Deridder City Zoning Code

(a)

Nuisances and hazardous conditions.

(1)

Areas subject to inundation. On any areas subject to periodic inundation, making them unsafe for human habitation, no building or portion thereof which is designated for dwelling use or as a place of public assembly shall be erected or altered unless protected from inundation.

(2)

Natural production uses. In any district the extraction of oil, gas, sod, sand, clay, gravel, or other natural mineral deposit may be permitted upon the approval of the city council and subject to such terms and conditions as the council may fix for the protection of adjacent property, uses, public roads, and facilities.

(3)

Noise. There shall be no production by any use of noise which at any boundary of the building site is in excess of the average intensity of street and traffic noise at that boundary.

(4)

Heat, glare and vibration. There shall be no emission by any use of objectionable heat, glare or vibration which is perceptible beyond any boundary of the building site on which the use is located.

(5)

Safety hazard. There shall not be created or maintained by any use any unusual fire, explosion or safety hazard beyond the boundary of the lot on which the use is located.

(b)

Mobile home class determinations.

(1)

Intent. It is the intent of these regulations to encourage the provision of affordable housing in a general residential environment by permitting the use of Class A mobile homes (as defined herein) in the City of DeRidder subject to limitations in size, shape and foundation as specified below.

(2)

Effect of approval. Mobile homes approved as Class A either individually or by specific model shall be allowed in specified residential districts subject to the requirements for all structures in the same district. Certification shall be contingent upon all requirements of subsection (4) (below) being met.

(3)

Application for Class A determination. Applications for approval of mobile homes as Class A shall be submitted to the zoning administrator in such form as he/she may reasonably require to make determinations of suitability as specified herein. Applications shall include but not be limited to descriptions of exterior dimensions, roof slopes, exterior finish, skirting materials, and the like.

(4)

Standards for determinations of Class A status.

a.

Minimum width as measured across the narrowest portion of the dwelling's main structure shall be twenty-four (24) feet.

b.

The pitch of the main roof shall be not less than one (1) foot of rise for each four (4) feet of horizontal run.

c.

The minimum distance from eave to ridge shall be ten (10) feet.

d.

Exterior finish materials shall not reflect light of greater intensity than would be reflected from a surface painted with clean, white, gloss enamel. Vinyl siding or equivalent is preferable.

e.

To obscure from view any wheels, undercarriages, framing extensions, etc., all mobile homes shall be skirted with a material similar in appearance to the mobile home's exterior surfaces.

(5)

Class B mobile home determination.

a.

A Class B mobile home shall have a minimum width, as measured across the narrowest portion of the dwelling's main structure, of not less than fourteen (14) feet and a minimum length as measured from the front end of said structure to rear end of said structure (shall not include the tongue portion of structure) of not less than seventy-two (72) feet. The square footage must be a minimum of one thousand (1,000) square feet heated space to meet the standard requirement.

b.

Exterior finish materials of the Class B mobile home shall not reflect light of greater intensity than would be reflected from a surface painted with clean white, gloss enamel. Vinyl siding or equivalent is preferable.

c.

Obscure from view any wheels, undercarriages, framing extensions, etc. All mobile homes shall be skirted with similar material in appearance to the mobile home exterior surface.

(c)

Home occupations provisions.

(1)

Intent. It is the intent of these regulations to encourage only those home occupations which can be so located and conducted that they preserve the essential characteristics of residential neighborhoods, cause no undue hazards to other residences or to the public, place no additional burdens on public facilities or services beyond what would normally be associated with residential uses, and to not have the effect of discriminating against commercial uses properly located in commercial districts.

(2)

Performance standards.

a.

Home occupations shall be conducted solely by residents of, entirely within, incidental to the residential use of, and utilizing not more than twenty-five (25) per cent of the dwelling. No articles or services are to be sold or offered for sale on the premises except those that are produced by residents of the dwellings themselves.

b.

No home occupation shall require internal or external features or the use of electrical or mechanical equipment which would change the fire rating of the structure or the fire district in which the structure is located. No home occupation shall cause an increase in the use of any public utilities beyond the average for residences in the neighborhood, nor shall it create noise, dust, vibrations, smog, smoke, glare, electrical interference, fire hazard, or nuisance to any greater or more frequent extent than is usually experienced under normal circumstances wherein no home occupation exists. The creating of noise from tools, equipment, machinery, or other devices associated with the otherwise legal conduct of any home occupation in a residential neighborhood which can be heard beyond the property lines of the property where such occupation is conducted shall be considered a nuisance.

c.

There shall be no storage of equipment, tools, goods, supplies, or implements or display of goods related to the home occupation which is visible beyond the borders of the property upon which the home occupation is conducted, nor shall any related combustibles, explosives, or hazardous chemicals be stored on the premises.

d.

The home occupation shall not generate hazardous vehicular or pedestrian traffic. A home occupation which requires recurrent on-site transactions or consultations must provide one (1) additional off-street parking space for each two hundred (200) square feet of floor space devoted to the occupation; said parking spaces shall not be located in any required front yard.

e.

One (1) nonilluminated name plate is permitted attached to the main structure, not to exceed two (2) square feet in size.

f.

The premises may not be used to park occupation related vehicles larger than two (2) tons in weight.

(3)

Exclusions. Home occupations as the term is defined herein specifically excludes certain uses that have a pronounced tendency to rapidly increase beyond the limits permitted, thereby impairing the use and value of a residentially zoned area for residential purposes; therefore, the following uses are specifically prohibited as home occupation activities:

Animal services or grooming

Appliance repair and services

"Bed and breakfast" with more than three (3) rooms used for accommodations

Beauty/barber shop w/more than one (1) operator

Carpentry work (on-premises)

Dance instruction

Dental or medical treatment

Food sales (on-premises)

Hotel, inn, or boarding house

Metal product fabricating

Private schools with organized classes

Small engine repair

Upholstering (auto and furniture)

Vehicle restoration

Vehicle service, repair, or painting

These uses are specifically excluded along with all other uses not meeting the performance standards otherwise set forth in this section.

(d)

Permanent yard sales.

(1)

No owner or occupant of property in the City of DeRidder shall conduct a permanent garage or yard sale.

(2)

For purposes of this section, a garage or yard sale is defined as the sale of personal or household items by a person or persons not licensed as a retailer operating lawfully according to chapter 9 of this Code.

(3)

For purposes of this section, permanent is defined as: (1) having a duration in excess of seventy-two (72) hours; (2) having regularly scheduled hours of operation each day for more than three (3) days; or (3) having regularly scheduled days of operation each week for more than two (2) weeks.

(4)

The City of DeRidder may issue thirty (30) day permits to licensed retailers which will allow them to display goods outside of the confines of their approved structures. Any permit for a period in excess of thirty (30) days must be approved by the city council in legal session convened.

(Ord. No. 1429, 7-26-04; Ord. No. 1684, 11-9-09; Ord. No. 1700, 3-22-10)

(a)

Existing small lots. Where a lot has an area less than the area required herein and was a lot of record on the effective date of this chapter, such lot, if used for dwelling purposes, shall be used only for a single-family dwelling. If located in a district permitting commercial or industrial use, the lot may be used for any use permitted in the district in which the lot is located.

(b)

Reduced lot area. No lot of record shall be so reduced in area by transfer of portions to the point of creating any nonconforming structure, building, or parcel.

(c)

Visibility at intersections. On a corner lot, no fence, wall, hedge or other structure or planting more than two (2) feet in height shall be erected, placed or maintained within the triangular area formed by the intersecting street lines and a straight line joining such street lines at points which are thirty (30) feet distant from the point of intersection measured along such street lines.

(Ord. No. 1429, 7-26-04)

(a)

Towers. Free standing radio, television, microwave, cellular telephone, and other types of antenna towers are governed by section 15-5.

(b)

Height exceptions. The height limitations for the various districts shall not apply to structures not used for human habitation such as church spires, belfries, chimneys, ventilators, air conditioning equipment, water tanks, parapet walls, cornices, or necessary mechanical appurtenances usually carried above the roof level, provided that such features are limited to that height necessary for their proper functioning.

(Ord. No. 1429, 7-26-04)

(a)

Front yard depth. Any lot lying between two (2) lots adjacent thereto and having structures erected upon them on the effective date of this chapter shall have a front yard equal in depth to at least the average depth of the front yards of the lots adjacent thereto; but, not withstanding the height-to-distance ratio provisions in article II of this chapter, a larger set back shall not be required.

(b)

Additional side yard requirements. Where the side of a lot in a commercial district abuts upon the side of a lot in a residential district, there shall be provided on the lot in the commercial district a side yard not less than twenty (20) feet in width on the side next to the residential district.

(c)

Accessory buildings.

•

Accessory building setbacks shall be calculated by the same height to distance ratio that applies to primary structures.

•

No accessory building shall be erected or altered so that it is closer to any lot line than five (5) feet, except that in a B-3 district an accessory building may be as close to an interior, side lot line as the primary building on the site.

•

No accessory building shall be closer to any right-of-way line than the primary building on site.

•

All detached accessory structures and uses in any residential or neighborhood district, other than fences, garages and carports used in conjunction with the main structure shall be located in the rear or side yard of the residential unit.

•

No detached accessory structure or use within a residential or neighborhood district shall occupy more than forty (40) per cent of the total floor area of the principal structure on the lot.

•

No accessory structure or use shall exceed the height of the principal structure to which it is accessory.

(d)

Future street lines. Front yard depth and, in the case of corner lots, side yard width shall be measured from the future street right-of-way line where such lines have been established by the major street plan.

(e)

Reserved.

(f)

Projecting architectural features. Every part of a required yard shall be open and unobstructed from the ground to the sky except for permitted accessory structures and for the ordinary projections of sills, belt courses, cornices, buttresses, eaves and similar architectural features, provided that such projections shall not extend more than two (2) feet into any required yard.

(g)

Reserved.

(h)

Buffer protection. Wherever the boundary of a residential district is conterminous with the boundary of a commercial or industrial district and residential lots abut commercial or industrial lots, there shall be provided and maintained, on the commercial or industrial land abutting the residential district, adequate buffer protection as follows:

(1)

A masonry wall between seven (7) and eight (8) feet in height; or

(2)

Screen planting accompanied by a permanent board or chain link type fence both of which are at least eight (8) feet in height;

(3)

Screen planting shall be of sufficient density to afford protection from the glare of lights, blowing papers, dust and debris, visual encroachment, and excessive transmission of noise and shall be maintained in a clean and neat condition.

(Ord. No. 1429, 7-26-04; Ord. No. O-2016-02, 1-11-16; Ord. No. 2026-19, 4-27-26)

The following regulations shall apply to the placement of temporary portable storage unit upon lots in all zoning districts:

(1)

The zoning administrator may approve placement of the temporary portable storage units or PODs on residential lots for a period not to exceed a total of thirty (30) days. In cases where a dwelling has been damaged by casualty, a temporary portable storage unit or POD may be used for a longer period of time, upon approval by the city of a conditional use permit.

(2)

A permit shall be obtained prior to setting the unit on any property used for residential purposes. The permit applicant must present substantial, competent evidence of the need for the issuance of a permit for a temporary storage unit. The permit will include the container identification number, date of placement, required removal date and the name and contact number of the resident. Advertisement signage on the container shall be limited to advertisement for the container itself; no supplementary advertisement shall be permitted.

(3)

A maximum of one (1) unit per property can be considered for permitting.

(4)

Temporary portable storage units or PODs shall not be placed in streets or the front yard of a property. They may be placed in the property owner's driveway or parking area or, if access exists at the side or rear of the site, the side or rear yard. The required parking spaces shall at all times be maintained if a temporary portable storage unit or POD is placed in parking areas.

(5)

The property must be occupied by a principal building.

(6)

Portable storage units are to meet all building setback requirements.

(7)

No more than 4 permits may be secured within a twelve (12) month period for any location used as residential property and a minimum of twenty (20) days shall exist between the issuance of permits for the same property.

(8)

The size of the unit shall not exceed: twenty (20) feet length, width of eight (8) feet and height of ten (10) feet in size.

(9)

Stacking of any materials on top of any portable storage unit shall be prohibited.

(10)

All units shall be used for storage purposes only. There shall be no plumbing or electricity connected to the unit. Applicants using storage units for purposes other than storage will have their permits revoked by the city. The city shall have the right to order the supplier to remove the storage unit by providing the supplier seventy-two (72) hours' notice of removal.

(11)

In the event of a tropical storm or hurricane watch issued by the National Weather Service, the city shall have the right to order the supplier to remove the temporary storage unit by providing the supplier seventy-two (72) hours' notice of removal. In the event of a tropical storm or hurricane warning issued by the National Weather Service, the temporary storage unit shall be immediately removed by the supplier after the warning is issued.

(12)

Only goods from the residential property where the container is located may be stored in the temporary portable storage unit or POD. No solid waste, construction debris, demolition debris, recyclable materials, business inventory, commercial goods, or any illegal or hazardous material may be stored in the temporary portable storage unit or POD.

(Ord. No. 2015-38, 9-28-15)

(a)

Purpose and intent. The purpose of this section is to protect the public health, safety, and welfare by regulating the construction and installation of fences within the City of DeRidder. This ordinance is intended to preserve neighborhood character, ensure visibility for vehicular and pedestrian safety, maintain compatibility with surrounding land uses, and promote orderly development.

(b)

Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings set forth below:

Fence. A structure erected to enclose, divide, or screen property.

Front yard. That portion of a lot extending from the front property line to the front edge of the principal living space of the primary structure.

Rear yard (back yard). That portion of a lot extending from the rear property line to the principal structure.

Side yard. That portion of a lot that extends from a side property line to the principal structure.

Wall or solid wall. Any structure constructed of continuous, uninterrupted materials without gaps, including, but not limited to, running sheets or panels of metal, brick, block, mortar, masonry, plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), or similar materials. A wall is not considered a fence under this section.

(c)

Ground clearance requirements. All fences may be installed with a clearance of up to two (2) inches above ground level to allow for yard maintenance, drainage, and landscaping.

(d)

Height regulations.

(1)

Side and rear yards. Fences located within side yards and rear yards shall not exceed eight (8) feet with (2) inches clearance, measured from natural grade at the base of the fence to the highest point of the fence. Totaling eight (8) feet two (2) inches.

(2)

Front yard.

A.

The front yard shall begin at the front edge of the principal living space of the structure.

B.

From that point forward toward the front property line, all fences shall be tapered downward.

C.

Fence height within the front yard shall be tapered down and not exceed:

Four (4) feet total height at any point, there is also a 2-inch ground clearance.

(3)

Tapering and visibility requirements.

A.

All fences, regardless of location, shall be designed and constructed to taper downward where necessary to maintain safe and unobstructed visibility. The distance of seven (7) foot from edge of street tapering has to be at four (4) feet. Chain link fences are not required to be tapered.

B.

No fence shall be installed, maintained, or altered in a manner that interferes with sight lines for vehicles entering or exiting any neighboring or adjacent property, driveway, alley, or public right-of-way.

C.

Fences shall not obstruct a driver's view of oncoming traffic, pedestrians, or cyclists at intersections, driveways, or points of ingress and egress.

D.

The determination of whether a fence interferes with sight distance or traffic safety shall be made by the City of DeRidder, planning and zoning commission, or an authorized city official, subject to the appeal process provided herein.

(e)

Material and design standards.

(1)

Prohibited fence materials. The following materials are prohibited for use in any fence within the City of DeRidder:

A.

Concrete;

B.

Cinder block;

C.

Brick or masonry;

D.

Solid metal;

E.

Any solid or opaque material that obstructs visibility;

F.

Plywood;

G.

Oriented strand board (OSB).

(2)

Permitted fence materials. The following fence materials are permitted, subject to all other provisions of this section:

A.

Picket fences;

B.

Wooden privacy fences. Constructed of individual vertical boards (pickets) affixed to horizontal rails, provided that:

• Boards (pickets) shall not exceed six (6) inches in nominal width each;

• Boards shall be installed individually and may be spaced or abutting, but shall not consist of continuous panels or sheets;

• Use of plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), particle board, or other sheet goods is prohibited.

C.

Chain link fences;

D.

Polyvinyl chloride or PVC.

(3)

Chain link fences in front yards. Chain link fences are permitted in front yards but shall not exceed six (6) feet in total height, inclusive of ground clearance, and do not have to be tapered.

(f)

Prohibition of solid walls.

(1)

Solid walls are prohibited within the City of DeRidder.

(2)

Any structure consisting of continuous running sheets or panels of metal, brick, block, mortar, plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), or similar materials without gaps shall be classified as a wall, not a fence.

(3)

Walls are not permitted in any yard, in residential zoning district, within the city limits.

(4)

Any wall constructed in violation of this section is declared unlawful and subject to removal.

(g)

Permit requirements.

(1)

A City of DeRidder fence permit is required before the installation, construction, replacement, or relocation of any fence on any property within the city limits.

(2)

No fence shall be constructed or installed unless a permit has been approved and issued by the DPW.

(3)

Permit applications shall include, at a minimum:

A.

Proposed height;

B.

Materials;

C.

Location;

D.

Design and layout.

(h)

Planning and zoning commission authority.

(1)

The planning and zoning commission shall have authority to approve or deny fence applications subject to commission review.

(2)

The authority of the planning and zoning commission is limited to approval and denial only and does not include conditional approvals, modifications, or variances unless authorized by law.

(3)

Any fence proposed to exceed eight (8) feet two (2) inches in total height shall require approval by the planning and zoning commission before permit issuance.

(i)

Appeals process and finality.

(1)

Any applicant whose fence application is denied by the planning and zoning commission may appeal the decision to the city council by filing a written notice of appeal with the city clerk within thirty (30) calendar days of the denial.

(2)

The city council may affirm or deny the appeal based upon the record, applicable ordinances, and the public interest.

(3)

A denial by the city council shall constitute the final administrative action of the City of DeRidder.

(4)

If a fence is constructed, maintained, or not removed following a final denial, the matter may be forwarded to the city adjudication process for enforcement.

(5)

If an adjudication hearing is held and the property owner does not agree with the hearing officer's ruling, there shall be no further appeal or approval process within the City of DeRidder's governmental structure.

(j)

Enforcement and removal.

(1)

Any fence constructed without a valid permit, without required approval, or in violation of this section is declared unlawful.

(2)

The city may order the removal or modification of any noncompliant fence.

(3)

The city may require removal of the entire fence, regardless of whether only a portion is noncompliant.

(k)

Adjudication and civil penalties.

(1)

Failure to comply with a lawful order of correction or removal within the timeframe agreed upon or ordered by the city shall result in adjudication proceedings.

(2)

A hearing officer shall issue a clear and precise order requiring compliance.

(3)

Any property owner who fails to comply shall be subject to a civil fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500.00) per day, beginning the day following expiration of the compliance period.

(4)

Each day a violation continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense.

(5)

Civil fines are cumulative and in addition to any other remedies allowed by law.

(Ord. No. 2026-19, §§ 1—11(Exh. A), 4-27-26)