Ascension Parish City Zoning Code

A.

In all districts, off-street parking standards shall be applied at the time any building is erected, at the time any principal building is increased in floor area, or before a building is converted from one type of use to another. These standards include the minimum number of off-street parking spaces required, the required number and dimensions of handicapped accessible parking spaces, and standards for parking lot construction:

B.

Minimum Off-street Parking Spaces. The minimum number of off-street parking spaces for each type of structure shall be:

C.

At its discretion the commission may reduce these parking standards by 25 percent to achieve the objectives of this ordinance. These standards may also be modified by a development agreement.

D.

Handicapped Access Parking Regulations. Regulations and dimensions for handicapped parking spaces have been taken from the Americans with Disabilities Act (Public Law 101-136). This act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in places of public accommodations and commercial facilities.

E.

Every parking lot serving a retail, commercial or industrial building shall have at least one handicapped accessible parking space. For every 25 spaces in excess of 25 spaces, the parking lot shall have an additional handicapped accessible space.

1.

Accessible-parking spaces serving a particular building shall be located on the shortest accessible route of travel from adjacent parking to an accessible entrance. In parking facilities that do not serve a particular building, or buildings with multiple entrances, accessible parking shall be located on the shortest the shortest practical distance from the entrance to the parking lot.

2.

Accessible-parking spaces shall be at least 120 inches wide.

3.

Parking access aisles shall be part of an accessible route to the building or parking lot entrance; two accessible spaces may share a common access aisle.

4.

Access aisles adjacent to accessible spaces shall be 60 inches wide minimum. One in every eight handicapped/accessible space, but not less than one, shall be served by an access aisle 95 inches wide minimum and shall be designated "van accessible."

5.

Signs: Handicapped accessible parking spaces shall be designated as reserved by a sign showing the symbol of accessibility. Such signs shall be located so they cannot be obscured by a vehicle parked in that space.

F.

The following standards shall apply for the design of parking lots:

1.

To the extent possible, the required space for any number of separate uses should be combined in one lot. All required parking for all uses shall be either is on the same lot or within 300 feet of the building (or open use area) it to serve. No required parking spaces may be located across any major street from the use it is intended to serve.

2.

Except for parcels of land devoted to one- and two-family residential uses, all areas devoted to off-street parking shall be so designed and be of such size that no vehicle is required to back into a public street to obtain access.

3.

Each parking space shall be not less than nine feet by 20 feet. Except for single-family residences, all parking spaces, aisles and connecting driveways shall be surfaced with permanent dust free paving.

4.

Each parking lot shall conform to the commercial sign standards set forth in section 17-2086, landscaping standards set forth in section 17-2082, exterior lighting standards set forth in section 17-2088, and street access standards set forth in section 17-2085.

5.

The commission shall encourage the construction of parking lots in the rear of buildings where possible, in order to conserve the green space within the parish.

6.

All commercial projects shall demonstrate their interconnectivity to other commercial properties immediately adjacent. It is the intent to reduce traffic on thoroughfares by providing alternate routes through commercial property.

a.

Commentary. The design of parking lots will have a large impact on traffic congestion in the parish. This problem will be especially acute along Airline Highway. To the extent possible, developers should reduce the number of access points to parking lots and should look for common parking solutions.

G.

Parking Area Surfacing Standards.

1.

Optional Surface Materials.

a.

All off-street parking areas shall be surfaced with a durable, dust-free, all-weather material such as asphalt, concrete, or an approved permeable paving system, including but not limited to:

i.

Pervious concrete;

ii.

Porous asphalt;

iii.

Open-jointed or permeable interlocking concrete pavers;

iv.

Permeable articulating concrete blocks;

v.

Plastic or concrete grid systems filled with gravel or grass.

2.

Allowable Locations for Approved Permeable Paving Systems.

a.

Primary Parking.

i.

May use alternative surfaces upon review and approval by the Parish Engineer and Planning Director.

ii.

Must demonstrate equivalent load-bearing capacity, ADA compliance, and year-round functionality.

iii.

Use encouraged for low-traffic areas, such as employee parking, residential developments, and light commercial lots.

b.

Secondary or Overflow Parking Areas.

i.

Permitted in all zoning districts.

ii.

May include grassed or gravel-reinforced grid systems.

iii.

Maintenance plan and load-bearing certification not required unless deemed necessary by the Planning Director.

c.

Fire Access Lanes or Emergency Vehicle Areas.

i.

May be used if certified for vehicle load.

d.

Low-Use Drive Aisles or Internal Circulation Areas.

i.

Approved on a case-by-case basis upon submission of site-specific engineering showing functionality during rainfall and meeting criteria in subsection 17-2081.G.3.

3.

Engineering, Drainage, and Maintenance Requirements.

a.

All permeable systems must be designed to withstand anticipated vehicular loads and provide adequate drainage and infiltration.

b.

A stormwater management plan must accompany any design using permeable surfacing. All designs must meet code requirements for detention and/or fill mitigation.

c.

All systems shall be installed per manufacturer specifications and industry standards.

d.

A maintenance plan must be submitted and approved for all systems required to retain infiltration over time, including vacuuming, jetting, and debris removal.

4.

ADA and Accessibility Compliance.

a.

All accessible routes, van-accessible spaces, and loading zones shall be surfaced with ADA-compliant, firm, stable, and slip-resistant materials.

b.

Pervious concrete, permeable pavers, and porous asphalt may be used if certified and installed to meet ADA standards.

5.

Prohibited Uses or Limitations.

a.

Loose gravel or unstabilized aggregate is not permitted for required parking unless part of an engineered pervious grid system.

b.

Use of permeable surfaces is not allowed in areas with high contamination risk (e.g., fueling stations, industrial waste zones) unless specifically designed for pollutant filtration.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-05, 5/21/09; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DC17-01, 8/17/17; Ord. of 11-6-2025(2), Exh. A)