A.

Medium industrial is intended to accommodate heavier forms of fabrication, assembly, processing and storage, and larger scale warehousing and distribution that, by nature, may create an infrequent visual, audio or scent nuisance to nearby residential and commercial developments. Medium industrial anticipates that some components of finished products may be produced on site and assembled into a final product. Retail sales are not permitted medium industrial zones excepting when they can be proven to be auxiliary to the process (for example, an outlet store for products manufactured or warehoused within the facility). Medium industrial anticipates a moderate to heavy volume of vehicular traffic. While periodic movement and storage of rail cars is permitted in a medium industrial zone, such activity should be limited in frequency so as to not present a persistent obstacle to the free flow of traffic in the vicinity of the establishment. Large scale warehousing and distribution centers are allowed in medium industrial zones with the caveat that appropriate steps shall be taken to properly plan and develop internal roadways and connections to public streets that promotes the free flow of traffic in the area.

B.

Commentary. This district provides a public safety buffer between large-scale residential and commercial development and industrial plants. These plants pose a serious public health risk which must be carefully managed. Beginning in 1985, the chemical industry operating in Ascension Parish established the Community Awareness Emergency Response, or CAER, Committee. The Ascension Parish Chemical Industry's CAER Committee has installed a 26-siren community alerting system, designed to be heard within an approximate radius of 2.5 miles of each plant, in the area in which the plants are located. The system will provide effective early warning for the community. The medium industrial district falls within this community alerting system and is designed to discourage high density residential development within this warning zone.

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