It is the express intent of this section to create a human scale development appropriate to low-density residential uses. These regulations are intended to prevent structures significantly more massive than those structures usually constructed in single-family districts and to allow for the creation of structures exhibiting a human scale and massing appropriate to low-density residential uses.

(a)

Scale limitations.

(1)

The following requirements shall apply, and the appropriateness of individual projects in fulfilling these requirements shall be determined by the planning commission, zoning board or board of aldermen, as the case may be according to approval being sought in accordance with the rules and the regulations of the Abita Springs Historic Commission.

The massing of the building(s) and appropriate scale relationships to each other can be accomplished in any of the following ways:

a.

Avoiding unreasonably continuous and unbroken wall planes, or

b.

The introduction of architectural elements or features that create a variety of scale relationship, or

c.

The use of materials that are consistent throughout the project, and that are human in scale, or

d.

The use of architectural elements that create the appearance or feeling of a more residential scale, or

e.

The use of architectural elements or details that are sympathetic to structures on adjoining properties, or

f.

Other design techniques or elements of design that will reasonably comply with the purpose stated herein.

(2)

Absent good reason, which may be evidenced by meritorious compliance with the above criteria, the first tier of structures subject to these standards shall be clustered in buildings no more than 50 feet in width, measured on the side most parallel to the property line. The first tier of buildings shall be no more than two units deep or 60 feet deep. The structures shall be not less than 20 feet apart measured from face of wall to face of wall.

(3)

The overall density of a development shall not exceed minimum land area of 3,000 square feet per residential unit in no instance more than 12 units per acre.

(b)

[Setbacks, landscaping and screening.]

(1)

Front building line setbacks shall be a minimum of 25 feet from the right-of-way.

(2)

Landscaping shall be provided according to the ordinance of the Town of Abita Springs.

(3)

Yards, fences, vegetative screening or berms shall be provided to screen adjacent more restrictive residential districts from views of off-street parking areas, mechanical equipment, storage areas and areas for refuse collection. If fences are selected for screening, the height shall be restricted to eight feet.

(c)

[Density, passive uses.]

(1)

Residential density shall be based on the gross site area.

(2)

Passive uses (i.e., parks, hike and bike trails, etc.), be allowed in areas of periodic inundation provided that the requirements of the town engineer are met and provided that any required state or federal permits and license agreements as may be necessary to place such uses in a dedicated drainage easement are obtained.

(d)

Miscellaneous regulations.

(1)

All dumpsters and any permanently placed refuse receptacles shall be located a minimum of 50 feet from any adjacent property zoned or used as residential, townhouse, condominium or multifamily or used for a purpose permitted in such a district. The location of and access to dumpsters or any other refuse receptacles shall be reviewed and approved by the zoning board.

(2)

No intensive recreational use (e.g., swimming pool, tennis court, ball court, or playground) shall be permitted within 50 feet of any adjoining residential, townhouse, condominium or multifamily district.

(Ord. No. 272, 5-18-04; Ord. No. 318, 3-26-07)