement of Manufactured Housing Unit.

A. Manufactured home placement – Placed perpendicular to roadway.

1. Maximum length of manufactured home: 80 feet.

2. Manufactured home space size: sufficient to place unit and meet all required setbacks, right of way and parking.

3. Width of interior driveway: 30 feet.

4. Front Setback: 15 feet minimum.

5. Rear and side setback: 5 feet minimum to lot line.

B. Manufactured home placement - Placed parallel to roadway.

1. Manufactured home space size: sufficient to place unit and meet all required setbacks, right of way and parking.

a. Width: 90 feet; and

b. Depth: 36 feet.

2. Width of interior driveway: 30 feet.

3. Front Setback: 15 feet minimum.

4. Rear and side setback: 5 feet minimum to lot line.

C. Manufactured home placement - Placed at an angle to roadway

1. Manufactured homes may be parked at up to a 45-degree angle with the roadway; provided that:

a. All manufactured homes are placed at the same angle;

b. All other provisions of this division are met;

2. Maximum length of manufactured home: 80 feet.

May 2015


Section 113-585 Motor Vehicle Parking in a Manufactured Home Park.

Sufficient area shall be provided for the parking of at least two motor vehicles for each manufactured

home space, plus an additional car space for each three lots to provide for guest parking for tenants

and for delivery and service vehicles.

Section 113-586 Streets.

All streets within the manufactured home park shall be paved with a minimum of 24-foot width. It will be the owner's responsibility to maintain the streets, post speed limit and stop signs, etc.

Section 113-587 Water supply; fire hydrants.

A. An adequate and safe water supply under pressure shall be supplied to each mobile home and must comply with Parish and State regulations; shall be connected to the public water system; and, shall be approved by the Department of Utilities and/or the state Department of Health and Hospitals. Each mobile home shall have a water supply outlet.

B. All manufactured homes within the manufactured home park shall be no further than 500 feet from a fire hydrant. If owner wishes to expand he will have to bear the cost of additional water lines and fire hydrants.

Section 113-588 Sewer disposal.

A. A private sewer and sewage treatment system shall be provided. The private collection and treatment facilities shall meet the approval of the parish Department of Utilities and/or the state Department of Health and Hospitals.. The private sewerage system shall be maintained by the owner of the mobile home park and at no time will the parish provide maintenance or services for same

Section 113-589 Drainage.

An adequate crown or cross gradient shall be provided for surface drainage. A site drainage plan must be submitted to and approved by the Parish engineer.

Section 113-590 Street lighting required.

A. All streets within a manufactured home park shall have streetlights spaced approximately 150 feet apart.

May 2015


B. Street lighting shall be installed and maintained by owner.

Section 113-591 Compliance with state health and fire codes required.

All manufactured home parking, regardless of location, shall comply with the public health codes of the state and the state fire marshal code.


May 2015


5. DIRT PITS, PONDS, AND BORROW PITS

Section 113-142 Construction, operation or expansion of dirt pits and ponds require a permit.

A. All dirt pits and/or ponds sought to be constructed within the parish shall be required to submit an application to the parish permit office and pay the fee set for this permit by the parish council. No new excavation shall begin until a permit is issued.

B. The permit application required by this article shall require the following information, to-wit:

1. The landowner of landowners' full names, physical and mailing addresses and telephone number.

2. The property description for the location of the dirt pit and/or pond.

3. The official name or designation of the roadway providing access to the site of the dirt pit and/or pond.

4. The anticipated size of the dirt pit and/or pond including both its anticipated depth and surface area.

5. The anticipated starting date for operations and the anticipated completion date for operations at the site.

6. The contractor/miner/excavator's complete name. If the contractor/miner/excavator is a partnership, corporation or limited liability company, there shall be included with the application the names of each owner, stockholder, partner and/or member except in the case of publicly traded stock corporations. Along with each name, there shall also be included the contractor, miner, excavator and in the case of a partnership, corporation or limited liability company, the owner, stockholder, partner and/or member's physical and mailing address and telephone number.

Section 113-143 Permit posting.

The original permit or a copy thereof must be posted by the applicant at the entrance site of the dirt pit and/or pond where the applicant accesses the site from a public roadway.

Section 113-144 Damages to public roads.

A. The dirt pit and/or pond's landowners and the contractor/miner/excavator shall be jointly, severally and in solido, responsible for obtaining and constructing access onto a public roadway. If the public roadway is surfaced, there must be an apron connecting the applicant's private roadway to the public roadway constructed in a manner that will prevent damage to the roadway. Any damages to the public roadway at this entrance shall be paid for by the landowner and/or the contractor/miner/excavator, jointly and severally.

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B. The contractor/miner/excavator shall be responsible to make sure operations at the dirt pit/pond construction do not impact road safety and to remove any dirt or clay that is spilled or tracked onto the public roadway.

Section 113-145 Notification of change in ownership.

If at any time there is a change in ownership as to the landowner and/or the contractor/ miner/ excavator, the current owner shall notify new owner of this article.

Section 113-146 Permit holder to provide access to parish inspectors.

As a condition of the granting of a permit to undertake dirt pit/pond operations, the applicant and the landowner shall grant to the parish government's inspectors and/or compliance officers complete access to the site for regular inspections, code enforcement, posting violations and issuing stop work orders at all reasonable times.

Section 113-147 Compliance enforcement.

In the event that the permit holder/holders fail to comply with the requirements of this article, the parish government, in addition to any other remedies provided for herein or by other general law, shall be entitled to "stop all work" at the site and suspend the dirt pit/pond operations permit.

Section 113-148 Special regulations for ponds and pits.

A. Requirements for ponds or one acre or less in area on a single-family residential home site. An application shall be submitted and fees paid in order to obtain a permit. The pond must be dug in a manner that will allow for it to hold water. For safety reasons, the edge of the pond shall be sloped at a minimum ratio of 3:1. The edge of the pond can be no closer than 30 feet from a neighboring property line. During construction of the one acre or less size pond, if legitimate complaints arise, the parish government may require watering in order to control dust.

B. Requirements for dirt pits and/or ponds more than one acre but no more than five acres in area. An application shall be submitted along with the items set forth herein below in this paragraph before a permit may be issued pursuant to this article. The applicant must present a plan for access to a state highway or to a parish roadway. A water truck may be required to control dust. If the site is constructed with the intention to create a pond, such pond shall be constructed in a manner that will allow it to hold water and at the completion of the job, for safety reasons, the edges of the pond shall be sloped at a minimum ratio of 3:1. The edge of any such dirt pit and/or pond can be no closer than 30 feet from a neighboring property line. Furthermore, to protect neighboring properties from damages to water wells, sewer systems and foundations, no such dirt pit or pond shall be located any closer than 200 feet from a neighboring property owner's existing residential house structure. If at any time the pit becomes abandoned, there shall be no

May 2015


pool of water or pond unless the edges of the pool or pond are sloped at a minimum ratio of 3:1. A permit for this size operation shall be for a one-year term and must be renewed yearly thereafter during the operation. Prior to expanding the site to include excavation of more than five acres, the contractor/miner/excavator must apply for and obtain the permit required by subsection (c) of this section.

C. Requirements for dirt pits and/or ponds more than five acres in area. This will be considered as a commercial site and as such, the permit application must be reviewed and recommended for approval by the permit office, reviewed and recommended for approval by the parish director of public works, reviewed and recommended for approval by the parish utilities board and then and only then be submitted to the parish council for final approval of the permit, by resolution and which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. Prior to placing this permit application on the parish council agenda, the applicant shall first have written approval from the parish director of public works and the approval of the parish utilities board. Once a permit is issued, the following requirements must be upheld. A water truck must be maintained on the site and must be used daily to control dust except in the event of substantial periods of rain. If the site is constructed with the intention to create a pond, at completion of the job, such pond shall be constructed in a manner that will allow it to hold water and for safety reasons, the edges of the pond shall be sloped at a minimum ratio of 3:1. At all times, the edges of any such dirt pit and/or pond can be no closer than 30 feet from a neighboring property line. Furthermore, to protect neighboring properties from damages to water wells, sewer systems and foundations, no such dirt pit or pond shall be located any closer than 200 feet from a neighboring property owner's existing residential house structure. If any time the pit becomes abandoned, there shall be no pool of water or pond unless the edges of the pool or pond are sloped at a minimum ration or 3:1. A permit for this size operation shall be for a one-year term and must be renewed yearly thereafter during the operation of the dirt pit. In addition to the other requirements for a permit, the applicant shall also submit along with the permit application the following, to-wit:

1. Site plan that includes the legal description and survey of the entire property;

2. A diagram of the proposed dirt pit or pond at completion;

3. Approval from the parish director of public works;

4. A letter of approval from the parish utilities department;

5. A resolution of the parish council granting the permit;

6. Certification from the parish planning and zoning director that said property is zoned either Rural or I1, I2 or I3.

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Section 113-149 Reserved.

Section 113-150 Existing dirt pits and/or ponds.

Dirt pits that are currently lawfully operating, meaning dirt has been removed from the site for commercial purposes, as of the effective date of this chapter, will be exempt from all requirements of this article, excepting that these existing sites shall be required to submit an application to the permit office and receive an exempt permit. This exempt permit shall be kept on site. The application shall contain the following information: Name of landowner, mailing address and phone number, name and phone number of contractor/excavator, location of pit (access road), total acreage of site (total on deed, even if plans do not include the use of all acreage), and total anticipated size of pit. This information will be for permit office use only, but will be available to the public as required by law.

Section 113-151 Permit fees.

See Section 14-113(g).

Section 113-152 Penalties.

A. Any person who violates the provisions of this chapter, as set forth hereinabove, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor criminal offense punishable as provided in this Code.

B. Each day that a violation of this chapter exists shall constitute a separate offense.

Section 113-153 Exemptions.

A. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to a residential subdivision development when said development is duly approved through the subdivision process provided for in this Code and where said ponds or retention areas are included in the approved subdivision plans.

B. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to any existing golf course facilities or industrial plan sites duly permitted through the state permitting process, or batture properties located within the Mississippi River levee system.


May 2015


6. SPECIAL PERMIT USES; TEMPORARY RESIDENTIAL HOUSING

Section 113-701 In General

Temporary residential housing may be permitted as a special permit use with approval of the planning

commission and a supporting resolution by the parish council. An application for a temporary residential

housing shall follow the special permit process. The application shall be subject to the following

requirements.

Section 113-702 Required Application Submissions.

A. The applicant for a temporary residential housing development shall submit the following documents:

1. Completed application endorsed by the applicant and also by the current property owner.

2. When the applicant is a corporation, a resolution authorizing a person to act on behalf of the corporation shall accompany the application.

3. Copy of the recorded deed or act of sale for the property

4. Names and addresses of abutting property owners as listed in assessor's records.

5. Site plan. Five copies of the site plan, stamped by an architect, signed and dated by the applicant, and drawn to scale to meet requirements/restrictions listed in subsection (2) of this section.

6. Driveway permit from the department of planning and zoning or LA DOTD, where applicable.

7. Permit or letter of no objection from the state department of health and hospitals for sanitary issues.

8. Permit or letter of no objection from state fire marshal, where applicable.

9. A security contract to satisfy the requirements of subsection (C) of section 113:703 of this Article.

10. A solid waste contract to satisfy the requirements of subsection (C) of section 113:703 of

this Article.

11. Security bond/irrevocable letter of credit. The developer shall provide for a surety bond,

letter of credit, or other parish-approved security instrument executed in favor of the

parish department of finance. The total amount of the bond, letter of credit, or other

parish-approved security instrument shall be based on the cost of maintaining the

required contracts for services required by the developer for a 36-month period. An

additional percentage, to be determined at the time of application, may be included to

cover administrative and legal expenses that may be incurred in having the units removed

by court action. If all units are not removed within 90 days after the permit expires, the

parish will collect the total amount of the bond money, letter of credit or whatever parish-

approved security instrument is accepted to help assist in paying expenses involved in

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having the remaining units removed as well as to pay for any additional parish expenses

incurred because of the nonremoval of the units. The parish may immediately redeem

the bond, letter of credit or other parish-approved security instrument if the permit is

revoked due to the developer's failure to maintain required contracts or to meet other

obligations required by the planning commission and/or the parish council as stipulated

during the approval process. The security instrument shall be submitted and approved by

the parish legal services department before occupation of the development is permitted.

B. Fees: A special permit application fee in the amount as established in section 14-113(1)f and all

applicable building code and permit fees will apply.

Section 113-703 Zoning/Site, Restrictions/Density and Spatial Requirements.

A. The developer shall submit a site plan, drawn to scale, that meets the following restrictions:

1. The proposed site shall be a minimum of five acres.

2. No unit shall be placed in required front, side, or rear yards of its respective zoning district.

3. A minimum of 25 feet of open space shall be maintained between each unit in all direction and delineated explicitly on the site plan.

4. Each unit site shall have an address assigned by 911 and shall be a minimum of 35 feet wide, shall indicate a parking area for at least one vehicle, and shall abut an access drive. Sites may provide a pad improved with a porous, aggregate-type material; however, pads are not required.

5. Owners are responsible to maintain streets.

6. Each unit shall be no further than 500 feet from a fire hydrant.

7. Access roads shall be a minimum of 24 feet in width and shall be constructed with a porous, aggregate-type material.

8. Location of streetlights.

9. The location of all service, maintenance, utility and security structures shall be clearly indicated.

10. In no case shall a site exceed 200 units.

11. Where a permanent sewer system is not available a private sewer and disposal system shall be provided.

B. Parish review process; fee assessment. The department of planning and zoning shall submit site plans to the following departments/agencies for review, request for revisions, and/or calculation of fees:

1. Department of public works for drainage review.

2. Department of utilities for water availability, fees and sewer development calculations.

3. Department of public safety.

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4. Local fire district.

5. The parish sheriff's office.

6. 911 emergency services.

C. Operational requirements.

1. Fees. All fees assessed under subsection (1) of this section shall be submitted to the department of planning and zoning before the site is permitted to operate.

2. 24-hour security. Twenty-four-hour security shall be provided by the developer. The developer must contract with the parish sheriff's office or a licensed security service to provide service approved by the sheriff's office. A letter from the sheriff's office will suffice as proof that this obligation has been addressed. Occupancy of the site will not be allowed until the security obligation has commenced. Termination of the security contract prior to expiration of the permit shall result in the permit being revoked.

3. Solid waste removal. Dumpsters and disposal service shall be provided by the developer. The parish may request a review of the agreement. Occupancy of the site will not be allowed until the garbage/trash contract has commenced and the required dumpsters are located on site. Termination of the garbage service prior to expiration of the permit shall result in the permit being revoked.

4. Time limit. A special permit use for a temporary housing development shall be issued for an initial period of up to 36 months. The department of planning and zoning shall send notices by certified mail to the applicant 60 days prior to the expiration date.

5. Exception to the three-year limit. This can be done by the planning commission's approval and a supporting resolution by the parish council. All extensions shall be for a six-month or less period. The planning commission and the parish council will determine the number of extensions allowed. All required contracts for security and garbage must be maintained and the surety bond/letter of credit must be maintained during subsequent disaster extensions.

Section 113-704 through 113-730 Reserved.

May 2015


7. LANDSCAPING, SCREENING, AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT Section 113-731 LANDSCAPING

A. Purpose: The landscape and screening requirements established by this Section are intended to:

1. Assist in the development of a sustainable St. John parish by encouraging sustainable practices

for landscape design, construction and landscape maintenance.

2. Reduce runoff and mitigate the effect of new development, redevelopment, or infill

development on the existing drainage system by ensuring the preservation of permeable

surfaces and requiring the installation of storm water Best Management Practice (BMPs) to slow

surface flow of storm water runoff and promote filtration, plant uptake, absorption, and

infiltration into sub-soils to reduce subsidence rates.

3. Increase the aesthetics and visual appeal of the major and intermediate corridors of the Parish.

4. Increase compatibility between abutting land uses and between land uses and public rights-of-

way by providing visually attractive landscape screening or buffers.

B. Applicability: A landscape plan is required for all developments, with the exception of single-family

dwellings, two-family dwellings, and multi-family dwellings of six (6) units or less. Any commercial

development that requires a building permit for a building addition amounting to more than fifty

(50) percent of the existing building size must comply. No certificate of occupancy shall be issued

until these standards have been met.

C. Enforcement of Landscape Provisions

1. No building permit or certificate of occupancy may be issued for any lot or use subject to the

requirements of this Article unless all the requirements of this Article have been met. Failure to

implement the landscape and/or storm water management plan, or to maintain the lot or use in

conformance with the landscape and/or storm water management plan, is cause for revocation

of the certificate of occupancy and/or the application of fines and penalties, as established in

this Ordinance. In addition, all required landscaping is subject to periodic inspection.

2. Prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, as applicable, a landscape architect and

professional engineer licensed in Louisiana shall certify with signature and seal in an affidavit

that the landscape and storm water management measures have been installed in accordance

with all approved plans and specifications, subject to existing conditions and unless otherwise

specified.

D. Planting Area Maintenance

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1. The responsibility for maintenance of a planting area shall remain with the owner, lessee or a

designee.

2. All plant materials must be maintained in an attractive and healthy condition. Maintenance

includes, but is not limited to, watering, mulching, mowing, weeding, removal of litter and dead

plant material, and necessary pruning and trimming.

3. Necessary pruning and trimming must be in accordance with the American National Standards

for Tree Care Operations: Tree Shrub and Other Woody Plant Maintenance – Standards Practices

(Pruning), and must not be interpreted to include topping of trees through removal of crown

material or the central leader, or any other similarly severe procedures that cause irreparable

harm to the natural form of the tree.

4. Dead or diseased plant materials must be removed. Replacement plant materials must be

provided for any required plants that die or are removed for any reason.

5. Failure to Maintain

a. In the event that the owner of a landscaped area fails to maintain the area according to

the standards of this paragraph, the Parish reserves the right to recover the cost of

enforcement, including reasonable attorney fees.

b. The Parish may also, following reasonable notice and a demand that deficiency of

maintenance be corrected, enter the landscaped area to take maintenance action. The

cost of such maintenance shall be charged to the party having the primary responsibility

for maintenance of the landscaped area.

E. Sight Triangle

1. No fence, wall, hedge or shrub planting which obstructs sightlines at elevations between two

(2') and six (6') feet above the roadways shall be placed or permitted to remain on any Corner

Lot or Site within the triangular area formed by the street property lines and a line connecting

them at points fifteen (15') feet from the intersection of the street lines, or in the case of a

rounded property corner, from the intersection of the street property lines extended. The same

sightline limitations shall apply on any Lot or Site within ten (10') feet from the intersection of a

street property line with the edge of a driveway or alley pavement.

F. Areas to be Landscaped. The following areas of a lot or site must be developed and maintained in

accordance with the landscape standards as provided below:

1. Greenbelts. The landscape buffer area, identified as the required ten-foot vegetative green area

within the property line abutting all public rights-of-way, shall contain trees, shrubs and other

landscape elements.

a. Trees shall be planted at a rate of one (1) tree per thirty three (33) linear feet of street frontage and may be spaced evenly or planted in groups or clusters.

b. At minimum, at least one third (1/3) of the required trees must be Class A Trees and the remaining two thirds (2/3) of the required trees may be Class B Trees.

May 2015


2. Perimeter Landscape Strip. The purpose of any perimeter landscape strip is to define the edges

of each lot or site.

a. Two (2) perimeter landscape strips located on adjoining lots or sites may abut one another.

b. The planting design of each perimeter landscape strip shall be compatible in order to

prevent maintenance problems.

c. The perimeter landscape strip shall count as part of the minimum eight (8%) percent interior

landscape area requirement as described above in these Restrictions.

3. Buffer Areas – when a commercial, institutional, or industrial use abuts an existing school,

church or residential use or district, a buffer area is required to both distinguish the boundary of

the two uses or districts and to lessen the negative impacts of noise and visual clutter. Buffer

requirements are as follows:

a. A 100 percent site-obscuring fence, constructed of wood or other approved alternative

material, a minimum of six feet in height shall be provided.

b. No Improvements shall be allowed within a buffer except for any drainage structures and

any required landscape plant material, sidewalks, retaining wall or utilities located in a

servitude.

c. The buffer landscape strip shall contain trees, shrubs and other landscape elements.

i. Trees shall be planted within this buffer landscape strip at a rate of one (l) tree per

two hundred (200 sf) square feet of buffer landscape strip area provided and may

be spaced evenly or planted in groups or clusters.

ii. Class A Trees must be spaced a minimum of thirty (30’) feet apart from another

Class A Tree, an existing tree and any Class B Trees planted. At minimum, at least

one third (1/3) of the required Buffer Landscape Strip area trees must be Class A

Trees and the remaining two thirds (2/3) of the required trees may be Class B Trees

d. Additional buffer requirements for Industrial districts and uses may apply and can be found

in Article 3, District Regulations, of this Zoning Ordinance.

4. Interior Areas. The purpose of any interior landscape planting area or median strip of a

vehicular use or parking area is to provide shade within large expanses of pavement and

contribute to the orderly circulation of the vehicular use area on the property.

1. Parking areas designed to accommodate more than twenty (20) automobiles or in excess of

five thousand (5,000) square feet must install interior landscaped areas so that no more

than seventeen (17) linear adjacent parking spaces exist without a landscaped separation of

at least five (5) feet in width.

2. Landscaped areas within and around parking lots must be large enough to provide for the

health and continued growth of the vegetation. There must be one hundred (100) square

feet around each class A tree and fifty (50) square feet around each class B tree.

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G. LANDSCAPE REQUIREMENTS: A landscape plan when required by this ordinance must be prepared

in accordance with the current planting procedures established in the “Louisiana Nurseryman’s

Manual for the Environmental Horticultural Industry” latest edition, as published by the Louisiana

Nursery and Landscape Association, subject to the following conditions:

1. A landscape plan shall include plant materials with the following:

a. Class A trees of at least two-inch caliper trunk size immediately after planting;

b. Class B trees of at least one-inch caliper trunk size immediately after planting;

c. Shrubs of at least three-gallon container stock;

d. Ground covers that are minimum four-inch container stock; and

e. Multi-trunk trees of at least one-inch caliper trunk size immediately after planting.

2. If significant amounts of existing trees and vegetation are preserved on a development site,

then this may be counted towards the requirements of this section, per the discretion of the

Planning Director.

3. Landscaped areas within and around parking lots must be large enough to provide for the health

and continued growth of the vegetation. There must be one hundred (100) square feet around

each class A tree and fifty (50) square feet around each class B tree.

4. Any residential land use converted to a commercial use will be subject to this section, if

additions to the building amounting to more than fifty (50) percent of existing building size.

5. No tree or shrub shall be planted in any servitude or easement.

H. List of Recommended Trees - The following lists indicate plantings that will meet the screening and

shading requirements of this Ordinance. Plants were selected for inclusion on these lists according

to general suitability as identified by the Louisiana State University (LSU) Agricultural Center, which

may be updated periodically and used as a guide in making landscape planting decisions.

TABLE XXX: RECOMMENDED CLASS A TREE LIST

CLASS A TREES

Common Name Scientific Name

Ash, Green Fraxinus pennsylvanica

American Linden, Basswood Tilia americana

Bald Cypress Taxodium disticum

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Beech, American Fagus grandifolia

Bitternut Hickory Carya cordiformis

Black Gum Nyssa sylvatica

Black Walnut Juglans nigra

Cottonwood Populus deltoides

Elm, American Ulmus americana

Elm, Cedar Ulmus crassifolia

Elm, Winged Ulmus alata

Ginkgo Ginkgo biloba

Hackberry Celtis laevigata

Honey Locust Gleditsia triancanthos

Magnolia, Cucumber Magnolia acuminata

Magnolia, Southern Magnolia grandiflora

Magnolia, Sweetbay Magnolia virginiana

Maple, Swamp Red Acer rubrum ‘Drummondii’

Oak, Blackjack Quercus marlandica

Oak, Cherrybark Quercus falcata ‘pagodifolia’

Oak, Cow Quercus michauxii

Oak, Laurel Quercus laurifolia

Oak, Nuttall Quercus nuttallii

Oak, Overcup Quercus lyrata

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Oak, Southern Red Quercus falcata

Oak, Sawtooth Quercus acutissima

Oak, Shumard Quercus shummardii

Oak, Southern Live Quercus virginiana

Oak, White Quercus alba

Oak, Willow Quercus phellos

Pecan Carya illinoinensis

Pine, Loblolly Pinus taeda

Pine, Longleaf Pinus palustris

Pine, Shortleaf Pinus echinata

Pine, Slash Pinus elliottii

Pine, Spruce Pinus glabra

Sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua

Sycamore Platanus occidentalis

Tuliptree Liriodendron tulipifera

May 2015


TABLE XXX: RECOMMENDED CLASS B TREE LIST

CLASS B TREES

Common Name Scientific Name

Catalpa Catalpa bignonioides

Cherry Laurel Prunus caroliniana

Crabapple, Southern Malus angustifolia

Dogwood Cornus florida

Fringe Tree Chionanthus virginicus

Golden Raintree Koelreuteria bipinnata

Greenhaw Crataegus viridus

Holly, American Ilex opaca

Holly, Cassine Ilex cassine

Holly, Fosters, Greenleaf, Savannah Ilex ‘attenuata’ cultivars

Ironwood Carpinus caroliniana

Loquat Eriobotrya japonica

Magnolia, Oriental Magnolia soulangiana

Mayhaw Crataegus opaca

Parsley Hawthorn Crataegus marshallii

Persimmon Diospyros virginiana

Pistachio Pistacia chinensis

Plum, American Prunus americana

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Plum, Mexican Prunus mexicana

Red Bay Persea borbonia

Redbud Cercis canadensis

River Birch Betula nigra

Sassafras Sassafras albidum

Silverbell Halesia diptera

Leatherwood Cyrilla racemiflora

Tree Huckleberry, Sparkleberry Vaccinium arboretum

Vitex Vitex agnus-castus

Waxmyrtle Myrica cerifera

Yaupon Ilex vomitoria

May 2015


SECTION 113:732 – SCREENING AND BUFFERING

A. Purpose

The purpose of this section is to protect the privacy and value of adjacent permitted uses, and to

provide standards on the location and type of various screening and buffering devices to be used when

required in the various zoning districts.

B. Generally

1. A required buffer is not a setback. A required buffer is determined exclusive of any required

setback; however, the required buffer may be located wholly or partially within a required

setback.

2. No principal building on the subject site may be located within a required buffer.

3. Water, sanitary sewer, electrical, telephone, natural gas, cable, storm drainage, or other service

lines may be located within buffers.

4. Required trees and shrubs must be installed a minimum of five feet away from any flow line of a

swale.

5. The parking of vehicles is prohibited in a required buffer.

C. Service Areas

1. Trash collection, trash compaction, recycling collection and other similar service areas must be

located on the side or rear of the building and must be effectively screened from view from

residential properties and public rights-of-way.

2. Enclosures must be fully screened by opaque walls or fences at least six (6) feet high. Wall or

fence materials must be compatible with the primary structure.

D. Mechanical Equipment

1. All roof, ground and wall-mounted mechanical equipment (e.g. air conditioning equipment,

compressors, duct work, transformers or elevator equipment) must be screened from ground

level view from residential districts or public rights-of-way.

2. Roof-mounted mechanical equipment must be shielded from view on all sides. Screening

materials must be consistent with the primary building materials, and may include metal

screening or louvers painted to blend with the primary structure.

3. Wall or ground-mounted equipment screening must be constructed of:

I. Planted vegetative screens;

II. Brick, stone, reinforced concrete or other similar masonry materials; or

III. Pressure-treated wood or other similar materials.

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Section 113-733 Stormwater Management Recommendations

A. Purpose – the purpose of these storm water management recommendations is to:

1. Assist in the development of a sustainable St. John parish by encouraging sustainable practices

for site design, construction and maintenance.

2. Reduce runoff and mitigate the effect of new development, redevelopment, or infill

development on the existing drainage system by ensuring the preservation of permeable

surfaces and requiring the installation of storm water Best Management Practice (BMPs) to slow

surface flow of storm water runoff and promote filtration, plant uptake, absorption, and

infiltration into sub-soils to reduce subsidence rates.

B. Stormwater Management Measures

1. Effective on-site stormwater management is supported by a combination of storm water BMPs,

(Best Management Practices, as detailed in “ B” of this Section guided by the following

strategies:

a. First, create conditions that allow detention and infiltration of storm water runoff on-

site through the use of pervious paving, open vegetated areas, green roofs, blue roofs,

and other methods that allow water to permeate back into the ground.

b. Next, additional storm water runoff should be detained, stored, infiltrated, and/or

filtered through the use of BMPs.

c. Finally, runoff in excess of the first one (1) inch shall exit the site through surface or

subsurface drainage.

2. Infiltration practices shall be utilized to reduce runoff volume increases, stabilize subsoils, and

recharge shallow groundwater.

3. Best Management Practices (BMP) shall be employed to minimize pollutants in stormwater

runoff prior to discharge into a separate storm drainage system or water body.

4. All storm water management facilities shall be designed to provide an emergency overflow

system, and incorporate measures to provide a non-erosive velocity of flow along its length and

at any outfall.

5. The designed release rate of any storm water structure shall be modified if any increase in

flooding or stream channel erosion would result at a downstream dam, highway, structure, or

normal point of restricted stream flow.

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C. Stormwater Best Management Practices

Stormwater best management practices (BMP) minimize runoff, increase infiltration, recharge

groundwater, and improve water quality. In order to accomplish the performance standard required by

this section, stormwater BMPs shall be used. Stormwater BMPs shall be designed as described in “Bayou

Land RC&D Stormwater BMP Guidance Tool.” Alternate BMPs may be considered but shall be approved

as part of the stormwater management plan. The following list of stormwater BMPs are not prescriptive,

but provide guidance for establishing a site-specific stormwater management regime, and include, but

are not limited to:

1. Bioswales - Bioswales are vegetated swales planted with native plants or ornamental grasses.

They transport water, allow some to infiltrate, and can be designed as a landscape feature.

Bioswales are not grassed but are planted with a variety of wetland plant species that flower,

fruit, and have ornamental qualities.

2. Circular Depressions - Circular grassed depressions are similar to rain groves, but are smaller

and contain only grass within the depressions. It is preferable to use multiple circular grassed

depressions. Circular grassed depressions should be six (6) inches deep and range in diameter

from thirty-six (36) inches to seventy-two (72) inches.

3. Constructed Wetlands - Constructed wetlands, such as wet ponds, are commonly used on large

development projects such as golf courses, shopping centers, business parks and industrial sites.

These wetlands shall be designed as part of an integrated drainage system, built around lakes

and ponds that may include detention areas, retention areas, irrigation ponds, or low-lying areas

that collect and store stormwater.

4. Detention/Retention Basins - Wet retention basins are constructed, naturalistic ponds with a

permanent or seasonal pool of water (also called a “wet pool” or “dead storage”). Aquascape

facilities, such as artificial lakes, are a form of wet pool facility that can incorporate innovative

design elements to allow them to function as a stormwater treatment facility in addition to a

water feature.

Dry extended detention (ED) basins are basins whose outlets have been designed to drain from

a full condition within thirty-six (36) to forty-eight (48) hours to allow sediment particles and

associated pollutants to settle and be removed. Dry ED basins to not have a permanent pool and

are designed to drain completely between storm events. The slopes, bottom, and forebay of dry

ED basins should be vegetated.

5. Disconnected Roof Tops, Recycling, and Irrigation - A disconnected roof top is one where

stormwater falling on a building roof is captured and prevented from being added to

stormwater runoff from a construction site. Since the water is relatively clean, it can be reused

May 2015


for certain domestic use or recycled through an irrigation system for evaporative disposal or to

feed moisture to landscape beds, lawns, and tree stands.

6. Ditch Gardens - Louisiana ditch gardens are a variant of a bioswale that increases water quality.

These are constructed by designing long thin but shallow depressions that can be planted with

Louisiana wetland plants that trap sediments, infiltrate water, and clean water of pollutants.

7. Flow Diffusers - Flow diffusers consist of several design features that can accept channelized

flow and convert it to sheet flow to disengage the erosive power of running water. Examples of

flow diffusers include turf grass panels, vegetative meadows, shallow stone filtration trenches,

or basins reinforced with very low earth berms.

8. French Drains, Infiltration Trenches, and Dry Wells - Infiltration trenches are excavated into

the ground either horizontally or vertically and filled with stone aggregate to capture and allow

exfiltration of stormwater runoff into the surrounding soils from the bottom and sides of the

trench or well. Pollutant removal is achieved by filtration of the runoff through the stone

aggregate and soil, as well as biological and chemical activity within the soil. This is called a

French drain in Louisiana, and can be fitted with an outflow if soil types warrant such treatment.

9. Grassed Swales - Grassed swales are designed conveyance devices used to transport water over

the surface of the ground to a point of disposal that may be a catch basin, ditch, water body, or

a stormwater BMP that will filter, infiltrate, evaporate, and clean the water of TSS, solid waste,

and other pollutants. Swales are often appropriate along property lines, public streets, and

around buildings.

10. Habitat Preservation and Protection Areas - Habitat Protection Areas (HPA) are large tree

protection areas in which a complete habitat of plants, soils, water regimes, animal life, and

nutrients work together to produce clean air, pure water, rich soils, and a population of animal

life living and growing off of the biological productivity and diversity.

11. Permeable Pavers, Porous Surfaces, Grass Paving, and Structural Soils - Porous paving reduces

site runoff and allows the infiltration of stormwater. Structural soils are designed to bear the

weight of heavy construction such as parking lots, terraces, and courtyard, but also provide void

space for tree roots and stormwater infiltration.

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12. Planted Stormwater Buffers - Planted stormwater buffers can absorb stormwater falling on

development sites. Planted buffers can improve internal drainage and be linked for maximum

stormwater collection during rainfall events. Buffers can be built for stormwater management

along roadways, at property edges, parallel to walkways, driveways, structures, and almost any

place on a development site in which open space can be found that can be planted.

13. Preserved Forest Floors - Rain falling on the tree canopy is managed as soon as raindrops fall on

leaves and continues until the roots uptake the water hours after the storm event. This

preserves trees and manages stormwater, as well as preserves natural habitat and remnant

forest stands on development sites.

14. Preserved Wetlands - Wetlands are characterized as vegetated parcels of land that have

standing water for part of the year. Wetlands are also delineated according to existing

vegetation and soil types. The Army Corps of Engineers designate a wetland as any low area

meeting certain jurisdictional requirements of water, soil, and vegetation. Wetlands within cities

are often low areas that trap and hold rainfall and release it at very slow rates of water flow.

15. Rain Gardens - Rain gardens are small shallow depressions planted with a variety of native or

ornamental plants that can treat small amounts of runoff to improve water quality. Rain gardens

are generally small collections of water loving plants planted on a low site area that naturally

collects rainfall.

16. Rain Groves - Rain groves are miniature forests that provide multiple services. They provide

habitat for birds and other fauna that live close to developed areas. A rain grove will intercept

runoff to provide a suitable habitat to grow a variety of wetland trees and shrubs.

17. Rooftop Runoff Management - Rooftop runoff management captures stormwater through a

variety of techniques, including green roofs, blue roofs, cisterns, and rain barrels.

18. Sand Filters - Sand filters are depressions, trenches, barriers, or sand lens constructed of porous

mineral matter that improve groundwater recharge to filter, clean, and trap waterborne

pollutants.

19. Stream Bank or Riparian Buffers - A stream bank buffer is a protected area along a waterbody,

such as a stream, bayou, pond, or lake, where development is restricted or prohibited. They can

vary in width from twenty (20) feet to two-hundred fifty (250) feet. The width of the buffer zone

May 2015


is dependent upon the size of the stream, its drainage load, and overflow characteristics,

although other factors such as slope, soils, and amount of vegetation are considered.

20. Tree Protection Areas - Tree Protection Areas (TPA) are small Habitat Preservation Areas (HPA)

that are set aside as an area around the trunk of a tree to be preserved on a development site.

The purpose of the TPA is to protect the critical root zone (CRZ) of the tree and to prevent

damage or interference during construction. This area is established in relation to the tree size,

diameter of the crown, diameter of the tree at DBH, and location of feeder roots where most of

the water and plant nutrients are absorbent.

21. Cisterns and Underground Stormwater Chambers - Above ground stormwater cisterns and

underground stormwater chambers are effective long-term stormwater management systems.

They are primarily used for landscape irrigation with grey water, or to temporarily store and

release at a predictable rate of stormwater flow.

article iv. supplementary regulationssjbparish.com/pdfs/article iv_supplemental regs.pdfmay 2015 st....

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