A.

Light Industrial is intended to accommodate light manufacturing, assembly, fabrication, processing, small scale warehousing and distribution, repair facilities and similar operations utilizing previously prepared materials. Light industrial operation should be operated in a clean and quiet manner in compatibility with surrounding commercial and residential users. Generally, operations in light industrial zones should be contained wholly within a structure. Where it is necessary to have exterior storage areas for raw materials, finished products, goods-in-process, lay down yards, etc., these should be screened from view via vegetation or opaque fencing. Retail sales would be allowed in Light Industrial zones where they are incidental to the operation.

B.

Commentary. This district enables the parish to expand its economic base without encroaching on residential development. By establishing high development standards for this district, the parish reduces the impact of business development on surrounding residential development, while at the same time encouraging investment in high income employment.

C.

Light Industrial Development Standards.

1.

The development standards for the light industrial (LI) district include the following:

a.

Site plan review. Development within the light industrial district requires a site plan review by the Planning and Development Staff to insure that the development meets the development standards set forth in this section. The site plan that shall include:

i.

Vicinity map;

ii.

Boundaries and dimensions of the property;

iii.

Location of buildings and structures with existing and proposed location and layout of off-street parking;

iv.

Loading and unloading areas and location, design and height of walls and fencing;

v.

Location of storage areas and refuse containers;

vi.

Location and size of signs;

vii.

Landscaping plan;

viii.

Outdoor lighting plan;

ix.

Proposed architectural treatment of buildings;

x.

Location and size of all existing and proposed utilities;

xi.

Site drainage;

xii.

Access to public streets;

xiii.

Interior circulation pattern, including truck circulation for loading and unloading;

xiv.

Adjacent public streets and the latest available traffic counts of those streets;

xv.

Indications of adjoining uses.

b.

Building plan review and building standards: Development within the light industrial district requires a building plan review by the Planning and Development Staff to insure that the development meets the development standards set forth in this section. The building standards include:

i.

All buildings shall be designed by a certified architect or engineer;

ii.

All sides, elevations or facades shall be visually pleasing and architecturally comparable with these standards.

c.

The majority of exterior and externally visible opaque surfaces shall be constructed of the following materials:

i.

Brick;

ii.

Architectural precast concrete panels;

iii.

Decorative concrete block;

iv.

Cut stone;

v.

Wood; or

vi.

Other building materials that the Planning and Development Staff determine will present a visual statement of a building structure's strength, permanence and attractiveness. The building materials used shall be harmonious with the natural environment and with the general character of a high quality business park.

d.

No loading dock shall face the street, unless the site configuration is such that it is unavoidable. In that event, the Planning and Development Staff shall specifically review and approve the location of the loading dock.

e.

Ancillary structures shall be approved by the Planning and Development Staff. Approval shall be granted only if:

i.

The ancillary building is essential to the principal use of the building site;

ii.

The structure of the ancillary building conforms to the architectural standards of other buildings on the site;

iii.

The ancillary building is properly screened to minimize adverse visual impacts, if any;

iv.

Conform to the overall objectives of this section, as determined by the Planning and Development Staff.

f.

Landscaping plan review and landscaping standards. The landscaping on the site shall follow a landscaping plan that has been reviewed and approved by the Planning and Development Staff. The landscaping plan shall include the location, name, size and quantity of plant materials. The plan shall show all ground cover and mulch areas; landscape and construction materials; and construction details. The Planning and Development Staff shall approve landscaping plans that substantially enhance the property value of the building site and maintain the rural character of the parish. In making this determination, the Planning and Development Staff shall consider:

i.

The extent of landscaping, including the use of seeding, sodding, raised planters, architectural decorative walls or fencing, earth berms, trees and shrubs, ground cover, and lighting.

ii.

The use of trees and shrubs that enhance the rural character of the parish.

iii.

The extent to which the landscaping plan represents a long term improvement to the rural character of the parish.

g.

Failure to complete or maintain landscaping. All landscaping shall be completed within 90 days following occupancy. The owner of the building site shall be responsible for maintaining all landscaping approved in the original plan. If the owner does not complete the approved landscaping plan within 90 days of occupancy, the Planning and Development Staff may direct the Building Official to revoke the owner's certificate of occupancy. If the owner or the owner's assigns do not maintain the landscaping as set forth in the approved plan, the Parish of Ascension or its agent, at the direction of the Planning and Development Staff, shall enter the site and conduct such maintenance. The Parish of Ascension may seek full reimbursement for these maintenance services.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09; DC09-10, 12/17/09; DC12-07, 8/16/12; DC13-15, 2/20/14)