11.1.1

The purpose of subdivision regulations is to ensure that the subdivision of land, which is an initial step in urbanization, will be in the public interest and for the general welfare. Since the allocation and arrangement of parcels of land for both private uses and public uses helps to influence the health, safety, economy, livability, and amenities of an area, these regulations are intended to:

A.

Provide for the harmonious and orderly development of land within Bossier City and the surrounding unincorporated area of Bossier Parish by making provisions for adequate open space, traffic, recreation, drainage, utilities, light and air, and other public needs.

B.

Contribute to conditions conducive to health, safety, aesthetics, convenience, prosperity, and efficiency.

C.

Provide for the conservation and protection of human and natural resources.

11.1.2

The Subdivision Regulations of this Code are designed, intended and should be administered to:

A.

Ensure that development in the Bossier City-Parish Metropolitan Planning Area is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan; any adopted area plans covering the subject subdivision; the applicable zoning regulations contained in this Code; and the Shreveport-Bossier Area Metropolitan Area Transportation Plan, as updated.

B.

Provide for the conservation of existing neighborhoods.

C.

Prevent the development of substandard subdivisions and blighted areas that will be a detriment to the community.

D.

Coordinate the development of each parcel of land with the existing community, and to facilitate the proper development of adjoining land.

E.

Provide accurate records of all land subdivisions.

F.

Provide that the cost of improvements which benefit primarily the tract of land being developed be borne primarily by the owners or developers of the subject tract, and that the appropriate costs of any additional improvements that provide benefits to both the subject tract and to the community as a whole be shared by the developer and the community.

G.

Ensure that subdivisions are designed and developed in a manner that is consistent with all applicable flood protection and stormwater management regulations and other applicable land use and development regulations of the City and Parish.

H.

Provide for the efficient arrangement and orderly location of streets.

I.

Encourage the reduction of vehicular congestion.

J.

Provide for the reservation or dedication of lands for open space and other community facilities.

K.

Require the provisions of off-site and on-site public improvements that are necessary to serve the tract land being developed.

L.

Provide for any other services, facilities and improvements deemed necessary to serve the tract land being developed.

All proposed development defined as a subdivision in this Code shall comply with the provisions of this Article as a prerequisite to its recording by the Parish Clerk of Court or Recorder.

11.3.1

Pre-application Concept Plan and Adopted Master Development Plans.

A.

Prior to formal application and submittal of a preliminary plat for a major subdivision, as specified in Subsection 3.8.2, the applicant shall meet with the MPC staff and City or Parish Engineer to discuss the intended development and any specific provisions of this Code that relate to the project. To facilitate this meeting, the developer shall provide a preliminary Concept Plan containing the initial site planner's notations over a base map or aerial photograph. Provided information should include but not be limited to:

1.

General street and lot layout and its relation to the existing street system. Lot sizes and right-of-way widths shall be dimensioned.

2.

Locations of watercourses, wetlands, floodplains and sensitive areas.

3.

Soil and drainage conditions.

4.

Existing utility service information.

B.

A master development plan of the proposed subdivision and all land area of which has been properly zoned and/or is intended to be part of the subdivision, must be approved by the MPC concurrently with the Preliminary Plat. Approval of the Master Development Plan shall be by Conditional Use, following the procedures of Section 3.3.2. Any future plat approvals of the subdivision shall not differ materially, as defined in Section 3.8.2.E, from the conditionally approved Master Development Plan. If the new preliminary plat differs from the approved masterplan, a new Conditional Use hearing shall be held in accordance with the procedures of Section 3.3.2 of this Code, prior to review of any future plats.

11.3.2

Minor Plats.

A.

A minor plat shall be drawn to a scale no smaller than 1 inch equals 100 feet and shall include the following and any other information required by the City or Parish Engineer:

1.

The name of the proposed subdivision.

2.

List of names of the owners of record.

3.

The following certification, signed by a land surveyor registered in the State of Louisiana, "I hereby certify this subdivision conforms to all regulations and requirements of the subdivision ordinance of the City of Bossier and the Bossier Parish Police Jury."

4.

Date of preparation, north arrow, and graphic scale.

5.

Indication that the submittal is a minor plat.

6.

Legal description of location, including the section, township, range, parish, state, and acreage.

7.

Boundary lines of the subdivision with length and bearings of lines.

8.

Numbers and dimensions of the lots.

9.

Front building setback lines.

10.

Drainage channels and other significant features.

11.

Location of private or public streets, alleys, and all easements.

12.

Names of streets within and adjoining the plat.

13.

A signature line for approval by the Metropolitan Planning Commission, City Engineer, Bossier Parish Engineer, and a signature line for acceptance by the Mayor.

14.

If deemed necessary by the Executive Director the bearing and distances of the nearest section corner, quarter section corner or center of section if same has been established, with section, township, and range numbers shown.

15.

Length of all arcs, radii, internal angles, points of curvature and tangents.

16.

The Minor Plat shall be submitted to the City or Parish Engineer's office in an electronic format as required by the applicable jurisdiction.

11.3.3

Preliminary Plats—Major Subdivisions.

A.

A preliminary plat shall be drawn to a scale no smaller than 1 inch equals 100 feet, unless otherwise approved by the MPC, and shall include the following information:

1.

The name of the proposed subdivision.

2.

List of names of owner/developer and the land surveyor.

3.

Date of preparation, north arrow, and graphic scale.

4.

Indication that the submittal is a preliminary plat.

5.

Legal description of location, including the section, township, range, parish, state, and acreage.

6.

Names of adjoining subdivisions or, in the case of unplatted land, the names of the owner or owners of adjoining property.

7.

Boundary lines of the subdivision with length and bearings of lines.

8.

Contours (contour interval no greater than five feet) of the property either shown on the plat or on a separate document.

9.

Location of natural features, such as wetlands, ponds, etc.

10.

Location and dimensions of private and public streets, alleys, and easements.

11.

Type of soil and water table information when requested by the Metropolitan Planning Commission.

12.

Drainage channels and other significant features.

13.

Front building setback lines on each lot.

14.

Rear building setback lines if it differs from the minimum zoning requirement.

15.

Location and dimensions of private and public streets, alleys and easements.

16.

Provide signature line for endorsement by the chairperson of the Metropolitan Planning Commission.

11.3.4

Final Plat.

A.

General.

1.

If the full subdivision in intended to be developed in two or more phases, the final plat may consist of a portion of the approved plat.

2.

The final plat shall be prepared by a licensed land surveyor on tracing mylar or other permanent reproducible material.

3.

All drawings and signatures of certification shall be submitted in a paper format that conforms to the requirements of the City or Parish Engineer.

4.

If the plat has been prepared on a computerized drafting system, a copy of the computer file shall be provided on media that is acceptable to the City or Parish Engineer after approval of the Final Plat.

5.

Submit 1 mylar copy of the final plat to the Metropolitan Planning Commission and 1 mylar copy to the City and/or Parish Engineer's office as needed.

6.

The Final Plat shall be submitted to the City or Parish Engineer's office in an electronic format as required by the applicable jurisdiction.

B.

Requirements for the Final Plat.

1.

Name under which the subdivision is to be recorded.

2.

List of names of the developer, land planner and the surveyor.

3.

Date of preparation, north arrow and graphic scale.

4.

Indication that it is a final plat.

5.

Legal description of location, including the section, township, range, parish, state, and acreage.

6.

Names of adjoining subdivision, or in the case of unplatted land the name or names of the owners of the adjoining property.

7.

Contours (contour interval no greater than 5 feet) of the property, shown on the plat or as a separate document.

8.

Location of natural features, such as wetlands, ponds, etc.

9.

Location and dimensions of private and public streets, alleys and easements.

10.

Type of soil and water table information when requested by the Metropolitan Planning Commission.

11.

Drainage channels and other significant features.

12.

Front building setback lines for each lot.

13.

Rear building setback lines for each lot if it differs from minimum zoning requirements.

14.

Proposed streets (including location, dimensions and approved names), and their relation to platted streets or to proposed streets and shown on any adopted general development plan of adjacent property.

15.

Dimensions of lots and lot numbers.

16.

Location description and elevation of all benchmarks established or source for vertical control.

17.

Accurate dimensions for all lines, angles, and curves used to describe boundaries, streets, alleys, easements and areas to be reserved for public use. Boundary survey of the subdivision shall satisfy the minimum standards. Data for all curves shall include radius, arc length, chord length, and central angle.

18.

Flood statement on the final plat.

19.

A certificate signed, sealed and dated by the licensed engineer or land surveyor responsible for the survey of the final plat.

20.

The following certification, signed by a land surveyor registered in the State of Louisiana, "I hereby certify this subdivision conforms to all regulations and requirements of the subdivision ordinance of the City of Bossier and the Bossier Parish Police Jury."

21.

Provide signature lines for owner or owners, dedicating all parcels of land which are intended for public use.

22.

Provide signature line for endorsement by the secretary of the Metropolitan Planning Commission.

23.

Provide signature lines for acceptance by the appropriate agency, either Bossier City Engineer or Mayor, or Bossier Parish Engineer.

24.

Other information required by the City or Parish Engineer if needed.

11.3.5

Lot Pinning.

A.

All lots shall be pinned according to Louisiana state law.

11.3.6

Engineering Drawings and Specifications for the City or Parish Engineer.

A.

Submission of detailed engineering plans and profiles for streets and utilities, adhering to the standards of the City or Parish Engineer, prepared and certified by a registered professional engineer is required.

B.

Specifications and engineering shop drawings for all manholes, hydrants, valves, lift stations, traffic signals, or other mechanical devices installed by the developer should be included in the drawings.

C.

Final engineering construction documents shall be submitted to the City.

D.

Engineer's office in electronic format. (Auto-Cad or other approved format)

11.4.1

General.

A.

Applicability. All subdivisions shall comply with the Design and Improvement Standards of this section.

B.

Consistency with Adopted Plans. Subdivisions shall be designed so that they comply with the Bossier City-Parish Comprehensive Plan, the Shreveport Bossier Area Metropolitan Area Transportation Plan and any neighborhood plan adopted by the Metropolitan Planning Commission for the area in which the subdivision is located.

11.4.2

Lots.

A.

Lots shall be laid-out and designed to comply with all applicable zoning district regulations. The size, width, depth, shape, and orientation of each lot in a subdivision shall also take into consideration topography, physical features, type of use contemplated and effect on adjacent lots.

B.

Lots for commercial and industrial use shall be of appropriate size and arrangement to allow for adequate off-street parking and loading facilities.

C.

The width of a residential lot abutting any street shall be not less than 35 feet and the length of the front building line shall not be less than required by applicable zoning district regulations. The Executive Director shall be authorized to require that the building envelope for proposed lots be shown on preliminary plats.

D.

Flag lots may be permitted by the MPC following the approval procedures for a Major or Minor plat, where appropriate, to allow for proper and legal access of back land areas:

1.

The access strip or flag pole section of the proposed lot shall be a minimum of 30' wide unless approved otherwise by the City or Parish Engineer.

2.

The minimum lot area requirements, for the applicable zoning district, shall be met exclusive of the land contained in the access or flag pole strip.

3.

Setback requirements shall be met excluding the narrow access strip.

4.

Only one lot shall be served by a single access strip. Access strips shall be a minimum distance apart of at least the minimum lot width of the zoning district.

5.

An access or flag pole strip shall not be right-of-way, but shall be a portion of the lot or parcel.

E.

Double-frontage and reverse-frontage lots shall be avoided except where they are necessary to provide for the separation of residential development from arterial streets or to overcome specific disadvantages of topography and orientation. A planting screen easement of at least 10 feet shall be provided along the portion of the lots abutting such an arterial street if required by the Metropolitan Planning Commission.

F.

Corner lots should be wider than interior lots to allow for appropriate building setbacks and sufficient yard space. The Executive Director shall be authorized to require that the building envelope be shown on preliminary plats.

G.

Whenever an area is divided into lots with an area of 1 acre or more, and there is a possibility that such lots may eventually be re-subdivided into smaller lots, consideration shall be given to the street, and lot arrangement of the original subdivision so that additional streets can be provided later to permit a logical arrangement of smaller lots.

H.

Provision for easements for the future opening and extension of such streets may be made a condition of plat approval.

I.

Lot numbers shall be assigned by starting in the northeast corner of each block and proceeding in a counterclockwise direction.

J.

If a structure, use or occupancy is to be constructed or situated on 2 or more lots, the abutting properties or portions thereof, shall be re-platted into a single parcel for the purposes of this code. No portion of the newly created lot shall be sold or used in a manner that would diminish compliance with the standards of this code. Any existing utility or drainage easements affected by the replat may have to be abandoned as part of the newly created plat and single lot.

11.4.3

Access. All lots shall have frontage on a public street except that:

A.

Private streets may be approved if built to City and Parish construction standards.

B.

Joint-use driveways with a minimum paved width of 24 feet may be approved as part of the subdivision approval process for campus-like commercial or industrial developments.

11.4.4

Blocks.

A.

General. The lengths, widths, and shapes of blocks shall be determined with due regard to:

1.

Limitations and opportunities of topography.

2.

Provision of building sites adequate for the special needs of the type of use contemplated. Building envelope (yard setback requirement) lines, based on the current or proposed zoning district designation, may be required to be shown on the plat for all odd-shaped lots.

3.

Zoning requirements as to lot sizes and dimensions.

4.

Need for convenient access, circulation, and control of street traffic for safety.

B.

Length.

1.

Bossier City and Village Development Areas. Block length for local streets within Bossier City or the Village Development Areas depicted in the Land Use Element of the Bossier City-Parish Comprehensive Plan shall not exceed 1,200 feet in length (centerline to centerline of streets) unless the developer demonstrates that a block must be greater than 1,200 feet in length because of the existence of one or both of the following:

a.

Physical conditions preclude a block length of less than 1,200 feet. Such conditions may include, but are not limited to, topography or the existence of natural resource areas such as wetlands, floodplains, wildlife habitat areas, steep slopes or woodlands.

b.

An existing street terminating at the boundary of the subdivision has a block length exceeding 1,200 feet, or is situated such that the extension of the street into the subdivision would create a block length exceeding 1,200 feet.

2.

Remaining Rural Areas. Block length for local streets within the rural area shall not exceed 1,320 feet in length (centerline to centerline of streets) unless the developer demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Metropolitan Planning Commission that a block must be greater than 1,320 feet in length because of the existence of one or both of the following:

a.

Physical conditions preclude a block length of less than 1,320 feet. Such conditions may include, but are not limited to, topography or the existence of natural resource areas such as wetlands, floodplains, wildlife habitat areas, steep slopes or woodlands.

b.

An existing street terminating at the boundary of the subdivision has a block length exceeding 1,320 feet, or is situated such that the extension of the street into the subdivision would create a block length exceeding 1,320 feet.

C.

A residential block shall have sufficient width to allow for 2 tiers of lots of appropriate depth unless it adjoins a limited-access street, railroad or nonresidential use, in which case it may have a single tier of lots.

D.

Blocks may be irregular in shape, provided their design meets the requirements of lot standards, traffic flow and control considerations, the Comprehensive Plan, and any adopted local area plan.

11.4.5

Streets.

A.

General Design Criteria.

1.

All streets within subdivisions shall be laid-out, arranged and designed in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan or any adopted Area Plan or, in the absence of such plans, with all applicable street layout and design standards of this article.

2.

Arterial and collector streets shall be laid-out, arranged and designed in accordance with the Bossier City-Parish Comprehensive Plan or the Shreveport-Bossier Area Metropolitan Area Transportation Plan, as amended.

3.

Subdivisions shall provide a logical street layout in relation to topographical conditions, public convenience, safety and the proposed use of the land to be served by such streets.

4.

Geometric features for arterial and collector streets shall be based on a minimum design speed of 35 miles per hour; however, posted speed limits may be less.

B.

Connections.

1.

Any existing or platted street that terminates at the boundary line of a proposed subdivision shall be continued into the subject subdivision in such a manner as to provide street connections to adjoining lands and streets within the subject subdivision.

2.

Streets shall provide for street connections to adjacent undeveloped land when the City or Parish Engineer, as applicable, determines that such connections are necessary to avoid landlocked property.

C.

Intersecting Streets.

1.

Whenever possible, local streets shall not intersect arterial streets.

2.

Collector streets intersecting the same side of an arterial street shall be spaced at intervals of at least 1,320 feet or in accordance with any adopted major street plan, whichever standard calls for greater spacing.

3.

Streets shall intersect as nearly as possible at right angles.

4.

Not more than 2 streets shall intersect at any one point.

D.

Cross-Sections. Public highways and streets shall be designed to the standards recommended in the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan and to the specifications of the appropriate jurisdiction in which the subdivision is located.

1.

Bossier City and Village Development Areas.

a.

All residential and nonresidential subdivisions, with the exception of industrial, lying within Bossier City or the Village Development Areas depicted in the Comprehensive Plan shall comply with the following cross section standards:

Table 11.4.5a
Urban Street and Sidewalk Requirements

b.

With approval by the Metropolitan Planning Commission and the Parish Engineer, alternative local residential street cross sections, listed in the table above, may be utilized by developers in return for added or preserved green space within a development.

c.

Within the unincorporated portions of the Village Development Area, residential subdivisions located in areas in which utilities necessary for urban or suburban development are not readily available and are comprised of multi-acre lots with a minimum street frontage of two hundred and fifty feet (250'), may provide local and collector streets without sidewalks, curb and gutter construction and underground drainage with the permission of the Bossier Parish Police Jury.

2.

Remaining Rural Areas. Rural subdivisions with lot sizes of 1 acre or larger may provide alternative collector and local streets without sidewalks or curb and gutter to maintain the look and feel of a rural area.

E.

Grades. Unless designed as part of an integrated flood protection or drainage system, the finished grade for all streets shall be at or above the Base Flood Elevation. The grades of streets shall comply with the following standards:

Table 11.4.5c
Street Grade Requirements

F.

Radii of Curvature. The minimum radius of curvature of the centerline of street rights-of-way shall be as follows:

Table 11.4.5d
Street Curvature Requirements

G.

Cul-de-Sacs.

1.

Cul-de-sac lengths shall not exceed 10 times the required minimum lot width of the base zoning district in which it is located or 1,000 feet, whichever is less. A cul-de-sac's length shall be measured from the center point of the cul-de-sac bulb or turn-around to the centerline of the right-of-way of the nearest intersecting through street.

2.

Maximum cul-de-sac length may be increased by up to 25 percent above the maximum specified in paragraph G1 of this subsection during the subdivision approval process if the Metropolitan Planning Commission determines that the proposal meets all of the following criteria:

a.

It is impracticable to connect the street to another street or to provide a second means of access that would avoid the cul-de-sac or allow the cul-de-sac to meet the cul-de-sac length limit because:

(1)

The area is separated from other parts of the subdivision or a possible street connection by floodplains, wetlands, steep slopes or other natural resource areas, making it impracticable to provide the area a second means of access that would avoid the cul-de-sac or allow the cul-de-sac to comply with the maximum cul-de-sac length limit (e.g., by providing a loop street into the area instead of the cul-de-sac, or extending the cul-de-sac to connect to another street), and

(2)

Other properties adjoining the area have already been subdivided or developed in a manner that precludes connecting the cul-de-sac to an existing or proposed street, or the area is so separated from adjoining properties providing potential access by floodplains, wetlands, steep slopes or other natural resource areas thereby making it impracticable to extend or connect the cul-de-sac to the adjoining properties.

b.

Use of conservation subdivision (clustering) provisions of this Code would not reasonably allow compliance with the cul-de-sac length limit specified in paragraph G1 of this Subsection and realization of at least 75 percent of the maximum lot density allowed by the site's base zoning.

c.

The degree of increase in allowable cul-de-sac length is the minimum necessary to allow the above findings.

d.

The developer bears the burden of demonstrating that the criteria have been met.

3.

In subdivisions with cul-de-sacs, easements may be provided to ensure that the water supply system is looped.

4.

All cul-de-sacs shall have a minimum right-of-way radius of 50 feet.

5.

Streets longer than one lot that terminate at the property boundaries of undeveloped land shall provide an improved temporary turnaround.

H.

Construction Standards. Streets shall be constructed in accordance with the design and construction requirements of the City and/or Parish as provided in these regulations and as set forth in Subsection 11.5.2. If asphalt construction is utilized, all intersections and cul-de-sac bulbs shall be constructed of concrete.

I.

Street Names. No street names shall be proposed that will duplicate or be confused with the names of existing streets. Existing street names shall be used where the street to be named is, or would be, a logical extension of an existing street even though separated by undeveloped land, natural physical barriers or man-made obstructions. Street names shall be proposed by the developer and approved by the Metropolitan Planning Commission and the Bossier Parish E-911 District.

J.

Private Streets.

1.

Private streets are to be built to City or Parish construction standards, except for those that were approved prior to the effective date of this Code.

2.

Before the City or Parish will consider a request to assume maintenance of any existing private street, by dedication or otherwise, the property must be platted and the street must be brought into compliance with all applicable street standards.

K.

Alleys.

1.

Alleys designed to serve commercial and industrial areas shall have a right-of-way width of not less than 30 feet.

2.

Alleys shall comply with the construction standards of the City and/or Parish, as provided in these regulations.

3.

Intersecting alleys shall be prohibited except when no feasible alternative exists. When alley intersections are unavoidable, a turning radius shall be provided to permit safe vehicular movement.

4.

Dead-end alleys shall be prohibited. When such alleys are necessary, they shall be designed with adequate turn-around facilities

11.4.6

Easements.

A.

Permanent Utility Easements. Permanent utility easements shall be provided where necessary to accommodate utilities that will serve the subdivision. Permanent utility easements shall be centered on rear or side lot lines and shall be at least 15 feet and 10 feet wide respectively, except that easements for street lighting purposes only need not exceed 10 feet in width.

B.

Temporary Utility Easements. Temporary utility easements may be provided where necessary to accommodate any future installation of utilities that will eventually serve the subdivision. Temporary utility easements shall be centered on rear or side lot lines and shall be at least 30 feet and 25 feet wide respectively. The temporary utility easement shall expire after the initial installation of the required utilities. After the expiration of a temporary utility easement, the permanent utility easement will govern. [An example of this would be in a subdivision initially served by a temporary lift station that is to be replaced by a future interceptor.]

C.

Drainage Easements.

1.

Drainage easements for water courses, drainage channels or streams which traverse a subdivision may be required. When required, drainage easements shall be exclusively for that use and separate from the dedication of other utility easements. Upon the request of the Metropolitan Planning Commission, the City Engineer or Parish Engineer, as applicable, shall make recommendation to the Metropolitan Planning Commission regarding the desired width of the drainage easement. Such study and report shall be based on the 100-year flood depth, or other regulatory flood elevation when provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

2.

Drainage easements shall be unobstructed from the ground to the sky and remain free of any structures such as driveways, parking areas, accessory buildings or other similar structures without the permission of the city engineer or the Bossier Parish Engineer and Bossier Parish Police Jury as determined by jurisdiction.

D.

Pedestrian-Way Easements.

1.

Pedestrian-way easements may be required for subdivisions within Bossier City or future Village Development Areas when block lengths exceed 1200 feet in length. Such easements shall extend entirely across the width of the block at approximately the midpoint of the block. Pedestrian-way easements shall have a minimum width of 10 feet.

2.

Pedestrian-way easements may be required to provide pedestrian connections from a subdivision to schools, parks, shopping, employment or other nearby uses or to link pedestrian paths in adjacent subdivisions or neighborhoods (e.g., to provide pedestrian connections at the terminus of a cul-de-sac). Pedestrian-way easements shall have a minimum width of 10 feet.

E.

Parks, Open Space, Schools and Other Public Facilities.

1.

The Metropolitan Planning Commission shall encourage or require the donation, reservation, or dedication of sites for parks, open space, and other public facilities in accordance with the Parks and Open Space Element of the Comprehensive Plan.

2.

Conservation (cluster) subdivision development practices are encouraged for areas that are designated as "Sensitive Development Areas" in the Comprehensive Plan or are located adjacent to the Barksdale AFB AICUZ. Land outside of the AICUZ should be designated for residential development, and lands impacted by the AICUZ should be preserved as open space.

3.

When a proposed subdivision is located near a proposed or future public school site, as designated in the Comprehensive Plan or plans of the Bossier Parish School District, the School District shall be provided a reasonable opportunity to acquire a portion of the proposed subdivision site.

F.

Resource Preservation.

1.

Subdivisions shall be designed to preserve natural resources and environmentally valuable features, such as watercourses, wetlands, woodlands and other natural vegetation, significant wildlife habitat and topography.

2.

Valuable trees shall be preserved wherever possible.

3.

Subdivisions shall be designed to preserve archaeological and historical sites.

11.4.7

Residential Planned Unit Development. The purpose of Planned Unit Development regulations is to encourage and allow more creative and imaginative design of land development than is possible under normal residential zoning regulations. A Planned Unit Development (PUD) is intended to allow flexibility in planning and designing a project. This flexibility should result in a development that is better planned, and that contains more amenities for the future homeowner. The intent of a Planned Unit Development (PUD) is based upon the concept of allowing greater density or more lenient site requirements, such as building setbacks and lot sizes while gaining other features not normally required of traditional Single Family residential developments. In order to realize these objectives, in-depth scrutiny of the proposed PUD should be conducted. To enable thorough analysis of a PUD adequate information is needed about the development.

Applications for a zoning amendment for a Planned Unit Development shall be processed in the same manner as any zoning amendment application. The zoning amendment application shall be accompanied by a preliminary plan for the entire PUD. The preliminary plan, if approved, shall become a part of the adopting ordinance and shall be referenced to the ordinance as an exhibit. The preliminary plan accompanying the zoning amendment ordinance may constitute preliminary subdivision plat approval.

Requirements for Detached Single Family, Townhomes, Condominiums or Multi-Family when included as part of a mixed use project, shall be in compliance with the following standards as applicable:

A.

To allow for the design of developments that are architecturally and environmentally innovative, and that achieve more efficient use of land than is possible through standard subdivision regulations.

B.

To combine and coordinate architectural styles, building forms, and structural/visual relationships within a development that may allow the mixing of different land uses in an innovative and functionally efficient manner.

1.

Mixed use developments allow for the inclusion of commercial uses within or adjacent to the residences. If any commercial structures are located within the residential PUD, they shall be architecturally compatible with the residences.

2.

A sample of the minimum architectural style of the homes within the Planned Unit Development shall be submitted as part of the PUD application and shall include details of types and quantity of exterior materials that will be utilized on the proposed homes. The PUD Home Owner's Association shall be responsible for the enforcement of the Architectural style of the residences.

C.

To provide for adequate, accessible, open "green space" for recreational use by the homeowners. This open space should be composed of several smaller areas interspersed throughout the development, and connected by a green belt to ensure accessibility by the residents. This goal can be achieved through clustering of home sites on smaller lots, thus freeing more land for open "green space". Walking and hiking trails may be used for connectivity throughout the subdivision.

1.

A minimum area of ten (10) percent of the total development shall be set-aside as "open space". Of this amount, no more than fifty (50) percent shall be utilized as a water feature or drainage detention.

D.

To encourage land development that to the greatest extent possible, preserves natural vegetation, respects natural topographic and geologic conditions, and refrains from adversely affecting floodways, soil retention, natural drainage and other ecological conditions. Designated Wetlands, within a proposed development may be incorporated into the "open space" requirements.

E.

The following minimum dimensional requirements shall be included in the PUD:

1.

If a zero (0) foot side yard is planned the opposite side yard shall be no less than 7', unless otherwise approved by the MPC.

2.

A 20' minimum front yard setback if front facing garage entries are allowed within the Planned Unit Development.

3.

The side yard setback on corner lots shall not be less than the front setback for an adjacent lot that is fronting the side street.

F.

Within the unincorporated jurisdiction of the MPC, reduced building setbacks for front facing garages, will increase the need for visitor parking available to all the residents within the subdivision. The number of parking spaces shall comply with the following standards. Subdivisions which allow only J-Turn or side entry garages are exempt from these requirements.

1.

A minimum of 10 off-street parking spaces provided for every 50 residential lots are required and shall be prorated at 1 space for every 5 lots for units of less than or greater than 50 lots.

2.

Parking spaces should be interspersed throughout the various units of the development to provide easy accessibility to the residents and guests.

G.

Filing requirements shall be as follows:

1.

Prior to review of the PUD by the Planning Commission, the applicant shall meet together with the planning staff and the city and/or parish engineer and other necessary personnel as needed. After the pre-application meeting and submittal of a complete application, the PUD shall be placed on the next available regular scheduled hearing of the Bossier City-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission.

2.

The Planned Unit Development plan shall include a phasing schedule for the development. The plan shall include specific dates for the installation of any necessary components of the PUD and all amenities for the residents. Amenities such as but not limited to, swimming pools, park areas, community centers and other similar uses, that are to be included within the development. Installation of these necessary components and amenities should be constructed with the first phase or unit of the PUD, or if this is not feasible, as early as possible. Failure to construct the necessary components or amenities as provided on phasing schedule shall be grounds to deny approval of any future additional units or components of the PUD. Changes to previously approved phasing schedule shall only be allowed approval of the Planning Commission along with approval of a majority of the landowners within the Planned Unit Development

3.

A Single Family Detached Residential Planned Unit Development shall be a minimum of 3 acres in area and an overall Master Plan of the development shall be provided. The Master Plan must be approved by the Planning Commission and will be considered a permanent plan of the PUD and shall be subject to the amendment procedures below.

4.

A request to amend the originally approved or an amended Masterplan shall be filed with the Planning Commission office on an application provided by the Planning Commission staff. A major change to the PUD must be approved by at least 51 percent of the property owners of either the area of the lots involved in the change or within a 300' radius of the area proposed for the change.

a.

A Major change is defined as any change of the Planned Unit Development such as, but not limited to, changes of lot sizes, increases of buildable lot density, reduction of open space requirements and any changes to street standards or alignments approved as part of the Master Plan.

5.

A minor amendment may be approved by the Executive Director upon recommendation of the appropriate City or Parish departments. A minor amendment may only be approved if such amendments appear necessary in light of technical or engineering considerations.

Examples of Minor Amendments are, but not limited to, the following:

a.

Minor change to landscaping requirements.

b.

Minor changes to lighting, signs, or screening.

c.

Minor relocation of buildings, lot lines and/or easements.

d.

Minor parking changes.

e.

Minor relocation of access points which will improve traffic circulation as determined by either the City or Parish Engineer.

6.

Restrictive covenants, including the assurance of maintenance of open spaces and common areas, shall be included with the PUD application. The covenants must be approved as part of the plan submission prior to recording with the Clerk of Court.

(Ord. No. 155-2020, 12-1-2020; Ord. No. 40-2022, 3-29-2022)

11.5.1

General Public Improvement Standards.

A.

All public improvements, including but not limited to streets, curbs, gutters, storm sewers and storm drainage, shall comply with the construction standards established by the Bossier City or Bossier Parish Engineer. Such standards, when higher than those specified in this Code or in the Comprehensive Plan, are incorporated herein by reference.

B.

Construction of improvements for projects within Bossier City shall not be commenced until a Project Permit has been issued by the City Engineer.

C.

Sufficient grade and alignment stakes shall be set by a licensed professional engineer or licensed land surveyor to assure compliance with plan, profile and drainage of streets and other proposed public improvements, and submitted with the final plat for approval by the Bossier City or Bossier Parish Engineer.

D.

Compliance with the items listed above and use of appropriate construction methods shall be determined by the Bossier City or Bossier Parish engineer, as applicable. The developer shall comply with any applicable permitting and fee requirements.

11.5.2

Streets.

A.

Bossier City and the Village Development Areas. Subdivision streets located within Bossier City and areas designated as Village Development Areas in the Comprehensive Plan shall be paved with Portland cement concrete or a combination of asphalt and concrete and constructed to comply with standards adopted by the Bossier City Engineer.

B.

Rural Area. Subdivision streets located within the Rural Area, at a minimum, shall be constructed to the adopted Bossier Parish roadway standards.

11.5.3

Sidewalks and Pedestrian Ways.

A.

Required Sidewalks. Sidewalks shall be provided in accordance with Table 11.4.5a.

1.

Within the corporate limits of Bossier City, sidewalks shall be installed and completed concurrently with the street.

B.

Minimum Width and Alignment. Minimum required sidewalks are indicated in Table 11.4.5a. However, width and location of a new sidewalk may be varied to match the width and location of existing sidewalks in the area, provided the sidewalk width is not to less than 4 feet.

C.

Construction Material and Thickness. Sidewalk construction shall be of non-reinforced Portland cement concrete with a minimum thickness of 4 inches, over 4 inches of compacted sand. Sidewalks shall have a uniform texture with a broom finish.

D.

Grades and Ramps.

1.

Sidewalk slopes may be varied to match the general topography of the area; however, transitions should be gradual.

2.

The elevations of a new sidewalk shall match exactly with the elevation of any existing sidewalk at the point of connection.

3.

Sidewalks shall provide a curb ramp for accommodation of the handicapped at all intersections and designated crossings.

E.

Trails. With approval of the Metropolitan Planning Commission, hiking and bicycle trails may be substituted for sidewalks under certain situations where a subdivision is located near a recreational facility or existing trail system. Trail design shall conform to the requirements of the City or Parish Engineer.

11.5.4

Sewers and Sewage Treatment.

A.

Septic Tanks.

1.

Septic tanks are strongly discouraged in any new subdivision that is platted within the Bossier City limits or in the following areas:

a.

Areas indicated as wetlands or that are located below the 100-year flood plain elevation in the Comprehensive Plan.

b.

Any area designated as a "Village Development Area" in the Comprehensive Plan.

2.

Septic tanks may be permitted for new subdivisions in remaining unincorporated areas of the Bossier City-Parish MPC planning area, subject to the following minimum lot area standards:

a.

For lots that use well water as the primary potable water source, the minimum lot area for septic tank use is 1 acre.

b.

For all other lots, the minimum lot area requirement for septic tank use is 22,500 square feet.

c.

Any portion of land located within the 100-year floodplain shall not be counted calculating lot area for the purpose of meeting minimum lot area requirements for septic tank use.

d.

In situations where septic systems are permitted, no subdivision shall receive final approval until the developer has presented evidence that percolation conditions for each lot have been approved by the Louisiana Department of Health.

B.

Community Sewage Systems.

1.

Community sewage collection and treatment facilities (including lagoons) shall be provided for any such land and shall be approved by the Louisiana Health Department and shall be designed to allow for future connection to a public sewer system.

2.

Maintenance of such facilities shall be provided by a homeowner's association, special purpose district, or other appropriate entity. Evidence shall be submitted at the time of subdivision approval showing the establishment of such an entity to be responsible for maintenance and management of the system.

C.

Bossier City Sewer System. Subdivisions connecting to the Bossier City sanitary sewer system shall meet the appropriate size requirements and design standards specified by the City Engineer.

11.5.5

Drainage and Stormwater Management. Drainage ditches, storm sewers, storm drainage courses and stormwater detention facilities shall comply with the design standards established by the City or Parish Engineer, as applicable.

11.5.6

Water Distribution and Supply.

A.

Individual Wells.

1.

Individual wells are discouraged within the Bossier City limits.

2.

Individual wells are strongly discouraged in any new subdivisions platted within 1,000 feet of the Bossier City limits or in unincorporated areas designated as a "Village Development Area" in the Comprehensive Plan.

3.

If a public water supply is not available to the subdivision, any alternate water supplies must be approved by the Louisiana Health Department.

B.

Bossier City Water System. Subdivisions connecting to the Bossier City water system shall comply with the requirements of the City Engineer and Fire Department.

11.5.7

Electrical Service, Cable Service, Gas, and Telephone. For subdivisions located within the Bossier City limits or areas designated as a "Village Development Area," telephone, cable television and electrical lines shall be located underground.

11.5.8

Street Lighting. Street lights shall be provided by the developer and shall comply with all AEP/SWEPCO standards and the following requirements:

A.

Output and Mounting Height.

1.

Within the Bossier City limits or areas designated as a "Village Development Area," street lighting shall be installed in compliance with the Bossier City municipal street lighting ordinance.

2.

In remaining unincorporated areas of Bossier Parish the required lumen output and mounting height shall be as follows:

Table 11.5.8
Street Lighting Standards

B.

Light Source. The light source shall be high pressure sodium or metal halide lamps with output Lumens as follows:

C.

Location of Street Lights. The general criteria for location of street lights shall be as follows:

1.

Within Residential Subdivisions in Bossier City, Bossier Parish and designated Village Development Areas, street lights shall be installed on metal or concrete standards and serviced by underground cable. Under normal conditions, streetlights shall be located at all street intersections and on the right-of-way spaced not to exceed 300' intervals.

2.

Within the city limits of the City of Bossier City, Commercial and Industrial subdivisions or any development involving public or private street improvements shall have street lighting as described in the paragraph above with the exception that overhead cables and wooden poles can be utilized with the approval of the City Engineer.

11.5.9

Landscaping. Landscaping shall comply with applicable requirements of Article 13 of this Code.

11.6.1

Inspection.

A.

Public improvements for subdivisions within the Bossier City city limits, or subdivisions developed with the intent of future annexation to Bossier City, shall be constructed under the supervision and inspection of the City engineer, in accordance with the conditions of the City Project Permit.

B.

Public improvements for subdivisions in the unincorporated portions of the MPC jurisdiction shall be inspected under the supervision of the Bossier Parish Engineer or by a licensed civil engineer designated by the Parish Police Jury.

11.6.2

Assurance of Completion. No certificate of occupancy or building permit for construction of a residence or other building in the subdivision shall be issued until the developer completes the public improvements or portion thereof approved by the City or Parish engineer.

11.6.3

Responsibility to Maintain after Completion. Upon acceptance by the City or Parish, all responsibility for maintenance of public improvements shall be assumed by the City or Parish, except that the developer shall be subject to a 2 year warranty on the construction of the improvements from the time of acceptance by the City or Parish Engineer.