(a)

The Low Density Residential district is primarily used for low density residential uses. It is a rural residential area of the town that provides forestry resources, open space, and wildlife habitat. The typical land use pattern in the district is large lots.

The purpose of the Low Density Residential District is to maintain Abita Springs rural character, conserve natural areas, and environmental quality. The district regulations are designed to protect the rural, residential character of the areas by limiting commercial activities. To preserve the rural openness of the areas, certain minimum yard and lot size standards must be met.

(b)

In the Low Density Residential District, no building or premises shall be used, and no building shall be hereafter erected or structurally altered, unless otherwise provided in this chapter, except for one or more of the following uses:

(1)

One-family dwelling;

(2)

Churches (not larger than 2,500 square feet in size);

(3)

Accessory buildings, subject to the requirements of section 9-223(c);

(4)

Ancillary dwelling, subject to the requirements of section 9-215.1 (f);

(5)

Beauty parlors, when located in private residences;

(6)

Home occupations;

(7)

Gardens and agriculture (small-scale);

(8)

Telephone and power distribution poles and lines and necessary appurtenant equipment and structures such as transformers, unit substations and equipment houses (not including telecommunications towers);

(9)

Short-term rentals subject to the requirements of section 9-231;

(10)

Bed and breakfasts subject to the requirements of section 9-232;

(11)

Day care centers conducted within a residence or accessory building receiving eight or fewer children for care during all or part of the day;

(12)

Timber harvesting on parcels six acres or larger in size subject to the requirements of section 9-709;

(13)

The following uses are permitted subject to determination by the planning commission that water, sewer, roads, and public safety can be adequately accommodated. Additionally, the following uses must comply with all regulations and requirements in the commercial district for such use.

a.

Public or private schools, (elementary or high and kindergartens, nursery schools, and day care centers conducted within a residence or accessory building receiving nine or more children for care during all or part of the day);

b.

Museums, libraries, parks, playgrounds, community centers owned and operated by a public agency;

c.

Golf courses, tennis courts;

d.

Churches (larger than 2,500 square feet in size).

(d)

Density requirements. The minimum buildable lot size in this zoning district shall be two acres with a minimum lot frontage of 125 feet, subject to the requirements of section 3-504, community sewerage system required.

(e)

Yard requirements. Yard setbacks shall be in accordance with the provisions of section 9-223, yards and accessory buildings in residential districts.

(f)

Any structure constructed or used as an ancillary dwelling as allowed herein shall meet the following requirements:

(1)

Comply with all setbacks requirements for accessory buildings;

(2)

Shall comprise at least 300 square feet of living space excluding porches;

(3)

Must be accompanied with one off-street parking space for up to 300 square feet of living space (excluding porches) and one for up to each 300 feet of such thereafter;

(4)

Only one ancillary dwelling is allowed per main residential building;

(5)

The ancillary dwelling shall be no larger than one-half the size of the main residential structure;

(6)

All proper documents required by any governmental agency shall be required prior to the tie-in to an individual sewer treatment facility.

(7)

Upon meeting all requirements set out herein an ancillary dwelling may be allowed a separate utility service.

(g)

Appurtenant structures as allowed herein shall comply with the following restrictions:

(1)

The total gross square footage of all appurtenant structures situated on lots of less than two acres must not exceed the total gross square footage of the residence. The maximum height of appurtenant structures cannot not exceed the greater of 20 feet or the height of the main residence.

(2)

On lots of two acres or more, the total square footage of appurtenant structures must not exceed seven percent of the total square footage of the lot. The maximum height of appurtenant structures shall not exceed 35 feet.

(3)

No lots may be re-subdivided in a manner which violates the provisions of this subsection.

(h)

District standards. All uses of land and structures in the Low Density Residential District shall be subject to the following standards:

(1)

Flood zones. Construction of any structures or alteration of land which occurs in the 100-year flood zone as established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 4 - Floodplain Management, specifically the requirements of section 9-464. Provisions for Flood Hazard Reduction prior to issuance of a building permit.

(2)

Land clearing and tree preservation shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter 7 - Tree Removal and Timber Harvesting.

(3)

Utilities.

a.

Sewer. On lots without central sewerage facilities, an individual sewer system must meet department of health and human resources standards and be approved by the St. Tammany Parish health department.

b.

Water. On lots without central water facilities, any well must be 50 feet from any sewer disposal unit.

(Ord. No. 522, 7-20-2021)

Editor's note— Previously, Ord. No. 503, adopted September 17, 2019, repealed section 9-215.1, which pertained to Brookforest Residential District and derived from Ord. No. 192, adopted August 20, 1996; Ord. No. 318, adopted March 26, 2007. Said ordinance enacted a moratorium on the issuance of any permits whatsoever by the Town of Abita Springs pertaining to any development or improvements on any lots created by resubdivision of properties located in the area comprising the former Brook Forest Residential District. This moratorium shall remain in effect for a period of six months as of the effective date of this ordinance.